There’s always that feeling when a big event is over – a wedding, a reunion, a comic convention. A mix of exhilaration and relief. The sadness that it’s over and the anticipation of the next one.

ITHACON gave it a go for the 48th time, and it was astoundingly fantastic. A mix of new ideas, old friends, rich traditions and smiles. Here’s a bit of the highlight reel:

Don McGregor made his long-overdue first appearance at ITHACON this year. And like every one of Don’s conventions visit, it was full of heartfelt sincerity and mischievous chaos. Don, and his lovely wife Marsha, were both big hits amongst the fans and all amongst their professional colleagues, like Roger Stern.

Monster Drinks sampled at the show, and Hoo-boy… that was one of those things that sparked an opinion for just about everyone! Comments included things like:

• “It’s great they are sampling full-size cans!”
• “That’s my favorite.”
• “I never touch the stuff.”
• “Children shouldn’t drink it”
• “You’ll crash afterwards”
• And a common one – “Why didn’t ITHACON provide free water too?”

The Turner Awards celebrate industry accomplishments through the lens of ITHACON. This years’ winners—impressive people all—were each surprised, but they shouldn’t have been! Chloe Farkouh and Jessica Nocera ran the event this year, and Chloe was our emcee.

• Pop Culture Squad’s own Mike Gold won the Trailblazer award. And his SquadCast partner Bob Harrison also delivered a heartfelt speech celebrating Mike.
• I’ve known Tom Peyer for years, and each one’s been a treat! When he was awarded the Luminary award he joked, “There’s been terrible mistake, and I’ll get to the bottom of this!” But nothing could further from the truth.
• Tim Gray has been on the front lines of comic retailing for over 40 years. I used to buy comics from him when I was in college. I’m so happy that we were able to recognize his efforts at Comics for Collectors.

You Are What You Read: Manga + Food panel- created and hosted by Meredith Westfield and The Roll with the Punches – Interactive Dungeons & Dragons event, masterminded by Dawson Krause, were bigger hits than I ever expected.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. There’s so much more to write about!