Cosplay Curious? An Interactive Cultural Crossover for Counselors & the Cur

Ever Wondered What’s Behind the Mask? Cosplay is far more than costumes — it's identity, belonging, and unspoken stories.

This groundbreaking interactive education experience is designed to bridge the gap between clinical insight and cultural curiosity. You’ll explore the world of cosplay, anime, and sci-fi fandom through the lens of psychology, identity, and social connection.

Who is this for?

• Licensed Counselors & Social Workers (3 Texas CEU multicultural credits available)
• Educators & Youth Workers
• Parents of fandom-involved youth
• Curious fans who want to go deeper into the “why” of cosplay culture

What You’ll Learn:✔️ The real motivations behind cosplay and fandom identity✔️ The psychology of character embodiment & escapism✔️ Demographics, history, and evolution of anime & sci-fi conventions✔️ How fandom can be used as a tool for connection in therapy & education✔️ How to speak the “language” of fandom with clients and students

What Makes This Different? This is not a lecture. This is experiential — with real cosplayers, live interviews, breakout discussions, and immersive insights. You will see, hear, and feel the cultural impact in real-time.

BONUS: The first 10 registrants receive our Digital Fandom Culture Field Guide, a ready-to-use resource for therapists, educators, and parents.

Info: How well do you know the terms of the convention and cosplay worlds? Prizes for those who do well. Next, learn the language of this world and bust myths.

Info: Understand the why's of this world, who participates (it might surprise you), how to connect with those who participate in these fandoms, the various types of media where the fandoms spring from with numerous examples of the popular ones, resources, and more.

Info: It's your turn to get creative, get in touch with your character, fantasy, or hero, and chat it up with others. Incorporate skills that you can take into the counseling office or other settings.

Host or Publisher Lori Vann Speaking