Panama City, FL, July 9, 2018 – Panama City’s Creative Con returns for the ninth year from September 22 – 23 to continue celebrating, connecting and inspiring creative minds. The conference allows attendees to connect with dozens of creative professionals, learn best practices and participate in hands-on workshops. There are also activities planned for the whole family including a gaming room, cosplay panels and contests, trivia contests, vendors and more.

“This event is all about bringing like-minded people together,” says Jayson Kretzer, Creative Con president. “We hope everyone who is passionate about pursing a creative profession will learn something about their field and help inspire other attendees.”

This year’s event will feature CONversations, 12-18-minute talks from creative professionals who have succeeded in their industries by following their passions. Topics will range from time management to the creative process. These talks will inspire and empower attendees to pursue a career in their chosen field.

This year’s event will feature professional authors, animators, artists and more. Rob Guillory, an Eisner and Harvey Award-winning artist best known for his work on Image Comics’ CHEW, will be speaking to attendees. Destinee Steele, an award-winning wig and makeup artist, will discuss her passions. Steele is a Panama City native and has worked for many companies such as the Santa Fe Opera, Opera Philadelphia, Chicago Opera Theatre and the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Ken Kelly, artist of two KISS album covers, will also discuss his craft.

This year’s conference will feature a screening of KEDi, an award-winning documentary on the stray cats of Istanbul. Time magazine listed KEDi as one of its top ten films of 2017. KEDi tells the story of hundreds of thousands of Turkish cats that roam the metropolis of Istanbul freely. The screening will be on Saturday at 6 p.m. at the Marina Civic Center.

Sunday will feature the favorited cosplay contests. A junior costume contest, for kids ages 12 & under, will be held at 1pm on the main stage. Ages 13 & up can participate in the general cosplay contest at 3 p.m. on the main stage. Awards include best in show, best prop, best craftsmanship, judge’s choice and best group.

Tickets are now on sale. Passes range from $50 for a VIP weekend pass to $15 for single day passes. Children 6 & under are free. To purchase tickets, visit www.pccreativecon.com.