Your Gateway to Fandom: A Guide to Shreveport’s Geek’d Con
Don't look now, but Geek'd Con is RIGHT around the corner. Geek'd Con's 10th anniversary show is happening at the Shreveport Convention Center in Downtown Shreveport August 22-24, 2025.
And this year's line-up is pretty incredible - Jason Lee & Ethan Suplee from 'My Name is Earl', Art the Clown from the Terrifier franchise, several members of the cast of the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, several members of the Charmed cast, the Great Hambino from the Sandlot...the list goes on. So, it should be an AMAZING weekend.
And despite the fact Geek'd Con has been around for a decade now, every single year, there are people that come to the event for the very first time. Sometimes, they've been to other pop-culture conventions, so they have a little experience. But, a lot of times, this is the first time they've ever attended ANYTHING remotely close to Geek'd Con.
So whether this is your first time attending an event like this, someone that hasn't been in a few years and needs a refresher, or you just want a handy-dandy guide for pertinent information, this guide is here to help.
Welcome, First-Timer! What is Geek'd Con?
Ok, if this is your first time, here's the event summed up in a simple sentence: Geek'd Con is a vibrant celebration of pop culture, comics, movies, games, and everything nerdy that takes place annually in Downtown Shreveport at the Shreveport Convention Center.
There will be hundreds of vendors on hand, dozens of celebrity guests, activities and a whole lot more. Below is some tips, tricks, advice, pertinent information and details on how to get the most out of your weekend.
When and Where is Geek'd Con?
This seems like a logical place to begin - when and where is it. Geek'd Con takes place over a weekend - Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This year, Geek'd Con is taking place August 22-24th, 2025 at the Shreveport Convention Center in Downtown Shreveport.
The Convention Center is located at 400 Caddo Street. There is an attached parking lot that is FREE during Geek'd Con weekend. However, the parking garage typically does fill up pretty quickly. So, if you don't show up early, you may have to park up to a few blocks away and have to walk over.
Convention Hours are:
Friday - 5 pm to 9 pm
Saturday - 9 am to 7 pm
Sunday - 10 am to 5 pm
Your Ticket to Adventure: Entry & Badges
You've cleared your schedule and want to attend...So what's the best way to get tickets? Well, if you wait until the day of the show, you CAN buy tickets at the box office. However, it's always recommended that you pre-purchase tickets. There's multiple reasons for that: less time standing in line, it's cheaper, and it helps organizers plan a little better by having a rough crowd estimate.
So, how do you pre-purchase tickets? You can buy them online here or you can buy them in person from select retailers including Excalibur Comics in Shreveport, GamersXP and Sportscards Louisiana.
If you're into buying stuff last minute - you can buy tickets at the box office Geek'd Con weekend at the box office. Tickets will be slightly more expensive, but I get it - sometimes I don't like planning ahead either.
Ticket prices range from $25 to $150 depending on options, days, swag, etc..
Whether you buy a day pass, weekend pass or ultimate pass, everyone gets access to the vendor room, celebrity row, panels, activities and a whole lot more.
Packing Smart: What to Bring to Geek'd Con
Whether your a first-timer or a long-timer, here's some tips on how to make the most out of your weekend.
- Wear comfortable shoes. From waiting in line to get in to walking both floors of the convention, there's a LOT of walking involved. The average con-goer walks about 7 miles a day. So, make sure you're wearing something that you're comfortable in.
- Cons can occasionally be a hot, overwhelming place. I mean, it is August in Louisiana and you're about to meet some of your favorite stars - so be prepared. Consider packing deodorant, mints, antacids, headache medicine, and noise-cancelling headphones. Whatever items that are allowed into the convention that can make you feel confident and comfortable.
- CASH. Cash is king at an event like this. Some vendors & celebrity guests will accept other payment forms like debit cards, Paypal, etc.. But everyone takes cash.
- Pack a battery backup/wall charger for your phone. You're going to be taking tons of photos, posting to social media, checking the Geek'd Con app for panel times, etc.. You don't want your phone to die on you when you need it. So, it's always good to be prepared.
- A bag that meets convention center standards can be super helpful to carry your autographs or goods you buy from vendors. Nobody wants to have to run to the car a dozen times a day.
These simple things can help make a good weekend a GREAT weekend.
