GO Fest 2024 – The Year I Chose Myself

It was the same city.
But I wasn’t the same person.

GO Fest 2024 marked my return to New York City, but this time, I did it differently. We booked our stay in the city, which made getting to and from the event easier than the chaos of last year’s New Jersey commute. I felt more grounded—more intentional. I wanted to see creators, reconnect with old podcast guests, and maybe—just maybe—find something I didn’t know I was looking for.

But this time, my body reminded me that even the best plans need patience.

The humidity was brutal. My sleep apnea was worse than ever. I struggled to stay awake some days, and by the end of GO Fest, I had drained a three-gallon water bladder. The Ultra Beast raids were a blur. The gameplay, while promising, was overshadowed by heat and exhaustion.

Still, the people made it worth it.

I got to meet BrandonTan again—someone who once visited Dallas and gave me a pep talk that stuck. He told me to step into leadership for my community. To ask for help. To not shrink. Seeing him again, I was able to share updates and thank him. Moments like that remind me that growth doesn’t always look flashy. Sometimes it’s just showing up—again and again.

I tried to be more proactive about meeting other creators this time. But the truth? It was exhausting. The meet-ups were scattered. The heat made it worse. And I realized something important: I didn’t want to spend my weekend chasing people down.

I wanted to spend it with the people who already chose me.

My friends and I climbed onto the roof of our building one evening, snacks and drinks in hand, and watched the fireworks light up the city. It was the only time the weather felt merciful. We talked for hours—about life, Pokémon, everything in between. It was quiet. Restful. Healing. And honestly? That’s the memory I’ll take with me.

I brought a new Pokémon DVD this year for my guests to sign. That little tradition continues to mean more than I ever expected it would. And one of my favorite moments? Finally meeting Cupcakedex and her wife at a bakery. They were lovely—warm, real, and exactly the kind of energy I needed.

GO Fest didn’t give me a dream raid or a shiny I’ll remember forever.
But it gave me clarity.

A few weeks before the event, I’d been ghosted by a major creator. Then I was let go from my job. It would’ve been easy to spiral, to overcompensate by chasing clout or validation.

But instead, I chose myself.
I skipped Times Square. I focused on comfort. I invested in friendships that were already real.

💡 Tips for Returning GO Fest Attendees:

• Don’t feel pressure to repeat last year. Rebuild your own version of the trip. Revisit favorite places, but let new ones surprise you.

• Don’t chase people who aren’t chasing you. Prioritize the connections that feed you.

• Pack for the humidity. Seriously. You’re not ready.

GO Fest 2024 didn’t elevate me as a creator. It anchored me as a person.
And in a world that’s constantly pushing you to “level up,” sometimes choosing to rest, reconnect, and reclaim your joy is the most powerful evolution of all.