The annual cosplay gathering event began as a small meetup hosted by the Chicagoland Cosplay Club called "ACen Aftermath Photoshoot" in 2006. It was a simple concept of cosplayers going to downtown Chicago to take some photos around the wonderful scenary at places such as the Museum Campus and Buckingham Fountain. The gathering consisted about almost 30 people. It was alot of fun.
And so, the next year, an ordinary meetup goer, Arthur "Soy Sauce" Garcia, picked up the concept and ran it again in 2007. The attendance increased to over 40. It kept the same concept as last year, but try to move on to other locations such as Michigan Ave. and Millenium Park. At the same time, a social aspect played a good part into the gathering. New friends were made, people photograph and record their favorite memories, and provided a good way to spend part of the summer.
In 2008, the gathering became an annual event which is now renamed as SoyCon: The Largest Cosplay Gathering of The Midwest. Arthur adpoted the whole concept of the post-ACen photoshoot and turned it into a large social cosplay gathering full of events and fun.
The first year in 2008 was the test run on how this gathering will turn out to be. It was formed into two days. First day as a photoshoot in Chicago, and the 2nd day as a picnic for people to relax with some bbq food. It was a successful year as people got plenty of photos of their cosplay and met some very interesting people.
In 2009, the year when this gathering started to gain some popularity. It's first year had about almost 50 people with it's following year having over 250. SoyCon has also added events such as a singing contest, a costume contest, and a improv skit contest.
As for 2010, it's biggest year yet with close to 300 attendees. The gathering event had smoothed out most of its events and organization.
(2011 TBA)
So what's in stored for SoyCon 5? You'll just have to come down and see for yourself! |
