1. Let’s start with the epic origin story: how did Oz Con begin, and for how many years now?
CJ: “In 2013, what started as a simple idea quickly became something much bigger than any of us expected. A group of students, faculty, and staff at MSU got together with a shared question: How many people could we get to sit down and play Dungeons & Dragons? It felt like a long shot, something fun, maybe a little ambitious, but nothing too serious. Then the doors opened… and they just kept coming. Seventy people showed up! What we thought would be a small gathering turned into something electric. Dice were rolling, stories were unfolding, and there was this undeniable energy in the room, like we had tapped into something that had been waiting to happen. And that’s when the idea hit us: What if this could be something more? So in 2014, we took the leap and created OzCon. We hoped people would come, but we never imagined the response. Over 250 attendees walked through the doors of that very first convention, filling the space with creativity, camaraderie, and a shared love of all things geek. What began as a single experiment didn’t just succeed; it grew. Year after year, OzCon evolved, eventually becoming a full-fledged non-profit organization. Today, it stands as something far greater than we first imagined, hosting multiple events throughout the year and continuing to bring people together through the magic of storytelling, gaming, and community. Now over 1400 people attend OzCon, and over 1750 people attend OzFaire, our Renaissance festival!”
2. What got you personally into nerd culture growing up to the present? Why do you cherish it?
Breanna: “I have a wonderful nerdy mother who introduced me! She has a great love for pop culture and is very open to many new things. I personally found anime by watching Digimon on Disney’s Jetix. Nerd culture is something that helped bring out my creativity and love for drawing. It’s also been something that has opened many avenues for me and introduced me to wonderful people.”
CJ: “My friends and I had always leaned toward the nerdy side of life, drawn to the strange, the fantastical, and the wonderfully geeky, but the moment it truly clicked, the moment it became something more, was one unforgettable night in the fall of 1996. A friend, Mike Homes, and his son Mycroft invited us over for what would be our very first game of Dungeons & Dragons. We didn’t know it yet, but we were stepping into something that would stick with us for life. The game unfolded in a basement library, walls lined with books, shadows pooling in the corners, the air thick with mystery and imagination. It felt like we’d crossed into another world before the first dice even hit the table. And once they did, that was it, we were hooked. From that night on, we weren’t just fans of nerd culture… we were part of it.”
3. Tell us about the team that makes this great show possible.
Breanna: “My team has a great love for nerd culture as well as the community as a whole! They are dedicated to bringing the fun of con to our community and to those who have never experienced something like this. While many of us are very busy with our day-to-day jobs/lives, we take the time to make this event possible.”
CJ: “The honest answer is simple: people. We’re incredibly fortunate to have an amazing staff, truly the kind of team you couldn’t build better if you tried. But beyond that, we’re backed by some of the most dedicated volunteers you’ll find anywhere. Year after year, they show up, give their time, their energy, and their passion, all to help make OzCon bigger, better, and more memorable than the last. That doesn’t mean it’s easy. There are long days, tough moments, and times when the challenges feel heavy. We get tired. We get discouraged. But we never stop. Because at the end of it all, we remember why we do this. Every ounce of effort, every late night, every obstacle we push through, it all goes toward something bigger than us. It goes toward helping kids in our community. And that purpose is what keeps us moving forward, every single year.”
4. What traits does a con committee need to make their show run smoothly?
Breanna: “Dedicated, passionate, caring, and hard working. It is also important that our team can problem solve, like in most jobs, things come up, and we need to be able to handle any situation. I know this team can and will! A great example is how they took action during Flood Con. Something unexpected but nonetheless quick on their feet.”
CJ: “What makes a convention committee truly work isn’t just skill, it’s heart. The biggest thing I look for in team members is passion. That drive to step in, figure things out, and get the job done no matter what comes up. Just as important is a shared belief in our mission; everyone has to care about why we’re doing this, not just what we’re doing. And there will always be obstacles. Plans change, things go wrong, stress builds, but the right team doesn’t break under that pressure. They adapt, support each other, and keep moving forward. But maybe the most important piece? We’re not just a committee, we’re a community. At the end of the day, we sit down together, play games, share meals, laugh, and genuinely enjoy each other’s company.”
