Behind the scenes of PopCon

You might be surprised to learn that Ballarat’s only popular culture convention PopCon, which attracts more than 2,000 people each year, is organised by a small group of teenagers. Beyond celebrating pop culture and artistic expression, PopCon demonstrates the passion and capability of Ballarat’s young people.

Sonika is part of the FReeZA program, an initiative of the State Government, delivered by the City of Ballarat Youth Services team. Sonika gives Ballarat’s young people opportunities to learn about event management and the music industry through hands-on experiences.

PopCon, organised by Sonika volunteers, is an annual popular culture convention featuring market stalls, workshops, demonstrations and a cosplay competition, in which participants are encouraged to dress up as characters from comics, TV or movies, books, video games or anime.

For Evie, joining Sonika has given her opportunities to “make big differences in Ballarat” by making more spaces for young people.

"The biggest problem is when adults think that teenagers can’t run this kind of event,” Evie says.

“But it’s very professional behind the scenes.”  

Remi Turkovic, another Sonika volunteer, agrees with Evie. In addition to being prepared for any scenario, Remi has learned how flexible event managers need to be.

Former Sonika volunteer Anna Jade, who was involved in organising Sonika’s previous PopCon conventions, is coming back to volunteer as the cosplay competition judge this year.

While Anna loves seeing the creativity and craftmanship of the cosplay costumes, she believes the cosplay community plays an important role for young people in Ballarat.

“I think it's really important for creating bonds and finding friends,” she says.

“Expressing yourself in a smaller community is wonderful — you meet other people, you learn things, and it’s a very open, non-judgmental space.” 

PopCon will be held on Sunday 15 September, 10am–4pm at Barkly Square, located at 25 Barkly Street, Ballarat East.