MEGOCON 2004 

We decided as a serious news publication that we had to dig deep and get the scoop on the stories that matter to our readers.  Considering we're a publication that is reporting on a company that went out of business about 30 years ago, the hot stories are few and far between.  However, this edition we are pleased to bring you more information on MegoCon 2004. Thanks to ChrisDVM we can share with you the following information, some of which you may already know, and more can be learned at the www.MegoCon2004.com website.

The publisher, Hulk,  sat down with one of the organizers, our very own ChrisDVM for this exclusive interview.  Ok, Paul and Chris didn't actually sit down, and the following conversation is not a verbatim transcript of their correspondence, but if they did, it might sound something like this:

Megoville Muse (Hulk):  Chris, Thanks for taking the time to talk about MegoCom2004 with us.  The Megoville Muse has been following the progress of this event with great interest.  The entire Mego Museum Community has been clamoring for details, and we are grateful for your taking the time to talk to us.

ChrisDVM (ChrisDVM): Thanks Paul, it's my pleasure.

: First of all Chris, Who are the organizers behind MegoCon 2004? Who else is involved with it?

:  Myself, Chris Johnson, DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) and Robert Acqualaro.  That is it, as far as organizers. We have lots of Mego-Heads that will be helping out with set-up, 'loaning' items, etc.

:  There has been a lot of questions as to who the "guests" are going to be.  Who is scheduled and who is possible?

:  So far, definitively, we have Dr. Mego, Palitoy, and Mark Huckabone. We are trying to get Charlee Flatt, John Bonavita and Marty Abrams to commit as well, maybe Neal Kublan.

:  What contact information is their for the event?

:  Our Email is megocon2004@earthlink.net. The website, which is up now, is
www.megocon2004.com.

:  Is this in conjunction with any other Conventions or events?

:  We were originally trying to have it on the same weekend as a major toy show at the Madison Square Garden, but as of this time, I do not know if that one is going to happen or not.

:  What kind of displays can we expect to see at MegoCon 2004?

:  We will be having a dealer room with dealers 'majoring' in Mego toys, some other booths related to MegoCon(Dr. Mego, MegoCon items for sale, etc.), the Mego Room with the most complete
collection of all Mego Toys made and package variations, a Custom Room for people to enter their customs in a contest, lectures and workshops on Mego's, customizing and other things.

:  One of the areas of great interest is Customs.  What can we expect for this group at MegoCon?

:  We are having a Custom Contest. Three different categories - Most Mego-Like, Most Realistic, and Most Unusual. Customizers can enter up to three customs per category. There will be a First, Second and Honorable Mention prize in each group.

:  What about Selling and Trading?

:  For those who buy a three day ticket, the first night reception will also be a huge trade/swap meet for parts, pieces and figures.

:  Will there be security at night?

:  OH YES! We are hiring security guards to watch the Mego Room and Custom Room. We also have taken out a $1 million insurance policy on the whole convention.

:  Wow! That's impressive.  What is involved with setting up a convention of this magnitude? I know
it's a vague question, but I figured I'd ask.

:  How about a vague answer - A LOT! Lot's of contract negotiations with the hotel, figuring out a budget and where the money is coming from, lining up people to talk and appear, arranging for food and A/V equipment - the list goes on and on.

:  I know you've mentioned it before, but where and when is all this taking place?

:  MegoCon 2004 will be at The Hotel Pennsylvania in New York City, from Friday, June 11th through Sunday, June 13th, 2004. (note: Please make reservations through the MegoCon 2004 website).

:  What is the schedule? Receptions, Breakout sessions, etc.?

:  You should be able to get the schedule from the website.

In a nutshell, here's the plan...
Friday June 11th


Saturday, June 12th - Events 9am to 6pm. 

Sunday, June 13th

:  Wow Chris!  I've never seen anyone talk in bullets before!

 :  Thanks Hulk.  I've never seen anyone talk in 14 Point Century Gothic before.

:  How did this come about?

:  That, my friend, is a really good question. I had the idea to have a Mego convention about 1999. I had posted some introductory questions on the Mego Museum, but never got it off the ground. The subject came up again early 2002. By that time I was more permanently entrenched in the Mego community. I started asking again, and the idea of New York seemed to be the best choice.
 
That is where Robert comes in. He had also liked the idea, and when he saw someone else was talking about doing it, he contacted me. Over many emails and then phone calls, we solidified the idea and began to work on it. From the beginning, we knew that this was a chance. We both have sunk a bunch of money into this, so we hope that it comes off OK. The response so far has been very good, and I think this will be an event that everyone will talk about for a long time to come.

:  Sounds impressive.  Since we're talking about money, how much are the tickets?

:  Three Day Tickets are $98, and are only available on line, until May 20th.  Three Day Spouse Tickets, which includes the Reception, Key Note Dinner, and Sunday Breakfast, but no Saturday Events are $72. One Day Tickets are $32, and will not be available on the site until Saturday June 12th.
 

:  What about the room rates for guests at the Hotel?

:  $119 per night, for up to two in a room.  More in a room will cost more.

:  That is a very good rate for rooms in NYC.  Especially considering you don't have to take a cab to the convention.  Is there anyway the online Mego community can help?  Can we create or host banner ads  for use on other Mego related websites?

:  I will keep your offer of help in mind, trust me. I will probably email everybody and get them to place banner ads next week. As for the Con itself, if there are people who are going to be there early on Friday, they can contact me at lisae2@earthlink.net if they would like to help set up.
 

:  Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us.  I really hope I can make it, and I'll do my best to arrange my schedule to be there.

:  You're Welcome.  Feel free to e-mail with any other questions.