Best Cosplay at NYWC 2019

The National Youth Workers Convention is definitely a convention, rather than a conference. They each have their place, but they are different. For example, conventions have a lot more venders, it has a more relaxed feeling, and there is a lot more focus on networking. I have been to several video game and comic book conventions, and they feel very similar.

Up until this year, though, there had been one glaring difference between NYWC and all the other “nerd culture” conventions I had attended — cosplay (that is wearing costumes for those of you non-nerds). Well, this year, that all changed.

I present to you some of the best cosplay at NYWC 2019.

STORM-
TROOPER

With the popularity of The Mandalorian and also The Rise of Skywalker bringing an end to the beloved Star Wars saga, we found a Stormtrooper wandering around the exhibition hall.

(Thanks to Bryan Barrineau for the photo.)

T-REX

Of course, everyone’s favorite youth group mascot, the inflatable T-Rex also had to make an appearance.

CHRISTMAS TREE

Christmas is right around the corner, so of course, we had to have a Christmas Tree walking around NYWC 2019.

SANTA CLAUS

Not to be outdone, Santa made an appearance at the convention. Apparently his beard was really a wig, but I couldn’t tell.

LLAMA

Download Youth Ministry has really leaned into their Llama Party recently, and they even brought a llama with them to NYWC 2019.

MIDDLE SCHOOLER

Okay, it was actually performing artist PEABOD singing his song, Backpack, but doesn’t he look like a lot of the middle school students in your ministry?

These costumed characters certainly added a lot more fun to the National Youth Workers Convention this year. The big question is if this will continue to be a thing moving forward. Will this convention begin to look like San Diego Comic-Con? Probably not, but some of us certainly wouldn’t be disappointed if we did see more costumes next year!