Fan Fest: Overview

Phoenix Comicon organizers could have been content to continue running a really solid convention every summer. With an army of 1600 volunteers and just 6 paid staff, they were already putting on one of the largest Comicons in the U.S. They could’ve just cruised.

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Instead, they decided to level up and add a second annual event. In response to community feedback, Fan Fest was held last month at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale.

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The 3-day Fan Fest had a more focused scope than the intimidatingly expansive schedule of the main Phoenix Comicon event, wrapping up each day by 7:30 pm or so instead of stretching to the wee hours. It still had multiple tracks, two Doctor Whos (Doctors Who?), activities for all ages, and an attendance of over 11,000. (So…slightly larger than the population of Sedona.)

Yes, there was a first year glitch here and there, but overall it was a great event.

Clearly, the force is strong with them.

Comic book track

Ahead of the con, organizers polled the community about what kind of character they’d like to see created. Then, during the weekend, an entire track was devoted to bringing the character and story to life.

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For each step of the process – sketching, inking, coloring, etc. – a different panel of volunteer artists would build on what had been created before, brainstorming and incorporating audience feedback as they went. I sat in on the clothing session. Discussions centered on how to reflect the story and super powers of the character, Blaze, in the design of her costume with the artists sharing ideas and opinions, as well as busily sketching them out.

By the end of the weekend, there was a 4-page comic book(let) of Blaze’s origin story.

Costuming

I’ll introduce you to some of the fabulous cosplayers and other makers I met in a separate post. For now, here are some of the costuming related programming and activities I got a chance to check out.

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Cosplay fashion show – So many imaginative costumes! And some of the teens really got into character as they walked down the runway. It was great to see them embrace and embody something they’re into.

Costume-building competitions – Due to lack of participation, a few of these had to be cancelled. I chalk this up to first-year growing pains. I’m not sure people came expecting to participate as much as they had the opportunity to.

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EVA foam demo – Mike Syfritt demonstrated his techniques for working with sheets of EVA foam, laser-cutting and layering them to create cosplay weapons and other props. Also, he had a really impressive supply toolkit – with an entire drawer for glue.

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Makeup – There was a special effects make-up competition with just 75 minutes to transform an audience volunteer using theatrical makeup. The make-up artists did a fantastic job!

Exhibition hall

There were around 300 exhibitors. A big section of the hall, “artists’ alley,” was devoted to comic book and other illustrators. There are several artists and makers I’m excited to tell you about, but again, that’s going into another post.

Beyond the exhibitors were the lines for photo ops with actors and other guests.

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There were also some places to take your own photos. Phillip posed as Han Solo facing off against the bounty hunter Greedo in a replica of an infamous hive of scum and villainy.

The Cactus Brick adult LEGOs users’ group was back with a LEGO city like the one they brought to Phoenix Comicon. They also had a table where you could make your own creation.

Other highlights

Outside there were different activities like jousting matches, muggle quidditch, and bouncy houses/slides/etc. for kids.

PUGS

There was a team version of the Phoenix Ultimate Geek Smackdown (PUGS), which Phillip participated in.

Teams had to debate geeky topics like “who wore the bow tie best: Doctor Who or Bill Nye?” Moderator Jeff Moriarty assigned the sides to the teams as he saw fit, and they had to defend whichever was assigned to them.

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For example, Phillip’s team had to argue why Catwoman was better with a whip than Indiana Jones. They put forth a valiant effort, but, really, Indy is hard to beat.

Preview of Phoenix Comicon

“We want Phoenix Comicon to be a place where you don’t just come see things, you come do things.”
–Phoenix Comicon 2015 Preview panel

One of the last panels was about what to expect from Phoenix Comicon in May 2015.

The summer event will be held at the Phoenix Convention Center again. Memberships (tickets) are already on sale. There are 8 host hotels, and they will probably sell out early.

A few of the things that are in the works:

Possible Jedi training with a lightsaber group.
Youth activities, skits, and art room.
Science tracks that count towards continuing education credits for teachers.
More writing panels.
“Drinks with Authors” events.
More fantasy programming centered around Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, etc.
More nighttime events, including nightly parties at the host hotels. Some will be 21+ and some for all ages.

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– More info –

Phoenix Comicon
Phoenix Comicon for newbies
Cosplay tips
Phoenix Comicon Fan Fest
Interview with Jillian Squires, Director of Marketing for Phoenix Comicon, on the Blogadin podcast (interview starts at about 34:00)

Thank you to Phoenix Comicon for providing media passes!

January 26, 2015

Minimalist Space Needle

Messing around editing a photo I’d taken of the Space Needle during my Seattle trip, I realized I really liked it in black-and-white and stripped down to a more minimalist form.

So I posted a few of these minimalist black-and-white Space Needle photos on Instagram, including one from the observation deck.

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I tend to err on the side of including too much detail, so this was a great exercise in editing and simplicity.

—

Microblog_Mondays

Microblog Mondays: Helping bloggers get over writer’s block since about last September. More on Stirrup Queens.

