Fandomfest blames problems on no-show volunteers

LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) - Outraged fans continue to lash out on social media about a Louisville comic book convention that some called "a disaster." Now Myra and Ken Daniels, the couple who organized the comic and pop culture convention held at the Kentucky International Convention Center, are answering their critics.

Fans paid $30 a day just to get in the door but were outraged, particularly on Saturday, over long lines that had them waiting hours for autographs and pictures. Some say they never got the memorabilia they came for even after all that time.

Celebrities like Stan Lee, and Norman Reedus from the cable hit "The Walking Dead" only sign on to appear at these shows for a certain amount of time. And in some cases, fans say they were left without the pictures and autographs they paid for in advance including some who shelled out extra for VIP access.

Myra Daniels admitted they could have done a better job planning, adding they didn't anticipate the huge jump in attendance. From less than 16,700 people last year to more than 30,000 in this year.

Daniels also claimed they were hurt badly by 130 volunteers that were supposed to work crowd control that just didn't show up.

"We will take blame," Daniels said. "Ultimately we take blame for everything because it's our show. Who's fault is it? All of those volunteers have met with us more than once so we don't just take people that walk in off the street. They have been vetted. They go through a whole process to be a volunteer with us. So for them to show I don't really know why they didn't. Did that cause havoc for us? Yes that did a little bit.

If you have a specific complaint you want addressed or paid for something you didn't get and want a refund, email the promoters at fandomfest@yahoo.com.

Daniels said they're already making plans to make sure the same things don't happen again next year including: reserving the entire Kentucky International Convention Center instead of just a portion and crating a "Fandomfest" survival guide to prepare people for the long lines. Lines Daniels said are just a part of  any major comic convention.

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