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SIOUXPER WEEKEND BY LEAH VANDEN BOSCH
Sioux Falls has built a reputation for having a lot to offer, and Brian Broekemeier is strengthening that expectation. After searching the internet for a comiccon nearby and finding nothing in the area, the Sioux Falls transplant decided to assess what locals thought of the idea. He created a Facebook event page in April of 2015, and a short year later, is finalizing the details of SiouxperCon, a three-day fan convention filled with gaming tournaments, exhibits, panels, and guest artists. Without any intention of actually chairing the event, Broekemeier began to put together a team of experts, each specializing in an aspect of the weekend. His friend and former coworker Brandon Smith was the first to get on board, after coincidentally posting to Broekemeier's Facebook event page without knowing it was his. The two were brainstorming over drinks when they spontaneously decided to ask the opinion of people sitting at a table near them. They introduced themselves to Josh Jurgens, who would end up designing the event's website. Broekemeier enlisted the help of another former coworker, Cassandra Nixon, who brought in proficiency in anime. Longtime friend Shane Gerlach utilized his networking skills in booking big name artists, while Joe Ektnitphong and fiance Dani Franseen overlooked the event planning and organizing. With the group growing naturally and their diverse, creative expertise collaborating effortlessly, the potential in SiouxperCon began to exceed Broekemeier's initial expectations. “The experience is what we're pushing for this year,” he said, in anticipation of this first-ever event. “Our biggest focus is making sure that everyone has a 16 // APRIL 2016
good time. We want this to be unlike anything Sioux Falls has ever experienced.” The event is on track to accomplish that, with a schedule listing big name artists and an exclusive, customized comic book designed by local artist Marc Wagner.
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WE WANT THIS TO BE UNLIKE ANYTHING SIOUX FALLS HAS EVER EXPERIENCED
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The three day event is starting off on Friday, April 15, with the Siouxper Brawl gaming tournament headlining Mario Kart 8, Super Smash Bros 4, and Mario Maker Relay Challenge. The gaming is scheduled to continue throughout the weekend, while Saturday and Sunday are filled with appearances, featuring artists Phil Hester (The Wretch, Swamp Thing, Green Arrow), Eric Gapstur (The Flash, Wyatt), Tom Nguyen (Ghostbusters, Batman, Green Lantern), Gordon Purcell (Star Trek, The X-Files, Fantastic Four, Avengers, The Flash), and Sean E. Williams (Fairest, Vampire Diaries). Special guest cosplay includes the singing voice of Sailor Moon, Jennifer Cihi, while two local artists intend to release online comics during the event panels - Clayton Summers of And Once Again and Chris Biewer of Cosmic Rage. In addition to the weekend's guest appearances, SiouxperCon is anticipating an array of vendors with countless comics, collectibles, and games to offer. Sioux Falls' Rainbow Comics was the first major
sponsor for the event, with various others to follow suit. Broekemeier has been overwhelmed with the local support. “I wish I could say something about every, single person who has helped us out. I am so impressed with Sioux Falls – I'm not from here originally, but to have a community come together and support something that's brand new is just fantastic. I don't know of anywhere else that would do something like that.” While the value of entertainment has been a priority for Broekemeier's team during the planning of the first annual SiouxperCon, there is profound purpose behind the event. After expenses are paid, all proceeds are going towards REACH Literacy and JY6, a non-profit charity supporting childhood cancer research. “This isn't about us, or about the money, it's about the experience. We aren't doing this for profit, so if we're able to benefit others in need at the same time, it just makes the event that much greater,” explained Broekemeier. SiouxperCon may be a three day event, but Broekemeier doesn't intend for the fundraising support to stop there. The team is working to become a full non-profit corporation, continuing to support local charities with proceeds from the fan convention. For tickets and more information on the first annual SiouxperCon, visit siouxpercon.com. The site will also include information on how to volunteer for the event. You can donate to the cause at youcaring.com/siouxpercon-530310.