Geek Girl Con (GGC), a beloved pop culture convention located in Seattle, is reaching out to the Washington geek and nerd community for assistance as it confronts significant financial hardship that threatens the continuation of its events beyond 2025.
In an email dated May 6, GGC informed its annual attendees about the precarious state of its finances, and the message was echoed on their official Instagram account.
Celebrating its 15th anniversary, GGC is a non-profit organization that has garnered attention for empowering women in STEM, pop culture, and creating a safe environment for geeks and nerds of all backgrounds.
Since its inception in 2011, the convention has evolved significantly, often selling out its tickets — notably achieving a sold-out event in 2014 with an attendance of 5,700.
However, the post-COVID landscape has seen a decline in attendance, with the convention transitioning to virtual formats for two years and then returning in 2022 as a one-day event instead of its usual two-day format.
The GGC board, including treasurer Mary Kimball, has been deliberating the possibility of not hosting the 2026 convention for the past few years.
Their concerns intensified following the completion of venue arrangements for GGC 2025, raising alarms that the upcoming convention may not achieve the same level of success as prior years.
In an effort to remedy the financial crisis, the board explored relocating from the Washington State Convention Center to a more affordable venue such as the Lynnwood Convention Center or event spaces at the University of Washington.
Yet, both potential venues failed to meet the accessibility and cultural integration standards critical to GGC’s mission.
“We would save money in some aspects but in others we wouldn’t,” Kimball stated, emphasizing that the organization seeks to remain integral to the Seattle pop culture scene.
The board ultimately decided to retain the downtown Seattle location, recognizing its cultural significance, accessibility, and connections to transportation.
However, the decision to maintain the current venue comes with considerable financial strain, with venue costs alone consuming around 60% of GGC’s budget annually.
Inflation has affected venue rental prices in Seattle, adding to GGC’s financial woes.
Despite collaborative efforts with the convention center to mitigate costs, the board has found it impossible to sidestep the impacts of inflation, according to Kimball.
The fall in attendee registrations, combined with rising venue costs, has severely impacted GGC’s net revenue.
In 2019, GGC’s revenue reached $280,796—covering expenses of $238,829—yielding a net income of $49,544.
That year is remembered as a high point, both in terms of financial success and attendance.
The following years, however, tell a different story.
The 2020 virtual event generated only $39,788, falling short of covering expenses of $48,890, resulting in a net loss of $9,102.
Similarly, the subsequent year mirrored this troubling trend.
With the return of in-person conventions in 2022, GGC’s finances improved slightly, with revenue totaling $162,696 against expenses of $134,307, and achieving a net income of $28,389.
This modest recovery was bolstered by a $59,000 grant from the state’s COVID relief program; without it, GGC would have faced a loss of over $30,000.
Unfortunately, the organization has not received further grants since then, hindering their efforts to stabilize finances.
As of 2023, GGC’s financial situation appears dire, with revenues and expenses both remaining in similar low ranges, leading to a negative net income.
Currently, the operational costs for GGC 2025 are projected at $240,212, including $152,885 allocated for venue rental and an additional $9,548 for operational expenses.
Program costs—including travel for guests and materials for the event—add significant expenses.
The City of Seattle’s requirement for General Liability insurance also increases the financial burden on the convention.
GGC faces expenses accumulating from various fees and taxes, pushing total costs to a staggering $240,212.
In light of these challenges, GGC aims to raise significant funds in the coming months to avoid cancellation of future events.
The organization is targeting $50,000 from corporate sponsorships and grants, alongside an ambitious goal of raising $25,000 through individual donations.
To promote attendance, they are also looking to sell an extra 400 passes for the upcoming GGC 2025.
In a bid to maintain accessibility, the board has committed to not raising ticket prices.
Just last year, the price had already increased—from $30 for a one-day ticket to $45 and from $45 for two days to $75.
The board has expressed a strong commitment to keep the convention affordable, especially for those facing financial hardships, by offering ticket scholarships.
Moreover, to bolster their fundraising efforts, GGC plans to appoint a dedicated sponsorship and grants manager to help generate an additional $50,000 this year.
The board is strategizing ways to cut operational costs, negotiate vendor rates, and maintain a CD investment strategy with existing cash reserves.
Their initiatives also include reducing the monthly operational footprint by recruiting more volunteers to assist with managing the convention effectively.
In encouraging community support, GGC is urging supporters to donate through their donation tab, purchase tickets for GGC 2025, or acquire merchandise from prior conventions.
The board has already witnessed a significant uptick in community support since their initial announcement, with over a thousand dollars raised in donations and increased ticket sales.
“The beauty of GGC’s success this year will lie on the community,” said Kimball.
Both Kimball and GGC President Hadeel Jeanne remain optimistic about the future of GGC 2026.
“Every single dollar we receive—from donations, passes, merch, or partnerships—goes directly into putting on the convention and supporting the organization,” Jeanne explained.
She emphasized that Geek Girl Con is not merely a convention but a home for individuals who have often felt excluded from other spaces, celebrating inclusivity and creativity within the geek community.
In closing, the GGC board is appealing to supporters to stand with them, stating, “If that matters to you, we’re asking you to stand with us.”
image source from：https://thetacomaledger.com/2025/06/02/geek-girl-con-shines-the-bat-signal-for-support/