January 19, 2015September 24, 2019

Sleeping and eating near University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, AZ

While I’m working on wrapping up my post about Phoenix Comicon Fan Fest, here’s a prequel of sorts with our experience eating, staying, and hanging out in Glendale, Arizona near University of Phoenix Stadium – where a certain high profile football game will be played in a couple weeks.

(More of my top picks on my December in Glendale post.)

Staying

The IHG folks were nice enough to put us up at Staybridge Suites Phoenix-Glendale, so we could check it out and be super close to the event. I arrived before Phillip and texted to tell him we should just move in there. Our one-bedroom suite felt like a little apartment with a living room, well-equipped kitchen, bedroom (with a door separating it from the living space), and bathroom.

Living Space

Side note: Why does it seem like most couples consist of a morning person and a night person? Phillip and I both started out as stay-up-late people, but he’s evolved into this setting-the-alarm-even-on-the-weekend guy who says things like “I’ll just get up and finish this before work.” It’s so baffling it must be a law of nature. Anyway.

The point is that if you’re traveling with someone who wants to stay up making popcorn and watching movies or whatever, and you’re ready to call it a night, you can just shut bedroom the door and hit the lights. Or, if you’re me, you can make yourself some dinner, plop down on the couch, get totally immersed in a National Geographic Channel show about the Bermuda Triangle, and then get sleepy and finish watching it on the second (!) flatscreen tv in the bedroom. The wild life of a geek.

Also like an apartment, it’s largely self-service. Housekeeping does not come every day – unless you request it. Unlike most self-service stays, however, you can help yourself to a breakfast buffet in the mornings. So it’s kinda the best of both worlds.

Kitchen

Speaking of eating, having a kitchen in the room gives you so many more food and beverage options. This isn’t some minifridge-and-coffeemaker-tucked-into-a-closet “kitchenette” either, it’s a full kitchen. Yes, there’s a coffeemaker. There’s also a grownup-size refrigerator (with an ice maker), sink, 2-burner stove, microwave, dishwasher, and cabinets stocked with dishes, cookware, and utensils. You’re all set for chopping, mixing, sautéing, warming things up, and keeping things cool.

Location and Cabela’s

It took me 25 or 30 minutes to walk from Staybridge Suites to the stadium. It’s even closer to shopping at Tanger Outlets and Westgate Entertainment District. And directly across the street is the outdoor/hunting/fishing gear store Cabela’s.

That’s not really my scene, but we stopped in to check it out anyway. Somewhere in between whispering at Whisper Scarves and wondering at an animatronic talking deer head (why?!), we found the indoor archery range and a sales associate with a crazy fish cap and green-painted face and hands (in puzzling homage to the Grinch).

Quick backstory: Long before we met, Phillip and I had both tried archery (him at 4H, me at Girl Scout camp), both enjoyed it, and both hadn’t picked it back up since we were teenagers.

Fast forward back to Fish Hat Grinch Man: he got us set up with the waivers we needed to sign and patiently demonstrated how to use the recursive bow. I took a few shots, each farther from the target than the last, and then took a (totally undeserved) Katniss Everdeen bow at the end.

Eating

University of Phoenix Stadium has some basic hamburger/hot dog/soft pretzel type concessions, and a couple food trucks were parked outside during Fan Fest. There are tons of restaurant options at Westgate and Tanger Outlets, as well as in downtown Glendale (about 10 minutes’ drive). We did a mix of our eating out and in, starting the day with Staybridge’s hot breakfast buffet.

Fired Pie at Tanger Outlets

Fired Pie is one of the few locally-based options in the area surrounding the stadium. We expected a sit-down restaurant, but it’s actually more fast casual. Think Chipotle for pizza, and you’re on the right track.

They have a great selection of quality ingredients for toppings like kalamata olives, fresh mozzarella, and grilled chicken. You can order from the menu or customize your individual pizza or salad as much as you’d like. You can choose your pizza’s sauce, cheese, veggies, and/or meat. They wood fire it and have it ready for you in just a few minutes. We enjoyed it so much we’ve already been back – to the Chandler location.

Food trucks

Of course, the Burgers Amore truck isn’t always parked outside the stadium. However, they’re worth tracking down. They have delicious steak burgers and sweet potato fries.

Lenny’s

On the way home, we made an impromptu stop in downtown Glendale at Lenny’s Burger Shop to see if they had anything for a sweet tooth. Turns out they had chocolate peanut butter shakes. Um, yes, please. Great way to wrap up the weekend!

[UPDATE: That building is now Moe’s Burgers. I haven’t been there or to the other Lenny’s Burgers around the Valley.]

PS Did you spot Mr. Cheeseface?

Thank you to IHG / Staybridge Suites for providing our accommodations. Also, thanks to Fired Pie for our media discount.

December 30, 2014May 23, 2023

Scottsdale Walking Tour Has Chocolate Lovers Covered

I have two words for you, friends: chocolate. tour.

Yep. That is now a thing that is happening here in the Phoenix area. So I did you a huge favor and checked that out for you.

I know. Sacrifices.

Stephanie Haworth also sacrificed and came along, tasting chocolate and taking the photos for this post (except the one of her below).

