2009 And Beyond
Current mood: inspired

Con Nooga 2009!
I must thank everyone that helped make Con Nooga Rock in 2008! Our guests, bands, acts, staff, and those folks who came to enjoy what we threw together!
2009 has already begun w/ a bang with several old and new sponsors, staff and events already kicking off with a fury!
The team won’t let me slow down as we are already planning, discussing, developing and marketing for 2009... 
We are negotiating 2009, 2010 and beyond artwork and celebrities...  Everyone wants April (Chainsaw Sally) back so that is a definate goal if not in 09 definately 2010!
More events:  Big Wheel Races and Show, More Gaming, More Console Gaming.... And do I even have to congratulate or talk about the HUGE success of Saber Idol!?
The Saber Idol team has turned that event into a production NOT TO MISS!  And for 2009 we have already qualified 3 contestants, and more contestants to be qualified at a few other Conventions coming soon...

Radio Cult, MerryBellies, Several Artist, TFP, Gamestop, Dicehead, GDN, Sadistic Scenic City Sideshow, SEPS, as far as I know are all back in 2009!  Sorry if I forgot anyone that also told me they were a definate 2009 fixture too!
And let me know if you want to be at Con Nooga 2009!  - 
Thanks Again, and Keep posted as we continue to bring YOU (the fans) a great convention full of everything - plus some more!

Todd

Currently playing : Rock Band Special Edition for PS3 Release date: 20 November, 2007

4:19 AM - 8 Comments - 10 Kudos - Add Comment

1 year under our belts!

WOW! 

Thanks to EVERYONE from Acts, Staff, Guests, Celebrities, Supporters, Gamers, Bands, Film Folks etc...
Con Nooga started with a banging 800+ people (actually more but we did not include all the special guest and celebrities badges)
So for our first time out - YOU all proved that we might have something worth doing again in 2009!

We want you to realize we appreciate all the hard work and support, and we still want your opinions, ideas and concerns so we can address them, and make a Better Convention for all.

Con Suite - kick the dog... it probably won't happen - all the other cons survive and promote the CON SUITE and we want to do it without it. 
A central Meeting or Relaxation Space is being considered...

By bringing more content, fun and FAMILY atmosphere for the daytime!
We are looking into ways to improve and we have had tons of input and suggestions that we will carry to our meeting and make adjustments.

Most people enjoyed themselves and we hope you see that we truly want to bring back the feel of the early day Conventions... and a family atmosphere for all to enjoy and have fun...  And at night entertain the adults w/ programming, dances, bands and parties...

See you all in 2009! 

Todd
Con Chairman
Con Nooga

10:23 AM - 18 Comments - 27 Kudos - Add Comment

Media Release

**For Immediate Release**

 
Authors/Artist: Steve Stanley, Lin Workman, Martheus Wade, Sean Taylor, Chris Hazleton, Dion Floyd, Billy Tackett, Georgiana Kotarski, Christina Barber, Ed Crandell, Robert Freese
Other local Wrestlers, 1337 Girls

Several Chattanooga Fans developed Con Nooga as a desire to bring other people with their passions and hobbies together in one place. The Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel was chosen as the location for Con Nooga 2008. Beginning Friday February 22nd 2008 and ending February 24th 2008, Con Nooga offers three days of fun for everyone. No matter what genre or fan activity you enjoy, Con Nooga should offer a little something for everyone!
For more information on Con Nooga visit our website: WWW.CONNOOGA.COM
Or contact: Info@CONNOOGA.COM

WHAT: Multi-Fandom Convention
WHEN: February 22nd – 24th 2008
WHERE: Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel

-->Please copy and share w/ any media relations you have!

12:51 PM - 5 Comments - 6 Kudos - Add Comment

Publicity Push!
Current mood: stoked

As the Con Nooga date quickly approaches we are about to hit the streets getting the word out!
We just recieved our latest 15,000 postcard flyers and I will have them at the meeting Sunday.
Meeting - You ask?!
Yes a meeting will take place (2morrow) Sunday at the wonderful Choo Choo! (our gracious hotel for 2008!)
Last minute changes have to be presented 2morrow or wait until 2009!
If you are not logged into our Commmunication HQ (aka-Forums) - where have you been!?
Our forums have been our greatest communication tool to help expand, develop and mold Con Nooga 2008!

