Oh fun. I went to DragonCon several times in the 90s as a vendor (and performer with the Atlanta Radio Theater Company). Had a great time and I also got to meet some cool celebrities.
I doubt it’s like it used to be now. We went to Indianapolis ComicCon this year and it was ridiculous. Famous people are now charging $60 for an autograph. It’s become thoroughly commercialized. I remember when cons used to have a “we put this together, but just barely” feel to them. It was much more fun.