Convention News

James Frazier Stepping Down From Management of Walker Stalker Con and Fan Fest

Walker Stalkers LLC has had a bit of a rough time lately. Issues with both their Walker Stalker Con and Fan Fest brands have brought the organization and its owner James Frazier to our attention repeatedly. From financial issues to the Better Business Bureau calling them a scam to cancelled events, it’s not been a stellar year for the company.

Heck, this isn’t even the first article I’ve written about them today.

It should be no grand shock then that some sort of shakeup was coming to the company, and that’s exactly what happened earlier tonight. Approximately an hour ago it was officially announced on Walker Stalker Con’s official Facebook page that James Frazier would be stepping down as the head of Walker Stalker Con and Fanfest. The post has been deleted — here is the original text:

For Fans, By Fans. That was and remains our credo. Two guys, trying to give the same experience they once shared on the set of The Walking Dead and share it with others. Eric left it in the hands of me and a great team. But it became too much and beyond my capabilities. Today, I’m turning it over to new leadership and stepping down. I will no longer have any decisions in the direction of the company and it’s daily management. I will make sure that they are up to speed on each and every issue and make myself available to assist them in any way that would help them succeed. I love Walker Stalker and Fan Fest Events more than you know. I’ve poured everything I have into it over the past 11 months, to the point of exhaustion. Leaving it in the hands of people who will care for it is quite simply…. for the fans. The short-term goals remain the same, to complete the outstanding refunds and pay off the other debts of the company. But more importantly, the goal is to restore faith in the company and return the events to the level of quality once received and expected. God willing, the coming moves will leave Walker Stalker in a place that will ensure it goes on for years to come, providing a place where they all can gather and celebrate all things zombies, horror and sci-fi. And, for Fan Fest Events, connecting fans to their favorite stars of the superhero genres. I’m always asked, what’s it like to be around all of these celebrities. People think that has to be be the best part, right? No. If you ever look at my feed, my favorite parts are the people. The tears, the joy, the stories. I shed tears at my first Walker Stalker Con when a little boy loved Andrew Lincoln. And, I shed tears this weekend when a group of fans got together to watch the show that brought us together. First, I’d like to thank my wife, Danielle, and my children, who have supported me over the years and have sacrificed greatly to allow me to devote all of the time and effort that I have, this year especially. They need me now, more than ever, and I have so much time that I need to make up for now with them. I’d like to thank Eric Nordhoff, for being a best friend and giving me an outlet of laughter and community. I’d like to thank Jackie Prutsman for leading an amazing team of individuals. For teaching me lessons that I didn’t learn quick enough and I am now just understanding. Thank you to Merri True and Robin Justice for fighting with me all these years to make this a success. You never ran from adversity. A special thanks to Cindi Sudduth, Michael Guthas, Amanda Leighton, Ashley Goldstein, Francesca Garrett and Aysha Hackart for providing leadership and an effort beyond what anyone is worthy of. I miss you Lee Ann. I wish things would have been different. Thank you to Brad Justice, Nick Floyd, Shannon Toohey, Mike Bradley, Moshi, Sharon Reed, Katie Anderson, Jessica Hill, Renn Harbin, Brian & Betsy, Jay and David, Rick Jackson, Sara Rylander, Mark Moss, Jason Cabassi, Corey and Onnie, Monique and Benito, Heather and Amanda, Nat and Cheri, Stefan Stefan, Dave Solo, Emma Loggins, Kimeda, Melanie, Chris and Debra Anderson, Kerri Morgan, Michael DeVault, Tom Losey, Jimmy Tidwell, and Jessica Wagner. I'm sorry to each of you who have suffered any negative impacts from this company. And, I’m sure I’ve left someone out inadvertently. Thank you to Ambassadors/Volunteers. You are the heartbeat of what conventions are. Your joy and selflessness are what make these events second-to-none. Greg Nicotero and Melissa McBride, there is no Walker Stalker Con without the two of you believing in us and encouraging others to attend. Alanna Masterson and Mike Cudlitz, you have been like nothing else to me during the course of this year. Thank you to countless agents and talent for supporting our events. Sean Clark, thank you for being a great friend and someone to talk to through this time. Last, but not least, thank you to you, the fans. May God bless those fans who overcame depression, suicide, loneliness and found a community - found a family - here at Walker Stalker. You are not alone. Never alone. This is a place that no matter who you are, you are welcome. I pray it always is a welcoming place and that it remains a safe one and a loving one. It’s been an honor being its caretaker. It’s time for someone else to do a better job than me. May God bless each of you. And, please forgive me, I gave it everything I had and it wasn’t enough. I’m sorry. James
No word yet as to who will be replacing Frazier as the head of the events. It should also be noted that while Frazier appears to be handing over operational control of the events, it appears that he will remain the current sole owner of Walker Stalkers LLC.

Trae Dorn

Trae Dorn has been staffing conventions for over twenty-five years. They also wrote and drew the now completed webcomic UnCONventional, and produce the podcasts BS-Free Witchcraft, On This Day With Trae, Stormwood & Associates, The Meatgrinder, and The Nerd & Tie Podcast. This leads many to ask how the heck they have the time to get it all done. Trae says they have the time because they “do it all quite poorly.”

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