Console Gaming - EXPANDED!
 All together we have OVER 8,000 square feet of GAMING MADNESS!!! 

Contest - You bet - We have that all being finalized too... and Con Nooga TV continues filming 2morrow also!  What is Con Nooga TV? You will enjoy our Con Nooga Channel as we bring you 3 days on Films, Commercials, and Nonsense!  If I go missing - I will be in a room watching Con Nooga TV!
Darla and Terry from Wigley FX have spent numerous hours on it and Jeff our Film Guru will be busy putting it all together too!

Thanks for all the support and great ideas, suggestions and volunteer staff that have pitched in and continue the support!  I'm lucky to have you all making me look good! But be sure to blame me when it goes wrong!  and thank the staff when it goes good!

We are putting 113% into making Con Nooga enjoyable and entertaining for YOU - The Fans - so be sure to throw in some input-ideas-suggestions!  And we are already planning Con Nooga 2009! Location to be announced at Con Nooga 2008!

We are also working on a couple publicity stunts, advertising, and marketing teasers - let us know if you want to help spread the Con Nooga Word!

So I guess I need to go get my new I.D. McLovin - so if I'm arrested it will be easier to post my bail!

Hope to see you all soon and I hope I get the chance to meet you before or during Con Nooga 2008!

Todd
Con Chairman 2008
www.ConNooga.com

Currently playing : Galaga Release date: 17 October, 2000

7:28 AM - 3 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

*Tick*Tock*
Current mood: rejuvenated

Con Nooga 2008 is sneaking up!
So much to do and so much has been completed by our awesome staff and directors...
Schedule - oh yeah we should be able to start sharing that with everyone by January 15th!

Program - Oh yeah!  We hope to have it ready for folks to view by Jan 25th!

Guests - did I mention we may have a few more added last minute!?

We have listened and tried to bring those of you on the forums the things you have asked for!  Even though some other cons are stealing our guests, ideas, contest and programming - we realize we MUST be on to something Worth Stealing - or in other words - we must be on the right track!

A mighty thanks to our sponsors (Gamestop, Dicehead, Wigley F/X, HauntedWeb, Black 20, TFP - Inked Monkey Productions, Flamingo Skate Shop and others!)  Our awesome Exhibitors who are already signing up for 2009!  And those celebrities that are en route and some who are on hold for next year!  We can't wait!

Mr. Ms ConNooga - Hosted by the unknown chairman (Me) and the lovely and talented Chainsaw Sally (April Burril) is just ONE event I look forward to!  Who can represent the fandoms?!  Con Nooga 2008 will see!

Rock Band Competition - More entries hit today!  We will probably have to lock the competition in the next week or two!

Syrens of the South Burlesque show... oh la la!

Did we mention our Bands?  Headlined by the infamous Radio Cult - they will be playing Friday night and again Saturday.

TFP (My favorite Puppets) hit the stage and so much more that I would love to plug...but check the site! 

From me and the Staff of Con Nooga - We totally look forward to entertaining you - meeting you and sharing the fun in a few weeks!
Spread the word and keep pumping us with ideas, info and suggestions - because we are listening!  And we will try to do it - or push it into the 2009 Mosh Pit of ideas!

Con Nooga 2008 is just around the corner!  And we look forward to seeing you there!

Todd
2008 Con Chairman
www.ConNooga.com

Currently watching : Resident Evil: Extinction [Blu-ray] Release date: 01 January, 2008

5:50 PM - 6 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

Updates

Sorry it's been too long for an update!  But the website and forums is where most of the new info goes...

Exhibitor Hall - 119 Tables - SOLD OUT!
No More Seminar Space - Over 100 Seminars, Workshops, Panels!
More Celebs...  oh yeah check the site!

We are busy trying to put this all together so we can have a great con for you - the FANS! 

Keep in touch and Thanks for helping Con Nooga turn into something great for everyone!

