Dinocon UK Recap!

Ten days post Dinocon UK and we are finally able to collect our thoughts! Honestly, we could not say enough good things about how well the event was organized, the quality of the presentations and how well the vendors hall was curated.

The first Dinocon UK was held at the University of Exeter, in well, you probably guessed it - Exeter. As we are Exmouth based, this was a godsend for two parents turned artist vendors and we honestly couldn’t say anything negative about the venue itself. Parking was available, and for those who needed blue badge treatment, this was accounted for and you got your own lot right next to the entry - honestly such a nice touch.

All of the panels and presentations took place nearby (easy walking distance) and again, ramp and lift accommodation was available. We suppose this is one of the good things about hosting such an event at a University, but again - inclusion and access were high on the priority list, and what can we say - it just gave good vibes.

Speaking of inclusion, the opening ceremony was fantastic and even included best practice around art vendors and taking photographs - so many lovely touches (such as a quiet room) all around which ultimately came together to make everyone feel welcome.

As we were vendors, we didn’t have the same experience as attendees, being somewhat locked to a table we did not get to listen to as many of the great presentations - but they were all stand out. You couldn’t narrow down any one presenter for being less interesting or engaging than another - although everyone has their interests and media content creation by way of palaeoart may have been more an attendee’s cup of tea than sauropods or tyrannosaur talks. But just among those three options alone how anyone could pick a favourite we’d never know. The talks were also staggered, which was a nice touch - everyone got to move around in between, you weren’t likely to miss a presentation - all great consideration.

The auction, which we entered a piece was great to watch. Deliberate or not, the double-act auctioneer bit was hilarious and it turned an event which could have been quiet and perhaps tense into a barrel of laughs. It was really fun - and all for a great cause.

We’d also like to comment on how approachable all the presenters and special guests were. We aren’t going to name names but having industry experts come up to our table and have the equivalent of a nerd bash of “What’s your favourite Pokemon?” was pretty fun. Speaking personally, we like more niche animals and it was really heartening to have folks who were “in-the-know” come up to our table and go “Woah. That’s a …..”. We even had one of the featured palaeoartists come up and compliment our work and talk paint application and strategies. This exemplifies another element of the con which we were really hoping for….

We found our people. Perhaps we have already established this, but it needs saying again. The folks at Dinocon UK were so lovely and inclusive. We’re shy, and probably the poster children for being neurodivergent. Everyone was so kind, complimentary and welcoming we didn’t even once feel like the odd ones out. The other vendors - who we need to call out as well, were who we spent most of our time with (obviously). In a room where you are trying to sell to a niche audience which like specific things - it could have been very competitive. But it wasn’t. We weren’t the only ones there with painted models, we weren’t the only ones there with skeletal nick-nacks. But it felt like everyone visited everyone else’s tables and the feedback was by far and large “I really like how you did that - it’s a great finish” or “What you did with the seams and hiding how it’s articulated is great”. Many of the two dimensional artists selling prints were at each others’ stalls admiring different art styles and species each artist brought to the con. It was a lovely room to be a part of and we certainly left with a few friends.

We should also probably mention what was going on outside - Dinomania UK were present, and a selection of life-sized dinosaurs were walking around entertaining guests. The allosaurus was a special treat, and its markings did resemble a fan favourite allosaur from a couple decades ago. This was a great touch, as there were also many younger attendees and this was perhaps the lynchpin that secured their enjoyment of the event.

So there you have it - our take on the event: wholesome to a fault, incredibly enjoyable, accessible and inclusive. It was run so smoothly - even as a vendor that was there before and after attendees and therefore a little more “behind the scenes” the con was a well-oiled machine. Long may it continue and we hope to attend as many as we can and meet as many attendees as possible.

Thank you so much to the organizers, volunteers, speakers and vendors that made it what it is.