5. How did your collaboration start with your charity? Why is this cause special to you guys?
CJ: “From the very beginning, even before we ever became a nonprofit, one thing was clear to us: we wanted whatever we built to help kids. That mission was there from day one. So when we eventually decided to take things further and create something of our own, becoming a nonprofit wasn’t a hard choice; it was the natural next step. We weren’t just looking to run events; we wanted to make a real difference, to build something that was bigger than all of us. That’s where our name, Always a Future for Kids, came from. It reflects exactly what we believe, that every kid deserves opportunity, support, and hope. And, being gamers at heart, we couldn’t resist the perfect fit of “AFK” as a nod to our roots. It started as an idea, but it stuck because it meant something, and it still does today.”
6. How do the students at the local college help with this event?
CJ: “Even though this is no longer a University event, the students at MSU-West Plains still get involved. They even have a Community Service-oriented organization called Game Changers that every year goes out of its way to help, along with most of the University Ambassadors.”
7. How do you come up with your yearly themes?
Breanna: “Our yearly themes can be decided based on many different things. Years past it was fun ideas that the team could think of that would entail a great design. For these more current years, we have started to aim to have it match either a guest(s) or an event!”
8. What is this year’s theme? 🙂
Breanna: “This year’s theme is good vs evil. Which we like to see as superheroes vs villains! We even have a D&D live show happening that will incorporate this theme.”
9. What do you look for in a guest?
Breanna: “It can really depend on the type of guest. For a Voice actor (VA), we typically want one that could voice a variety of anime/cartoons. Cosplayers want someone who is passionate about their craft. This year, we have started to dive back more into our roots of gaming and have Bec Godsey joining us this year!”
CJ: “I really want a variety. We want to make sure all of our Tracts have great people in them from Authors, Actors, Crafters, and such. It makes for a great event!”
10. Why would a vendor want to be a part of Oz Con?
Breanna: “To some vendors, when they hear a gaming convention, they can tend to be a bit wary, but with OzCon, while we are gaming, we have a great crowd for vendors! Many of our guests come mainly just for the vendors. They do partake in other things but while there are those who are there strictly for games, they tend to come for vendors. We also try to make sure our vendors are taken care of and helped when we can.”
11. How do you market your convention? What secrets have worked for you that you’re willing to share with other show chairs?
Breanna: “Personally, I have found that how we treat our guests is a way to help spread the word. We’ve been told by numerous guests that our convention feels like a family and is very welcoming. This tends to also make the guests themselves excited and potentially want to work with us again, giving us good press when it comes to their own social media.”
CJ: “We take care of our guests like they’re friends, not just names on a flyer. We want them to have an incredible experience, every bit as much as our attendees do. When guests feel welcomed, valued, and genuinely enjoy themselves, that energy carries outward. They talk about it, they come back, and they bring others with them. We also don’t try to be something we’re not. We let people see us for who we really are: passionate, a little nerdy, and here to have a good time. That authenticity connects with people in a way polished marketing alone never can. And over time, something really special happens: those guests stop feeling like guests. They become part of the OzCon family. If there’s any secret to it, that’s it, build real connections, create an experience people want to talk about, and treat everyone like they belong. The rest tends to follow.”
12. Tell us what’s going to happen at this year’s event.
Breanna: “We have MANY events happening! One I have mentioned is our very first live D&D show. This will be held in the theater where a live audience can be, as well as streamed! We have Warhammer 40k, where many come to play, guest panels, workshops, and even a play. There is also, of course, our cosplay contest that features beginner cosplayers all the way to craftsman cosplayers!”
CJ: “We’ve got an amazing D&D live show this year, one we’re equal parts nervous and excited about, and that kind of energy is exactly what keeps things fresh and fun for us. Of course, we’ll always love our vendors, our panels, and especially our game rooms; they’re the heartbeat of OzCon. But more than anything, we’re really focused on getting back to the essence of what makes a gaming convention special: people coming together to play, to connect, and to share in that experience. That’s the future we’re building toward. And we don’t pretend to have it all figured out; we genuinely want feedback. Hearing from our attendees, our guests, and our community helps us grow and make each year better than the last.”
13. Why should someone consider coming to Oz Con?
Breanna: “With us being smaller, I find it less overwhelming. We have multiple events and activities for an attendee to attend, but we also do not have to worry about there being a huge area to cover. It makes your experience more personal and more achievable to attend multiple games and panels. I have also personally made many great connections prior to being chair, just from OzCon, where at other bigger cons it has been harder to do.”
