MEGACON™ TAMPA BAY 2017 WRAPS ANOTHER YEAR WITH OVER $25,000 RAISED FOR HURRICANE RELIEF

Tampa Bay, FL – October 5, 2017 – MegaCon™ Tampa Bay 2017, the Southeast’s largest fan convention, wrapped up another weekend at the Tampa Convention Center. The three-day multi-genre convention welcomed fans to revel in panels, shopping, celebrity fun and more. This year’s show was packed with exciting activities for fans of all ages and featured celebrity guests including Marvel Comic legend Stan Lee, William Shatner (Star Trek), Kevin Smith (Clerks), Ian Somerhalder (The Vampire Diaries), Jason Mewes (Clerks), Caleb McLaughlin, Gaten Matarazzo (Stranger Things), and many more.

Stan Lee Auction for Hurricane Relief

Friday evening, MegaCon Tampa Bay welcomed Stan Lee for a Q&A and live auction. Seven one-of-a-kind items were auctioned by actor/director Kevin Smith (Jay & Silent Bob, Clerks) with all proceeds benefiting Feeding Florida for hurricane relief. A one-on-one dinner with Stan Lee was auctioned for $3,000 with a fierce battle in the audience. Then a surprise item was announced when Kevin Smith auctioned a cameo in his upcoming movie Jay and Silent Bob Reboot for $6,000. Lastly, an all- expenses paid trip to Los Angeles to hang out with Stan Lee, have dinner and go to a Black Eyed Peas concert with him was auctioned for $10,000. There was even a proposal!

Between the auction and ticket sales, more than $30,000 was raised for Feeding Florida.

Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/4xrzelbf810eclr/AACR3_7gazJ8b4Ms56If35pCa?dl=0

Video: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/dva708o48ht4m29/AABe6_kcfk5p8evFW0HgyXn-a?dl=0
Caption: Stan Lee Auction at MegaCon Tampa Bay to Benefit Feeding Florida on Friday, September 29

Cylon Raider Ship from Battlestar Galactica

Why do the bad guys always have the coolest looking ships? This amazing display, a half scale model of the Cylon Raider ship from Battlestar Galactica circa 1978, is the only one ever built to scale as there were none built for the actual production of the show!

Booth Highlights

Tattoo Alley had 20 artists from The Ink-Fusion Empire lead by Marc Draven. Ink-Fusion Empire is the only professional Tattoo program that has a license agreement with Lucasfilm LTD and works side-by-side with the likes of Stan Lee, Dave Nestler, Arthur Suydam, James O'Barr, and countless other TV and movie celebrities. Artist alley was packed each day with eager fans waiting for their next tattoo.

Panels, Photo Ops, Signings, much more

Many panels and photo opportunities took place this weekend, including Q&A with Stan Lee where he answered numerous questions from fans, photo opportunities with William Shatner and Caleb and Gaten from Stranger Things and much more.

Can’t wait for next year’s MegaCon Tampa Bay? MegaCon Orlando 2018 will take place from May 24 to May 27, 2018 – tickets go on sale in late November. MegaCon Tampa Bay returns September 21 to September 23, 2018. Check back at www.MegaConOrlando.com and www.MegaConTampaBay.com for ticket sales.

Coming to a Convention Near You! HWWS Joins the ACES Stable of Stars!

