Walker Stalker Con Expects Big Turnout In Atlanta, Despite ‘Walking Dead’ Changes
About five years ago, the first Walker Stalker Con debuted with a turnout of around 10,000 attendees, which surpassed the 1,000 or so that they expected.
Heather Millsap
For James Frazier, his love of watching AMC’s “The Walking Dead” led him to co-found Fan Fest, a business that’s worth more than $11 million.
The former attorney and Eric Nordoff started Fan Fest’s Walker Stalker Con to create an experience “by fans, for fans” in 2012. This year, more than 70,000 people are expected to come out to the convention in the Georgia Congress Center from Oct. 26 to 28.
Frazier sees a positive outlook for the show, even though this will be Rick Grimes’ last season on AMC’s “The Walking Dead.”
“I think they’ve done a really good job of giving depth to the characters this season,” he said. “We’re seeing a lot between a lot of different characters and for me that’s what I want to see…The show, I think, is in a great place. And once it moves past Rick, I would say that it’s in a really good position.”
Even while the show’s storyline evolves, Frazier hasn’t seen any slowing in Walker Stalker Con ticket sales.
“We haven’t seen a decline in turn out at all. Sales are just as strong for this year’s Atlanta [convention] as they were for last year. Sales are just as strong for other shows,” he said. “This is not like any other show that’s been on television. There’s been nothing else like it.”
About five years ago, the duo debuted the first Walker Stalker Con with a turnout of around 10,000 attendees, which surpassed the 1,000 or so that they expected. The con evolved from local fan meetups that Frazier and Nordoff coordinated.
Now, events can be found in four countries around the world and in cities including Chicago, New Jersey, Portland, Berlin and London.
“They get to participate in a convention that is completely surrounded by the things that they love. They are immersed in the world of zombies and horror…,” Frazier said. “We want them to have these moments with the actors and interact with them and see that they’re real people and to solidify their fanhood.”
Attendees can expect to meet more than 60 actors, such as Danai Gurira and Jeffery Dean Morgan, who’ve appeared in AMC’s “The Walking Dead” and “Fear the Walking Dead.” There will also be panels, ranging one about The Walker Stalkers and a talk about zombie effects makeup for cosplay. Vendors will also be on site.
General Admission tickets can be bought for Friday ($30), Saturday ($50) and Sunday ($50). Or as a two-day ticket for Saturday and Sunday ($80) or three-day ticket ($105). Military, veterans and kids 10 and under with a ticketed adult get in free.
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