User:Seckinger2/sandbox/CONjuration

CONjuration is a magical fantasy convention which takes place every fall in Atlanta, Georgia. Organized by Chris and Angela Seckinger, CONjuration is designed to promote the fantasy genre in the American Southeast. Focusing on literature, television, and movies in the magical fantasy genre, CONjuration has featured scores of literary and musical guests and run hundreds of hours of programming for fans of Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Narnia, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Supernatural (U.S. TV series), and other works in the magical fantasy universe.

CONjuration takes place over three days, from Friday to Sunday. The convention features a large range of fantasy genre elements, primarily literature but also television, movies, Role-playing games, board games, comic books, animation, and cosplay. Along with panels, seminars, and workshops with industry professionals, CONjuration features previews of fanfilms, live quidditch, game shows, wizard rock, live-action Choose Your Own Adventure games, and many competitions. The convention features an exhibitor hall (the Magical Marketplace) which offers goods from a vast array of vendors, including jewelry, clothing, woodworking, and collectibles merchants.

CONjuration is a family-friendly event with attendees of all ages. The convention works on a "membership" basis, which enables attendees to gain admittance to the show for the entire weekend or for individual days as well. The show is known for its program guide (titled The Spellbound Sentinel) which is created as a newspaper similar to those seen in the Harry Potter films.

History
CONjuration was founded in 2014 by Chris and Angela Seckinger as a much more involved expansion of the magical fantasy camp that had been run by Chris at their home since 2011 (Camp Magehaven). The adults that were familiar with the camp implored Chris each year to run a "camp for adults" and, after a very short discussion, Angela convinced him that they could turn his camp into a convention and satisfy the demand from all the adults they knew.

The first convention was held October 31 - November 2, 2014 at the Marriott Perimeter Center located near Interstate 285 and Hammond Drive. The guest of honor was Ellie Darcey-Alden, the young actress who portrayed Lily Potter in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2. The guests authors were Thomas Bielawski, A. R. Cook, Jonathan French, Ben Herr, L.R.W. Lee, Kelly Lynne, Joseph Macolino, Sandra McCurdy, Bella Roccaforte, Amy Leigh Strickland, and Gillian Summers. The musical guests were Lauren Fairweather, Amber Opsincs & Andrea Lewis, the Ken Spivey Band, and Keltic Kudzu. Special presentations were given by the Atlanta Radio Theatre Company, Laugh Out Loud (Improv), the Society for Creative Anachronism, Professor Fear, and magicians K. R. Morris & Mike Pilkey. CONjuration made the Georgia Reptile Society the official charity of the convention and has continued to have that relationship with them. The convention had an attendance of approximately 750 for it's first year. The convention offices were in McDonough, Georgia.

CONjuration has had a steadily growing attendance despite changes in locations and dates. The enthusiastic response from attendees, the unique nature of the convention, and the glowing reviews on Facebook have been instrumental in the success of the show. The convention offices moved in 2018 to Stockbridge, Georgia.