EP: 149 How to Start a Comic Convention: Inside Nerdfest with Derek & Tim

What does it really take to build a comic convention from the ground up?On this episode of Talkin' Comics, AJ sits down with Derek of Nerf Herder Comics and Tim of Chasing Collectibles to talk about the story behind Nerdfest, the comic convention they created in Rock Hill, South Carolina.Derek and Tim share how they went from being comic collectors and vendors to creating their own convention, what they learned from their first shows, how Nerdfest has grown, and why getting the word out means more than just posting online.From Facebook and Instagram to TikTok, comic shops, colleges, libraries and good old-fashioned “boots on the ground” promotion, they explain how they worked to build an audience and create a convention that brings together comic book fans, collectors, vendors, cosplayers and creators.And there's a big announcement!Rory Travis, who played the Red Ranger in Power Rangers Beast Morphers, is announced as a special guest for Nerdfest on October 10.AJ also talks about his own journey with Annakhan, their comic book The Chronicles of Panel Pete, their experience selling at conventions, and why comic conventions have become such an important part of their creative journey.Host: A.J. Reimann https://linktr.ee/Talkin_Comics_PodcastGuest: Tim and Derrick from NerdFest @nerdfest2025 https://www.facebook.com/p/Nerdfest-61566984151499/Check out the convention and come see us there too!!🚀 Don’t Miss Out🗯️Find our comic books, merch, trading card art, and more!: https://www.talkincomics.com/📰Sign up for our newsletter 🗨 Get your FREE preview of The Chronicles of Panel Pete https://talkincomicspodcast.substack.com/🎥 🎞️ We Didn't Just Make a Comic... We MADE the Comic. Hit the Notify me on lunch to support this documentary made by Talkin’ Comics Podcast! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/641500179/we-didnt-just-make-a-comic-we-made-the-comic🫵 Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkingComicsPodcast📚 Follow Our Journey Into Comics👫 Family Friendly🎙 Creator Conversations🦸🏼 Learning to Write & Draw👉 Order The Chronicles of Panel Pete and more at https://www.talkincomics.com/category/comicsSponsors:• Allegra Printing – Printing The Chronicles of Panel Pete 👉🖨 For your comic book printing needs please visit Allegra Traverse City (Tell them AJ Sent You) https://www.allegramarketingprint.com...Printing-Comic Books-Fliers-Prints-Business Cards-Rack Cards-Promotional Items-Etc⏱️ Chapters00:00 Welcome to Talkin' Comics01:34 How Nerdfest Started02:16 The Story Behind Chasing Collectibles04:50 Why Derek & Tim Started a Convention05:49 Growing Nerdfest From the First Show06:48 How to Promote a Comic Convention07:51 Cosplay, Green Screens & Convention Experiences10:12 The Local Comic Convention Community11:00 Passing the Love of Comics to the Next Generation13:16 Selling Comics at Conventions15:21 How Derek Started Selling Comic Books17:17 How Tim Got Into Comic Collecting20:21 “A Hobby That Helps Support a Hobby”21:19 The Problem With Giant Pull Lists23:41 Discovering Comics Through Reading24:06 Walt Simonson, Thor & Meeting Comic Creators25:37 Meeting John Romita Jr. & Chris Claremont27:44 Getting Ready for the Next Nerdfest28:40 Surviving the North Carolina Heat30:05 Nerdfest Special Guest Announcement30:40 Rory Travis & Power Rangers Beast Morphers31:57 Nerdfest Adds a New Courtyard33:45 Favorite Superheroes & Villains34:28 Spider-Man, Fantastic Four & Galactus36:32 The First Comics They Remember Reading38:02 Absolute Batman & Today's Comics39:21 The Biggest Comics Derek Has Sold40:06 Choosing Your Comic Book Universe & Powers41:34 Tim's Favorite Current Comics42:33 Absolute Universe & Ultimate Spider-Man44:19 If You Could Have Any Superpower...47:29 If Your Life Were a Comic Book48:47 Raw Comics vs. Graded Comics50:09 Getting Ready for October's Nerdfest51:21 Why You Should Visit Rock Hill52:09 Thanks for Watching Talkin' ComicsMusic licensed through Soundstripe.Code: LCTMMFVA6SWZR19R#TalkinComics #Nerdfest #ComicCon #ComicBooks #Cosplay#ComicBookCollecting #ComicBookPodcast #ComicsCommunity #IndieComics #SuperheroFans #RockHillSC #PowerRangers #AbsoluteBatman #ComicConvention