Rules for Having Fun at Flashback Weekend!

That's me and "The Mayor" Don Johnston, a VITAL member of The Flashback Family. We work very hard to make sure things go without a hitch every year...but, we also have fun. By the way, this is my favorite picture of Don and me.

As we approach THE event of the year, The Flashback Weekend Horror Convention (happening Friday, August 2nd thru Sunday, August 4th at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare), I thought I would share some of the ways you can have the most fun.

I have been a part of Flashback since the very beginning in 2002, and every year I have an absolute blast.

It's a little different for me, because I am basically working all weekend. I host events, moderate Q&A panels, introduce movie screenings, celebrities, and much, much more.

Now, that doesn't mean that I don't have time for the kind of fun everyone else has like: hanging out with friends, browsing and shopping in the vendor room, meeting celebrities, enjoying parties, meeting new people and much, much more.

I have made a huge number of friends over the years at Flashback, and have accumulated some incredible memories over the past 22 years, and I'm sure I will make more this year.

The really special thing about Flashback Weekend is the people. Truly, the denizens of the horror crowd are among the nicest people you will ever meet.

Me and the great Lance Henriksen. This was taken at Flashback Weekend a few years ago. Lance coined the term "The Tribe" to describe us horror fans.

They are a group of loving, welcoming, and fun maniacs. We have been dubbed The Tribe by past celebrity guest and terrific actor Lance Henriksen, and that term could not be more accurate. So meet the Tribe, hang out with the Tribe, and party with the Tribe... and you will have a fabulous time.

Now, if you're like me, and you don't drink, you can still have an amazing time without feeling any pressure to booze it up.

Tons of alternative drinks are available, cool food is everywhere, and LOTS of other sober folks are around to chat with about horror, watch movies together, wait on line for autographs (which is actually a lot of fun), and in general, share some very special once-in-a-lifetime moments.

So, be sure to keep a schedule of events handy, and get those Celebrity Photo Ops taken (sooooo cool), meet celebs at their tables, and take a few selfies. Attend incredible events like:

• An Evening Celebrating "45 Years of Svengoolie" with Rich Koz & yours truly!

• "The Warriors" costume party.
  

• "Halloween III" screening with live music accompaniment by Alan Howarth.
  

• Late night showing of Charles Band's new noir thriller "Quadrant."
  

• And, of course, you CAN NOT miss the 18th Annual Sinister Visions Costume Contest hosted by Svengoolie!
  

• Oh, yeah, and there's also the LIVE version of my podcast: The Nick D Podcast with my co-host Esmeralda Leon, and Special Guest: DON COSCARELLI!

So....have an open mind, an open heart, and an open wallet (just kidding...but, you WILL spend some dough), and you are guaranteed a wonderful weekend.

And make sure you come up and say "Hi" to me. I love meeting The Tribe more than anything else that happens during the weekend.

Now, I'm not the only member of The Tribe who has advice and rules for having fun at Flashback....

This the incomparable Airen DeCarli (seen here at Flashback, hanging with the one and only Svengoolie), one of my favorite members of The Flashback Family, who works her ass off every year to help make the convention runs smoothly).

Listen, this event wouldn't be half as cool without her, seriously, she rules...and here is Airen's personal list of ways to prepare and have a blast at Flashback Weekend.

1. CASH is key, don't hold out for an ATM, if you find one it's usually empty.

2. Bring some snacks to get you through til dinner.

3. Stay hydrated... think of it as for every beer drink a water, this makes it so you can get through the whole day with your friends.

4. Wear comfortable shoes.

5. When you hear the word "READY", in your "photo ops," your picture is being taken.

6. Don't forget to wash your hands.

7. Strike up conversations while waiting in lines, you may just end up with some new friends. New friends make the after parties way more fun.

8. Set a timer on your phone to go off 30minutes before your photo ops, that way you have time to run to the bathroom and freshen up.

9. Yes you can bring your own stuff for a guest to sign.

10. You should figure on the average guest/celebrity charging between $80-$100 for an autograph (it's better to be on the high end and have enough money, then not).

11. Yes, there is parking across the street and yes, it costs money to park.

12. Yes, there are places to eat in the hotel and within walking distance.

13. There is a difference between a "photo op" and a "selfie."

    1. "Photo op" is a professional photo taken of you and celeb at a specific time.

    2. "Selfie" is taken at their tables while getting autos and chit chatting. Not all celebs allow table selfies -most do- so ask to be sure. 
       

14. AND HAVE A GOOD TIME!!! I personally can't wait to see my horror family and, I look forward to making more people part of the family. See you guys soon!!!

There you go. Now that you have that info...have fun, and we will see you at the best event of 2024 starting THIS FRIDAY.

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