I sent in some questions with Worlds Collide Con‘s creator Lauren. Below are, in her words, all the facts about the convention and what you need to know about this new type of fan event.
Worlds Collide isn’t a nerd event per say, but it offers a place for nerds like us to expand our world into new places, while connecting with fellow nerds as well as actors from all of our favorite nerdy TV shows.
“Supernatural” alum, Osric Chau will be a guest at this event. As well as parody queens Hannah and Hilly Hindi. David Aplay from “The Vampire Diaries” and Jordan Woods-Robinson from “The Walking Dead” will also be there.
What is Worlds Collide Convention?
Worlds Collide Convention & Well-Being Retreat is a brand new intimate event coming to London Heathrow Marriott Hotel 5-7 June 2020, combining some of the general aspects of a fan convention with the world of well-being and spirituality.
How did the idea develop?
I knew I wanted to do my own weekend event after working at a variety of conventions internationally, and spending two years as a PA for Chase Coleman. He inspired the passion within me to channel my creativity and step out of my comfort zone. It started off as a generic fan convention idea, and we were actually going to host it in Nottingham because I was struggling to believe in myself enough at the time to think I could be successful in London. I then got involved in spiritual practices thanks to Matt Cama (one of our guests), and this made me want to focus entirely on creating something that would be beneficial and inspiring to the lives of everyone involved. I found the London Heathrow Marriott Hotel which is the perfect venue for what we’re creating, and I feel so blessed to have the Marriott events team believe in my vision and push me to make Worlds Collide a complete success.
What sets this convention apart from other fan conventions?
I like to think of it as a collaborations weekender rather than a fan convention, as it’s a group of creatives coming together to provide something fresh, exciting, and educational. Every single person, whether you’re an attendee, a special guest, or a member of staff, is going to take something life changing away from Worlds Collide.
We’re doing photo ops, autographs, meet & greets, workshops, spiritual coaching, yoga, breathwork, meditation, karaoke, a live music concert, plus more. And also, our tickets include a buffet lunch, drinks, and snacks. Everyone seems to be really excited about this, and I’ve never seen another convention do it!
How did you choose the guests you wanted to be involved?
The most important thing was finding guests who resonate with our message. Every guest has more than one talent, so you’ll notice that some of the actors are also musicians or they’ll have something else amazing that they do. Many of them have brought their own ideas to the table too, so that we’re able to offer more than just a standard ‘meet & greet’ and provide attendees with new activities. The guests are all vegan or vegetarian, or open and supportive to the plant-based approach which was an important aspect for the well-being part of the event.
I’m bringing Matt and Kaity from the other side of the world (Bali and Australia) because in 2018 these beautiful souls changed my life. They were the first two guests I booked because I want others to learn and experience from them the things that I did, and I couldn’t imagine doing this without them.
What is one thing that you would tell people unsure about attending to make them change their mind?
By joining us at Worlds Collide you’re choosing to invest in yourself and immerse in a new adventure, which is an incredibly powerful thing to do. You’re also choosing to support a small business who’s main aim is to help people.
I already know we’ve got people on the fence about whether to come, and believe me I understand this deeply. It’s mostly down to us being a new company and event, and due to the downfall of some events in the industry recently it’s become hard for people to place their trust anymore. It’s made me extremely driven to prove that we’re doing this no matter what. Myself and my entire team are all fans too, and we’ve been at the receiving end of some events that have gone horribly wrong. It’s given us the upper hand as we’re knowledgeable, and I believe that what we’re doing puts us on a different wavelength to generic fan conventions.
Would you consider this convention a “nerd” event? If yes, why?
Yes and no! Our actors who are attending are from hit TV shows which all have huge fan followings. We’re not an event specific to one fandom, and we aim to keep it that way. What we are is a creative event, and we want to challenge beliefs and set people on a new life journey.
There are a few of you on the team, what are your current nerd guilty pleasures?
I still have moments where I’m a huge fan girl, and those close to me often tell me I have an obsessive personality. My latest obsession is Yungblud, an up and coming diverse musician. I tend to nerd out over passionate people in the spotlight, those that you can tell really care about the world and their fans on a deep level.
Everyone on the Worlds Collide team met through attending or working at fan conventions or live music events. Most of us share a connection through being fans of “The Walking Dead.” I enjoy seeing Nicky’s love of “Supernatural,” and Rachel is excited for the Jonas Brothers tour soon. Bobbie is ecstatic that Mcfly are back (and so am I). Jessie’s current playlist consists of the Spongebob broadway soundtrack, and Mandy loves Robbie Williams more than anything. Alicia has a huge tattoo of Charlie Hunnam which is true fan dedication. There’s more of us on the team, but I think this gives a good look into our minds
Keep up to date and message them on their Twitter page with any further questions.
Written by Melissa Rothman
