CONGERS, N.Y. -- July 15, 2003 -- Pop-culture expo leader Wizard Conventions Inc. announced today that it would broaden its industry leading multi-media experience, Wizard World, to the west coast, with the addition of Wizard World Los Angeles.
The inaugural event will be held at the Long Beach Convention Center, March 19-21, 2004. Wizard World Los Angeles joins the previously announced slate of Wizard World shows, including Wizard World East, Wizard World Chicago and Wizard World Texas, further strengthening Wizard Conventions' position as the pre-eminent venue for fans of pop-culture and those looking to reach that audience.
"When we started expanding our events, we always knew that we wanted to be in Los Angeles since its the heart of the comics-to-films movement, and with more films in production than ever before, now is the right time for a Wizard World show in L.A. This new event enables us and our marketing partners to truly reach a national audience through our network of events," says Gareb Shamus, Chairman and CEO, Wizard Conventions, Inc.
Wizard World events in 2003 will draw over 75,000 people, an increase of over 40% versus 2002. Wizard World Chicago, August 8-10, is expected to draw over 40,000 people. It will be followed by Wizard World Texas, which will premier November 21-23, 2003. In 2004, following Wizard World Los Angeles, will be Wizard World East, now entering its third year. Dates for the 2004 edition of this growing event will be announced soon. All the shows will feature the incredible Wizard World highlights, with the hottest names and companies in comic book, toys, anime, manga and video games, as well as the biggest stars in film and television.
Wizard World Los Angeles, Wizard World East, Wizard World Chicago and Wizard World Texas are produced by Wizard Conventions Inc. Wizard Conventions is a sister company of Wizard Entertainment Group, the industry leader in the collectibles market that publishes four magazines, Wizard: The Comics Magazine, InQuest Gamer: The Gaming Magazine, ToyFare: The Toy Magazine and Anime Insider: The Japanese Animation Magazine, as well as co-publisher of Toy Wishes: The Holiday Gift Guide. Wizard's publications have a monthly national readership of more than 2 million and are currently sold in 25 countries and five languages.
