Fan adored, volunteer run, all ages event

Hal-Con is a sci-fi,fantasy & gaming convention run completely by volunteers. A board of seven members is supported by large organizing committee of volunteers.

Since 2010, this community-focused conference has brought some of the biggest names in the sci-fi, fantasy and gaming world to Halifax. Hal-Con attracts celebrities like Gates McFadden (2016), John de Lancie (2015), Billy Dee Williams (2013), René Auberjonois (2012), and Walter Koenig (2010). Halifax is the perfect backdrop for Atlantic Canada’s biggest sci-fi, fantasy and gaming convention.

Challenge

Halcon has its roots in Halifax from the late 1970s through the 1980s after which it went dormant for many years. In 2010 the convention was resurrected as Hal-Con and 1500 attended at the Lord Nelson Hotel. This was the year for Hal-Con to expand into gaming, comics, and fantasy, not just sci-fi. A new venue of the World Trade and Convention Centre was expanded to fill 3 floors and the event was increased to a 3-day format. The event was making a huge leap and needed a fresh identity, collateral, and marketing to support the convention’s expansion.

Solution

The most successful convention at that point; 2012’s distinct branding heightened attendees experience by elevating the grassroots convention to the caliber it deserved. A sold-out venue saw an increase of attendees to 4700, triple from its first year.

A custom site was rolled out to keep ticket purchaser informed on the latest talent and events happening at the convention. An online and print campaign was launched with Metro Newspaper leading up to the event to drive ticket sales.

Working closely with Ha-Con’s board resulted in a cohesive and effective event that raised confidence in this iconic convention.

Full identity re-articulation

Logo and brand design development; including integration of illustration

Website design, development, and copywriting

CMS self-sufficient training for all team members

All print collateral design from posters, tickets, badges, signage, and program

Social media marketing plan and collateral package

Metro News print and online takeover campaign

We needed a solution for online and print marketing FAST, and Orlando came through with stunning visuals and compelling messaging. They brought a lot of new concepts to the project that nobody on our team had considered that we incorporated into our brand. It’s rare to work with a partner that can do both effectively."

Joni Crocker, Director of Communications, Hal-Con