2nd Annual Elko Pop Con

 

#elkopopcon

Buckle up, pop culture enthusiasts, because we’re diving headfirst into a whirlwind of fandoms, trends, and all things trending!

from silver screen to the comic book page, pop culture encompasses the stories, music, and art that shaPE our shared experience. It’s the catchy tune stuck in your head, the movie everyone’s buzzing about, and the cosplay that makes you do a double take. you’re not going to want to miss it!

ADMISSION IS BACK-TO SCHOOL SUPPLIES!

All Back-To-School items will be donated to our local Communities in Schools of Northeastern Nevada

2024 Sponsors

Preferred Hotels

  • Rate includes a hot breakfast buffet, parking, and Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.
  • The hotel offers a swimming pool, and hot tub, fitness center, business center, and laundry facilities.
  • Rooms feature refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, hair dryers, irons and ironing boards.

(775)777-8181

When calling mention Elko Pop Con for a discounted rate. The discounted rate is only valid until August 1st, 2024.

  • Free hot breakfast
  • Indoor pool
  • Free WiFi
  • Free parking
  • Fitness center
  • Business center
  • Meeting rooms
  • Pet-friendly rooms

(775) 738-2111

When calling to make your reservation ask for the “Pop Con 2024 Block”. The discounted rate is only valid until Friday, August 2, 2024.

  • Largest Casino in Elko, NV
  • Free Airport Shuttle
  • Coffee Garden Restaurant
  • Aspens Bar & Grill
  • Arcade
  • Seasonal Outdoor Pool
  • Fitness Center
  • Massage Works
  • Pet-friendly rooms
  • Event & Meeting Space

(775) 374-4165

  • Breakfast Included
  • Business center
  • Free Internet
  • Pet Friendly
  • Free Parking
  • Conference facilities
  • Vending machines
  • Coin operated laundry

Vendor Registration*

*VENDOR REGISTRATION IS NOW FULL! IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE PLACED ON THE WAIT LIST PLEASE EMAIL elkopopcon@elkocva.com

Panelist/Workshop Submission*

*CLOSED – If you would like to be placed on the waiting list email elkopopcon@elkocva.com

Sponsorship Opportunities

The Elko Pop Con is Elko’s premier event for comic, sci-fi, fantasy, and pop culture enthusiasts. We’re expecting a huge turnout of thousands passionate fans this year, eager to connect with their favorite franchises and discover new ones. Partner with us and become a pop culture hero! We offer a variety of sponsorship packages to suit your needs and budget.

Become a Sponsor today!!

Escape Rooms – 

Desperado: The wild west is alive and well. Bandits are searching for a lost treasure – try to find the gold before they do!

Mystery of the Lost Cavern: Journey to the lost caverns to unlock and secure the Mystical Stone of Immortality.

Double Cross at Tony’s Bistro: Locate Rocco’s half million-dollar payoff and escape before the Feds return with their forensic team.

Wizard Academy: Unlock the secrets of becoming a wizard and gain your diploma as a skilled wizard.

Game Room –

Gear up, gamers! We’re thrilled to announce a brand new addition to the Elko Pop Con this year – a dedicated game room! Polish your trading cards, and prepare for epic battles and nostalgic delights. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual player, the game room offers a space to connect, compete, and celebrate all things gaming. See you there!

Dungeons and Dragons

Open Play Games: Pathfinder Munchkin, Warhammer Munchkin, 5 Minute Marvel, 5 Minute Dungeon, Axis and Allies, Doomlings and Cthulhu Wars Duel.

Cosplay Contest

Submissions NOW OPEN

Do you love to create things? Have you made a costume you’re really proud of? Do you want to share what you’re passionate about with the world? Then this is the contest for you!!

Kid’s Costume Contest

Calling all knights, heroes, princesses, and more! We are looking for shining stars to take the stage and show us the characters they love!

