The 5 Best Things About CommandFest Orlando

Hey friends! My name is Beth, otherwise known as the Queen of Cardboard. CommandFest Orlando is coming once again this month, October 20-22nd, and I felt inclined to tell you the 5 best things about these events. My first Coolstuff, Inc. event was last year and since then I have attended every CommandFest in Orlando. Whether you're already going or you're on the fence, let me share with you the reasons why you might want to attend.

Artist Alley

If you've ever been to a convention, you're probably familiar with the Artist Alley. If you've ever been to a MagicCon event, you are also familiar with the insane lines to get your favorite artists to sign a card or playmat. One of my favorite things about CommandFest Orlando is that they have a mix of established artists and newer Magic artists. I was able to have an entire playmat sketched on by multiple artists at my first CF Orlando, get a unicorn signed by Alayna Danner with her signature rainbow, and have chats with Mark Poole. At bigger events, I've never had the time to get to know and meet artists like this. In October, you'll get to meet Andrea Radeck, the visionary behind Rarity and my favorite token Rabbit, as well as Jake Murray, Bruce Brenneise, and Andre Garcia. If you're a fan of Artist Proofs or one-of-a-kind artist pieces like I am, you're bound to spend some time supporting the people who make Magic: The Gathering come to life.

Content Creator Corner

MTGNerdGirl and her team at Top Deck Studios do an amazing job of making sure you get to spend time with creators you'll enjoy. From VeggieWagon's cosplay contest to creator clashes, you'll spend all weekend mingling with some really cool people. CF Orlando was where I got to meet Prof from Tolarian Community College, Voxy, and the Nitpicking Nerds. My favorite thing about the clashes is your CommandFest ticket will come with a few commander entry tickets and you can use these here to play with your favorite creators and earn prizes off the prize wall. It's a Win-Win. If you're about special access, VIP ticket holders get one-on-one access Saturday morning with all the creators in attendance.

Access for All

CoolStuffInc is great about having affordable packages no matter your budget. If you're only able to attend for one day, that package is under $100, and for those wanting the full experience and all the swag, there's a VIP package that includes multiple promo cards, tokens, and a gorgeous playmat. In addition to being monetarily attainable, CoolStuffInc's events are especially accessible to handicapped people, like myself, and the LGTBQIA+ community, with a special raffle during this upcoming event supporting the Trevor Project. In addition to supporting charity, staff are on hand to make sure that your event experience is comfortable and safe.

Delivery to the Con

We've all had that moment where leading up to an event we are looking for a card or product. For me, I'm usually in need of sleeves, spicy singles, and more. One of my favorite things about CoolStuffInc is that they'll deliver to the con for pickup. It's kind of like Uber for cards. You can order as late as Friday evening to get your order delivered and ready for easy pick up at the CoolStuffInc booth with FREE shipping. For those of us who are traveling from out of state and may not have a car, this is a super convenient option for getting the things you need.

The Events

With three jam-packed days, there is something for everyone. If you're not a commander player and you came because you like to play Magic, there are some spicy drafts you may not see anywhere else. This CommandFest includes a Khans of Tarkir Draft, Double Masters 2022 Sealed, and Wilds of Eldraine draft and that's just on Friday. In addition to daily scheduled events, there are also a ton of on-demand events running all weekend including 2 Headed Giant, CEDH, Planeschase, and other limited drafts. Personally, I'll be at Creator Clash all weekend so I hope to get to meet some of you there.

Conclusion

CommandFest Orlando is coming up soon and I'm excited to once again be spending it with the CoolStuffInc family. If this one's not in the cards for you, I hope you'll give one of their events a chance in the future because they are simply the best. If you were on the fence, pick up your ticket now, I promise it'll be worth it. If you were already going, I can't wait to meet you there! You can swing by and meet me in the creator corner every day for signings, games, and more!