Tag: Conventions

A couple of things floating around out there that quantify the rise in comic book convention profits. Rob Salkowitz quantifies some very interesting research by Eventbrite and guesses that comic book theme events could be as much as a $3 billion business, a number that dwarfs the $600-700 million usually given for the comic book industry itself. Attendance is up about 20% every year, while some profits are up by triple digits. While all pop culture events are up, comic book events are up the most, even more than video game and other industries:

This week it's TCAF -- the Toronto Comics Art Festival, which has rapidly become one of the greatest, most enjoyable, most informative comics events...

Author and historian Danny Fingeroth sent along his panel programming for this weekend's Wizard World Minneapolis, and whatever the ongoing controversy, it is fair to say that WizWorld programming has improved quite a bit. While looking through the programs, we noticed that one participant is indie comics stalwart Zak Sally</a> of La Mano Press, Sammy the Mouse and more. Let's just say that if there is one person we never expected to see at a Wizard World show it's Zak Sally. Maybe he will hang out with "social media sensations" Nash and Hayes Grier and Nathan Fillion, and then the circle will be complete.

Here's a brief local TV news spot showcasing the unfortunate timing of the new Wizard World Minneapolis—May 3-5—and the long running Spring Con thrown by the MCBN (Midwest Comic Book Association) —held May 17-18. I first reported on this last year, and Wizard's John Macaluso insisted that they hadn't known about the local show, and weren't trying to conflict with anybody—even though at one point Wizard had offered to purchase the MCBA show. According to Nick Postigliano, one of SpringCon's organizers, the controversy has actually helped his show, as social media activity is way up and a lot of local cartoonists are supporting the show.

When news that the Salt Lake City FanX last weekend claimed to be the third largest comic con in the US came out earlier...

This story has been majorly edited as I have learned new facts...or new interpretations of facts.

Well it's seems the Salt Lake City con hits its goal with 100,00 attendees, according to a press release. That would make it the third biggest show in the US. Show Runner Dan Farr is very bullish on the show.

  If you’re a warm blooded human and have been out in public, then you’ve most likely heard that wildly popular and award winning song...

Whew so many events going on it is hard to keep track. Last weekend's Asbury Park Comicon seems to have been a cracking good...

Last fall's very first Salt Lake City Con drew what is claimed to be 80,000 people, although when I first reported on it it was 50,000 tickets sold,—and the fire marshals came outin force. With that kind of smash, they are holding another one already, nicknamed FanX. And this time they are expecting an even huger crowd. :

Yesterday was the day when Travel Planners sent out hotel notifications and it was joy for a few and grief for many more. I...

By the time you read this, The Beat will be on our way to Seattle for The Emerald City Comic Con, now just about...