Posted in: Comics | Tagged: cons, entertainment, MCM Conventions

MCM: Best In Show At The Exhibition News Awards

Published Thu, 30 Apr 2015 06:00:40 -0500

By Olly MacNamee

With its cocktail of comics, film and TV stars, anime and all things else, the MCM Cons have grown and grown in recent years, reflecting a growing interest in science-fiction, steampunk, manga and capes'n'cowls. Indeed, a quick glance over the line-up of special guest attending this weekend's Belfast show seems to illustrate this perfectly, drawing guests from Fringe (John Noble), Arrow (Katrina Law) and animation (Hynden Walsh of Teen Titans Go! and Adventure Time). But, you can read more about that con here.

So, it is with belated congratulations from us at Bleeding Cool when we heard that MCM had recently won the 'Best Brand Expansion' Award as well as the 'Best Consumer Show' too. All bagged at the UK's prestigious Exhibition News Awards 2015.

"MCM are beyond delighted to have been honoured by the exhibition industry at the Exhibition News Awards," said MCM show organiser Bryan Cooney. "Our team worked so hard in 2014 to bring the MCM brand and events to a much wider audience."

"This is just the beginning for us," added MCM marketing manager Charli Haynes. "We can't wait to show everyone what's next for 2015!"

This is a huge award for the MCM group, but also a huge recognition of the alternative cultures surrounding science fiction, horror and comics that have grown alongside the brand itself. And, with a London show now scheduled over three days and not just the two, MCM recognize this too.

And, while many out there will complain of the lack of comics and comic creators present, when I have been to such shows I have been impressed with the organization and the access to the celebrities that only a big organization like MCM can sometimes offer. They can invite the stars of The Walking Dead to Britain – and more importantly to fans outside of London – when smaller cons can't. Given the rise of comic cons in the UK over the last year (and I have only focused on one region, the Midlands) then there does seem to be room for both types of shows. MCM, for many, will be that gateway drug. I've seen it happen to my own daughter, to the students I teach and the fans at these shows.

Congratulations MCM!

Olly MacNamee teaches English and Media, for his sins, in a school somewhere in Birmingham. Some days, even he doesn't know where it is. Follow him on twitter @ollymacnamee or read about his exploits at olly.macnamee@blogspot.co.uk. Or don't.

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