CJ: “At its heart, OzCon is about community. It’s a place where you’re not just another badge in the crowd, you’re part of something. Whether you’re diving into a game for the first time, joining a panel, exploring vendors, or just hanging out in a game room, there’s a sense that you belong there. We’ve worked hard to get back to the roots of what makes a gaming convention special: people sitting down together, rolling dice, sharing stories, and creating memories. Add in passionate guests, welcoming volunteers, and an atmosphere that feels more like a gathering of friends than a formal event, and it becomes something pretty unique. OzCon isn’t just something you attend; it’s something you become a part of.”
14. How would you describe Oz Con in five adjectives and/or a tagline?
CJ: “I have never thought about a tagline, but I would probably say something like ‘Where Gaming Becomes Community.'”
Breanna: “Five adjectives for me would be: Welcoming, imaginative, community-driven, inclusive, and unforgettable.”
15. Are there events for all ages?
Breanna: “Yes! We are a family-friendly event; most, if not all, are for everyone. There are, of course, a few games that are for adults and are marked as such. That being said, the majority are geared for all ages.”
16. Where can attendees go during the show (gaming rooms, panels, vendors, food, etc)?
Breanna: “We have numerous things attendees can go to during con. We’ll have everything from RPGs, digital, tabletop, and card games to play. We also have demos, workshops, and panels! Of course, a go-to is our vendors to check out their merch. There will be food and drink vendors open while the vending area is open.”
17. What is your goal for your guests?
Breanna: “My goal for our guests is for them to be able to enjoy their time. I want our guests to have at least one experience that makes them excited for next year or even another convention for them to attend next.”
CJ: “Every guest who walks through our doors brings a story with them, and we genuinely love being a part of those stories. Some guests, like Knightmage, have become more than just featured names at the con; they’ve become family. That’s something really special to us. We don’t just host guests; we build relationships. And one of the best feelings? After the event is over, we’ll get messages from guests asking if they can come back next year. That says everything. It means they didn’t just attend OzCon, they experienced it, connected with it, and want to be part of it again. And for us, that’s what it’s all about.”
18. How is the cosplay circuit at Oz Con?
Breanna: “I would say we see many up-and-coming cosplayers and those just learning how to make cosplay, all the way up to master craftsmen! We also have a lovely number of those who just cosplay for fun and not for competition.”
19. How many vendors does the convention have?
CJ: “Unfortunately, our space limits us to about 45-50 vendors. With that being said, we have had over 80 vendors apply.”
20. Any panels you want to hype up?
Breanna: “We have many wonderful panels! For our Voice actor Alexis Tipton, mic to megaphone (Q&A)! Our cosplayers (Knightmage, Gimmie Moore, and Lady Cels) all have panels that welcome questions and learning! 2 of these are workshops by Lady Cels that are on foam armor and embellishment! This year, we also have a Nerd Informants Panel celebrating its 10th year! Also, a fun addition this year is Morgan, who is doing a writing panel but also a fun Pokémon game show!”
CJ: “I love workshops. Anytime I get to learn how to make something using hands-on skills, I’m in! There are also Stories by Rich, adults and children both love his stories!”
21. Does Oz Con have a mascot?
Breanna: “Yes, our mascot is our wizard Ozzy!”
CJ: “Ozzy is a Wizard that you see on our logo!”
22. Who makes the promotional graphics and badges for the show?
Breanna: “The man behind the curtain is our coordinator, Trevor Cressman!”
23. Are there any plans for the staff to wear a group cosplay again, like in previous years? 😉
Breanna: “There is a plan for a majority of us to wear cosplay! Unfortunately, not everyone was able to this year due to scheduling conflicts in making cosplay, but they don’t need a costume to show they are superheroes!”
24. What are your overall goals for Oz Con in the upcoming years?
Breanna: “My goal for the years to come is to bring us back to our gaming roots and dive in!”
CJ: “Breanna and I have very similar goals; we want to become the premier gaming event in Missouri. Of course, we want to keep panels, cosplay, and other awesome events, but gaming is our thing, and we want to offer great prizes and a great experience for everyone!”
25. Any final information or comments you all want to share about Oz Con and yourself?
CJ: “Thank you so much to everyone for making OzCon the best it can be. We can’t wait to see all of you every year.”
BIOS:
Breanna: I do not have any socials besides private use. You can, of course, link our website and Facebook page!
CJ: Anyone is welcome to have my Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cj.collins.426804
