We chat with the Phoenix Comicon team and get the latest on this upcoming event in Glendale, Arizona on December 12-14, 2014. Have a read on what you should get excited about when attending!
Events For Gamers: Phoenix Comicon bears a similar name to Comic Con and other related TV/Film/Game and Cosplay convention events. How does yours stand out from the crowd?
Colin: Our first Phoenix Comicon Fan Fest even is slightly different than our annual Phoenix Comicon event held every spring. For one, the event is this December, so the weather will be much more pleasant for costumers, which is one of our big focuses for this event. The Fan Fest event will be smaller than our annual Phoenix Comicon and in addition to costumers, this event will be focused on actors and vendors as well.
E4G: What makes Glendale, Arizona so appealing to host the event?
Colin: Glendale is a very appealing place to hold a convention. First off, our Fan Fest even will be taking place inside the awesome University of Phoenix Stadium. For our Attendees who are used to the parking situation in downtown Phoenix, rejoice; there will be thousands of parking spaces available around the Stadium, which will be free. Add in the adjacent Westgate entertainment complex and there will be a multitude of options available for everyone’s taste.
E4G: What makes Glendale, Arizona so appealing to host the event?
Colin: The best way to discover your inner geek is to just be yourself. Everyone has different pop culture and entertainment preferences and we work to provide a wide variety of different types Guests and Programming available to indulge in your interests and maybe find a few new ones too.
E4G: It has to be a blast to attend just to see all of the unique cosplay costumes. Are there any contests or events focusing on cosplay for this year’s event?
Colin: There will certainly be a number of Attendees participating in cosplay and costuming, which we love to see each year. I am not 100% sure on specific contests that will be happening. Any updates will be added to our website, http://phoenixcomicon.com/.
E4G: Art exhibits are one of the big themes at the event. How can budding artists participate in promoting their work, and what should they know about when attending as a general visitor?
Colin: For our Fan Fest event, as soon as you walk through the entrance to the Stadium, you will be in Artist Alley. When attending as an Attendee, any aspiring artist can learn a lot just by observing how our events are set-up and interacting with other artists and other Attendees as well. Any aspiring artists can contact us directly regarding participation.
E4G: ‘Kids Need to Read’ is a promoted project on the main website. What does the event provide kids?
Colin: Kids Need to Read is a great organization that provides inspiring books to underfunded schools, libraries, and literacy programs across the United States, particularly serving disadvantaged children. We love having great Authors come to Phoenix Comicon each year and think helping provide children with books to read is an amazing cause that we’re happy to support.
E4G: Game awards and related activities are also a strong theme. What are some of the highlights attendees can expect?
Colin: Due to the size of the Stadium in comparison to the Phoenix Convention Center and surrounding hotels, unfortunately, we will not have the space to provide designated gaming areas like at the Hyatt.
E4G: Comics, Television/Film, and other entertainment arenas will see many famous actors and other guests at the event. What are the main guests that attendees can look forward to seeing?
Colin: For our Fan Fest event, we have some great Guests that will be coming. For TV and Film actors, we will be welcoming Michael Biehn, David Ramsey, Colin Baker and Jennifer Blanc. For Comics, we have Tony Parker, Sean Galloway and Brian Pulido. We are very excited about all of our Guests scheduled to come and join us next month.
E4G: For those hoping to attend, where can they go to purchase tickets and information about the game? Is there anything of special interest you want to mention here?
Colin: Memberships are on sale now and can be purchased directly on our site. Here is the direct link to what’s available: https://phoenixcomicon.com/page/10.
E4G: Anything else you would like to share about Phoenix Comicon?
Colin: This is the first time that we are having two events in a year and the first Fan Fest event, so we are very excited for it. Personally, our Attendees are what make these events special for me and we all cannot wait to see everyone who comes out to this new event. Thank you and we look forward to seeing everyone next month.
E4G: We are looking forward to continuing to cover Phoenix Comicon!
