70th Explorers Garrison: Forums

Branson Convocation - Branson enFORCEd
October 23-26, 2008

Branson MO, Lodge of the Ozarks

okay, here's the deal -
My dad works for a ticketing company called Branson Ticket and Travel and they now work with Ryan International Airlines. They intend to have a Star Wars convention next october and wanted me to start getting the word out. The intent is not for this to be a local event but a national event with hopes that we get a lot of people, a lot of vendors, and a lot of assorted fun things like workshops, a parade, and participation from local shows. A convocation is "a group of people formally assembled for a special purpose" and so we thought it was very fitting to name it in tribute to the Jedi Convocations within the Star Wars cannon.

so....

we're looking for suggestions as far as what to do to attract fans, how to get vendors, and what the policies would be when it comes to Lucasfilm participation since none of us have done this before. Thanks and I will keep you all informed and we will update this site frequently: bransonenforced.com

- Steve Schaeperkoetter

CORRECTION - 2008, NEXT year. me, dad, and dad's boss all missed the mistake. thank you Brandon Lauthern

My suggestion would be to contact the heads of big cons like D*Con or the local ones like NakaCon and ask them for advice.

you could also contact all the local stores, fantasy shops, sci-fi comic shops also for booths and what not... ...
can also get a lot of info out of the venders at vision con... i've talked to them before and some of them love to set up for conventions because they like the atmosphere..

I checked with Lucasfilm and it's like jumping through hoops to have a convention, so we are changing things around. We are no longer looking into having a convention in Branson - at least not for next year. We instead are having a charity event for the Boys and Girls Club and Thunder Ranch (It's a Foster Home). We are workiing through the details, but are looking to invite the 501st, Rebel Legion, Jedi Assembly, and Fanforce to come and join in the cause. The event would still be run the same as before with a march at the Landing and guest appearances, but with it being for charity, Lucasfilm doesn't need to be involved. I'll fill in more of the blanks as we have more details worked out. Just remember to keep October 23-26th open.