Board Thread:General Discussion/@comment-4676923-20131015033156

Hello Sonic fans around the world!

We all know about Sonic Boom (the event) and Summer of Sonic by now, I presume. We also probably know how heartbreaking it is to be unable to attend such events because it's too far, too expensive, or just flat out near impossible to get into due to ticket shortages.

Well, that's what this thread is for. A place where fans can share, discuss, and propose Sonic events. Rather than having to fly to London or hope SEGA plops an event down in our backyard, this is about empowering the fans by allowing them to hold their own events. Whether a small meetup at the local arcade or a massive convention in the hundreds, that's what this is for.

So a brief history. Summer of Sonic began as a series of meetups that grew into a fan convention with SEGA sponsorship. A few years later, SEGA fans lobbied for SEGA to host one here, while Sonic London was formed so fans could meet in London around the year between Summer of Sonic events. Then, come this year, Sonic Boom moved to St. Louis, triggering discontent among California residents that culminated in Sonic Boom West being held there last September. Through the efforts of few folks (including myself), what started as a reaction to California no longer having a monopoly on Sonic events has blossomed into a movement we call the Sonic Revolution, which now has global ambitions; we desire meetups in every city and conventions in every region and country. A brother organisation, Sonic Social, exists to help these meetups get off the ground through the listing and promotion of meetup groups (Sonic Australia, Sonic New York, etc.), and coordinating their efforts towards larger regional events.

Alright, so we know the groups involved, let's get to the actual details so you know this whole movement isn't idealistic. The "Upcoming Meets" link above is regularly updated as new Sonic event info (whether planned by SEGA or by fans, whether new or old) is discovered.

Let's start with conventions. Conventions are defined in this case as events that have a) a formal structure and b) a rented out venue.

For starters, Sonic Revolution has its own event planned for Southern California next year called "Sonic Revolution." If it's successful there are plans to export it to other cities like Comic Con. If you'd be interested (and are sure you could make it; serious attendees only please) in attending, the Sonic Revolution website has a poll that you can cast a vote in as they want to get a good headcount before booking a venue. Sonic Revolution also archives all known meetup groups and events on its website for easy reference.

Meanwhile, over on the other side of the pond, Weston Super Sonic is going to be held on January 11th in Weston Super Mare, from 10:30 AM-4:30 PM UTC. This is the Facebook page for those who want to get updates on the event. The event has about 40 attendees so far and has room for 70; please RSVP via either the Facebook page or by e-mailing [mailto:westonsupersonic@gmail.com westonsupersonic@gmail.com] about attendance. It is important to RSVP as it lets you get on a list that guarantees your place; once the venue fills up no one else will be allowed in, and it wouldn't be fun to be turned away at the door. Weston Super Sonic, if successful, plans on becoming recurring; that's right, my European friends, you'd get two annual Sonic conventions rather than one!

Let's move beyond conventions and talk about meetups. A meetup is, well, when fans agree to gather at a particular public place to have some fun. They're a great way to find fans close to you and make new friends.

Before one thinks this is dangerous, could be boring, etc. I point you to Sonic London. Sonic London has held fan meetups for three years straight and has planned its 12th for this November. Their last meetup actually got recognition from Capcom, Nintendo, and Sumo Digital. Common activities are drawing, eating, gaming and general discussion. HelenBaby, the founder, was generous enough to provide tips for others who'd want to hold meetups; I provided a link at the very top of this post. Overall it's possible to have tons of fun with fellow fans discussing both Sonic and whatever else, and as for being dangerous, that is easily avoided by meeting in a public place such as an arcade or restaurant.

Sonic SoCal is planning a meetup in January at Newport Beach, while Sonic St. Louis has one planned for December. There are several of these groups and they continue to increase in number as the interest and press pile up. I've provided a full list of known meetup groups in the OP; if you ever find (or found) another, please let me know, as I'd be happy to add it to the index. I confess that many of these require Facebook to fully follow, but you can use this thread if nothing else to keep your finger on the "pulse" of events, I guess you could say.

Besides meetups and conventions the occasional event pops up that isn't so neatly categorised; these can be mentioned here too. Examples would be the Sonic Generations of Skate, or the upcoming Sonic Paradox panel at Youmacon in Detroit, Michigan.

Alright, I believe that's all I have for now. If I mentioned all the groups and events we'd be here for a long time. I hope this thread is both informative and fruitful for fans all over the world! Remember, enough Sonic fans can make a sonic boom! :D 