What do you look for in a good convention?

[Kevin Boyd]

Hey Joe, I'm pretty sure I understand what Bob is trying to get across, and it's a concern I have with some of the shows that we go to.

 

Many shows spend a lot of money finding media guests that will hopefully bring people thru the door. Only problem is that those media guests don't often equate into comic buyers just admission purchasers. All fine and dandy for the promoter (and hey, as a promoter it would be nice to make money for all of the work that goes into putting these things on) but it doesn't mean diddly for our dealers or the artists in Artist Alley. They want comic buyers and fans.

 

Peter and I could have spent a fortune in appearance fees for tv actors that might not have equated into a single dollar spent on comic books at the show. Which is why, for now, we've only got comic book professionals coming as guests.

 

Of course, I can't guarantee that people are going to bring money. I can tell them that there will be great books, that there will be new faces, and we are making sure that there will be functioning (and full) ATMs on site, but the ultimate buying decision is still up to the consumer. As a promoter of a comic show, I need to find people that are interested in comics to come to the show and (hopefully) spend money. Whether they ultimately do or not is the job of the books and the dealer, which I hope makes sense.

 

Kev

[blazingbob]

Unless a wrestling ring is made available to dealers to kill each other or to settle grading disputes between collector and dealer I really don't see what it brings to the show. At Pittsburgh, a famous wrestler came in, the only excitement he caused was the big congested pileup in front of my booth. No profile of the fan was needed, they weren't there to buy comics, they were there for a autograph. Money to wrestler, admission to promoter, zero to dealer. And I love hearing Iran's national anthem at the New York show every time the Iron Sheik comes in. Why not bring in Pee Wee Herman so some of the independent dealers can sell some x-rated comics. And, I even like the guitar player who decided to set up next to my booth last year at the national and play. That's the closest thing I got to a buzz the whole weekend.

[aardvark88]

I even like the guitar player who decided to set up next to my booth last year at the national and play. That's the closest thing I got to a buzz the whole weekend.

That's almost as good as having a comicon table next to the anime table. Lots of anime fans crowding in front to see the free dvd promo blasting in your ear & blocking potential customers to your booth.

[Kevin Boyd]

Nothing can erase from my memory the German actress Xenia something from the tv show the Lexx who had a booth right beside the CGC booth at Megacon in Orlando last winter. She was trying to launch her signing career so they had her demo tape on repeat mode.

 

Her cover of the Doors' "love me two times" has been burned into my brain and haunts me to this day.

 

Kev

[justiceleaguer]

Nothing can erase from my memory the German actress Xenia something from the tv show the Lexx who had a booth right beside the CGC booth at Megacon in Orlando last winter. She was trying to launch her signing career so they had her demo tape on repeat mode.

 

Her cover of the Doors' "love me two times" has been burned into my brain and haunts me to this day.

 

Kev

 

 

What you should do is hire tons of porn stars and have one help out at each comic booth....sales will rocket....as well as other things.

[Kevin Boyd]

Don't laugh, we've been contacted by some modelling agencies who tell us that doing that will boost sales astronomically.

 

I kind of doubt it though. Comic guys would just sort of hang around the edges of each booth trying to get a glimpse, as they would be too intimidated to talk to them.

 

Better to be the dealer with boxes of books on the floor right beside the booth with the porn star working.

 

Kev

[thanos_oftitan]

Back in 96 I was set up at the Pittsburgh show. In the next booth was a metal band called GWAR (If you don't know who they are do a quick google seach). It was the last show my wife ever did with me.....

[blazingbob]

Ah, GWAR, nothing like GWAR to make a show appearance. Women riding men around on the show wearing next to nothing. Men in loin clothes who should have not be in them.

 

Memories can come true, it can happen to you!

[drbanner]

Back in 96 I was set up at the Pittsburgh show. In the next booth was a metal band called GWAR (If you don't know who they are do a quick google seach). It was the last show my wife ever did with me.....

 

I forgot all about GWAR!!! They were also at the Kiss/Betty Page/Vampire Con (aka Dragon Con) I mentioned above. Hmmm...as I recall they were roller blading throughout the show, and while the male members were showing too much skin, there was a 6'+ blonde barbaress wearing a thong who looked ready to do some serious spanking!!

[chrisco37]

GWAR! That's great! One of the sickest, craziest bands of all time! They've been around for years, and used to do a concert every year in B'more on Halloween night. I always thought they were a trip, even though their music is un-listenable, the show is what you go for. They put audience members into a giant meat-grinder and "blood" sprays the audience.

 

Since '93, every Fantasy football team I've ever "owned" has been named "The Mighty GWAR".

 

I think this is their homepage: GWAR Home (Not for the easily offended). Check them out for a real laugh!

 

Chris