GeekCraft Expo PDX Draws a Crowd of 4,500+ in First Year
ALL PHOTOS BY JESSIE KIRK.
GeekCraft Expo PDX is proud to announce that they exceeded their attendance goals in their very first year, drawing a crowd of more than 4,500 to the DoubleTree Portland June 11 and 12 and thrilling their exhibitors. This curated, handmade geeky craft show—think Etsy-Meets-Comic-Con—showcased local Portland-area crafters who captivated attendees with a wide array of unique jewelry, plushes, artwork, and more inspired by comics and pop culture. This is a promising start for GeekCraft Expo PDX, which hoped to reach Rose City Comic Con’s 2012 debut numbers of 4,100.
"As much as I was convinced that GeekCraft Expo would do well in Portland, I had no idea we'd get this kind of turnout—I'm really blown away.” said GeekCraft Expo founder and comic book writer Daniel Way (Deadpool, Wolverine: Origins). "Thanks so much to our incredible crafters—they're the show, after all—and to all of Portland for their amazing show of support and patronage. Now that we've established what GeekCraft Expo PDX is all about—and what it isn't—I'm crazy excited to really hit the gas on this thing . . . to make next year's show bigger, better, GEEKIER!"
The success of GeekCraft Expo PDX—during the Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade, no less—proves that Portland continues to have strong geek and DIY crafting communities who are eager to support their local makers. The show was embraced by several local organizations and businesses as sponsors and partners, including Rose City Comic Con, Dark Horse Comics, Bridge City Comics, Hop Valley Brewing, SCRAP PDX, Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade, Guardian Games, the Hollywood Theatre, and Portland Retro Gaming Expo. GeekCraft Expo PDX also benefited from exceptional coverage from FOX 12’s Good Day Oregon, the Portland Tribune, the Portland Mercury, KUIK AM 1360, 105.9 The Brew, and local podcasts Geek in the City and Jay & Miles X-Plain the X-Men.
GeekCraft Expo PDX’s exhibitors were also enthusiastic about the strong turnout.
"Our experience with Geek Craft Expo PDX was amazing all around, from the extremely kind and helpful staff, to the great crowd of people it drew—we were so pleased,” said Kelsey Fierro of Soultwin Sprites. "We have made lasting friendships and hope to be a part of next year’s show!"
"I had a great time vending at GeekCraft PDX,” agreed Marian Harris of ByteProducts. "It was very well organized, the [GeekCraft Expo staff] were very communicative and thoughtful. The people coming through the door were so much fun to interact with! The variety of art, the interesting conversations with fellow artists/crafters, and the fun chats I had with customers made for a wonderful and memorable weekend!"
Stay tuned for details about GeekCraft Expo PDX 2017! Plus, look for some extra-geeky crafts at Rose City Comic Con: all GeekCraft Expo PDX exhibitors are pre-qualified for RCCC 2017, as space allows.
