Current Events

Harry Potter convention coming to Portland in 2013

Meredith Bowers
December 11, 2012

Harry Potter fans from all around the world will convene in Portland at the Oregon Convention Center on June 27-30 for the popular Harry Potter convention, LeakyCon. Along with the Portland LeakyCon, there will be a London convention, hosted in the Grand Connaught Rooms on Aug. 8-11.

LeakyCon is the ultimate convention for Harry Potter fans, otherwise known as Potterheads. It’s a place where fans convene from all over the world to share their love of Harry Potter.

“I think that the main reason people like Leakycon is that it’s geared towards people who are parts of big ‘fan groups,’ but don’t always connect or find people with their same fan interests where they live,” Sophie Pesetti, sophomore, said. “It’s a place where many like-minded people can congregate and make friends.”

The thing that makes LeakyCon appealing to most is the people it attracts. The biggest Harry Potter fans all congregate to one place, and it turns into a big party.

“It’s legendary,” Janae Turner, sophomore who attended LeakyCon Chicago, said. “It’s so chaotic yet organized, and it’s full of energy and fangirls. It’s like nerd mecca. I met so many amazing people last year and had so many memorable experiences.”

The convention features actors from the movies, popular young adult authors, bands inspired by Harry Potter and the musical acting troupe, Starkid.

“There are different panels and events at LeakyCon with different guest speakers and things like that,” Turner said. “There’s a thing called LeakyLit where writers come and have panels about writing and there are Starkids and movies and crazy stuff. It’s insane. And there are signings from Harry Potter actors and Starkids.”

In the past, Harry Potter fans have flocked to LeakyCon from around the world, but this year there should be more of a regional divide. Many European Potterheads will attend LeakyCon London, and many North, Central and South Americans along with Australians and Asians will visit LeakyCon Portland.

Past venues include Hilton Chicago in Chicago, Loews Royal Pacific Resort in Orlando and Boston Park Plaza Hotel & Towers in Boston.

LeakyCon Portland Information:

Email: [email protected]

LeakyCon Portland still has tickets available, but they will sell fast. Tickets are avaliable at: http://bit.ly/VnGlXg

Regular Registration — $140
Regular Registration + LeakyCon Lit —$180
RockStar — $350

If more information is needed, visit their website: http://www.leakycon.com/

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About the Contributor

Meredith Bowers, Copy Editor

Riding on her galloping horse at Stafford Hills Equitation, Meredith Bowers, junior, enjoys spending her free time at the stables. Bowers has been riding horses since she was in sixth grade, and it has been an exciting activity for her ever since. “If I had a million dollars right now, I would first buy a horse ranch,” Bowers said. Riding is a nice way to spend her free time, and she absolutely adores her buckskin horse, Sandy. “I have been riding Sandy since she first came to the barn, and that was around the same time that I first arrived there too,” Bowers said. “I have practically trained her myself throughout the years.” Though horse riding is a fun activity for her, she also is very set on what she would like to do for her own future. “I like how intelligent I can be,” Bowers said, “Though I like to be serious with my work I also let myself be enthusiastic.” Bowers wants a college education, and with the AP classes and advanced courses she is already taking, she is determined to achieve one. “I wouldn’t say I really enjoy school, but I think that it is essential for the future and to actually get somewhere in life,” Bowers said. “I don’t like how stressful it can be, but it is important to do well in school.” Bowers works very hard for a great education, but also loves to spend her time having fun and being herself. “When I grow up, I want to be a Federal Criminal Investigator,” Bowers said, “I want an exciting career, and I don’t want to be stuck in an office cubicle for the rest of my life.” Bowers definitely had her mindset on what she wanted to do in the future.