The state of Wisconsin has been dealt a huge blow today, with news that evil has triumphed and good has been vanquished. We’re talking, of course, about the cancelation of Awesome Con Milwaukee. The inaugural convention, scheduled for November 21-23 at the downtown Wisconsin Center, was to feature a host of geek-friendly panels and events, as well as celebrity guests like Casper Van Dien (Starship Troopers), John DiMaggio (the voice of Futurama’s Bender and Adventure Time’s Jake The Dog), and Ernie Hudson (Ghostbusters). But today, national organizer Ben Penrod posted a sad update on Facebook:
Hi guys, this is Ben Penrod, President of Awesome Conventions. It is no fun to say this, but unfortunately we have made the extremely difficult decision to cancel Awesome Con Milwaukee.
We initially planned for this event to be a huge celebration of comics and pop culture, but we had a number of challenges, and things just weren’t coming together in a few areas. Providing an unforgettable convention experience is key to Awesome Con’s entire existence, but it was looking more and more like this con wasn’t going to be able to live up to its name or your expectations for what Awesome Con is. Rather than falling short, we have decided to cancel this year’s event.
I’m truly sorry, and I’m sad, and I completely understand that you will be upset with us (and we are upset, as well). I appreciate everyone who signed up for the con, everyone who bought a table or booth, everyone who supported us and all of our partners in Milwaukee. It means a lot to us and we’re very sorry that we are letting you down.
Everyone who bought a ticket, table, or booth will be contacted soon about how to get a refund.
A Washington D.C. Awesome Con is still on the books for next year.