It’s that special time of year again for local fans of sci-fi, fantasy, horror and comics to celebrate and party all Halloween weekend at the Sheraton Music City. Area geeks are geared up for the 48 Hours of Cool that only GMX can bring… are you ready? Now in its eighth big year, the growth of GMX has been explosive, setting the stage for GMX, Vol. Eight, Friday, Oct. 28 through Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016.
GMX is an educational and multi-media entertainment showcase presented by a Nashville-based not-for-profit corporation, which, like GMX’s sister event MTAC – Middle Tennessee Anime Convention, is operated entirely by a volunteer staff. You can expect great things from this year’s special guests, panels, exhibits, and other events.
Why is it called GMX? The name GMX derives from the definitions of (1) Geek: a person who has excessive enthusiasm for and some expertise about a specialized subject or activity; (2) Media: the means of communication, as radio and television, newspapers, and magazines, that reach or influence people widely; and (3) Expo: a large-scale public exhibition or show. So, put them together, mix well, stir and serve for 48 Hours of Cool! Are you ready to imbibe?
In addition to celebrity guest and industry professionals, Geek Media Expo also features fan discussion panels, workshops, question and answer sessions, vendor areas, contests and more. Through GMX’s unique interactive platform, you can get up close and personal with many of the show’s guests and featured artists, setting GMX apart from other similar fandom events.
Notable guests include Matthew Nable, an Australian film and television actor who portrays Ra’s al Ghul in the CW Arrowverse, first as a major recurring role in the third season of Arrow, and the first season of DC’s Legends of Tomorrow; “Steven Universe” star Zach Callison; actress/singer-songwriter Olivia Olson (Marceline the Vampire Queen from “Adventure Time”); animator and improve extraordinaire Sketch MacQuinor (“Squidbillies”); table-top game designer Robert J. Schwalb (“Dungeons & Dragons,” “A Song of Ice and Fire Roleplaying,” “Shadow of the Demon Lord”); storyboard artist Robert Lamb (“He-Man,” “She-Ra,” “Darkwing Duck”); code-breaker and game developer Elonka Dunin; Allyssa Lewis (character animator on FX’s Emmy nominated series “Archer”); and many more!
GMX has crafted a unique brand of programming for the entire weekend, including the convention’s signature event “Geek Slam” – an improve insult battle between beloved fictional characters. The event also hosts the largest costume contest in Nashville for Halloween, 24-hour table-top and video gaming, robot battles, and dozens of hours of unique presentations throughout the weekend.
Having been to every GMX since it began in 2009, I always have a plan when I go, just like for any convention I attend. Based on a draft of the tentative schedule, here’s my plan this year: Friday: 6 pm, GMX Pin-Up Contest; 9 pm, GMX Nerdlesque Burlesque Revue by the Delinquent Debutantes. Saturday: 2 pm, GMX Lip Sync Contest; 4pm, Cosplay Contest; 10 pm, Geek Slam. These are by no means all of the activities going on at GMX Vol. 8, so check out the complete listing on-line and make your own choices. Remember: times, panels, guests and activities are subject to change or cancellation. See you when you get there!
GMX Vol. 8 takes place October 28-30, 2016 at the Sheraton Music City hotel in Nashville, TN. Pre-registration for the full weekend is discounted online. Walk-in registration will be $50 for all three days. More information can be found at geekmediaexpo.com
For more information about GMX, Vol. Eight, visit the official website at www.geekmediaexpo.com
