This is a question that has been popping up frequently in our Facebook group recently – and it’s a great question! Even if you’re coming to LOST 2017 solo – you’re not alone.
Nobody does it alone Jack. You needed all of them, and they needed all of you.
The LOST community is like none I’ve ever experienced. It’s a tight knit group. Whether we see LOSTies frequently due to proximity or at LOST events every year or two – it’s like no time as passed.
When LOST 2014 was created – its key mission wasn’t to be a place for fans to meet the cast (and that’s still not our primary mission). We want you to walk away from these events connecting with other fans of the series. To be able to talk about the show you love, why you’re passionate about it, discuss theories (“who was on that outrigger?!?!?”), share stories. And being on the island where the series filmed – to be able to see and visualize these locations that mean so much to you as a LOST fan. It’s incredibly powerful.
So even if you’re coming alone – you’re not alone. There will be other LOSTies there to greet you when you arrive. But here are a few tips to help kick off the conversations.
1. Wear a LOST t-shirt. (Thanks for this tip, Meghan!)
A sure-fire way to start dialog is wearing a LOST t-shirt. I know a lot of people were connecting at the airport or walking around Waikiki before even getting to LOST 2014 because they were wearing a LOST tee. “You must be here for LOST 2014!” Especially at our host hotel, you’ll find that anyone wearing a LOST tee is with our group. But even around town that was generally the case.
2. Wear your name badge.
Once the event starts, be sure to wear your name badge. People will instantly recognize a name from social media! I do reach out prior to the event to ask if you want to include a Twitter handle on your badge – so stay tuned.
3. Make plans in advance to meet up with other LOSTies.
Join our Facebook group and start making plans to connect with other LOSTies at the event.
4. Take part in the LOSTie Meet & Greet that will kick off the event.
It’s part of the TBA item on the schedule – but we will be holding a meet and greet for LOSTies on the first day of the event before filming tours start. This will give you some time to mingle, say hello, get some announcements (and a few other surprises) before the event officially kicks off.
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One of my favorite moments from LOST 2014 was before the event even started. Although I was the event organizer, I had not meet anyone in person at that point. I’d known everyone online for quite some time. But just like many of you – I was going to LOST 2014 solo and didn’t technically know anyone.
I had been working to prep for the event that day, and went down to the hotel restaurant to get some pineapple (it’s SO good – you have to try it!). What I thought would be a quick five-minute trip ended up being 3 hours. I ran into Bob and Mark, two attendees, and we spent all that time talking about LOST. It was such a great time and a fun way to kick off the event. The bartender was even shocked at how long we had been there talking about the show. We LOSTies can talk LOST for hours and hours and hours.
So long story short – even though you may be coming alone, you’ll leave with incredible friendships and the island will leave an imprint on you. It’s one of the most amazing places I’ve ever been and made even more so by the LOST connection.
If you have any questions prior to the event, don’t hesitate to let me know!
Namaste and Mahalo!
Kelley
* suitcase photo courtesy of Meghan, who sewed in the LOST decals to make a sweet bag!