Asylum Convention and Entertainment Services - ACES Announcement

 Melbourne, FL, Oct. 5, 2017--    It's time! An announcement full of greatness! Today we welcome quite a few new members to our ACES family - Hangin With Web Show, GW Pomichter, and Cosplay Michael!
The Hangin With Web Show is an internet based web talk show series that highlights the work of aspiring, independent as well as well established artists, authors, filmmakers, entertainers and creators within the arts and entertainment industry. As the world wide web has shifted the arts and entertainment paradigm, show host and creator G.W. Pomichter, an independent author himself, founded the show to assist in sharing the growing community of creative arts professionals with a hungry and growing internet audience.  
     The show is hosted and directed by G.W. Pomichter (an author/creator and a professional journalist, who has penned more than 400 byline articles for The Hometown News and Florida Today) but it would not be possible without the talent and hard work of its staff.
     Sage Ia: Sage is a consummate professional who works both on set as the show’s artistic relations coordinator and scheduler, but behind the scenes as a co-producer and the show’s social media marketing director. Sage is a native of Pittsburg, PA, and has her Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Organizational Management from Eastern Florida State College.
     Deanna Marie: Deanna is the Hangin With Web Show’s co-producer and serves on set as a camera and sound technician, and as well as show host G.W. Pomichter’s P.A. In addition to these functions, Deanna also serves as the show’s primary merchandizing, advertising and marketing executive director.
     In addition, show host G.W. Pomichter is a seasoned journalist, a published author and web media “artrepeneur,” producer and director.
     G.W. Pomichter is a professional author and journalist and the producer and creator of the Hangin With Web Show. G.W. Pomichter is a graduate of Florida Air Academy and Eastern Florida State College.
     G.W. Pomichter, a trained news journalist, is now a full-time author and the director, producer and host of the Hangin With Web Show, a web talk show series which features new, established, indie and up-and-coming artists, authors, filmmakers, and entertainers from throughout the arts and entertainment industry. Pomichter’s IMDb presence has continued to grow in popularity where he routinely ranks among top show hosts and celebrities.
From his first published book, Mapping the Road Less Traveled — a handbook on political campaigning, G.W. Pomichter has gone on top write and publish The Lucky Marks Mystery Series, a detective crime noir featuring 2 novellas and a short story, and Yesterday’s Tomorrow, a dark near future dystopian alternative history which follows two families in the aftermath of a terrorist nuclear attack on the U.S. Eastern Seaboard.
     As digital media pros and YouTubers® become frequent guests at conventions throughout the pop culture community, it is a valuable asset to have such guests that are working and providing coverage of the event and its other guests, while meeting fans and satisfying audiences. The benefits of combining coverage with presence are clear and can be seen at some of the nations most popular cons.
     In addition to Hangin With Web Show and G.W. Promithcer we are pleased to announce “Cosplay Michael,” who made his first appearance as a featured Cosplay guest at Tampa Florida’s Necronomicon 2016, and since has attended both large and small events including as a panelist at world famous Comic Con International in San Diego California. Cosplay Michael has a growing social media presence and is well known in cosplay for his energy and enthusiasm for the community. His attendance at many conventions is anticipated by cosplay guests, professionals and even some celebrity guests. Look for him at: www.facebook.com/cosplaymichael/

Make sure you check out our new family members at:

WEBSITE: https://www.hanginwithshow.com
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_C2z2k60d6lOj8DFMWDGEA
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/HanginWithWebShow/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/HanginWithShow
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/hanginwithwebshow/
IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt6337920/

STAN LEE IS COMING TO MEGACON TAMPA BAY™ TO SUPPORT HURRICANE IRMA RELIEF EFFORTS - SEPTEMBER 29 TO OCTOBER 1

Tampa Bay, FL – September 14, 2017 – MegaCon™, the Southeast’s fan convention, has announced Comic Book Legend Stan Lee will appear at MegaCon Tampa Bay to meet his fans and support Hurricane Irma relief in Florida. For the next 2,000 MegaCon Tampa Bay tickets sold online, the convention will donate $5 per ticket to Feeding Florida, a statewide network of food banks working on the ground to provide families impacted by Hurricane Irma with food and emergency supplies.

“The generous support of the MegaCon Tampa Bay community will allow Feeding Florida to provide necessary supplies to our families directly impacted by Hurricane Irma,” said Robin Safley, Executive Director of the Feeding Florida. “Partnerships like this allow our statewide network of food banks to continue to support every community and provide many of the front-line services required during response and recovery efforts.”

“Florida is in need of some cheering up and what better person to do that than the one and only Stan Lee! We are excited to be bringing Stan to Tampa Bay for the first time and to work with him to support those communities impacted by Hurricane Irma.” says Andrew Moyes, Vice President of FanExpo HQ. 

In light of the recent natural disaster, Stan Lee will auction off experiences and items that money cannot buy, including a one-on-one meal with Stan The Man himself, and artwork from his personal collection. The auction will happen on Friday, September 29 during his panel at MegaCon Tampa Bay. You have to be in the room to bid!

Stan Lee’s personal auction contributions, combined with the funds raised from the ticket drive, ensure MegaCon Tampa Bay and their fans will donate an estimated $20,000 to Feeding Florida’s hurricane relief efforts.  

Three-day passes, as well as single day tickets starting at just $25, are available at www.megacontampabay.com/tickets. For news, guest announcements and more, please visit www.megacontampabay.com. 

