Walker Stalker Con: Are you ready for some Nashville?
Walker Stalker Con Nashville is just around the corner. How are your plans shaping up?
Fan Fest Nashville is a combined event with both Walker Stalker Con and Heroes and Villains. The action takes place at the Music City Center in Nashville, TN on May 12th and 13th.
Hotel? Check. Transportation? Check. Tickets? Check.
There are many details to consider when traveling to a Walker Stalker Con. But what about once you actually get there? It can be helpful to prioritize your convention choices ahead of time.
Panels
The panel schedule is now available on the Walker Stalker Con Nashville website.
Again, Fan Fest Nashville is a combined event, which includes Heroes and Villains as well as Walker Stalker guests. Interestingly, some actors like Michael Rooker fall into both categories. Michael is known for his role of Yondu in Guardians of the Galaxy and Merle on The Walking Dead.
Current cast of The Walking Dead are not cleared to do panels when the show is not airing. But there is a Fear The Walking Dead panel scheduled for Sunday afternoon as that series is currently in full swing for season 4.
There are also two kinds of panels. Panels on the Main Stage are typically longer and have seating available. Interviews at the Live Stage are usually shorter and attendees stand around the stage.
Last minute schedule changes can occur, so it is a great idea to download the Walker Stalker app on your phone. This will allow you to access the most current information about the convention.
Shopping
Take a look at the vendors who will be selling their wares at the con. Make a list of those you most want to visit. Plan your shopping around other defined schedules and familiarize yourself with vendor locations on the floor map.
The variety of merchandise from vendors at Walker Stalker Con is quite impressive. I have seen clothing, consumables, artwork, cosplay photo opportunities, and more.
The Guest List
Who do you most want to meet? Make your list. There will be so many cast members, past and present, on hand to greet fans and sign autographs.
Here are the guests scheduled for the Walker Stalker Con section of the event:
Fear The Walking Dead
- Fan favorites past and present Kim Dickens, Colman Domingo, Danay Garcia and Daniel Sharman
- Newcomers Jenna Elfman and Kevin Zegers
The Walking Dead
- Norman Reedus (Note: A presale autograph ticket is required to enter the line for Norman Reedus and those tickets are sold out.)
- Jeffrey Dean Morgan
- Ross Marquand
- Game changers Pollyanna McIntosh and Austin Amelio
- Hilltop actors Tom Payne, Xander Berkeley, Katelyn Nacon
- Kingdom actors Khary Payton and Macsen Lintz
- Bullet buddies Christian Serratos, Josh McDermitt, Seth Gilliam
- Oceanside reunion with actors Alanna Masterson and Sydney Park
- Former cast favorites Chandler Riggs, Michael Cudlitz, Scott Wilson, Madison Lintz, Alexandra Breckenridge, Michael Rooker, Steven Ogg
Meeting Cast Favorites
Consider when a particular guest will be away from his or her table for photo ops or panels. Check the signage at their table to know when to look for them.
If you wait in line to meet a celebrity guest, it’s a good idea to plan ahead what you may want to ask them or say to them. It is easy to get tongue-tied when you are excited, so make a note of what you might like to talk about with each guest.
If you are attending a panel, there is often the opportunity for attendees to ask questions at designated microphone locations. If you like the idea of doing that, plan a question ahead of time. Maybe plan two in case someone else asks the same question ahead of you.
Some celebrity guests offer meet and greets where you can simply say hello and not have to purchase anything. Some allow this and some do not. Others offer this option at certain times or certain days. Again, check with the Ambassador stationed at their table.
When you need time away from the lines, I always enjoy the rocking chairs in the lobby of the Music City Center in Nashville. If you can snag one, it’s a nice place to take a quick break and map out the next part of your day.
Do not be shy
Remember that everyone at the convention should be excited about shared fandom of The Walking Dead and other comic universes. Enjoy getting to know other attendees and admiring their cosplays. But don’t forget to ask permission before taking a fellow cosplayer’s photo.
Also, do not be shy about asking for help. If you require special accommodations, be sure to talk to Accessibility Services to plan for your visit. You can also review their FAQ here.
So, definitely take care of your travel arrangements, parking plans, etc. But do not forget to plan for the best part – the convention itself!
Take advantage of the planning options on the Walker Stalker Con app and jot down those burning questions for your favorite celebrity guests.
Next: Walker Stalker Con Nashville: Interview with Sydney Park
Oh, and snacks! Pack some snacks to refuel. You will be doing a lot of walking and standing. Plus, I know my heart rate has been known to amp up in the presence of Ross Marquand!
(This information is provided based on personal experience. Official inquiries should be directed to Fan Fest.)