What is MISTI-Con?

MISTI-Con is an immersive fandom event focused on the Wizarding World. MISTI-Cons have historically been held biennially. In 2023, we will be returning to our original location - the Margate Resort in Laconia, New Hampshire. Designed to fill the need for smaller, more intimate events, MISTI-Con will be limited to 350 attendees. MISTI-Con: The 10 Year Reunion is the fifth iteration of MISTI-Con.

MISTI-CON’s HISTORY And Themes

Each MISTI-Con has been developed based on an "in-universe" theme that serves as the backdrop for the immersive experience, the decorations, and the program booklet.

In 2013, the Minister of Magic authorized the creation of MISTI-Con, The Ministerial Interdepartmental Service Training Institute, as a center designed to find the brightest, most talented wizards to fill the positions of the many staff lost in the second Wizarding War.

After the success of that event, with our strength renewed, the Minister declared a new initiative to repair relations with our wizarding brethren around the world, which became MISTI-Con 2015: The Wizarding World’s Fair.

In 2017, in remembrance of the 20th anniversary of the publication of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, the Ministry decreed that the Service Training Initiative should meticulously recreate the environment and details of that world, and the specific locations, events, and stories described therein.

In 2019, The Ministry's interest became focused on the idea of time (both past and future) and so the Service Training Institute was once again activated. This time the Institute explored all of the amazing past accomplishments and the future developments of the Wizarding World, thus the theme of “Wizarding Through the Ages”!

For 2023, after a long hiatus, the Ministry leapt into action, this time convening a Reunion of the initial Institute, at its original location, as we gather to remember, regroup, and rebuild after even more difficult times.

Additional Information About MISTI-Con

+ What do we mean by an "immersive event"?

The event has exclusive use of all the conference rooms and facilities. This allows us to create an engaging environment where our guests can participate and indulge as much or as little as they wish. MISTI-Con fundamentally believes that the Wizarding fandom’s greatest strength lies in its creativity and participatory nature. Almost all of our programming is designed to be focused on our guests, making you active contributors to the event.

While many attendees and staff of MISTI-Con cosplay, and some attendees role play, there are many people at the event interested in other aspects of fandom. Every attendee of MISTI-Con is free to engage with the fandom in all the ways that are interesting and appealing to them, and MISTI-Con is dedicated to encouraging all aspects of fandom.

MISTI-Con provides a wealth of programming from a wide variety of passionate presenters. Many apply their expertise in their own fields, be it in psychology, biology, or anything in between. Yet others provide in-depth textual analysis, or discuss how the fandom inspires people to do good in the world. There’s enough knowledge presented at MISTI-Con to satiate even the most eager Ravenclaw.

In addition to the discussion-based programming, a wealth of other formal programming is presented concurrently at MISTI-Con. Those who want to be active can take dance classes. The performers can partake in improv workshops. For the crafty attendees, there is a host of crafting presentations, covering everything from wands to scrapbooks to bowtruckles. There are opportunities to share fanfiction, fanart, tattoos, or music. And for those feeling reflective or nostalgic, there is programming about the fandom itself – the kind that can only come from fans who’ve been immersed in the wizarding world for a good long while.

And if the rigor of formal programming ever proves too much, there are also more informal meetups at MISTI-Con where like-minded individuals can gather and just hang out, chatting or knitting or reading together.

+ What does the name "MISTI-Con" stand for?

The acronym "MISTI" stands for Ministry Interdepartmental Service Training Institute, which represents our convention's overall "in-character" theme. The theme and structure of the programming was initially based on the idea that the Ministry holds these events as training sessions for employees following the Second Wizarding War. Many of the programs include additional elements that allow the con participants to be an active part of this story-line, and the programs and decorations are "ministry themed."

While all con-goers are invited to participate, it is not necessary to do so, and all con-programming will be accessible to everyone.

+ Do I need to have attended previous MISTI-Cons to be able to attend the Reunion?

Emphatic no! First-time attendees are welcome and strongly encouraged to attend - we would love to welcome you into the MISTI-Con community! "Reunion" is just the theme for the weekend - if this is your first MISTI-Con, you can think of it as your chance to "reunite" with the wizarding fandom, whatever that means to you. If you're feeling nervous or have any questions that aren't answered on this site, just send us a note at info@misti-con.com, and we'd be happy to do whatever we can to help you feel at home!

+ Since this is a "Ministry"-themed con, should I avoid wearing student robes, cosplaying as Hogwarts staff, or talking about my favorite characters?

Please feel free to wear any costume and discuss any topic at MISTI-Con! The "Ministry" theme may be used in some, though by no means all, of our programming, but it should not be a limitation to anyone!

+ Will I be sorted into a House or Ministry Department at MISTI-Con?

No - there will be no official sorting at MISTI-Con, though you are welcome to self-identify as a member of any house, school, or other affiliation.

+ Is MISTI-Con family friendly?

Yes! Teenagers between the ages of 13-17 are welcome to attend with a "Student Pass" registration. They may attend any programming activities not specified as 18+. They do not need to be chaperoned during the day, but must be accompanied by their adult any time after 11pm.

Children between the ages of 7-12 will be allowed to attend the convention with a "Guided Pass" registration. Anyone with a "Guided Pass" may attend at any program not specified as 18+, but needs to be chaperoned by their "Guide" at all times. It is the responsibility of the Guide to ensure that the program is appropriate for the child. Full descriptions of all programming will be provided in multiple locations, including online, in our con program, and in some cases, on the doors of the conference rooms. If you have any questions about a particular program, you can contact us and we will answer as best as we are able.

The Guide for MISTI-Con attendees under 13 must be a parent or legal guardian who has purchased a standard registration. There are three reasons for this:

  1. MISTI-Con programming is focused on themes, events and activities that hold primary appeal to adults, even though the source material appeals to all ages. We are limited in scope and resources and are unable to provide comprehensive alternative programs for children.
  2. We are dedicated to making sure all of the programs are uninterrupted and unlimited in subject matter. Each Guide is responsible for ensuring proper decorum during panels and programming.
  3. We cannot be responsible for the material that your child may encounter that would be considered inappropriate.

Children under 7 do not need to be registered for MISTI-Con. They may be present at the event and are welcome in most convention areas as long as they are supervised at all times and not disruptive to programming or other attendees. No childcare will be provided.

All costumes and attire must be at least PG-13 appropriate at all times.

+ What is MISTI-Con's position on JKR and the current state of the fandom?

MISTI-Con categorically stands behind our trans and non-binary wizarding folk, and will not undertake any activities or hold programs that personally support JKR or her discriminatory and hurtful views. We hope that you will stand with MISTI-Con in support of transgender, intersex, and gender nonconforming folx and we invite you to join our campaign to raise funds for Transgender Law Center. In honor of 10 years of MISTI-Con, we are asking for contributions of $10/person, but feel free to give more or less - any amount helps! All proceeds from our fundraising campaign will go DIRECTLY to Transgender Law Center.