Visioncon is back in Springfield! After years in Branson, you can find Missouri’s Premier Comic Con at the Springfield EXPO Center from Friday, May 10 to Saturday, May 12.

The event will consist of over a hundred vendors selling cosplay accessories, tabletop games, artisan jewelry, comic books, and much more.

Home to dozens of local artists, Visioncon is also a great opportunity to support small business – or even learn new skills.

Over the weekend, there will be a multitude of workshops. The workshop topics include starting your own podcast, making a mini comic, story writing, and illustration.

Officer of public relations, Cosplay Club advisor, and Drury University professor, Dr. Elizabeth Nichols, explained why the event is relevant to Drury students.

“Drury students will be participating in Visioncon. The newly formed Drury Cosplay Club will have a table in the club area and members will be appearing in cosplay that they made as part of their participation in the club,” explained Nichols.

“Other students may appreciate different elements of what the convention has to offer: the table-top or electronic gaming tournaments, exhibitions like the R2 builders (full-sized R2D2 units), the chance to participate in LARPing (whacking people with foam swords) or the chance to meet celebrities like Jewel Staite. Visioncon is also just a great place to people watch and make new friends who share your interests in popular culture,” she continued.

On Saturday night, Visioncon attendees can look forward to the annual costume contest, where beloved characters come to life on the stage. Those looking to participate in the contest can register earlier in the day.

There are also three guest panels. On Saturday morning, don’t miss the Q&A session with Jewel Straite, best known for her parts in “Firefly” and “Stargate Atlantis.” That evening, actress Dana Powell from the comedy film “Bridesmaids” and sitcom “Modern Family” will speak. Finally, on Sunday, “Brady Bunch” actor Robbie Rist will be answering questions from fans. Photo-ops and autographs with each guest are available for a fee after the panel.

Advance tickets for Visioncon can be purchased online for only $40 for the weekend. Day pass tickets at the door are $55. Drop by the Springfield EXPO Center May 10-12 for a weekend unlike any other.

Article by Delilah Gadd.