Weekend fan convention cancelled, organizer ill
IFCON Victoria loss leaves a bitter taste for ticket buyers, vendors and exhibitors
Organizers have pulled the plug on a weekend fan convention at Pearkes Recreation Centre, sparking debates and disappointment among ticket buyers, exhibitors, vendors and suppliers.
Bob Lynn confirmed cancellation of IFCON Victoria 2015 in a Facebook announcement posted on behalf of event organizer Bill Code late Tuesday.
It said that Code, who has discussed his health problems on Facebook, collapsed on Sunday. He was being treated at Royal Jubilee Hospital Wednesday for unspecified reasons.
Code had invested more than $84,000 but was no longer able to “handle and direct any part of the convention” he has been organizing for 16 months, the statement said.
“It’s a delicate situation,” said Ken Twyman, who helped organize the ambitious sci-fi, fantasy, steampunk and horror convention.
Twyman said concerns about refunds would be addressed soon.
Scheduled guests included actors Richard Hatch of Battlestar Galactica fame, Gil Gerard, star of Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, and William B. Davis, best known as the Smoking Man on The X-Files.
Several filmmakers, comic book artists, makeup specialists and other industry players were also booked to attend the event, which was advertised as being in support of B.C. Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Exhibitor Nick Briand, co-owner of Epic Games, said he wished Code well but felt burned after learning through Facebook that the convention was cancelled.
“I’m really bummed out,” said Briand, who estimated he will have incurred $1,500 in losses, including money spent on a rental vehicle, a children’s costume contest and a free video arcade tournament.
“Bill’s been ill for a very long time, and they have a committee, so they should have had a backup plan,” said Briand, whose store also sold tickets, with money for- warded to the promoter.
Eric Jordan, CEO of Code Name Entertainment, said he was surprised by the cancellation and disappointed vendors were told their fees wouldn’t be refunded. “Clearly, we’re hoping he’s fine, but it all seems a little odd,” said Jordan, who had planned to showcase his studio’s new game Crusaders of the Lost Idols.
Adrian McBurney, co-owner of Hang and Play Video Games, said between the costs of his table fee, graphics and items purchased specifically to sell at IFCON, he is out $1,700. “I’m confused and a bit angry and disappointed,” said McBurney, adding that while such shows contribute to his livelihood, the fact “they built this around a children’s charity” provided added motivation.
Stephen Forgacs, director of communications for B.C. Children’s Hospital Foundation, said the foundation doesn’t expect any proceeds. “It’s unfortunate it’s not going ahead,” he said, noting proceeds for the charity would have come from activities taking place at the event. “Our understanding was they would recover their costs from ticket sales.”
Steve Meikl, facility manager for Pearkes Recreation Centre, said rentals average $3,000 a day for such events.
“We got paid enough [in advance] to be comfortable enough to run the show,” he said. “Our best wishes go to Mr. Code and we hope he has a speedy recovery.”