The man behind the scenes: An interview with the organizer of the Calgary Expo

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With the Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo coming up this weekend, I got a chance to talk with Mr. Steven Hodges, spokesperson and organizer for the Expo. Check out his responses below, and then be sure to drop by the BMO Centre over the weekend to take a look at all the awesome stuff at the Expo itself!

What do you think attracts youth to events like the Comic and Entertainment Expo?
I think the thing that hooks the kids the most to an event like the Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo is that in the BMO Centre, we are all created ‘geek’qual. From our awesome line-up of Media & Creator Guests (Amanda Tapping, John Noble, Jasika Nicole, Wil Wheaton, Katee Sackhoff, George Perez, Peter David, Jim Zub etc.) to the 150 hours of programming – there’s tonnes of ways that people can embrace their inner geek. From the casual n00b to the hardcore fan, we have something for everybody.
Why do you think it’s important to celebrate events like the Expo?

We need more opportunities to celebrate with like-minded individuals and embrace the idea that through creativity you can thrive AND succeed. Hearing these modern day success stories and meeting all the media guests and professionals who are living their dreams – you are bound to face your fears and make your dreams come true.

As an organizer, what is the best part of putting this event together? The most difficult part?

The best part of putting this event together is seeing the masses come together to celebrate pop culture and the arts in Calgary. We have attendees coming from all over the globe and finding that out puts a big smile on my face. The most difficult part I think will be topping this year. Somehow we do it everytime…

How does this all come together? What kind of work goes into organizing an event of this magnitude?

There is so much that goes into organizing a world-class event like the Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo. To give you an idea of how much work goes into a show like ours you need to know that on April 30th, we start working towards and planning for 2013.

Your favourite comic book character or TV show/character?

Green Lantern, Spiderman, Scud the Disposable Assassin, Earthworm Jim etc… I’m a geek and I am proud of it.