The first ever Elko Pop Con Kid’s Costume Contest will take place on Saturday afternoon, August 10th – details on location & time to be shared closer to the event. No early application or sign-up will be required. Calling all knights, heroes, princesses, and more! We are looking for shining stars to take the stage and show us the characters they love!

  • This fun contest is for children ages 1 – 10 only (every child must be accompanied by an adult at all times)
  • The costumes can either be made (by the child or someone else) or purchased.
  • Each kid in the contest will stand before the crowd and show us their costume – they can pose, dance, or show off their best fighter moves – whatever they want!
  • 3 prizes will be awarded to this year’s “Shining Stars” (see below)
  • Please note that the music for this show will be pre-selected by Elko Pop Con staff ahead of time; no custom audio tracks will be included.

The Kid’s Costume Parade – The three “Shining Stars” from the Kid’s Costume Contest will lead a parade of children in costume throughout Elko Pop Con to show the adults how it’s done!

  • Any kids can join in the costume parade, whether or not they go on stage for the Kid’s Costume Contest

SHARE YOUR PHOTOS ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Use #elkopopcon and your content could be featured here!

What

Elko Pop Con

When

August 9th, 2024

12PM-8Pm

August 10th, 2024

9AM-9PM

Where

Elko Convention & Visitors Authority

700 Moren Way

Elko NV

Countdown to
Elko Pop Con
0
0
0
0
Days
0
0
Hrs
0
0
Min
0
0
Sec

2024 CELEBRITES

Michaela Jill Murphy (aka Jessie Flower) is a Los Angeles based actor, singer, and writer known for voicing “Toph Beifong” in Nickelodeon’s Avatar: The Last Airbender. Other credits include “Chaca” in Kronk’s New Groove/Emperor’s New School, “Young Franny” in Meet the Robinsons, “Nasse” in Platinum End, and “Harika” in Boruto. She studied Screenwriting and Theater at Yale University, has performed with cover band “Faces for Radio” in renowned New York venues from Bowery Electric to Stephen Talkhouse, and recently started the Bandit community which you can check out on her website: michaelajillmurphy.com. Follow her on Instagram/Threads/YouTube: @michaelamostly and TikTok: @michaelajillmurphy

Matthew G. Taylor (IMDB) is a Canadian born Actor who has been a part of the Television and Film industry since 1996.

Matthew played the legendary role of NEMESIS, from Resident Evil: Apocalypse. He starred in the movie- Detroit Rock City as Chongo, Zac O’Toole in Queer as Folk, and other prominent roles in The Umbrella Academy, Exit Wounds, Gothika, Pacific Rim, Immortals and the Apple TV hit series, SEE with Jason Mamoa.

Throughout the Comiccon and Horror Fests, Matthew’s role as NEMESIS draws in the crowds. He shares his memories of playing the iconic role, including the process he was involved in when the custom built costume was created.

Matthew enjoys meeting the people who appreciate the roles he has played over his career, and embraces the opportunity to take photos and sign autographs.

Born in the heart of the Ukraine, in a city called Kharkiv, Andrey Ivchenko was always a dreamer and very passionate about television and film. As his desire to be an actor grew, Andrey enrolled in his high school theater programs and realized he was a natural at memorizing lines quickly and learned how to own the stage.

At the age of 18, Andrey joined the U.S.S.R. military and served for 2 years. After he got out, he attended college and got his Masters Degree in Kinesiology. Knowing his opportunities to succeed in film and television were extremely limited in the Ukraine, Andrey packed up and moved to Europe for the next few years hoping to find bigger opportunities. Not too long after, he moved to Toronto, Canada (where he later became a citizen) to try his luck knowing there were many more productions in television and film casting. Almost immediately, Andrey signed with an agent and began landing acting/stunt roles on such known shows as: “Falling Skies,” “Nikita,” and “The Transporter” (the TV series). He landed his first leading role in a Lionsgate feature called “The Way Of The West” which was released in 2011 as well as a lead role in the Envision Media feature “Freezer” opposite Dylan McDermot which was released in 2014.