9:33 PM - 3 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

We’re back from DragonCon!
Current mood: sore

Whew! We're back from DCon and tired as heck! That's a good thing, though, as we were busy, busy, busy! From 10:00am (officially) to 8:00pm every night, we met sooooo many people at the ConNooga booth. I forgot to bring my camera in, so I'll get the pics uploaded later. Thanks to Felix Silla, Billy Tackett, Jim O'Rear, the Volunteer Vixens, Glenda and Tony Finelstein, Dutch (from HallowCon), the Cruxshadows, and Christina Barber for stopping by to say "Hi". Also, thanks to the Jedi Assembly, the Dark Alliance, the MidSouth Garrison of the 501st, Stargate SG-9, ElektroKandy and Amber (of the 1337girls), JAMPCon, SEPS, the Southeastern Browncoats, the Dark Empire, DFP radio, and the Alabama Garrison of the 501st for pumping us up and showing their support. You guys ROCK! For those people and groups we didn't get to see, we're sorry... We wanted to, we meant to, but although it was a weekend event, there just is never enough time at DragonCon. Also, we ended up staying at our booth rather than force others to watch it for us for too long. In addition, we talked to Dave Prowse, Ray Park, Lori Petty, Erik Estrada, Erin and Samantha Grey, and so many other people as they drifted toward our booth to see what we were about. They were only too happy to attach a ConNooga button on their shirts as they gave us their info to contact them. Anyway, we had nothing but positive feedback and support for what ConNooga is all about and everyone we talked to seemed to be excited about "a smaller version of DragonCon". BTW, according to those that brought it up, that would be a good thing.

Speaking of, in general, DragonCon is (as usual) BIG. Lots of people, lots to do, but lots of chaos. If I had to sum up in one phrase what was on people's lips, it would be "the Hyatt sucks!" We had our booth in the Marriott right next to the entrance to the Walk of Fame (they had their own room set aside for the celebs this year). The other fan groups were also in that general area. The Hilton had the dealer's room, the exhibitors hall, and a few fan groups (that didn't require a backdrop or made much noise... heh). The Hyatt had most of the activities, though. The Masquerade, the bands, the panels, etc... Not sure if it happened every night, but the Hyatt was shut down several times and would not allow people to go in. No pictures were allowed at certain times. The stairways were blocked as they forced a bottleneck to make you go down the escalators (still trying to figure that one out). Also, I heard the Hyatt wanted out of their contract with DCon, and the best way to get out was to make everyone miserable. Good job, Hyatt!

Anyway, with the Hyatt being what it was, it forced everyone to move into the Marriott. With the more open areas, it was much better equiped for the big group pictures anyway. The Jedi Assembly had their table next to us which made for a great partnership. Since a lot of them are doing SABER IDOL at ConNooga, it made sense. Also, they set up some interviews in our booth which drew a crowd (who I'm sure was wondering what was going on). Thanks to everyone that helped out with the booth and helped promote us. Whether you passed out the postcards and buttons, pulled costumers over to get pics in front of the booth, filled in for us as we were forced to eat, let us put flyers at their tables, or ran and got us FREEK energy drinks, we appreciate it!

I guess I should mention that the ConBoys made a special appearance at the booth. For those that went to the Masquerade... you know who they are. For those that didn't make it, I'm sure there will be video on YouTube soon. I can't name names, but let's just say that we know them... well. Also, thanks to HippieTrooper (winner of the Mr Star Wars contest) for stopping by and giving off that great vibe of energy while being interviewed for Saber Idol. Next year, it'll be up to our friends Anthony and Rob of the Jedi Assembly to take the Mr Star Wars crown.

I may edit this as I remember more and more things that I'm sure I'm forgeting now, but now it's back to the "real world" (sleep-deprived and sore or not). We'll be busy going through all the contacts we made and updating the website and, well... I guess it's definitly not time to relax! Less than 6 months to go and lots to do! (sigh)

Currently watching : Serenity (Collector’s Edition) Release date: 21 August, 2007

4:44 AM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

What's new? Lots!
Current mood: jubilant

You may have heard a little about this, but now it's time for the official word. The following is an event that is not to be missed. An event that will be just as exciting for the participants as well as the audiance. An event like no other on the convention circuit. An event exclusve to ConNooga...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 1st, 2007
Contact:
Rob Metcalfe or Anthony Foister
Saber Idol Competition
P.O. Box 143
Moshiem, TN 37818
423.329.6852 or 423.639.2469

