There are many conventions across the country. From the ever-popular Dragon Con to the widely known Blizzard Con that the gaming company Blizzard, holds every year. But in the state of Utah, there aren’t many known conventions to speak of. At least not yet. Unless someone counts Anime Banzai or FanX. But recently, Utah residents had a new convention in the Newgate Mall in Ogden. It is held by the new store 4TheLoveOfStudios.

Itty-Bitty Con is its name. The convention was held both inside the store and in the surrounding area. In fact, once people are near 4TheLoveOfStudio, they are immediately greeted by both the Artist Alley and the Vendor Hall. It was placed in a wide open area in front of the store so an attendee could have easy access to each booth without worrying about bumping into too many people. In this area, it had a wide variety of tables and booths. From artists to cosplayers, even known and upcoming authors.

“It’s really nice to have an open space for the con,” Brynn Nelson, one of the authors at the convention, said. “It makes it inviting, and the atmosphere is calm compared to really big cons.”  

Nelson said he knows the owner of the convention and store (Janika Byington), so when she asked if he’d like to come to the convention, it was a definite yes. “Plus, I’ve mainly done just the Renaissance Fair so I wanted to branch out more and come to more conventions.” 

Itty-Bitty Con was a hub for all things writing. Creators alike could easily find all kinds of authors outside of the store. The convention even held a raffle at the end of the weekend for people to be able to walk away with a free book. The first prize winner took home a mini remote-controlled helicopter. 

Some of the authors that were there consisted of Joanna Reeder, Robert Zangari, W.D. Kilpack the Third, A.L. Lorensen, Mason Miles, and Brynn Nelson.

Besides authors, the convention was a great place for creators, artists, and cosplayers to interact. Both in the Artist Alley/Vendor Hall and the panel room. Many artists were selling their creations, and when it came time for the panels, congoers got the chance to participate in many things. From listening to authors give their advice on the craft, hearing posing tips, or other cosplay advice from one of the guest cosplayers Gemini Chrysaliss and even a D&D RP panel.

“Just being able to make something and know that hey, I was able to make this, and not many people have, is a really good feeling,” the owner of Lani Kola Aloha 3D Printing said. ‘Plus, I get to share it with everyone. And I like being around other people with similar tastes. This is a great opportunity.” 

“Going to cons like this is really nice because it helps artists get out of art ruts, so to speak,” An artist from Oddie Bun Art said. “Plus, I like how little and calm Itty-Bitty Con is. It’s really nice and fun.”  

And speaking of Dungeons and Dragons, most of the cosplays that were seen at the convention revolved around a very D&D-esque theme. Elves, fae, and even original characters were part of the various looks that could be seen. But occasionally, you could see Hatsune Miku, Vegta, and a character or two from The Incredibles. 

At the end of the convention on Friday, they wrapped up the day with a cosplay/talent show where anyone who wanted to show off their talents could compete in front of a panel of three judges. Emayleigh, Spooky Whitt, and Gemini Chrysaliss. Some of the contestants consisted of a Hatsune Miku cosplayer, someone who performed a K-pop dance, and a hula dancer.

As for the final day of the con – Saturday, the day wrapped up with a dance party, and anyone who wanted to had a chance to get on the “cosplay train” (Newgate Mall’s train) and take a fun ride around the mall.

And although Itty-Bitty Con is over, Byington said she wants to hold it again sometime soon.