Editing Dragon Con (section)

== History ==
Dragon Con was launched in 1987, as a project of a local [[science fiction]] and gaming group, the Dragon Alliance of Gamers and Role-Players (DAGR). It was founded by a board of directors including John Bunnell, David Cody, Robert Dennis, Mike Helba, Pat Henry, and [[Edward E. Kramer|Ed Kramer]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ajc.com/news/gwinnett/5050k-bond-for-dragoncon-1181076.html|title=$50K bond for DragonCon founder Kramer|publisher=[[The Atlanta Journal-Constitution]]|date=September 16, 2011|access-date=September 18, 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110924082848/http://www.ajc.com/news/gwinnett/5050k-bond-for-dragoncon-1181076.html|archive-date=September 24, 2011}}</ref>

The name "Dragon" for the club was derived from Kramer's [[Dragon 32/64|Dragon Computer]], which hosted a local [[Bulletin board system|Bulletin Board System]] ("The Dragon") that initially served as a central hub for both organizations. The inaugural Dragon*Con flyers debuted at the 1986 Atlanta [[Worldcon]], [[44th World Science Fiction Convention|ConFederation]]. Within a year, Dragon*Con had been selected to be the host of the 1990 [[Origins International Game Expo|Origins]] convention,<ref name="History of Dragon*Con"/> to take place at the Atlanta Hilton.
[[File:300DC.jpg|thumb|Cosplayers dressed as Spartans, inspired by the movie ''[[300 (film)|300]]'', at DragonCon]]
The 1987 inaugural Dragon*Con, and following 1988 event, took place at the Pierremont Plaza Hotel (since rebranded as Crown Plaza Atlanta-Midtown by IHG). It drew 1400 fans,<ref>{{Citation|url=http://www.ajc.com/ajccars/content/metro/atlanta/stories/2009/02/26/dragoncon_founder_suit.html|title=Dragon Con founder sues successor over finances|author=Smith, Ben|newspaper=[[The Atlanta Journal-Constitution]]|date=February 26, 2009|access-date=March 12, 2012}}</ref> and featured Guest of Honor [[Michael Moorcock]], [[Lynn Abbey]] and [[Robert Asprin]], [[Robert Adams (science fiction writer)|Robert Adams]], [[Ultima (series)|Ultima]] creator [[Richard "Lord British" Garriott]], co-creator of [[Dungeons & Dragons]] [[Gary Gygax]] and Toastmaster [[Brad Strickland]]. Miramar recording artist [[Jonn Serrie]] delivered his keyboard arrangements from within a real [[NASA]] flightsuit and [[Michael Moorcock]] performed onstage with [[Blue Öyster Cult]]'s [[Eric Bloom]], singing "[[Veteran of the Psychic Wars]]" and "[[Black Blade (song)|Black Blade]]".  Thomas E. Fuller's [[Atlanta Radio Theatre Company]] performed [[H. P. Lovecraft]]'s ''[[The Call of Cthulhu|Call of Cthulhu]]'', which was broadcast via radio live from onsite.<ref name="History of Dragon*Con">{{Cite web|url=http://www.dragoncon.org/history.php |title=History of Dragon.Con |publisher=dragoncon.org via Wayback machine |access-date=September 18, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509160845/http://www.dragoncon.org/history.php |archive-date=May 9, 2008 }}</ref> The 1988 convention included guests [[Alan Dean Foster]], [[Fred Saberhagen]], [[Margaret Weis]], [[Tracy Hickman]], [[Gary Gygax]], and [[Larry Elmore]].

The convention grew rapidly. In 1989, it drew 2,400 fans (many to see Guest of Honor [[Anne McCaffrey]]), and the event had moved to the Omni Hotel and Convention Center. In 1990, the convention had doubled again, added a Comics Expo, hosted the Origins convention, this time with Guest of Honor [[Tom Clancy]], and expanded to include the Atlanta Sheraton hotel. In 1991 the first "Robot Battles" robotic competition event was added to the list of Dragon*Con events, making it the second oldest robotic competition event in the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://robotbattles.com/history.htm|title=History of Robot Battles|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080516173208/http://www.robotbattles.com/history.htm|archive-date=2008-05-16}}</ref>

