"Con Goers are some of the nicest most supportive people you will ever meet" Wak Interview
- Frank Wak
- Jan 23, 2017
- 3 min read
Vision Con has quickly become one of my favorite conventions in recent memory. What was once my biggest worry of last year became one of my most anticipated conventions of 2017. Many guest will be there including Steve Downs, Brian Muir, John W. Shipp, and myself will be there! February 24-26 in Branson Missouri, the Website can be found *HERE*. Andrea Smith is a member of the con staff for the convention, and I got the chance to ask her a few questions about the con!
Question 1: What is your Position for Visioncon?
I am the head of the marketing department, and this is my 3rd year on Staff for Visioncon. Because we're a charity organization, and our entire staff is made up of volunteers. It makes working with my team just that much more rewarding knowing that every effort they put forth putting the convention together is because they truly care about making the convention the best it can be.
Question 2: Will you tell me about your first convention?
My brother Daniel had been volunteering for Visioncon as a gopher at the time. I was looking at their website and saw that one of my favorite authors Patricia Briggs was going to be a guest. I was beyond excited because I had every book she had ever written and getting them signed was not something I had ever imagined was possible. My next happy surprise came when I was actually at the convention and found out how much more enjoyable a smaller convention can be from a larger cons. Until then all of my convention experiences had been at the mega cons where you are herded through like cattle and not really allowed to interact with the guests. Not only was she gracious enough to sign all my books (I had a huge stack) but she chatted with me and even answered a few questions. After that I was convinced that this was how a convention SHOULD be and signed up to volunteer myself the next year.
Question 3: What sets Visioncon apart from other conventions to you?
Because we are a Not for Profit 5013c charity, each year we choose a different charity to be our benefactor for that year. Last year we supported Care to Learn, and this year it will be Great Circle (formerly known as Boys and Girls Town). Most larger conventions are profit motivated. It makes Visioncon just that much more special to me that we're not like those.
Question 4: What’s your favorite breakfast on the Friday before a con?
Who has time for food, or sleep? I’ll be running crazy finishing up last minute preparations before the doors open. I’ll eat and sleep AFTER Visioncon.
WAK NOTE: I Don't Advise Not Eating for the whole week! PLEASE; Do not forget to eat, sleep and bathe during the weekend of the con. Always remember 7 hours of Sleep, 2 Meals, and 1 Shower a Day! Your con goers will thank you!
Question 5: What’s the best thing about a convention to you?
The people. People that come to conventions are some of the nicest most supportive and friendly you will ever meet anywhere on the planet.
Isn't it though? The ConMunity is the greatest part of my life. I love to meet con-goers, and mingle with them. I hope to see you all at Vision Con Check the Link above to check out their website, and I hope you'll check my blog again very soon!
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