Con-Quering the Day: General Tips for a Great Experience
Geek'd Con may be 3 days long...but, no matter how hard you try, it's next to impossible to see and do everything. So, a little pre-planning can really help elevate your experience at the show.
- Get your social media together - Following Geek'd Con as well as any guests you think are important could be very helpful. This is super helpful in getting important information like delays, schedule updates, or just getting a general feel for the event.
- Download the Geek'd Con app. Geek'd Con does a really good job keeping folks with the app up-to-date. Guest arrivals, guest delays, vendor spotlights, schedule updates...basically ALL the information you need to navigate the weekend.
- Make a plan: As I mentioned at the top, there's a LOT to take in - from panels to meeting guests to the cosplay contest. So, look at the lineup and schedule and make a plan. Figure out what you absolutely want to do/see vs what would be cool and put together a plan of action. Make sure you leave some time in there to take breaks, eat, etc..
- Want custom art? Reach out ahead of time: Artist LOVE doing commissions. However, shouting descriptions of what you want over a crowded hall may prevent you from getting EXACTLY what you want. So, it never hurts to shoot a DM to one of the comic artists on-hand to schedule a commission and layout exactly what you're looking for.
- Set your phone to max volume AND vibrate: It can get loud on the convention floor. So, you don't want to miss important messages, app alerts or whatever, right? Having your phone loud and vibrating can make sure you don't miss much while enjoying the show.
- Have a good attitude: This seems simple but sometimes folks get caught up in the passion and fun in the event. Everyone from fellow fans to staff to celebrity guests have worked incredibly hard to get here. Everyone wants to have fun. But sometimes, things happen. Someone might give you bad advice, get overwhelmed by the sight of someone they love and accidentally cut you off, a line might get cutoff so someone can take a bathroom break or grab lunch, etc.....despite all the planning and best intentions things will happen. A good attitude can help you roll with those inevitable sub-optimal moments.
Celebrity Dos & Don'ts at Geek'd Con
One of the most popular things at Geek'd Con is meeting the celebrity guests. That's literally what they're here for. BUT, there are some things to keep in mind for the best experience for you, the celebrity guests and other attendees.
Basics
Every celebrity guest will have a designated booth space where they are scheduled to meet with fans. This is where you can get in line (or walk right up if there isn't a line!) to meet each celebrity guest to get a picture or autograph.
But each celebrity will have different options at each table too. Some do not take photos at their tables, and only participate in "professional photo ops". But all celebrities do charge a fee for autographs and pictures.
The prices are set by the celebrities, and 100% of that money goes directly to the celebrity guest. So if you're a huge fan of someone, and want to thank them directly for the hours of entertainment they have provided you, there's no more direct way than paying them for an in-person autograph.
With all that out the way, one question that always get asked is "Do I have to buy something to say hello?" The answer is no. They are here to meet you. BUT, please keep in mind there's a lot of people coming to spend their hard earned money to meet someone they love. So, just be thoughtful and courteous to fellow attendees and the celebrity guests.
Autograph And Selfie Photo Pricing
First – Cash is highly recommended to purchase autographs and pictures from celebrities. Although some celebrities will have the ability to accept credit cards, they will be the exception.
The autograph and "selfie" photo prices range from around $20 to about $100, with most in the $30 to $50 range.
We will do everything we can to list celebrity autograph and photo prices ahead of the show, but sometimes its not possible for certain guests. The online prices we have are also subject to change at the show, which is at the sole discretion of the celebrity guests. The prices listed will be for autographs on 8x10 photographs provided by the celebrity, or on most fan-provided items. Some celebrities will have different prices for special items brought by fans that will be more than their base charge.
When you buy an autograph from a celebrity, they will have 8x10 photographs. Sometimes they offer a slightly different size photo as an option, and sometimes larger sizes will carry premium prices. Celebrities may, at their discretion, choose not to sign certain fan-provided items.
You might have an item that you want to get multiple signatures on, and this is totally cool. Something like a photo that includes images of more than one celebrity, or a movie poster. You can get this done, but there will be a fee for each autograph on that item. Just because one guest was paid for their signature, it doesn't mean other signatures on the item will be free.
Some celebrities will also offer a "combo" price at their table, where you can get an autograph and a selfie for a discounted rate.
A "selfie" photo at a celebrities table is simply taking a photo with the celebrity using your phone or personal camera. These are different from "professional photo ops", and have a different price.
