Meet and Greet II: Motor City Comic Con
Several blogs ago, I wrote about celebrity ‘meet and greet’ events. This weekend, my work brought me to Novi, Michigan, where I found myself in the middle of the Motor City Comic Con.
This convention is a big yearly event. I talked to people from as far away as Australia. There is something for everyone, including autograph signings, Q&A sessions, hundreds of vendor tables and several film presentations. There is also a costume contest, so it is not unusual to see someone dressed as a superhero or a Sci-Fi character (although I am pretty sure many do it just for fun). Many people don’t understand the attraction of these shows, but the draw is undeniable. Over 15 hotels, totaling over 2,500 rooms, were sold out for the weekend. The Comic Con is just one of many conventions that help make Novi one of the fastest growing cities (especially in business development) in Michigan. After getting my work out of the way, it was time for fun. I talked about writing with wrestler-turned-author Mick Foley (hey, we are both published writers). I monkee’d around with Micky Dolenz (to anyone old enough to get that, I apologize). I got a chance to talk to several other celebrities as well, including Joe Pantoliano, Billy Dee Williams, Avery Brooks, Alan Ruck and Gail Kim, all of them extremely personable. A special nod goes to model/singer/Playboy covergirl/”professional wrestling valet” Christy Hemme, a ball of energy and personality who always seems to give a bit more. In case you don’t believe me, here is the proof.
It was an interesting weekend. I also managed to distribute GT to several hotels in the Novi/Detroit area. (Did I mention that my article about Chicago appears on page 40 of the May issue?) Several people assured me they would become subscribers and if they do not, I will be back next year looking for them.
John Wroblewski–Distribution Specialist
May 21st, 2008 at 2:33 pm
I agree that this is a great convention and the Rock Plaza is a great place to hold conventions. The staffers run everything very smoothly. I don’t think I heard one compaint while I was there.
May 21st, 2008 at 3:02 pm
I love celebrity conventions. It is fun to talk to the stars whether they are older stars or stars somewhat forgotten. My friends and I meet at 2 or 3 of these every year. We come from all over and make it into a long weekend. Like you, I have also managed to figure out a work connection, so my company pays for part of the trip and I do work on part of it.
May 21st, 2008 at 3:29 pm
There are so major dollars spent at these events and some major dollars pumped into the local economy. I have been trying to get investors in my town to run a similar show. The midwest rarely has shows this good and I know there is room for a few more.
May 21st, 2008 at 3:53 pm
Some people mock these conventions, but they bring a lot of money into the city. The one in Hollywood usually leads to about 50 hotels being filled for the 3 day weekend. Some of the people might look funny, but their money is serious.
May 21st, 2008 at 4:11 pm
I love Mick Foley. He is such a funny guy. He seems so nice, too. I don’t much care for wrestling, but I find his books very engrossing. I can’t wait for his next book.
May 21st, 2008 at 5:15 pm
These events are big-time money. From the sponsors to the vendors to the merchandise bought from the celebs, big money is everywhere.
May 21st, 2008 at 5:17 pm
Billy Dee looks pretty good. He’s gotta be getting up there in age, too. Alan Ruck is one of the nicest people you will ever meet. I met him last summer.
May 21st, 2008 at 5:54 pm
I picked up a copy of Global Traveler at that convention. It is a very impressive magazine. Yes, I even read the article you shamelessly plugged. That was interesting, too. Hey, I guess it worked, since I did come to your website. Congratulations on that.
May 21st, 2008 at 6:03 pm
I admit to being a Star Wars geek. I have a nice collection of signed stuff from many of the actors. These shows are a great way to not only get stuff signed, but spend a few minutes with the celebrities. Don’t forget, geeks sometimes have big money. Someone has big money, because these events rake in huge cash for everyone, the city, the hotels, the restaurants, the stars.
May 21st, 2008 at 7:44 pm
Shouldn’t all of the celebrities be very nice? Wouldn’t that be to their advantage in getting people to buy stuff? I don’t get it.
May 21st, 2008 at 7:54 pm
Christy is an absolute doll. She has a killer smile and is just so much fun. She could easily be a breakaway star if the company gave her more to do.
May 21st, 2008 at 8:14 pm
They have never had such a convention at my hotel, but they have had them at my brother’s in Rosemont, IL. Those are big money makers for the hotel. They aren’t just for the local folks. People travel all over for these shows and they get big name sponsors.
May 21st, 2008 at 8:47 pm
How do those conventions work? Is there a big entrance fee? Do the stars sell stuff or is stuff included in the entrance price? What are good websites to find out about the conventions? Thanks for any info.
