Ever gone to a fan festival/convention? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Liza · 07-25-2011, 07:08 PM

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.

Number 9 Dream · 07-25-2011, 07:16 PM

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!

steevo · 07-25-2011, 08:24 PM

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.

Brad Russ · 07-25-2011, 09:37 PM

Nope, never been to one.

Retro4Life · 07-25-2011, 09:42 PM

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.

Brian Damage · 07-25-2011, 10:37 PM

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

Schmoopie · 07-26-2011, 03:51 AM

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!

JamesG · 07-26-2011, 11:47 AM

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.

catlover79 · 07-26-2011, 12:36 PM

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...

MickeyMac · 07-26-2011, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liza

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.

Nighthawk76 · 07-26-2011, 07:53 PM

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

associate · 07-26-2011, 08:04 PM

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.

Torgo · 07-27-2011, 11:49 AM

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.

07-25-2011, 07:08 PM	#1
Liza BestYearsofOurLives Forum Veteran Join Date: Apr 24, 2001 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 6,537	Ever gone to a fan festival/convention? 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.

07-25-2011, 07:16 PM	#2
Number 9 Dream That '70s Girl Forum Veteran Join Date: Jan 18, 2005 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 5,875	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!
	__________________ Live a little be a gypsy get around http://www.librarything.com/profile/skelterhelter http://retrogirl82.dvdaf.com/owned formerly Retrogirl82

07-25-2011, 08:24 PM	#3
steevo It is Green Senior Member Join Date: Dec 28, 2008 Location: Connecticut Posts: 1,474	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 MAS*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.
	__________________ "God be gracious to us and bless us..." Psalm 67:1

07-25-2011, 09:42 PM	#5
Retro4Life Accept No Substitutes Forum Veteran Join Date: Feb 04, 2009 Location: IL Posts: 6,708	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.
	__________________ Alex Reiger :[Trying to convince Louie not to antagonize Bobby] "It's not hard to make people feel bad about their lives. What's hard is making people feel good about their lives."

07-25-2011, 10:37 PM	#6
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,107	I've gone to Chiller Theatre convention a few time, I have also been to the Tribeca Film Festival. Both were so much fun.
	__________________ The Key to the Kingdom of Heaven: John 3:3 *Money Doesn't Buy Happiness...But I'd Rather Cry in My Private Jet*

07-25-2011, 09:37 PM	#4
Brad Russ Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Feb 17, 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 10,085	Nope, never been to one.

07-26-2011, 03:51 AM	#7
Schmoopie Keep Calm and Love Snoopy Forum Star Join Date: Jul 13, 2008 Location: Lynnwood, Washington Posts: 15,697	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!
	__________________ In memory of my wonderful husband. I love and miss you more than words can say, but I will always and forever keep you in my heart. September 23, 1961-January 14, 2019

07-26-2011, 11:47 AM	#8
JamesG Freakshow Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 01, 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 57,075	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.

07-26-2011, 12:36 PM	#9
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,376	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...
	__________________ "Jesus loves you and He approves this message." "I'm alive. I'm feeling good. I'm trying to live every moment as much as I can." - Valerie Harper, March 2013

07-26-2011, 07:53 PM	#11
Nighthawk76 Rachel Berry Forum Celebrity Join Date: Feb 28, 2003 Location: Illinois Posts: 23,254	I haven't but I think that you are going to have a great time, Emily!

07-26-2011, 08:04 PM	#12
associate Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Oct 03, 2004 Posts: 73	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.

07-27-2011, 11:49 AM	#13
Torgo Omaha & Fritz Forum Star Join Date: Mar 06, 2004 Location: Oregon Posts: 19,032	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.
	__________________ "I'm going to go do something productive. I'm gonna go watch television." - Ray Peterson, The 'burbs "I am the literary equivalent of a Big Mac and Fries." - Stephen King "There's nothing wrong with G-rated movies, as long as there's lots of sex and violence." - Elvira