Conventions for some are a way of life and a chance to meet folks that they’d never thought they would. But how are these events organized? And what makes someone want to host a convention of their own? Recently I found out that a new convention called Fandemic Tour would be coming to my home town of Sacramento so I decided to track down the organizers and ask them a few questions.
TR: Please introduce yourself.
JM: I’m John Macaluso, veteran of the comic con/fan event industry having produced about 150 shows during my tenure at Wizard World. I’ll be introducing my new fan-centric show, Fandemic Tour, this year in Sacramento and Houston.
TR: Tell us a bit about Fandemic for those that don’t know.
JM: Fandemic Tour is all about giving the best possible pop culture event experience to the fans. We want them to be part of the Fandemic family by providing a place where fandom of all types can come together to celebrate their favorite art, movies, celebrities and one another in their own unique gathering place.
TR: Where are these shows going to take place?
JM: Sacramento, Calif – June 22-24 and Houston at the NRG Center – Sept 14-16.
TR: How much will it cost to attend the show?
JM: Fri- $35, Sat- $45, Sun – $40 or 3-day passes for $75, Fandemic VIP – $150. Celeb VIP packages vary in price – https://www.fandemictour.com/sacramento#celebrity-guests
TR: What can the fans expect at Fandemic?
JM: Great access to their favorite celebrities, artists, cosplayers and first-rate programming for guests to enjoy together and feel more connected to their fandom community.
TR: Who are some of the guests you have scheduled at these shows?
JM: Appearing in both cities will be – Norman Reedus, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Milo Ventimiglia, Bruce Campbell, Michael Rooker and Chris Sullivan.
TR: Will these guests be available for autographs?
JM: Yes (prices vary by celeb) as well as photo ops and many of them do Q&As or panels in our programming rooms.
TR: You mentioned it would be in two cities. If these are successful where else do you see Fandemic going to next?
JM: We will have to see where the industry takes us! We have deep roots in the Northeast so would love to make it to that coast as well.
TR: Who would you love to have at Fandemic next?
JM: We are always networking to bring the best guest list possible to our fans and our contacts run deep from years of working in this business. Filming schedules dictate much of the celebrities’ ability to appear so we are always working to stay ahead of what shows and films have high demand from the fans.
TR: Anything else you’d like to add?
JM: Come check out our new show in Sacramento and Houston!
And there you have it! So if you are close to either Sacramento or Houston check out this latest convention and for more information about this and other events head over to https://www.fandemictour.com/ and get ready to meet some of your favorite actors from TV and the silver screen!