In 1993, Dragon*Con was the home of the [[Wizard (magazine)|Wizard Fan Awards]].<ref>[http://www.hahnlibrary.net/comics/awards/wizard.php Wizard Fan Awards] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120304160035/http://www.hahnlibrary.net/comics/awards/wizard.php |date=2012-03-04 }}. Hahn Library Comic Book Awards Almanac. Retrieved November 21, 2011.</ref>

By 1995, when Dragon*Con hosted the [[NASFiC|North American Science Fiction Convention]], attendance had grown to over 14,000 fans, and Dragon*Con was also hosting the [[International Starfleet Conference]].  In 1999, Dragon*Con's ''TrekTrak'' introduced the first Miss Klingon Empire Beauty Pageant, an annual event that has since garnered national media attention.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/story/peculiar-pageant-queens|title=Peculiar Pageant Queens|date=22 April 2006|website=[[Fox News]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090620004112/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,192535,00.html|archive-date=20 June 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://people.howstuffworks.com/6-unusual-beauty-pageants.htm|title=6 Unusual Beauty Pageants|date=12 September 2007|website=howstuffworks.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090614002258/http://people.howstuffworks.com/6-unusual-beauty-pageants.htm|archive-date=14 June 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.trektrak.com/2008/08pageant.htm|title=The 2008 Miss Klingon Empire Beauty Pageant|first=Eric L.|last=Watts|website=www.trektrak.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090805040703/http://www.trektrak.com/2008/08pageant.htm|archive-date=2009-08-05}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Sci-fi fans find others of their world|date=July 1, 2000|author=Kicklighter, Kirk|work=[[Atlanta Journal]]}}</ref>

In 2000, Ed Kramer ceased to have an active role in managing the convention, but still owned 34% of the company. In 2011, Kramer sued the organizers, leveling charges that he was not receiving his fair share of the con's profits.<ref>[http://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta/dragoncon-faces-appeal-1233100.html Simmons, Andria. "DragonCon faces appeal; Co-founder fights dismissal of case against event"] ''[[Atlanta Journal-Constitution]]'' November 19, 2011 {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111124004604/http://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta/dragoncon-faces-appeal-1233100.html |date=November 24, 2011 }}</ref> Kramer's relationship with the convention was fully severed in July 2013 in a cash-out merger, at which point the name of the convention and business officially changed to "Dragon Con" (replacing the asterisk with a space).<ref>{{cite web|last=Pantozzi|first=Jill|title=Dragon*Con Officially Separates From Founder, Accused Molester, Ed Kramer|date=8 July 2013 |url=http://www.themarysue.com/dragoncon-separates-kramer/|publisher=The Mary Sue|access-date=8 July 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130709160347/http://www.themarysue.com/dragoncon-separates-kramer/|archive-date=9 July 2013}}</ref>

At the convention's 20th anniversary in 2007, there were 22,000 attendees, and the convention continued to grow, drawing 40,000 attendees  in 2010, 57,000 in 2013,<ref name="History of Dragon*Con"/><ref>{{Cite news|title=Sci-fi convention, now in 20th year, draws thousands|date=September 2, 2007|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> and over 80,000 in 2017.<ref name="attendance2017"/>