Tweet: Just in, Stan Lee is heading to @MegaConTampa to support Hurricane Irma relief efforts with partial proceeds going to @FeedingFlorida #MegaConTampa17 #FeedFL

The Hangin With Web Show is headed to MEGACON™ TAMPA BAY: PROGRAMMING, EXHIBITORS, CELEBRITIES AND SO MUCH MORE!

Tampa Bay, FL – August 24, 2017 – MegaCon™, the Southeast’s largest fan convention, has announced new celebrity appearances and programming for this year’s show. MegaCon Tampa Bay is set to return to the Tampa Bay Convention Center Friday, September 28 to Sunday, October 1 with a star-studded line up. Current celebrities include:


John Barrowman, Arrow

William Shatner, Star Trek

Ian Somerhalder, The Vampire Diaries

Alex Kingston, Doctor Who

Kevin Smith, Clerks

Jason Mewes, Clerks

James Marsters, Buffy The Vampire Slayer

Katie Cassidy, Arrow

Ruth Connell, Supernatural

Gaten Matarazzo, Stranger Things

Caleb McLaughlin, Stranger Things

In addition to over 200,000 square feet of shopping insanity, MegaCon Tampa Bay’s 2017 programming highlights include:

THE INK-FUSION EMPIRE TATTOO PAVILLION

The Ink-Fusion Empire is the only professional Tattoo program that has a license agreement with Lucasfilm LTD. Working side by side with the likes of Stan Lee, Dave Nestler, Arthur Suydam, James O'Barr, and countless other TV and movie celebrities. Stay tuned for details on how to book sessions in advance. Space is limited.

CYLON RAIDER SHIP FROM BATTLESTAR GALACTICA

Why do the bad guys always have the coolest looking ships? This amazing display is a ½ scale model of the Cylon Raider ship from Battlestar Galactica circa 1978. It is the only one ever built to scale as there were none built for the actual production of the show! Oh, and this one doesn't just sit and look pretty, you are in for a few surprises. (no spoilers!)

FUN FOR KIDS AND FAMILIES!

There is endless fun for kids throughout the weekend! First, join MegaCon for the Annual Kids Costumer Contest. Kids must be 12 and under and register on Sunday. Need a breather? For parent(s) with kids under 12, the Kids Zone and Family Lounge is a quiet corner where you can just chill and get away from the crowds for a bit. Lots of activities for the kids including LEGO play stations, art and crafts tables, cartoons and more.

CELEBRITY PHOTO SESSIONS

This is the chance of a lifetime! Fans can have a professional photographer take a photo of them with their favorite celebrity!

BATMOBILE REPLICA FROM TIM BURTON’S 1989 BATMAN FILM

Get up close to one of the most famous vehicles in all of film history! The Batmobile from Tim Burton's 1989 movie "Batman". This high-end replica will give you chills! Photo op available all weekend! Only one will claim the night.

COSTUME CONTEST

MegaCon Tampa Bay’s fans show up with the most extravagant cosplayer for the annual costume contest. Fans showcase their original costumers derived from the comic, sci-fi, horror, anime and fantasy worlds.

COSTUME MAKING 101

Love cosplay but not sure where to start and how to make a costume? Some items needed in making costumes, masks and props can be found in your local hardware store! The expert members of the 501st Legion of Star Wars fame will share their experience and secrets on making the best costumes in the real world.

R2 BUILDERS CLUB

Watch out, R2 is coming down the aisle! R2 Builders Club has continually striven to develop an accurate resource for reproducing the lovable Star Wars Astromech designated Artoo Detoo. Current membership stands at over 7,100 and continues to grow with members from all over the world.

WASABI ANIME EVENTS EVERY HOUR

Spend time with Wasabi Anime®, MegaCon Tampa Bay’s innovative anime experts . Their unique brand of Japanese pop culture entertainment includes awesome panels and exclusive anime screenings ver the weekend.

Three-day weekend passes as well as individual day tickets are now available at www.megacontampabay.com/tickets, starting at $25. For news, guest announcements and more, please visit www.megacontampabay.com.

ABOUT FAN EXPO HQ

MegaCon™ Tampa Bay is owned by FAN EXPO HQ, one of the largest entertainment convention groups in North America. Collectively it hosts over 500,000 fans annually at FAN EXPO CANADA™, Boston Comicon, FAN EXPO VANCOUVER™, FAN EXPO REGINA™, FAN EXPO DALLAS™, Toronto ComiCon, Dallas Fan Days and MegaCon™ Tampa Bay.