Do's and Do Not's At Celebrity Tables
Photography, video or still, and audio recordings are not allowed at celebrity tables without the express permission of the particular celebrity or celebrities you wish to photograph, film, or tape.
If you are going to get a "selfie" photo at a celebrity table, please be mindful of other guests in line, and have your camera ready.
Bringing gifts for the celebrities is a great way to make them feel welcome. But keep in mind that many celebrities are flying in for the event. While everyone appreciates gifts, it may be extremely difficult for celebrity guests to transport gifts on their flights.
Guests will take breaks for food, "pro photo ops", shopping, and casual breaks. You're more than welcome to maintain a spot in line while they're not at their table.
Many celebrities will only accept cash at their tables, please be mindful with the size of bills you might be using. While a $100 would be good for $80 worth of pictures and autographs from a celebrity, the guest may not be able to break a that large of a bill for a smaller total.
There will be many fans that want to meet each guest. Please be mindful with the celebrity guests' times when you approach their table. Attending these events are part of the guests' job. So please be respectful of their time when at their table.
More About Professional Photo Ops
We normally see two options for fans to get a photograph with the celebrity guests. The two kinds of “photo ops” are 1) "selfies" which are images at a guests table with your camera or 2) "professional photo ops" which are taken by a professional photographer with a high quality camera in front of a backdrop. Some celebrities offer pro-photo exclusives where they'll dress in character, have special props, etc.. For instance, we'll have a special Art the Clown photo op this year, with David Howard Thornton in full Art the Clown makeup & costume. The only way to get a photo with 'Art' is by buying the pro photo.
The "professional photo ops" also offer an option to have your picture printed on-site within minutes. You can then take that photo to get signed (for the guest's autograph fee) at the celebrity's table.
There will be a schedule for "professional photo ops" and it will be posted online on our site, and on our mobile app. These will be able to be purchased online before the event. You may also have a chance to buy "professional photo ops" on-site while space lasts.
Cosplay & Photography Etiquette
Want to dress up as your favorite character? That's not just allowed, it's encouraged! But there are are few things to keep in mind. Like never take a photo of someone without asking first.
Geek'd Con is a family friendly convention. All costumes must adhere to family standards.
1. Geek’d Con is a family event. Because of that, we ask all cosplayers use a PG mentality. Not just with suggestive materials, but blood and gore as well. Think “Swimsuit coverage” and “General Halloween gore”
2. Due to the nature of our event, ANY weapon prop must be AN OBVIOUS TOY. Nothing that resembles a real weapon will be allowed in. THERE WILL BE NO TAG, ZIP TIE, OR OTHER EXCEPTIONS. NO airsoft weapons, nerf darts, bb guns, bladed weapons, or paintball guns.
Weapons that APPEAR to be real will be removed as well, even if they are plastic. Even painted Nerf weapons will be removed.
Firearm props must be OBVIOUSLY A TOY from a distance (50 yards). Bright yellow Nerf guns, plastic light sabers, rubber swords will be allowed. Shreveport Police and Convention Center Security will have final say in all matters.
3. No projectiles should be part of your cosplay.
4. No flames, pyro, smoke generators, fog machines, or vapors will be allowed.
5. We ask all attendees ASK before photographing other cosplayers.
6. No liquids or materials that could damage vendor merchandise if spilled will be allowed as a part of your cosplay. This includes, but is not limited to, fake blood and glitter.
7. Footwear must be worn at all times. The Shreveport Convention Center also bans the use of rollerskates, rollerblades, and other “roller” shoes.
8. If you plan to wear something that looks official, military or law enforcement, make it obvious that you are in cosplay. Shreveport PD will be on-hand all weekend, and would probably like to have a word with you otherwise.
9. There is a zero tolerance policy on cosplay bullying as well. If you find it necessary to mock someone, or their cosplay, you will be removed from the event. Our event is a safe environment for everyone to cosplay in.
10. Any hate symbols will be removed from Geek’d Con, more than likely with the person who brought them in.
11. All rules are subject to change at anytime. Neither Geek’d Con or the Shreveport Convention Center are responsible for lost or damaged cosplay property.
*Failure to adhere to any rules can result in you being asked to leave the conventions. Security reserves the right to remove any person(s) for failure to comply.*
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