For many people who attend CON*tourage events, probably not much thought goes into how it all came together or who made it all happen. Since CON*tourage founded in 2008 our group has grown in numbers and friendships have blossomed due to the time we’ve spent together. Lots of time goes into planning and implementing our events and if we all didn’t get along…let’s just say it’d not be near as fun.

Most of the time CON*tourage events, once they are opened to our fans, move forward like a well-built Pirate ship with a strong sail…but what many don’t see are the kick-ass people behind the scenes who are there to make sure the ship stays on course and doesn’t sink before getting to it’s destination (and also make sure all the rum, grub and entertainment don’t end too soon either).

Recently many of CON*tourage’s CRUE got together for a fun weekend in a secret location, without all of the hassle of party decorating, organizing, set-up or tear-down. They engaged in many thing geek related, but most of all they spent time with one another, just catching up and even planning for future CON*tourage CON*quests. And yes…there was even a CON*tourage Pancake Chowdown.

Here’s a glimpse at some of those people who help make CON*tourage what it is. (NOTE: Check out more of the CRUE by clicking HERE.) Sure…CON*tourage IS about the parties, the costumes and the atmosphere…but most of all, CON*tourage is about the PEOPLE. Thanks so much to everyone who has supported us over these past 4 years and we look forward to partying it up with many of you at PlayOn Con (Birmingham, July 26-29) and then at Dragon*Con 2012 (Atlanta, Aug. 30-Sept. 3). Speaking of Dragon*Con, expect us to release FULL DETSILS on all of our Dragon*Con events/parties the week of June 25th, 2012 – including how to snag a VIP or REGULAR Party Pass.

An extra special THANK YOU to photographer ( and zombie) Stan Bowman for these kick-ass candid CON*tourage shots!

CON*tourage CRUE members...assemble!

CON*tourage co-founder Mark "Bama Spyder" upping the horns!

CON*tourage resident bartender Syd...in deep thought.

Rich (who's been known to moonlight at Nikki Sixx)

CON*tourage make-up artist & stylist Emm Divine, grappling with an alien.

CON*tourage resident steampunk'er and creator Aimee

Will - the creative CON*tourage genius behind "Pimp Vader"

Zach...channeling his best southern Willie Nelson

Zach...when he's not channeling his inner southern Willie Nelson

Will before competing in the Finals of the Galaxy wide STAR WARS Space Station reCONstruction CONtest.

Will, being watched closely & time by Mark, as he attempts to beat the Galaxy Record.

CON*tourage's Rich, Mark and Will before taking off on the SPACE SHOT.

Mark (center) wasn't quite ready for the SPACE SHOT it seems. Much loud cursing ensued...

"I control the destiny of the Galaxy...NO...only I control the destiny of the Galaxy!!!"

Our weekend zombie (and photographer)...Stan Bowman.