I'm going to a Dark Shadows convention next month - never gone to one before - but I've spoken to so many of the cast members and fans that I feel I have to do it, if only just once. I'm not quite a "Trekkie" but I guess I'm dang close.

Has anyone ever gone to one of these things? They sound like fun, a little weird, but fun.

Yes, conventions are a whole lot of fun! My best friend and I try to hit up Beatlefest every year; we've been going since 2003, although in recent years we've had to skip due to financial reasons. Beatlefest is hosted at a huge hotel 3times a year in different states (we go to the one in NJ because it's closest to us), and there's a variety of events going on: guest speakers, book signings, meet-and-greets, charity auctions, movie marathon, trivia games, a huge market place for buying all things Beatle related, dance parties, Battle of the Bands, etc. The best part, though, is when all the events shut down for the day and the fans staying at the hotel convene in the upstairs lobby and just jam all night with some of the musicians. You can literally step out of your room in pjs and head down to the jam session, and no one will judge! Everyone is super friendly and fans of all ages come to just bond over our love of the Beatles. That's the best part of any convention, I think. Since Beatlefest is a three day event, new friendships are made and old ones rekindled, as the same people tend to go every year. You will have a good time! Take lots of pictures!

My next goal is to find a nearby horror convention! :p

I have gone to sci-fi and Star Trek conventions for several years, although I have had to pare it down the past two years because of finances as well. The most recent one was Shore Leave 33 (named after the classic Trek episode). Guests included Christopher Judge (Teal'c from SG-1), Eddie McClintock (Pete Lattimer from Warehouse 13), John De Lancie (Q from Star Trek) and Sally Kellerman (Hot Lips from the original M*A*S*H movie and Dr. Elizabeth Dehner from TOS' "Where No Man has Gone Before"). It has fan panels, guest talks, photo opportunities, dealer's rooms, and book signings from various Trek/SF authors. I plan to go next year as well.

Nope, never been to one.

I went to a Star Trek Con in Chicago a few years back, with Robert Duncan McNeil from Voyager as the guest speaker. Stephen Furst from Babylon 5 was there, too. It was a very small affair, as these things go, but there was a lot of merchandise that was very cool (and expensive).

I'd love to go to more but WOW is that kind of thing pricey. Besides the admission, most of the stars seem to charge for autographs from what I've heard, and then you are obviously going to want to buy some stuff, too. Not even counting the gas it would take to get there; I live a long way away from most urban areas. I don't make a lot of money and I can easily see me blowing several weeks worth of paychecks on these things.

I've gone to Chiller Theatre convention a few time, I have also been to the Tribeca Film Festival. Both were so much fun.

I've been to two One Life To Live Fan Club parties in NYC. Once in 2004 and once in 2005. It was awesome to meet people who were such fans of the show and even better was meeting so many of the cast members! I've never been to one for a sitcom or drama though but I bet those are fun as well. Let us know how your Dark Shadows convention is!

I've been going to the BigAppleCon (now Wizard World) since the late 90s.

Last April I went to the Chiller Theatre for the first time up in NJ.

I also went to the AVN Adult Entertainment Expo once a few years ago.
It's pretty much the Comic-Con for the porn industry.

I went to a WhoserCon (fans of Whose Line is it, Anyway?) one weekend in June 1999 in Toronto. Colin Mochrie was there to answer our questions and sign autographs. Let me tell you, with Colin - what you see is what you get - kind, accomodating and FUNNY in the extreme. Were all celebs just like him...

I'm going to a Dark Shadows convention next month - never gone to one before - but I've spoken to so many of the cast members and fans that I feel I have to do it, if only just once. I'm not quite a "Trekkie" but I guess I'm dang close.

Has anyone ever gone to one of these things? They sound like fun, a little weird, but fun.



I'm jealous I have always wanted to go to one of those. I am such a fan of the show.

I haven't but I think that you are going to have a great time, Emily! :)

I've been going to horror and sci-fi cons since the mid 90's. They are tons of fun and it's great meeting the stars. But don't surprised by them. A villain on screen can be a cool guy in-person and a hero a real jerk.

I've been to the Fangoria Weekend Of Horror(few years ago in L.A., birthday present from my wife)

Been to some smaller horror/scifi/fantasy conventions, comic book conventions. Most are in Seattle.