It’s convention season and here’s what you need to knowDate: 8/16/2018 As someone who started going to pop culture conventions before he could drive – which is quite a long time ago – the evolution of these events is fascinating.
From very humble origins in New York City of comic book fans gathering together in the mid-1960s essentially to swap or sell books and talk to the multi-media spectaculars such as the San Diego Comic Con, conventions are now seen as a prime marketing tool for the entertainment industry as a whole.
And although conventions happen all year-round, the season is seen as starting with the San Diego show. After attending the FanExpo in Boston this weekend, I thought it might be helpful to provide some tips on how to best enjoy such a show and a calendar of upcoming events.
FanExpo is a great example of a large show trying to present something for everybody. While there is still an emphasis on comic books, the show’s vendors and guests reflect wider interests of pop culture fans.
Some conventions are focused on a particular interest such as anime and manga – Japanese animation and comics – or cosplay – the creations of costumes and then performing – horror films or gaming. Others take a wider approach.
Aaron Wood, a graphic designer and illustrator from West Springfield, has been coming to the show for several years and signed up for a table already for next year’s show. Wood’s table was in “Artist’s Alley,” a part of the show dedicated to artists, craftspeople and independent publishers.
Wood told Reminders Publishing that he likes the show, but that independent artists such as himself are competing for attention and dollars with the actors who are brought in to sell their autographs.
At FanExpo, the celebrities included William Shatner, Brent Spiner, Evangeline Lilly, Catherine Tate, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson and Paul Ruebens among others.
Sean Wang, a veteran comic book artist from Northampton, also said he liked the show and its approach. He did add that he also enjoys appearing at smaller shows as there is a greater chance of having attendees seeing him.
Being seen is important. There is simply sensory overload at these shows. Besides the artists with their tables there are oftentimes elaborate vendor booths and potentially hundreds of people walking around in costumes. You frequently don’t know where to look,
Some conventions provide maps with table numbers to help people find people they want to see while others allow you to explore the show on your own terms.
FanExpo proved a map but few tables had visible numbers. I found Wood and Wang by going up and down the aisles.
So the following are some tips on how to effectively enjoy and survive a pop culture convention:
• Figure out a budget and bring the appropriate amount of money. Cons aren’t cheap and while some have ATMs on premise many do not. There are vendors who take credit and debit cards but be prepared.
• Be prepared for a lot of walking on concrete, so wear comfortable shoes. Many conventions sites don’t have places to sit either.
• Be ready to stand in lines for that treasured autograph. If you’re planning to get someone’s autograph understand that at the bare minimum you will be spending $30. For bigger name stars, the price can go as high as $150, which is what William Shatner charges. Some shows require you to get a ticket to ensure your place in the line. Go to their website and check out the rules and requirements before you go.
If you are expecting to have some time to talk with the star, you may be disappointed. Some actors do treat this as an opportunity to meet and greet fans while others see sit as an assembly line – say hello, sign the photo and say goodbye.
As a historic note I have to say it wasn’t always like that.
Nearly all conventions prohibit photography of the actors unless there is a fee paid and many feature photo sessions at which attendees pay to stand next to their favorite actor for a photo.
The grim reality of commerce clashes with starry-eyed fandom at these events.
The best place to interact with a celebrity is when they participate in a panel discussion and fans are allowed to line up with questions or comments.
• Be aware of your food options. Many conventions are presented at places offering food service. My suggestion is to note how close restaurants are unless the in-house food service is a cut above the usual.
• Your backpack will be searched and if you are coming in cosplay and have a “weapon,” that will be checked as well for everyone’s safety.
• A large show can be overwhelming for young children.
My best advice is to do your homework first, plan what you want to do and who you want to see, but allow some time for exploring.
The following is a list of upcoming shows that are within a 150-mile range of the Greater Springfield area. Of course, on Oct. 27, Springfield’s own Bing Comic Con will take place for the fifth year at Trinity Methodist Church on Sumner Avenue. The one-day show is a fundraiser for the non-profit Bing Arts Center.
• Aug. 17 – 19, Terrificon (http://www.terrificon.com) will take place at Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut. It’s the Nutmeg State’s largest convention with celebrity guest such as Henry Winkler and Ralph Macchio.
• Oct. 4-7, New York Comicon (http://www.newyorkcomiccon.com), the largest show on the East Coast with attendance rivaling the San Diego Comic Con.
• Oct. 20-21, The Massachusetts Independent Comic Expo, (www.miceexpo.org), is a free show featuring regional cartoonists In Cambridge.
• Oct. 12-14, Rock and Shock (http://rockandshock.com), is a unique show combining horror films with heavy metal music at the DCU Center in Worcester.
Oct. 26-28 Chiller Theater in New Jersey (www.chillertheatre.com) the largest horror, science fiction and fantasy film show is also the biggest autograph show on the East Coast.
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