Contagion: Outbreak! - Interview with Media Contact Jeff Schipman

A very exciting event is taking place in Omaha, NE on June 10-12th, 2011.  Omaha is finally having a large Con/Convention with a lot of fun stuff featured.  According to the Contagion: Outbreak! press release,

"The event will recognize and celebrate multiple genres including science fiction, fantasy, horror, anime, and more!"

I know I plan to be there on Saturday and possible Sunday too.  I probably won't dress up but I plan to take a lot of pictures.  It should be a blast with lots of geeky goodness all around.  I know I'm excited to see Chloe Neill author of the Chicagoland Vampires books, some of The Walking Dead zombies, and all the other props and comic related stuff.

I was also able to interview the Media Contact for Contagion: Outbreak!, Jeff Schipman.  So without further ado, here's some insight into Contagion: Outbreak!:

Bibliognome:Why the name Contagion: Outbreak!?
                    
Jeff Schipman: Conventions are often called cons.  We were looking for a name which hadn’t been used and Contagion came up.  We liked it a lot and ran with it.  Conventions are also numbered, instead of numbers; we wanted to be different so we decided to use names.  This years is Contagion: Outbreak, next years will be Contagion <whatever we come up with>


Bibliognome: What do you hope to accomplish over this three day span?
           
Jeff Schipman: Our ultimate goal is to provide a fun atmosphere for everyone and expose people to as many different genres as possible. We want to people to learn about something maybe they didn’t know about and take away something new.  We also wanted to bring a touch of Hollywood to the Heartland.


Bibliognome: Who is your favorite superhero or villain and why?
                     
Jeff Schipman: I’m a big Star Wars Geek so I’ll say R2-D2. He is the true hero behind the Star Wars saga.  He saved every major character at some point. I like him so much; I made my own droid – R2-TD, who is often seen with me at these types of events.


Bibliognome: Is there already planning for next year’s event or are you going to see how this first one goes?
              
Jeff Schipman: We are planning to have a yearly event.


Bibliognome: What would be your ultimate celebrity living or dead to feature at Contagion: Outbreak!?                 
                      
Jeff Schipman: That’s a tough one.  It’s impossible to limit it down to just one.


Bibliognome: What do you think people should be most excited about?

Jeff Schipman: This is a chance for people to come together, network, socialize and have fun!


Bibliognome: What is your weapon of choice for the zombie apocalypse?
                   
Jeff Schipman: Whatever is available.  In planning the convention, I’ve met up with the Zombie Research Society and they have many tips on what to do “just in case”.  


Bibliognome: What suggestions do you have for attendees?
                       
Jeff Schipman: Have fun, be yourself and don’t be afraid to ask questions.  If you see something which interests you, chances are that person will share their knowledge.


Bibliognome: In coming years how do you see the event expanding?
                      
Jeff Schipman: One of the reasons we chose the Qwest Center Omaha was so we have room to expand.  As the event grows, one would expect more celebrities, authors, artists, vendors, costumes and  props…  the list could go on and on.


Bibliognome: Is there anything else you would like to add?  
          
Jeff Schipman:  I look forward to see everyone there!


Quick Questions:
Alien or Zombie?  Alien
Scifi or Fantasy? Scifi
Star Trek or Star Wars? Star Wars
Star Gate or Battlestar Galactica? Battlestar

Superhero or Villain?  Superhero