Should I Go to Dragonsteel 2025?

[Nugget]

I apologize in advance if this is in the wrong place, I haven't posted before.

 

I am an avid Brandon Sanderson fan, and this year I was considering going to Dragonsteel Nexus 2025. I would take a friend with me who isn't as in depth of a fan as I am, so I have a few questions. 

1. Is it too expensive? I realize that tickets are expensive, and I'm assuming that the merch is also going to be. I am the kind of person who doesn't really want to spend $50 on a book, or things like that.

2. Is the event super chaotic? I've never been to any sort of convention, and going to this is kinda overwhelming. Is it easy for first timers to see all they want too? Or is it too crazy and confusing to see everything 

3. Is there a lot to do that's free? Like I said I don't want to spend a lot of money on crafts or workshops. Can I just go to see things and not have to spend a ton of money?

4. VIP tickets or just general admission? What is better?

5. Would my friend who just reads the books for the story enjoy it?

Basically I just want to know if going to Dragonsteel would be worth the money, if it would be fun to go to, or if it's just too big of an event that I would be completely overwhelmed and not be able to enjoy myself. Thanks!

Edited May 15, 2025 by Nugget

[IcedOutPenguin He/Him]

2 hours ago, Nugget said:

I apologize in advance if this is in the wrong place, I haven't posted before.

 

I am an avid Brandon Sanderson fan, and this year I was considering going to Dragonsteel Nexus 2025. I would take a friend with me who isn't as in depth of a fan as I am, so I have a few questions. 

1. Is it too expensive? I realize that tickets are expensive, and I'm assuming that the merch is also going to be. I am the kind of person who doesn't really want to spend $50 on a book, or things like that.

2. Is the event super chaotic? I've never been to any sort of convention, and going to this is kinda overwhelming. Is it easy for first timers to see all they want too? Or is it too crazy and confusing to see everything 

3. Is there a lot to do that's free? Like I said I don't want to spend a lot of money on crafts or workshops. Can I just go to see things and not have to spend a ton of money?

4. VIP tickets or just general admission? What is better?

5. Would my friend who just reads the books for the story enjoy it?

Basically I just want to know if going to Dragonsteel would be worth the money, if it would be fun to go to, or if it's just too big of an event that I would be completely overwhelmed and not be able to enjoy myself. Thanks!

1. & 3. The only thing you need to spend to have a good time is a ticket for general admission. There is so much to do, and I really enjoyed myself there, even though I didn't buy anything.

2. Dragonsteel Nexus 2024 was my first convention, and it was super friendly and, yes, a bit chaotic, but name a large social event that isn't, but I would recommend going with someone, as you said you would be bringing someone

4. I can't speak on this one, I've never had a VIP pass before.

5. There are plenty of good panels that don't involve wanting to know anything deeper and just enjoying the story and characters.

Really, whether or not you feel it would be worth it depends on your personal preferences and how much you are a fan of Sanderson.

Hope that helps!

[#1 Taln Fan he/him]

On 5/15/2025 at 6:26 PM, Nugget said:

I apologize in advance if this is in the wrong place, I haven't posted before.

 

I am an avid Brandon Sanderson fan, and this year I was considering going to Dragonsteel Nexus 2025. I would take a friend with me who isn't as in depth of a fan as I am, so I have a few questions. 

1. Is it too expensive? I realize that tickets are expensive, and I'm assuming that the merch is also going to be. I am the kind of person who doesn't really want to spend $50 on a book, or things like that.

2. Is the event super chaotic? I've never been to any sort of convention, and going to this is kinda overwhelming. Is it easy for first timers to see all they want too? Or is it too crazy and confusing to see everything 

3. Is there a lot to do that's free? Like I said I don't want to spend a lot of money on crafts or workshops. Can I just go to see things and not have to spend a ton of money?

4. VIP tickets or just general admission? What is better?

5. Would my friend who just reads the books for the story enjoy it?

Basically I just want to know if going to Dragonsteel would be worth the money, if it would be fun to go to, or if it's just too big of an event that I would be completely overwhelmed and not be able to enjoy myself. Thanks!

Sorry for the late response, but:
1.) Can't know for sure, but the signed/numbered book bundle (with swag related to the book) will probably be $80ish, if I remember correctly from Wind and Truth. But you'll also be able to purchase just the book by itself (though likely not signed/numbered) at the con. (For the normal price) But how much you spend on merch otherwise is up to you. Personally I ended up wanting to spend a lot, just because there were a ton of exhibitors who had stuff I found cool (especially artwork), but that varies person to person. 
2) Yep it's chaotic, but you should be able to see the things you want to see, as long as there's not scheduling conflicts. It's crowded, but not so much you can't get around
3) Pretty much everything is free, I didn't pay for anything other than my badge/swag, and I did everything I wanted and had a great time. The only big thing that I can think of that costs extra money is the Worldhopper Ball (which I didn't attend, but which I heard was awesome), but that's fully optional. 
4) You may have seen Brandon's weekly updates recently, but there won't be VIP tickets this year, just general admission
5) I'd say so - I've brought my roomate one year and my brother another year - neither were super crazy into the books like me, but both had a good time. There's several panels, activities, and things to buy that aren't even specific to Brandon's books. And for me at least, the most fun part of the con is just hanging out with other nerds