The Rise of ‘IRL’ Fandoms: How Online Communities Are Taking Flight in the Real World
Over 500 people traveled from as far as Japan and China to spend a recent Saturday at Los Angeles International Airport—not to catch a flight, but to watch planes. This wasn’t a glitch in the travel matrix; it was Cranky Dorkfest, an annual gathering of aviation enthusiasts organized around the popular industry blog, Cranky Flier. This seemingly niche event signals a much broader trend: the powerful pull of online communities translating into real-world experiences, and the surprising opportunities this presents for businesses and event organizers.
From Digital Discussions to Airport Runways: The Anatomy of a Modern Meetup
Cranky Flier’s founder, Brett Snyder, initially envisioned a casual meetup with a handful of readers. “I just put out a blog post saying I was going to go to the park across from In-N-Out and hoped some people would join me,” he explains. What began as a simple invitation blossomed into a full-fledged event, attracting attendees eager to connect with like-minded individuals. This isn’t an isolated case. From NASA Socials drawing space enthusiasts to rocket launches to Reddit forum happy hours, online communities are increasingly seeking tangible connections.
The appeal is clear. Online forums provide a space for shared passion and knowledge, but they lack the spontaneity and richness of face-to-face interaction. Dorkfest, and events like it, offer a chance to bridge that gap, transforming digital relationships into real-world friendships. The event’s success isn’t lost on industry players either. Airlines, flight-tracking apps, and even airport authorities are taking notice, recognizing the potential to engage with a highly dedicated and influential audience.
Aviation’s ‘Avgeeks’ and the Power of Niche Communities
The 2025 Dorkfest featured exclusive access to aircraft from American Airlines and Delta, a DJ spinning aviation-themed tracks, and a raffle with prizes from industry partners. Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines, recently merged, used the event to introduce their combined inflight offerings. This level of engagement demonstrates a growing understanding of the value of niche communities. These aren’t just hobbyists; they’re passionate advocates, potential brand ambassadors, and a valuable source of feedback.
But the core of Dorkfest remains the simple act of plane spotting. Attendees spent hours observing arrivals and departures, sharing knowledge, and taking photos. This highlights a key element of successful IRL (in real life) meetups: centering the event around the shared interest that initially brought the community together. Whether it’s analyzing aircraft liveries or debating the merits of different airline loyalty programs, the focus remains firmly on the passion that unites the group.
Beyond Aviation: The Broader Implications for Community Building
The Dorkfest phenomenon isn’t limited to aviation. The principles at play – fostering online connections, providing opportunities for IRL interaction, and recognizing the value of niche communities – are applicable across a wide range of interests. Consider the growing popularity of tabletop gaming conventions, book club meetups, or even specialized workshops for coding or crafting. These events tap into a fundamental human desire for connection and belonging.
This trend has significant implications for businesses. Instead of solely focusing on broad marketing campaigns, companies can benefit from cultivating relationships with existing online communities. Sponsoring events, providing exclusive content, or simply engaging in meaningful conversations can build brand loyalty and generate positive word-of-mouth marketing. However, authenticity is crucial. Attempting to artificially create a community or simply exploit an existing one will likely backfire.
The Future of Fandom: Experiential Engagement and the Metaverse
Looking ahead, we can expect to see even more sophisticated approaches to IRL fandom engagement. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies could enhance the experience, providing attendees with additional information about aircraft or allowing remote participants to join the event virtually. The metaverse, while still in its early stages, offers the potential to create persistent virtual spaces where communities can gather and interact year-round.
However, the enduring appeal of physical gatherings shouldn’t be underestimated. The energy of a crowd, the serendipity of chance encounters, and the simple joy of sharing a common passion in person are difficult to replicate online. As Snyder notes, “The best moments are meeting people who I’ve never seen other than in [a] discussion online.” The future of fandom isn’t about replacing online communities with IRL events; it’s about seamlessly integrating the two to create richer, more meaningful experiences. Great Circle Mapper provides a fascinating visualization of the global reach of these communities.
What new forms of IRL fandoms will emerge in the next few years? Share your predictions in the comments below!
