Gatecon 2008 this weekend in Vancouver

Fans from across the globe will be uniting under one roof to celebrate the phenomenon of Stargate at this week’s Gatecon 2008. Nicknamed “The Family Reunion,” this popular charity-driven event will be returning to its originating city after two years abroad.

Guests scheduled to appear at this year’s event include Corin Nemec (“Jonas Quinn”), Cliff Simon (“Baal”), Gary Jones (“Sergeant Walter Harriman”), Colin Cunningham (“Major Paul Davis”) and a host of others.

The convention also welcomes newcomer Richard Dean Anderson (“General Jack O’Neill”) to this year’s festivities. Anderson’s public appearances have been strictly limited in the past, so his attendance at this event is a huge treat for fans.

In anticipation of the convention, GateWorld sat down with two of Gatecon’s coordinators, Kathryn “Fryn” Rogers and Allan Gowen, to talk about their return to Canada and what this year has in store for fans.

This year’s Vancouver Gatecon will mark the first convention in North America since 2005. What are your thoughts on being back?

Fryn: While it was great holding Gatecon in the UK, it all started in Vancouver and so naturally we’re happy to be back. We’re very much looking forward to the more centralized location and would like to thank the Sheraton for its fantastic reception. Not too sure they yet know what’s going to hit them but they soon will!

Allan: I really can’t wait. Vancouver has been our home since 2000, and it really is like a second home for me. Vancouver is such a great place and it’s going to feel like a homecoming.

You welcome a number of first-time special guests this year, including Richard Dean Anderson. RDA is known for holding a limited number of convention appearances. What finally convinced him to attend?

Fryn: I’d like to think it was the good name and reputation of Gatecon but I have a feeling luck played a greater role. I believe our strong support of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society played a large part in convincing him to join us. That and a lot of hard work on the part of Paul Brown who we’d like to thank.

Allan: I would probably say our willingness to work with Richard on his support of the SSCS. For Richard, a convention has nothing to do with how much he can earn, but what he can do for the things he is passionate about.

This year’s Gatecon will be held at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel.

Which organizations will Gatecon be donating its proceeds to this year and why?

Fryn: Gatecon will be supporting the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. With over 70 percent of the Earth’s surface comprising of ocean, protecting the marine ecosystem is crucial. An on-going task and one that demands not only time and energy but also support of a financial nature.

We’re delighted to welcome Captain Paul Watson and his team to Gatecon and hope we are able to help the Society raise some much needed funds.

What events are making this year’s Gatecon particularly special?

Allan: Wow, we’ve got such a great lineup this year and so many activities happening. I would have to say the support of Legends Memorabilia is fantastic. The number of things they will be bringing for display at the convention is going to be mind blowing.

How was Gatecon received in Great Britain? Does the team plan to continue to hold events there? What about other locations?

Fryn: Gatecon was received amazingly well! Both in Cheltenham in 2006 and Reading in 2007 we were supported far more than expected. Both events were, of course, smaller than our Vancouver ones but that only served to add to the more intimate atmosphere.

The U.K. events can’t be compared to the ones held on the other side of the Atlantic as they are both completely different kinds of event. As for the future? Who knows!

Allan: The U.K. Gatecons were an absolute blast. They were so up close and intimate, they really weren’t conventions … They were like a party at a friend’s place. And the British are so polite, it was such a pleasure to be over there.

We’ve discussed other locations for conventions, but no solid plans yet. We just need to get through this year and then once we’ve had a time to have a break we will start discussing 2009 and onwards.

What is it about “fan-run” and not-for-profit conventions that you believe make for a superior convention experience?

Fryn: My opinion is, of course, biased but I think the fan run conventions tend to be more easy-going and laid back. The people on the organizing team aren’t business folk out to turn a pretty penny, or cent, but people who give up their spare time throughout the year for the love of it.

Allan Gowen, master of ceremonies for Gatecon

Sure, it can be stressful but things always seem to run smoothly at the convention and, to be honest, the rewards might not be monetary but seeing the joy we are able to bring to people makes it well worthwhile. I guess that same pleasure reflects on the event and makes more this superior experience. I hope so, anyway!

Allan: I would like to think that we have a closer bond with the other fans, and we get to have a lot of fun along the way as well. We try to create the type of convention that we would want to attend ourselves. And I think there’s a heck of a lot to say about being passion-driven rather than financially driven.

And apart from the actual convention side of things, in the nine years that Gatecon has been running we have donated close to a quarter of a million dollars (Canadian dollars) to charities. That makes me as proud as pie.
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Gatecon runs August 21-24 at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Hotel. GateWorld will be on hand gathering video and photos with the celebrities and guests. Stick with us for our exclusive coverage in the coming days! Visit their official Web site for the latest information.