DSU’s student-led Nanocon continues to thrive
November 13, 2026
MADISON, S.D. -- DSU’s annual Nanocon convention took place last weekend, Nov. 5-8, at the Dakota Prairie Playhouse and drew a record number of participants. With a theme of Neon Horizons, the event drew over 925 attendees, with 840 people participating in the 45 events.
In 2025, 81% of attendees participated in events, while this year the percentage grew to about 90%.
Nanocon is a four-day convention that celebrates gaming, technology, and popular culture. Events for everyone spanned Warhammer, Mario Kart, and Catan tournaments, plus karaoke, a cosplay contest, and more.
DSU student Mason Norberg, con-manager of Nanocon, got a new perspective on the event this year. While he was event manager last year, he moved up within Nanocon to con-manager. He went from overseeing every part of events to overseeing Nanocon as a whole.
DSU student Mason Norberg speaks to the Nanocon crowd.
“Instead of seeing only one specific side of Nanocon, I was able to see how the whole con was progressing via the planning, and I enjoyed helping every different aspect with anything that they needed,” Norberg said. “My favorite part, and this may sound a bit cliché, but I loved seeing the planning starting from the start of last spring to the full execution of Nanocon happening last week.”
Nanocon is the largest student-run event on DSU’s campus.
“We have staff and faculty advisors that help from time to time, but for the most part it is all student-run,” Norberg said. “It brings faculty, staff, alumni, students, and members of the community into one place, all passionate about one thing, which is different from all other events.”
DSU students compete in Nanocon's cosplay contest.
The event raised about $5,000 in sponsorships to help keep Nanocon free for all attendees, plus $511 for the Children's Miracle Network during a 48-hour livestream.
Next year’s event, Nanocon: Cataclysm, is scheduled for Nov. 11-14, 2027.