The Comic Con world got a little bit smaller today, as in a just revealed press release, it was announced that ReedPOP and Emerald City ComiCon have “joined forces” for future ECCC’s, starting with 2015’s event in late March. Emerald City ComiCon has been one of the largest cons in recent years, swelling to 70,000 attendees in 2014, and it’s also been known as one that has kept its eyes on the comic book prize more than other more pop culture oriented ones. I can easily see why ReedPOP would want to pair up with them, as Jim Demonakos and his team have created something very special in the Seattle based event.
However, while I don’t know the details of the deal, one has to hope that ReedPOP’s influence doesn’t negatively impact ECCC and its comic-centric feel. While they’ve certainly done a hell of a job at expanding the comic convention footprint, ReedPOP is one of the groups who really pushes comic cons to be more of “pop culture events” as their press release says. New York Comic Con is a hell of a thing, but it’s also a thing that is often out of control and feels only like a comic related event in pockets, namely its (awesome) Artist Alley. I have to wonder how long this deal has been agreed upon, because ECCC is going heavier on the celebrity side in 2015 than in years past it seems, and I wonder if that is partially ReedPOP’s influence. Of course, that’s all conjecture, and I love Anthony Mackie as much as anyone else. Cut the check!
This could be a boon though. ECCC has been the little con that could for years, and it has led the team to expand into Portland with Rose City ComiCon (Update: Rose City ComiCon will remain separate and is not part of this deal). If this helps out the team of Demonakos and friends, that’s a good thing, and hopefully this allows ECCC to reach even higher heights. Here’s hoping it keeps the passion for comics that makes it special in the process.
Official Press Release
REEDPOP AND EMERALD CITY COMICON JOIN FORCES TO PRODUCE THE ‘PREMIER COMIC BOOK AND POP CULTURE CONVENTION IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST’
Emerald City Comicon Joins the ReedPOP Family as ReedPOP Continues Rapid Growth as #1 Producer of Comic Conventions Across the Globe
NORWALK, CT — January 13, 2015 – ReedPOP, the world’s largest producer of pop culture events, is adding another show to its portfolio with the Emerald City Comicon (ECCC). Today, the company announces that the ‘premiere comic book and pop culture convention in the Pacific Northwest’ has joined its family of leading experiential fan events. The partnership will take effect for the eagerly anticipated 2015 event taking place March 27-29 in downtown Seattle, Washington.
ECCC, known for being a fan-oriented and comics-focused show, was founded in 2003 by local comics retailer Jim Demonakos and opened to 2,500 fans its first year. Since then, attendance has grown steadily reaching a record 70,000 in 2014 and an expected 80,000 in 2015, with 3-Day already sold out! With new comic and celebrity guests each year, ECCC stands out in the industry as providing a unique experience with heart for fans of all ages. Additionally, ECCC has created a charity art book each year since 2009 – Monsters & Dames – that has raised over $75,000 for Seattle Children’s Hospital.
Demonakos had this to say about the partnership, “We are huge fans of what ReedPOP is doing across the globe in this pop culture space and the ECCC team is excited to have them help us elevate the fan experience at our event. We are also very much looking forward to bringing the ECCC brand of fan-focused events to help ReedPOP amplify their conventions even further.”
Since ReedPOP’s first event in 2006, the sold-out New York Comic Con, the group has sought to produce exceptional experiences for passionate audiences and grow the industries surrounding these passions, and this philosophy has led to burgeoning attendance, the support of major creators and publishers and partnerships with leading entertainment brands including Lucasfilm (Star Wars Celebration), UFC (UFC Fan Expo) and Penny Arcade (PAX).
Continued belowIn recent years, ReedPOP has turned its attention internationally, recognizing pop culture audiences emerging throughout the world, where it has produced once-in-a-lifetime experiences for these new fans and connected exhibitors to these hungry, unexplored markets. ReedPOP’s previous global events have been set in London, Germany and Singapore, and the company planted its biggest global flag to date last year in Australia, creating an Australian team to launch PAX Australia and partner with the Oz Comic-Con series of events. ReedPOP’s efforts in India were recently announced through a partnership with Comic Con India — with events in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Hyderabad. The company also added Paris Comic Con into its fold as announced at New York Comic Con.
“The addition of ECCC to the ReedPOP family is a huge win and we couldn’t be more excited to see how we can make each other better,” said Lance Fensterman, ReedPOP’s Global Senior Vice President. “The ECCC team is tremendous and have put together an amazing show. I know there are things we can introduce to the mix and look even more forward to what the ECCC team can bring to all our events around the globe.”
For more information on this year’s Emerald City Comicon please visit www.emeraldcitycomicon.com.
About ReedPOP:
ReedPOP is a boutique group within Reed Exhibitions exclusively devoted to organising events, launching and acquiring new shows, and partnering with premium brands in the pop culture world. ReedPOP is dedicated to celebrations of popular culture throughout the globe that transcend ordinary events by providing unique access and dynamic personal experiences. The ReedPOP portfolio includes: New York Comic Con (NYCC), Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2), Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) Prime, East, South and Australia, Oz Comic-Con, Comic Con India, Paris Comic Con, Star Wars Celebration and UFC Fan Expo. The staff at ReedPOP is a fan-based group of professionals uniquely qualified to serve those with whom they share a common passion. ReedPOP is focused on bringing its expertise and knowledge to world communities in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, India and Australia. (www.reedpop.com)
ABOUT ECCC
Built on a fan-first mentality, Emerald City Comicon (ECCC) has established itself as one of North America’s largest and most respected shows of its kind. Since 2003, ECCC has continued to cement its reputation in both national and international circles in the industry as the show to be at to kick off the convention season.
