A Convention That Cares: Talking Tremendicon With Ida Doden

Welcome to the table,

As a Game Director, writer, and journalist, I spend a good deal of my time sitting at my desk working on various projects, sitting in development meetings, and reviewing card and role-playing games.

When I do leave my desk, it’s either for some fun excursion to a farmers market or some tucked-away antique store with my wife, or to a comics convention or pop culture show.

Now, all of these places have considerations in regard to navigation from the seat of my wheelchair, as farmers’ markets are often not in spaces that allow for level ground, and antique shops are oft full of towers of paper-thin glass cups waiting for someone to breathe just the right way to send them tumbling down in a cacophony of chaos.

However, the former of those spaces listed, even with all said considerations, pale in comparison to the absolute obstacle course of bodies, costumes, and cords that a convention or pop culture show can be. This difficult landscape can often make working in and exploring these spaces anything but enjoyable and sometimes takes quite the toll on a person who explores the space we call life with different tools and skills than one who may be labeled as “able-bodied.”

As a bit of fresh air, my friends David and Amy Stainfield have been putting on a convention known as Tremendicon, and it seems with each year that they put on the show they do more and more to consider everyone who inhabits the pop culture fandom spaces in a way that is not only meaningful and heartwarming, but feels like there are real people at working trying to do more than just checking the proverbial box.

I was offered the opportunity to sit down with Ida Doden, whose charge as part of the Tremendicon team is to break down some of the financial and social barriers that can at times become prohibitive to those who may find difficulty in the conventional convention experience.

Anton: Thank you for sitting down with me Ida, can you please tell our readers a little about yourself?

Ida: I’m grateful for the opportunity to join you today. For my day job, I’m immersed in the world of banking as a compliance officer. However, outside of office hours, I’m involved in organizing Tremendicon, one of the most esteemed conventions in our region. Tremendicon serves as a haven for creativity and expression, offering a sanctuary from the routine of everyday life.

Through Tremendicon, I’ve found a meaningful platform to extend this creative sanctuary to individuals with developmental disabilities. We provide reduced-price tickets and welcome gifts to participants in our program called The Danger Initiative. This year, I’m excited to announce a partnership with 417GameSidekicks, creating a dedicated space where our guests can seek advice, ask questions, and ensure they have the most unforgettable weekend possible.

This cause holds a special place in my heart, as it allows me to bridge the gap between privilege and accessibility, offering opportunities that many may take for granted. I’m deeply committed to ensuring that Tremendicon remains an inclusive space where everyone, regardless of background or ability, can come together to celebrate creativity and community.

Anton: How long have you been working with Tremendicon?

Ida: My journey with Tremendicon began as a volunteer, stepping up to manage Registration. Little did I know the magnitude of the task I had taken on—it was certainly a labor of love! As the first year unfolded, I found myself drawn deeper into the inner workings of the convention.

Feeling compelled to further invest in its success, I decided to elevate my involvement. By the time the second year approached, I made the leap to join the board. It was a decision driven by a desire to contribute more substantially to Tremendicon’s growth and evolution. To my surprise and delight, I was entrusted with the role of vice president, a position I proudly assumed as we embarked on our second year.

Anton: Can you tell us a little bit about your role with the Tremendicon team?

Ida: The joy of assisting with projects like Tremendicon is you get to wear many hats, and learn many skills. I continue to run registration, just like my first year. I oversee the Danger Initiative, I’m on the committee that plans the Saturday night entertainment, and I assist with coordinating the volunteers. I also serve as the de facto ‘complaint department,’ something I carry over from my day job. I firmly believe that listening to feedback, even complaints, is crucial for identifying areas of improvement. While we may not be able to address every concern, understanding attendee, vendor, and guest feedback enables us to continuously enhance the overall experience.

This multifaceted role not only allows me to contribute my expertise but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring that Tremendicon remains a pinnacle of excellence in the convention landscape.

Anton: Now you have a personal connection to the disabled community, can you tell us a little bit about that?

Ida: Growing up, my brother faced challenges in connecting with others and forming friendships This was a time when they didn’t know much about autism, but they knew my brother was different. Despite numerous misdiagnoses, it wasn’t until later that he was accurately diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, shortly after its inclusion in the DSM. He’s high functioning but he struggles, mostly with social ques. Following the loss of our mother when we were young adults, I made the decision to take on the responsibility of overseeing my brother’s care. It’s been a profound and sometimes arduous journey, but I’m immensely proud of his resilience and determination. I am grateful to have been by his side every step of the way.

Due to the trials and tribulations of my brother’s journey, I know how hard and isolating it can be to be different. If I can bring even a moment of joy or comfort to someone navigating their own path, then every trial and tribulation along the way will have been worthwhile.

Anton: I’ve been a guest at this show in previous years and know that care was taken to make sure that there were accommodations but from what I have been told there have been strides to further expand the program. Can you tell me a little bit about the work you are now doing with 417GameSidekicks?

Ida: David Allen and his son Matthew were inspired to create 417GameSidekicks after witnessing firsthand the challenges faced by disabled individuals in convention spaces. They observed their friend Joe Ryan sitting alone at gaming conventions, unnoticed or perhaps misunderstood by passers by. Recognizing the importance of inclusivity and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate, David invited me to join their mission.

Although a newly established non-profit organization, 417GameSidekicks is driven by a vision to expand its reach beyond conventions and into community events, advocating for inclusivity and accessibility in all community spaces. Through our collective efforts, we aim to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, has a seat at the table and ‘Everyone Plays!”

Anton: Now our readers are all over the planet and travel far and wide for conventions, I for one think Tremendicon is in the early stages of being something so important to the larger pop culture conversation, and it’s coming up soon! Can you tell our readers when the show is and where they can follow and reach out to join you and see all the good work being done?

Ida: You can witness the creativity and excitement at The Oasis Hotel and Convention Center in Springfield, Missouri Friday, May, 31st through June 2nd. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TicTok, and Twitter. You can also visit our website, Tremendicon.com.

Anton: Before we wrap up for now, I want to take a second to thank you and ask that you relay my thanks to the whole team. I know I appreciate what you are doing and as someone who works at the cross-section of advocacy and pop culture, I can say with zero hyperbole that this is huge and it does not go unnoticed.

Ida: I think I can speak for the entire team when I say your praise means so much to us. Thank you for your kind words.

Until next time friends, Tremendicon is May 31st – June 2nd in Springfield MO. You can find more at the link and if you are looking for a fun weekend at a small but quickly growing convention, you are sure to have a good time!