Saber Idol Contest To Be Held February 22nd, 23rd, 2008 Chattanooga, TN Connooga Convention
Saber Idol is a "Saber" Contest designed around the format of popular American TV shows. Saber Idol will be an entertaining event for the entire family that is designed for the master Saberman/woman to show off his or her skills and talents. The Competition is to be entered by individuals that have a set of pre-choreographed "saber" demonstrations that highlight one's finesse without fighting. Demonstrations will be set to musical themes chosen by the contestants themselves. This controlled and civilized Demonstration will not only show the skill of the Saberman/woman, but their discipline, grace and their flare for the dynamic and dramatic! The Competition will be broken down into three (3) rounds with Convention attendees choosing the Idol after live voting. Three Saber Idol Judges will determine the initial eight contestants culled from videos submitted on YouTube and via mail.
The Judges are as follows:

Tanthos Jorlac- Founder of The Jedi Assembly, International Costuming Group. Force Battle Extreme Contestant: Master Replicas Combat Trials-Hollywood, CA 2007.

Jade Starlighter- Fan Judge. Member of The Jedi Assembly costuming group.

Simon Drego- SaberMaster extraordinaire. Swordsmaster to Master Replicas Freestyle Champion Qui-Kel Jinn

Saber Idol will be hosted by: Qui-Kel Jinn- Force FX Freestyle Champion at Master Replicas Combat Trials in Hollywood, CA May 2007.

For Official Rules, general info and included prizes see www.connooga.com or www.myspace.com/saberidol

Imagine, if you will, a 500 seat theater... flashy lights... booming sound.... a Master Saberist as host... the three judges... and eight finalists, hand picked from submissions sent in to YouTube... and it's up to you, who will decide who wins Saber Idol!

OK, I'll stop with the dramatics. Seriouslly, we're excited to play host to this event. We've seen what their plans are, what the production value will be, the prizes they have lined up! If you can twirl a saber and/or show off your talent, you will definitly want to enter. Also, everyone in the audience will be entertained the entire time. I can't give too much away yet, but I'm guessing that there will be standing room only for the Finale.

As if that wasn't enough, we are pleased to announce that FELIX SILLA is coming to ConNooga. Felix has played in numerous roles including Cousin Itt (Addams Family), Twiki (Buck Rogers), Lucifer (Battlestar Galactica), along with roles in Star Wars, Batman Returns, Spaceballs, and so much more.

Rooms designated for the Room Parties are filling up, so if you want to throw one, make sure you register your hotel room soon and let us know you plan to have a room party. They must be registered with us, so telling us is important so we can assign the designated room to you.

Oh yeah... We'll see ya at DragonCon! We'll have the ConNooga booth out in full force with a few special surprises in store. BOOYAH!

Currently listening : Snakes & Arrows By Rush Release date: 01 May, 2007

6:41 PM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

Mosh Pit!
Current mood: chipper

So what do you get when you continue to add more Anime, Comics, Bands, Celebrities, Exhibitors, Gaming, Contest, Seminars, Films, Horror, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy?!    CON NOOGA

We just rolled it all up into one place so you can get your MAJOR GEEK-ON!

Please check out our forums:  http://connooga.informe.com/
Join up and make sure you give us your ideas, suggestions or complaints on what NOT to do..  

We want to make this A FAN convention...  and majority gets the nod! 

Thanks for checking and and keeping up with our progress.  We have more news, announcements and changes coming soon...  so keep posted!

Con Chairman
Todd
www.ConNooga.com

Currently listening : The Punisher By Various Artists Release date: 23 March, 2004

10:53 PM - 3 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

Did someone say MEETING?! June 24th NOON @ The Choo Choo

Meeting Time once again!
Come one come all, step right up and be a part of the Con Nooga© team as we go back in for another fun and informative meeting SUNDAY JUNE 24th NOON @ The Chattanooga Choo Choo - Finley Lecture Hall

Add more influence or listen to what we have planned thus far... 

See ya Sunday! 

11:32 AM - 5 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment