Minecraft:MINECON 2011

File:MINECON 2011 logo.png

Official logo

MINECON 2011 was the first official Minecraft convention, held at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, on November 18, 2011. The event coincided with the official release of Minecraft.<ref>Template:Tumblr</ref>

The convention attracted 4,500 attendees, ranging from newborns to 105 years old, with visitors from 24 countries.<ref>Template:Citation</ref>

Location

The event was held at Template:W, a 43-story luxury resort and casino in Las Vegas. According to Minecraft:Lydia Winters, the location was chosen because it was where the Mojang team wanted to go at the time.<ref>Template:YouTube link</ref>

Tickets

Tickets went on sale on August 11, 2011, 99 days before the convention. Early tickets were priced at $99 until September 30, after which the price increased to $139. Tickets sold out by October 28.<ref>Template:Citation</ref> The ticket price did not include hotel accommodations, flights, or other expenses. Minecraft:Notch stated on Twitter that MINECON would be a financial loss but an "emotional win" for Mojang.<ref>Template:Tweet</ref>

The first 500 ticket purchasers were entered into a drawing for "The Ultimate Fan Experience", which included a paid hotel room at Mandalay Bay, VIP seating for keynotes and presentations, and a meal with the Mojang team. The winner was a player named Joseph.<ref>Template:Citation</ref>

Event highlights

Template:Expand section MINECON 2011 featured numerous activities, including:

• The official release of Minecraft.
• Keynote speeches from members of the Minecraft community, including Notch.
• Building contests and breakout classes on various Minecraft topics.
• Costume contests, exhibits, and opportunities to meet Minecraft personalities.
• Commemorative merchandise.
• A Kickoff Party open to all attendees.
• An "Into the Nether" Party featuring Template:W, restricted to attendees aged 21 and over.

Promotions

Cape

File:Creepercloak.png

The first screenshot revealed of the cape given to MINECON 2011 attendees.

File:MINECON 2011 Cape.png

A render of the MINECON 2011 cape.

Minecraft:Notch announced that MINECON 2011 attendees would receive an exclusive Minecraft:cape. Initially intended to be a secret, the announcement was quickly retracted but later confirmed.<ref>Template:Citation</ref> On September 22, a vote was opened to decide the design of the cape.<ref>Template:Citation</ref> Cape #2, which received 42% of the votes, was chosen as the MINECON 2011 cape. Cape #1, which received 33% of the votes, was later used for the Minecraft:MINECON 2012 cape. The cape was distributed to attendees on October 10–11.<ref>Template:Citation</ref>

Gallery

• Official event logo
  Official event logo
• Key artwork
  Key artwork
• Logo with key art
  Logo with key art
• Screenshot from the MINECON 2011 trailer
  Screenshot from the MINECON 2011 trailer
• Computers set up in the show floor to play Minecraft
  Computers set up in the show floor to play Minecraft
• People playing Minecraft together
  People playing Minecraft together