There have been rumours circulating for some time that this year's British International Comics Show - normally held at Millennium Point in Birmingham - was having venue problems and might not be happening. Word of another event from BICS organisers - a smaller one-day event in June - had also been going around and it had been assumed that the latter was a replacement for the former. The buzz came to a head last night when the June event gained a name and a website: Comics Launchpad.
Today in an exclusive interview with Talk Comics BICS organiser James Hodgkins revealed that BICS had indeed been suspended for this year and a new event, Comics Launchpad, was going to be held on the 18th June at The Studio, Cannon Street, Birmingham. The CL website describes the event as...
A one-day conference aimed at professionals, aspiring professionals and any one with a seriousinterest in the business of making comics. Particular emphasis will be placed on the digital revolution that is sweeping the industry, never has there been a more exciting and challenging time for the medium; one of Launch Pad’s chief objectives is to address these changes which affect not just how we create comics, but also how we deliver them to the readers. The ever growing and diverse self-publishing movement is a vital part of this revolution, all aspects of both the traditional and digital methods of creating and distributing your own comics will be covered in depth.
A full programme of talks, seminars, demonstrations and workshops all taking place under one roof at our brand new city centre venue: The Studio Birmingham. Leading artists, writers, editors, publishers, colourists, letterers and designers from all corners of the industry will be on hand to share their wealth of experience and appraise your work. Confirmed guest speakers currently include: Klaus Janson, Andi Watson, Mark Farmer and Emma Vieceli. Many more to be confirmed.
Access to this event will be via advanced on line ticket sales only, limited to just 300 delegates, demand will be high, so early booking is recommended. Tickets will be available from the 28th February 2011. Your tickets will be mailed out in advance as part of the delegate welcome pack, which will contain the full schedule of events, travel and accommodation details, party tickets and your personalised delegate name badge. All delegates will have full access to all events (subject to availability), and receive an invitation to the exclusive after event party,hosted at the venue’s spectacular roof garden, where food and drink will be provided.
For more info, please contact:info@comicslaunchpad.com
Speaking personally I'm gutted the BICS isn't happening this year - BICS 2007 was the first con I ever attended as well as being my 'local' and was actually where Stace and I met in person for the first time. Sad to think there won't be a Comic Artists Flip-Out this year but I hope BICS will return in 2012.
Can I please clarify that The Comics Launch Pad is in no way a fill in for BICS. This event is not a comic con or festival but something very different with very seperate aims and objectives for creators and publishers.
ReplyDeleteCheers
S
Thanks for the comment, Shane - I've changed the wording.
ReplyDeleteMuch appreciated Lee
ReplyDeleteThis is the first I've read about BICS being cancelled! I've been going religiously for the last couple of years, and rely on it being the one place where I can stock up on comics for the next year.
ReplyDeleteWill there be no other October replacement event? I had no idea the one in June took place.
Hi Aisha - sorry about the very late reply, I've only just found your comment.
DeleteAs you will know by now no there wasn't an October event - but I hope you went to 2011 BC the August event that was held about a week or so after you posted this comment.