He is most recognized as the Russian Terminator, Grigori, on season 3 of the Netflix mega hit series “Stranger Things” as well as from his supporting role, opposite Vin Diesel, in the box office hit “xXx: The Return Of Xander Cage” as the Russian villain ‘Red Erik.’ Andrey has also been seen recurring on the TV show “Counterpart” on Starz! and a Guest Star appearance on the hit Netflix show “Lucifer.” He’s also very recognized as Perseus, the leading villain character in “Call Of Duty: Black Ops Cold War.” Most recently, he completed a feature film called “Darkness Of Man” where he stars opposite Jean-Claude Van Damme as well as the feature film “The Best Man” that will be distributed by Saban Films out early 2023.

Lucy Martin is a British actress, best known for her role as Ingrid in History channels TV drama – Vikings. She also played Penny in the TV show Riviera, Camilla on Malpractice and has a number of feature film roles.

Lucy was born in Solihull – West Midlands. She is the third of four children, her father Scottish and her mother English. She attended a local secondary school in Knowle until the age of 16, was then awarded a scholarship on the Musical theatre course at Tring Park school for the performing arts, and at 17 years old got herself a part in Dirty Dancing on London’s West End. She then went on to tour around the world in Mamma Mia and came back to the West End at 21 to play the role of Lorraine in Jersey Boys. After performing primarily as a dancer and singer on many different platforms Lucy turned her full focus to acting.

Clive Standen is an English actor best known for playing Bryan Mills in the NBC series Taken, based on the film trilogy of the same name, as well as Rollo in the History Channel series Vikings, Sir Gawain in the Starz series Camelot, Archer in the BBC One series Robin Hood, and Private Carl Harris in the BBC science-fiction programme Doctor Who.

In addition to his acting career, Clive is a notable Muay Thai boxer and sword fencing medalist, as well as a proud spokesman for the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.

Adrian Ropp has been working in the entertainment industry for over thirty years. Beginning as a film animator, Adrian brought to life the adventures of the Velveteen Rabbit (Netflix) and many other delightful animated cartoons. He began working in games as the Head of Story for the award winning Disney Infinity and Hogwarts Legacy, and has drawn beloved comic book characters such as Maleficent, Archie, Underdog and The Pink Panther.

A native of Idaho, Adrian has lived in the mountain west his entire life and enjoys helping new talent develop their craft in amazing and magical ways.

A recent recipient, Adrian currently spends a portion of his time advocating for kidney donors to help bring hope to the thousands of people who need a friend.

2024 SPECIAL GUEST

Featured Artist – Rain Williamson

Rain Williamson is a self-taught SFX makeup and practical effects artist living in Northern California. She started working in the haunted house industry in 2013 where she was able to hone her skills as a makeup artist, set designer and prop maker. In 2017, through connections she made at the haunt, Rain started working in film. Since then she has worked for notable clients such as Toyota, Excision, Slander and Leland Stanford Mansion. In her free time she creates curious creations and functional art pieces. Regarding her art she has said she is inspired by folk tales and fantasy creatures. Her art prominently features ethically sourced bones, body horror and lots and lots of teeth.  

 

 

Featured Specail Guest – Titan Fordge

Tyler Brown is a siege engineer, game store owner, and role-playing game DM. He has many interests around the nerd sphere and a good deal of experience in different, eclectic fields. When Tyler was a boy, he built a trebuchet with his friends. They decided to try and build another,  and another and another. Eventually, they were building truly large machines. In response to requests to do demonstrations at events, they formed Titan Forged Siegeworks. Now they get hired to build siege weapons for television commercials, asked to guest judge pumpkin throwing contests, and do demonstrations around the country.

Tyler started playing tabletop role-playing games in highschool. He has over 20 years of experience homebrewing and world building. His homebrew world is now being used as the backdrop for one of the largest LARP groups in the country. He is currently working to complete a degree in paleontology and hopes to enter that field as a science communicator. In his spare time, rare as it may be, Tyler enjoys camping and backpacking, kayaking, and traveling.

