For Immediate Release:

IMAGE Meet and Greet announces the first annual POP CULTURE EXPO, debuting at the Shriners Auditorium in Wilmington Mass. Memorial Day Weekend, Saturday and Sunday, May 24 and 25. A celebration in all forms of popular culture including a Comic Con and Collectibles Extravaganza, Cosplay, Costume and Videogame Competitions for Cash Prizes, Celebrity Guests, Panels, Autographs, Screenings, Animation and Anime, plus 150 vendors of Vintage and Modern Toys, Comic Books and Pop Cultural Artifacts.  http://www.popcultureexpo.com

IMAGE CEO Gary Sohmers, best known for his Collectibles Extravaganzas and 13 seasons on the PBS TV program Antiques Roadshow, introduces personalized autograph experiences called a “Video Op,” where video will capture the signing of your autograph for authentication and to allow the fan to be in the video with the celebrity when they sign the autograph.  If you cannot attend due to geography and still want a video recorded personal autograph experience you can order online at http://www.imagemeetandgreet.com/events

“As a long-time fan and producer of Conventions and Expos, I wanted to offer the fans something different, “ says Sohmers, “a real keep-sake of the experience .. the Video Op is the ultimate in personalization and authentication.”

IMAGE has kept admission tickets low, ($25 online for a 2-day pass), prides itself on intimate panel rooms, and promises complimentary hotel shuttles,  FREE PARKING around the venue and shuttles to take people back and forth from the far ends of the lots as well.

Cash and prizes will be awarded in Cosplay Contests including their unique “Create-A-New-Superhero” categories, Video Game Tournaments and have levels of entry for all ages! Other events include VIP Package Breakfasts and Dinners with the Stars (8 seats open at each celebrity table), as well as a Party with the Stars available to anyone who purchases a vip ticket.  

Vendor spaces are available for dealers who sell pop-culture items, antique and collectible toys, authentic memorabilia, accoutrements of the nerd or geek lifestyle, anime and animation artwork and toys, comic books and art along with a large variety of out of the ordinary.

Schedule of Events and Ticket Information: www.PopCultureExpo.com
Autograph Opportunities / VIP Packages: http://www.popcultureexpo.com/collections/vip-packages
Vendor Applications: Gary@IMAGEMeetAndGreet.com or wexrex@aol.com

Confirmed Celebrities:
Pete Best (The Beatles)
Kristin Nairn (Game of Thrones)

Esme Bianco (Game of Thrones)

John Ratzenberger (Cheers, Pixar)
Alaina Huffman (Supernatural, Smallville, SGU)

Billy West (Futurama, Ren & Stimpy)
Mark Goddard (Lost In Space)
Maria Kannelis (Celebrity Apprentice, WWE)
Jon Provost (Lassie)
Ernie Hudson (Ghostbusters, The Crow)
Rae Dawn Chong (DIsney’s Whiz Kid of Riverton)                                                                                        Deep Roy (Willie Wonka, Star Wars, Star Trek, Dr. Who)

Tom Wayland (Pokemon)
Leah Cevoli (Robot Chicken)
Rachel Robinson (Final Fantasy)
Christopher Bevins (Dragonball Z)
Mike C. Manning (Disney’s Cloud 9)
Danielle Mackey (King of The Nerds)
Chris Farlow (Out of Time)
Artist Ken Kelly (Kiss, Vampirella)
Artist Roger Kastel (Jaws, Star Wars)
Animator Bill Plympton (Premieres “Cheatin’”)
Author Laurie Jacobson (Haunted Hollywood)
Parker Stevenson (Hardy Boys, Baywatch)
Artists Karen Gosselin, Paul Carricks, Beverly Coniglio and Nina Gelfent
Comix Artists Skip Williamson,  Gary Hallgren and Howard Cruse

Comic Artists Rusty Gilligan, Jim Taylor, Rob Taylor and Don Higgins
Kadrolsha Ona - Queen of the Paranormal
Mr. Puppet Bob Abdou