I attended a pop culture convention run by friends in Indianapolis, Indiana, but it is really more of a large friend reunion for me. It was the fourth year, and it keeps getting better.

The convention is run by Adolfo and Carrie Dorta and Ed and Heather (Owens) Gonzales, all of whom I have known for more than a decade. I first met Adolfo in 2011 when he was part of a different convention, and the other three a little later. Eventually they got together to start this convention in 2020. My four friends, helped by a passionate staff, are amazingly organized and very hands-on. It is one of the best-run conventions I have ever attended.

I caught up with a lot of friends from all over the country. My artist friend A.J. Moore was selling his beautiful pop culture art. I was pleasantly surprised to run into Cam Raithel, whom I have known since she was a pre-teen. There were so many others, but I can’t list everyone.

Wyndham Indianapolis West has been the convention’s home for its four years and is my choice for accommodations. The rooms have large, comfortable beds; awesome heat and water pressure in the showers; and large flat-screen TVs. The hotel also has a 24-hour fitness center. An extra-special touch was the snack bag I received upon check-in.

Flights Craft Bar & Kitchen, an on-site restaurant, served fantastic food. The highlight was the crab cake trio, with apple fennel slaw and smoked grapefruit aioli. I also enjoyed the goat cheese pecan salad, crab coconut risotto and vegetarian sliders. The attentive and engaging staff was a bonus. The convenience was a factor, but the food was the main reason for return trips.

Before leaving, I had already made reservations for next year. I even added an extra day to spend more time checking out downtown Indy.

— John Wroblewski, online writer