 

VelmaRipp Creations – Velma Rippstein

Velma’s a self-taught hobbyist and award-winning freelance costumer who loves the world of possibility that costume making and geek fashion present. In just a decade she has made almost 200 full costumes (not including props!) and enjoys meeting cosplayers from around the world. She also runs the Geekbound Fashion Challenge annually in Utah – a fashion show where all the garments must be nerdy! “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us” (Tolkien) – she chooses to explore ideas, try new techniques, create as much as possible, and to organize opportunities for others to do the same!

 

Tori Pence

Tori Pence is an actress, puppeteer, writer, comedian, and artist from Richmond, VA who currently travels around the country for different work projects. While most notably known for her roles in Divine Comedy and the sketch comedy show Studio C, Tori has been an actress and puppeteer in various TV series and films including V/H/S/99, Freelancers, 9 Years to Neptune, and more. She is also an event MC and creates magic events for libraries including Fairy Tea Parties and Superhero Academy.

2024 Costume Contest Judges

Going Ape Costume – Becky Lee Evans

Going Ape started her career in costuming more than 30 years ago, managing a costume rental in Utah County.  From there, she attended Southern Utah University where she studied Theater Costume and Family and Consumer Sciences with a sewing emphasis.  After college, Becky and her husband, Justin, moved their family to West Wendover, Nevada, where she’s created and sold custom Halloween costumes online for over 25 years.

In 2014, Going Ape entered the world of cosplay, choosing her personal costumes based on the challenge of the build and learning new skills.  Adding to decades of sewing experience, she also builds cosplay with foam, Worbla, sculpting, electronics, lighting and painting. Going Ape has competed in several cosplay contests at the Master level with the highlight being the Larger than Life Winner at the TwitchCon 2019 Cosplay Contest.  She is also a traditional artist, a mom to three grown sons, and a herder of cats.

Troy Alan Larson

Since 2005, Troy has worked in several different areas of the special effects industry, from costumes and masks to prosthetics and large-scale suits to puppets and animatronics. Most notably, he did the creatures, props, and prosthetics for Deadstream and V/H/S 99–the latter got him nominated for a Chainsaw Award. He also created elaborate costumes and puppets for Evermore Park from 2017-2020. Many of his and other artists’ works can be seen at his art exhibit in Layton, UT called “Unworldly Exhibit” which showcases the processes involved in Special Effects art.

Vivien aka Fresh Frippery 

Vivien aka Fresh Frippery is a California-based cosplayer, historical and fantasy costumer, fashion designer, and vintage fashion enthusiast whose sewing experience and interests span many eras and genres including sci-fi, fantasy, 18th century, Regency, Victorian, Edwardian, and every decade from the 1910s – 1950s. She loves the dedication and handwork found in historic clothing, the craftsmanship and attention to detail found in vintage fashion, and the storytelling and wow factor found in movie costumes.  She started sewing because she wanted to go to costume events and needed something to wear! Vivien is a past winner of the Her Universe Fashion Show who also enjoyed being a judge and mentor.  She is a member of the Official Rebel Legion, a Star Wars costume club that does charity events. She can be found on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube sharing her love of sewing and costume adventures.

Sydney Martinez / Travel Nevada

ELKO POP CON POLICIES-

We follow two main rules: FUN and SAFETY.

We are a kid-friendly and family-friendly event, and we want to make sure everyone has a good time and enjoys the con in a friendly and safe environment.

Attendees must respect common sense rules for public behavior, personal interaction, common courtesy, and respect for private property.

– No harassing, bullying or any other kind of offensive behavior – we are really serious about it!

– No smoking.

– No drugs.

– No pets.

– Simulated weapons are allowed as a part of your costume and will be checked for safety.

– No property damage.

– All guests are subject to change.

– Children under the age of 13 must be supervised by a parent/guardian at all times.

– Respect other people’s personal space and ask permission before photographing, touching, or in any way making contact with anyone else.