PREVIOUS Hangin With Web Show Mega Con Coverage:

MEGACON™ RETURNS TO TAMPA BAY FOR THE SECOND YEAR WITH KEVIN SMITH, JASON MEWES: SEPTEMBER 29 – OCTOBER 1

TICKETS NOW ON SALE! 

The Southeast’s largest fan convention is back with 200,000 square feet of shopping, photo opportunities, celebrity signings, panels and much more!

Tampa Bay, FL – June 22, 2017 – MegaCon™, the Southeast’s largest fan convention, is back in Tampa Bay for the second year in a row at the Tampa Convention Center Friday, September 29 through Sunday, October 1. As of June 15, 2017, tickets are on sale at www.megacontampabay.com/tickets and start at $25. Fan favorites and hilarious duo Jay & Silent Bob, also known as Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes, are lined up for a special appearance on Friday evening. Additionally, Katie Cassidy of Arrow and The Flash has been confirmed. Many more celebrities will be announced in the coming months!

“After welcoming over 30,000 fans to the Tampa Convention Center in 2016 during our inaugural MegaCon™ Tampa Bay, we cannot wait for an even bigger and better show in 2017,” says Andrew Moyes, Vice President of Fan Expo HQ. “We’re ready to welcome the community to another incredible weekend of fandom fun.”

MegaCon™ Orlando and Tampa Bay are the Southeast’s largest comic, sci-fi, horror, anime and gaming conventions. Welcoming over 100,000 fans a year to Orlando and over 30,000 fans to Tampa Bay, MegaCon™ continues to give the ultimate fan experience.

Three-day weekend passes as well as individual day tickets are now available at www.megacontampabay.com/tickets, starting at $25. For news, guest announcements and more, please visit www.megacontampabay.com.

ABOUT FAN EXPO HQ

MegaCon™ Tampa Bay is owned by FAN EXPO HQ, one of the largest entertainment convention groups in North America. Collectively it hosts over 500,000 fans annually at FAN EXPO CANADA™, Boston Comicon, FAN EXPO VANCOUVER™, FAN EXPO REGINA™, FAN EXPO DALLAS™, Toronto ComiCon, Dallas Fan Days and MegaCon™ Tampa Bay.

MEGACON™ BY FAN EXPO COMING TO TAMPA CONVENTION CENTER OCTOBER 28 – 30, 2016, HEADLINED BY DAVID TENNANT

     Tampa, FL – July 18, 2016 – MegaCon™ Tampa Bay, a multi-genre pop culture event, is set to take place at the Tampa Convention Center Friday, October 28 through Sunday, October 30, 2016. Celebrity guests David Tennant (Doctor Who, Jessica Jones), Billie Piper (Doctor Who), William Shatner (Star Trek), Karl Urban (Star Trek), among others will welcome fans to a weekend filled with panels, shopping, workshops, costume contests and more.

     “MegaCon has a history of bringing the ultimate fan experience to the Orlando area, and we’re excited to bring our multi-genre convention to Tampa Bay,” says Andrew Moyes, Show Director.      “MegaCon Tampa Bay will be a family-friendly, action-packed three-day event fit for fans of all pop culture categories.”

     MegaCon Tampa Bay is owned by FAN EXPO HQ, one of the largest entertainment convention groups in North America. Collectively it hosts over 500,000 fans annually at FAN EXPO CANADA™, FAN EXPO VANCOUVER™, FAN EXPO REGINA™, FAN EXPO DALLAS™, Toronto ComiCon, Dallas Fan Days and MegaCon Orlando.

     MegaCon Orlando, itself, is the Southeast’s largest comic, sci-fi, horror, anime and gaming convention, welcomed over 100,000 people to the Orange County Convention Center on Memorial Day Weekend 2016. MegaCon Tampa Bay expects to welcome over 30,000 fans to the Tampa Convention Center as well as local vendors, cosplayers and celebrity guests throughout the Halloween weekend.

Three-day weekend passes. as well as individual day tickets are now available at http://megacontampabay.com/tickets/, starting at $25. For news, guest announcements and more, please visit http://megacontampabay.com.

ABOUT FAN EXPO HQ

For more information, visit:

www.MegaConTampaBay.com