May 21st, 2008 at 8:52 pm
You call hanging around with a beauty like Christy Hemme work? Where do I apply for a job like that? Are you hiring?
May 21st, 2008 at 9:01 pm
They all look pretty good. How much makeup were they wearing?
How much does a star make for such appearances? It is hard to imagine them doing it for little, yet with so many there, they can’t be paid that much.
May 21st, 2008 at 9:28 pm
That makes for a great second income or second career. First you achieve some sort of fame. Then you go around and do the show circuit and make a nice chunk of change (presumably cash). Very nice. I’m not criticizing these stars. I think it is great and obviously the fans like it enough to support it.
May 21st, 2008 at 9:28 pm
Detroit is not a usual global traveler’s destination, but it does have its’ benefits. It is close to Canada, specifically Toronto. It has great convention facilities (especially in surrounding areas). It does not have a high cost of living comparatively. It has its’ troubles, but it really has made strides recently to become a player in the business world.
May 21st, 2008 at 9:47 pm
Hmmm you look considerably happier in the picture with Christy Hemme than the others. Not that I can blame you. Still, it had to be cool to meet Billy Dee. He just exudes cool.
May 21st, 2008 at 10:41 pm
Why would you even bother hanging with anyone other than Christy? Actually, I have met Foley and he is a great guy. His books are a bit odd, but very interesting. I really enjoyed “Tietam Brown”. Did he say he had any others coming out?
Foley has some great travel stories, too. As you probably know, he worked in Japan for years and with the WWE he has traveled worldwide.
May 22nd, 2008 at 8:31 am
My brother is huge into this stuff. He travels all over the country to go to these Cons. He is trying to assemble a fully signed cast photo for several shows. It seems like a lot of effort and money, but I must admit, his collection is pretty cool.
May 22nd, 2008 at 10:09 am
I hope you “[had] a nice day!”
May 22nd, 2008 at 11:01 am
Suzy-Yes, the celebs should be nicer, as that would attract more people or encourage them to spend more, but sometimes the celebs just don’t seem to be motivated. All at this Comic Con were very personable.
Carmen-Most conventions charge a small fee for entrance ($20). The celebs sell their own stuff (or sign your stuff for fees). You can usually also buy polaroids with them. They usually charge about $20 to sign anything.
Ted-Years and years of hard work and diligence pay off.
Joey-Stars can get paid anywhere from $500 to $5000 for appearances, plus whatever they make on selling their stuff (although sometimes promoters take a cut of that).
All-Thanks for reading and responding. These shows are a lot of fun. I encourage all newcomers to try one, if for nothing else at least to people watch.
May 22nd, 2008 at 11:55 am
Who was the nicest celeb you met? Funniest? Oddest? Most surprising?
I met Doug Flutie and was surprised at how small he was. He was so genuine though, truly a great guy.
May 22nd, 2008 at 4:16 pm
My brother has been a vendor at many of these conventions. He really rakes it in. People go to these events with a lot of cash and they always overspend. He’ll sell stuff that hasn’t moved off his store shelf in months. He sells everything there.
May 22nd, 2008 at 4:35 pm
John,
It was great meeting you in Novi. GT is a fabulous magazine. It is a first class publication top to bottom. I look forward to future issues and to seeing you when FBW comes to Chicago.
Andrew Cianfrocco
May 22nd, 2008 at 10:22 pm
I can understand the relatively well known stars, but some of the others baffle me. Ami Dolenz? Monique Dupree? Who would want their autographs. I am sure they are nice and all, but why?
May 23rd, 2008 at 2:26 pm
At worst, it is a fun hobby (and pretty harmless). At best, you can get interesting stories and meet people you grew up watching, along with new collector friends.
May 23rd, 2008 at 10:04 pm
I was part of a group who put on one of these shows a few years back. It was very enjoyable and rewarding once it actually started, but getting there was a long road. There is a lot of coordination, selling and many variables which come into play. A star can cancel at any time. If the main star cancels, you have lost a major draw to the show. We had one drop, but luck was with us as we somehow hooked up with another big name quickly and saved the show.
May 24th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
Sounds like a great job, if you can get it. You travel and get to meet great people like Christy and Mick?! Of course, I’d rather hug Christy than Mick, but all seem to be interesting people.
It really seems unbelievable to think that these people can really make so much money doing the convention circuit. Actually, I guess everyone wins, since they make the money and their fans get to meet them.