The Chocolate Tour of Scottsdale winds through Old Town to Fashion Square. You taste chocolate in various forms – hot, cold, cake pops, candies, cupcakes – from 8 different merchants. Some share a little about what they do and what sets them apart, and they all offer discounts to tour-goers.

The tours are lead by owner/operator Ofelia Montelongo, whose passion for chocolate lead her to start the company just this fall, and it’s off to a great start! In fact, she’s already quit her day job to devote more time to her business.

She meets tour-goers at the outdoor patio of Gloria’s Cafe with bottled water, maps, and bags for your extra chocolate. (Really. “Extra chocolate” does exist. I have a pretty serious sweet tooth, and I still couldn’t keep up with all the cocoa confections). She sets a friendly tone, keeping everyone oriented, and sharing points of interest along the way.

One prestigious Phoenix chocolatier, Julia Baker, has her own Cooking Channel show. Since her shop isn’t in walking distance, Ofelia brings Julia Baker chocolates to the tour. So you’re sampling even before the first step.

Then you head to the Paula Jacqueline bakery, which stays open late to greet the tour and hand out delicious fudgy cake pops.

Next, from behind a counter stocked with chocolate in all kinds of inventive shapes (squirrels, anyone? what about mushrooms? corn?) and flavors, a man in a Chocolade Van Brugge apron explained how their chocolate is imported from Belgium. He also claimed we were about to taste “the best hot chocolate [we’d] ever had.”

I was skeptical about that. But he may have been right.

The hot is followed by cold with a stop at Petersen’s Old-Fashioned Ice Cream, where you can sample your choice(s) of their wide variety of favors.

We continued through the 5th Ave Art Festival, which happened to be that weekend, pausing at the Bronze Horse Fountain for a group photo.

Our next stop was Classic Cakes and Confections, a bakery with such elaborate creations that some require signs explaining “this is a cake,” because otherwise you’d never guess. In addition to cakes, they had lots of amazing-looking desserts, teas in tins, and quirky coffee and tea accessories.

In Fashion Square, we stopped at Godiva for truffles and at the locally-owned Caketini for cannoli.

Across the street at Sprinkles, we snacked on mini cupcakes.

It was also the opening week of their cupcake ATM – one of only 8 in the world. It’s located outside, so, if you get a sudden after-hours craving, you just select the flavor you want and swipe your card. The machine gently delivers a boxed cupcake to a compartment with a small door that dramatically raises up to reveal your treat.

Our final stop of the day was actually an alternate, but it was one of my faves. If a merchant isn’t able to accommodate the tour on a certain day (due to an event, etc.), Ofelia has a whole list of pre-vetted backups.

The Chocolate Tour was a lot of fun, and I’d definitely recommend it to both local and visiting chocolate lovers.

– More info –

Chocolate tours run fall to spring. Ofelia will be offering other indoor events over the summer.
Book in advance, especially for weekend tours. As of now, Valentine’s Day is already full, but there are openings the day before.
Get $10 off with promo code CHOCOLATE!
Dress for the weather and wear comfy shoes.
You will probably end up with more chocolate than you can eat. You’ll have a goodie bag – don’t be afraid to use it! Take some chocolate home to enjoy later on.

Thank you to Chocolate Tours of Scottsdale for providing press passes!

December 19, 2014

DIY Gift Bags

Does doing something 2 years in a row make it a tradition?

If so, then we continued our gift-bag making tradition at CraftHack this month.

You can make your own gift bags out of regular old paper lunch sacks and craft supplies you already have. Here are some tips…

Get your stuff together!

Lunch bags. If you have regular brown ones around, great! Otherwise, check out your color options – white, red, yellow, blue. I’ve seen a bunch at my local Target.
Scissors. Fancy-edge scissors, a small paper cutter, and/or a paper punch might also be useful if you have them.
Embellishments. Use what you’ve got – scrapbook paper, washi tape, old greeting cards, ribbon, glitter, stickers, that last little bit of wrapping paper on the roll, etc.

Customize!

Bag size. Take a bit off the top to break up the lunch baggy proportions. You can use your fancy scissors to create an interesting edge.

Handles. 3 ways to handle handles:

1. Cut out a shape an inch or so from the top of the bag. Straight sided shapes – like a long inverted triangle – work best.

2. Vertical handles. Use ribbon, two pieces of washi tape (sticky sides together), or scraps cut from the top of your paper bag to make a handle that goes over the top of the bag. You can staple it (use your embellishments to cover staples), or punch/cut holes to thread ribbon through and secure with tape or big knots.

3. Horizontal handles. Some of the CraftHackers came up with this one. It works best using fabric ribbon. You cut rectangles into thee bag that are as tall as the ribbon is wide and weave it through, maybe with help from a friend.

Decorate! Once you’ve sized your bag and made handles, get creative using supplies you have on hand. Cut shapes out of paper, add glitter, make a pattern from paper, create stripes from ribbon or washi tape, go a little crazy with stickers, have fun!

Check out my last-minute holiday guide for more gift, entertaining, and decorating ideas!