On July 6, 2020, it was announced that Dragon Con had been cancelled due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], with a [[virtual event]] being organized in its place on the original dates.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Dragon Con canceled due to coronavirus pandemic|url=https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/dragon-con-2020-atlanta-canceled-due-to-coronavirus-pandemic/85-d9b3d5a0-0851-41b8-8bf5-3bd7d4f8b718|access-date=2021-09-01|website=11Alive.com|date=6 July 2020 |language=en-US}}</ref> The event announced that it would return for 2021 with enhanced health and safety protocols; it would be capped at around 40,000 attendees, badges would only be sold online and not on-site, masks would be mandatory within indoor spaces, and the Dragon Con parade would only be open to those who hold badges. Some of the virtual features from 2020 would also be maintained, including a "virtual marketplace", and streaming content (including free content and a paid "[[DragonConTV]]" streaming membership). On August 17, it was also announced that all attendees must present proof of [[COVID-19 vaccine|vaccination for COVID-19]] or a negative test from within the past 72 hours in order to claim their badges.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Wells|first=Myrydd|date=2021-08-01|title=Dragon Con announces its 2021 Covid-19 guidelines: Vaccine or negative test and masks required, no public parade spectators|url=https://www.atlantamagazine.com/news-culture-articles/dragon-con-announces-its-2021-covid-19-guidelines-masks-on-no-public-parade-spectators/|access-date=2021-09-01|website=Atlanta Magazine|language=en-US}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|+Dragon Con Date, Location, and Attendance<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://dragon-con.pbworks.com/w/page/39624764/History-of-Dragon*Con|title=DragonCon / History of Dragon*Con|website=dragon-con.pbworks.com|access-date=2017-05-22|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151011171231/http://dragon-con.pbworks.com/w/page/39624764/History-of-Dragon*Con|archive-date=2015-10-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://fancons.com/events/info/1474/dragon-con-2008|title=Dragon*Con 2008 Information|website=FanCons.com|language=en|access-date=2019-12-12}}</ref>
!Year
!Date
!Location
!Estimated Attendance
|-
|1987
|October
|Pierremont Plaza Hotel
|1,400
|-
|1988
|October
|Pierremont Plaza Hotel
|1,700
|-
|1989
|October 6 – October 8
|The Omni Hotel & Convention Center
|3,200
|-
|1990
|June 28 – July 1
|Atlanta Hilton & Towers, Atlanta Radisson
|6,900
|-
|1991
|July 12 – July 14
|Atlanta Hilton & Towers
|5,200
|-
|1992
|July 17 – July 19
|Atlanta Hilton & Towers
|6,100
|-
|1993
|July 16 – July 18
|Atlanta Hilton & Towers
|8,000
|-
|1994
|July 15 – July 17
|Atlanta Hilton & Towers, Westin Peachtree Plaza, Atlanta Civic Center
|11,000
|-
|1995
|July 13 – July 16
|Atlanta Hilton & Towers, Westin Peachtree Plaza, Atlanta Civic Center, Atlanta Ramada
|14,000
|-
|1996
|June 20 – June 23
|Atlanta Hilton & Towers, Westin Peachtree Plaza, Atlanta Civic Center
|13,400
|-
|1997
|June 26 – June 29
|The Inforum Convention Center, Westin Peachtree Plaza, Atlanta Civic Center
|18,000
|-
|1998
|September 3 – September 6
|Hyatt Regency, The AmericasMart
|18,000
|-
|1999
|July 1 – July 3
|Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Atlanta Merchandise Mart, Atlanta Apparel Mart
|19,000
|-
|2000
|June 29 – July 2
|Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Atlanta Merchandise Mart, Atlanta Apparel Mart
|20,000
|-
|2001
|August 31 – September 3
|Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Marriott Marquis
|20,000+
|-
|2002
|August 30 – September 2
|Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Marriott Marquis
|20,000+
|-
|2003
|August 29 – September 1
|Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Marriott Marquis
|20,000+
|-
|2004
|September 3 – September 6
|Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Marriott Marquis
|20,000+
|-
|2005
|September 2 – September 5
|Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Marriott Marquis, Atlanta Hilton
|20,000+
|-
|2006
|September 1 – September 4
|Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Marriott Marquis, Atlanta Hilton
|25,000+
|-
|2007
|August 31 – September 3
|Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Marriott Marquis, Atlanta Hilton
|30,000+
|-
|2008
|August 30 – September 2
|Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Marriott Marquis, Atlanta Hilton, Sheraton
|30,000+
|-
|2009
|September 4 – September 7
|Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Marriott Marquis, Atlanta Hilton, Sheraton
|30,000+
|-
|2010
|September 3 – September 6
|Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Marriott Marquis, Atlanta Hilton, Sheraton
|30,000+
|-
|2011
|September 2 – September 5
|Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Marriott Marquis, Atlanta Hilton, Sheraton, Westin Peachtree Plaza
|46,000+
|-
|2012
|August 31 – September 3
|Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Marriott Marquis, Atlanta Hilton, Sheraton, Westin Peachtree Plaza
|53,000+
|-
|2013
|August 30 – September 2
|Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Marriott Marquis, Atlanta Hilton, Sheraton, Westin Peachtree Plaza, AmericasMart
|57,000+
|-
|2014
|August 29 – September 1
|Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Marriott Marquis, Atlanta Hilton, Sheraton, Westin Peachtree Plaza, AmericasMart
|62,000+
|-
|2015
|September 4 – September 7
|Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Marriott Marquis, Atlanta Hilton, Sheraton, Westin Peachtree Plaza, AmericasMart
|70,000+<ref name="Boult 2016">{{cite web|last=Boult|first=Adam|title=Anger over 'Twin Towers' cosplayers|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/09/05/anger-over-twin-towers-cosplayers/|work=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|date=5 September 2016|access-date=29 November 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171203032915/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/09/05/anger-over-twin-towers-cosplayers/|archive-date=3 December 2017}}</ref><ref name="Sandle 2016">{{cite web|last=Sandle|first=Tim|title=Dragon Con sci-fi fans trigger 9/11 controversy|url=http://www.digitaljournal.com/news/odd+news/twin-tower-clad-cosplayers-cause-a-storm-in-georgia/article/474098|work=Digital Journal|publisher=digitaljournal.com|date=5 September 2016|access-date=29 November 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201042700/http://www.digitaljournal.com/news/odd+news/twin-tower-clad-cosplayers-cause-a-storm-in-georgia/article/474098|archive-date=1 December 2017}}</ref>
|-
|2016
|September 2 – September 5
|Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Marriott Marquis, Atlanta Hilton, Sheraton, Westin Peachtree Plaza, AmericasMart
|77,000+<ref name="attendance2016">{{cite web|url=http://mediarelations.dragoncon.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Dragon-Con-Wrap-Up-2016-final.pdf|title=Dragon Con Wrap Up 2016 final|publisher=Dragon Con|access-date=2016-09-07}}</ref>
|-
|2017
|August 31 – September 4
|Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Marriott Marquis, Atlanta Hilton, Sheraton, Westin Peachtree Plaza, AmericasMart
|80,000+<ref name="attendance2017" />
|-
|2018
|August 30 – September 3
|Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Hilton Atlanta, Marriott Marquis, Sheraton, Westin Peachtree Plaza, AmericasMart 1 & 2
|80,000<ref name="attendance2018">{{cite web|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2018/09/03/dragon-con-misses-record-but-convention-co-chair.html|title=Dragon Con misses record, but convention co-chair 'comfortable' with attendance|publisher=Atlanta Business Chronicle|access-date=2019-09-19|date=2018-09-03|author=Eric Mandel}}</ref>
|-
|2019
|August 29 – September 5
|Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Hilton Atlanta, Marriott Marquis, Sheraton, Westin Peachtree Plaza, AmericasMart 1 & 2
|85,000+<ref name="attendance2019">{{cite web|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2019/09/02/dragon-con-breaks-attendance-record.html|title=Dragon Con breaks attendance record|publisher=Atlanta Business Chronicle|access-date=2019-09-04|date=2019-09-02}}</ref>
|-
|2020
|September 3 – September 7
| colspan="2" |''Held Online due to the COVID-19 pandemic''
|-
|2021
|September 2 – September 6
|Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Hilton Atlanta, Marriott Marquis, Sheraton, Westin Peachtree Plaza, AmericasMart 1 & 2
|42,000<ref name=":0" />
|-
|2022
|September 1 – 5
|Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Hilton Atlanta, Marriott Marquis, Sheraton, Westin Peachtree Plaza, AmericasMart 2 & 3
|65,000<ref name="attendance2022">{{cite web|url=https://www.gpb.org/news/2022/09/06/65000-stormtroopers-monsters-and-pop-culture-fans-attend-dragon-con-2022|title=65,000 Stormtroopers, monsters and pop culture fans attend Dragon Con 2022|publisher=Georgia Public Broadcasting|access-date=2023-09-11|date=2022-09-06}}</ref>
|-
|2023
|August 31 – September 4
|Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Hilton Atlanta, Marriott Marquis, Courtland Grand Hotel (Formerly Sheraton), Westin Peachtree Plaza, AmericasMart 2 & 3
|70,000+<ref name="attendance2024">{{cite web|url= https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/dragon-con-draws-72000-fans-raises-210k-charity|title=Dragon Con wraps up, raises more than $200K for cancer organization|publisher=Fox 5 Atlanta|access-date=2023-09-11|date=2023-09-05}}</ref>
|-
|2024
|August 29 – September 2
|Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Hilton Atlanta, Marriott Marquis, Courtland Grand Hotel (Formerly Sheraton), Westin Peachtree Plaza, AmericasMart 2 & 3
|72,000 <ref name="attendance2023">{{cite web|url=https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/dragon-con-wraps-up-raises-more-than-200k-for-cancer-organization|title= Dragon Con draws 72,000 fans, raises $210K for charity|publisher=Fox 5 Atlanta|access-date=2024-09-03|date=2024-09-03}}</ref>
|}