What to Expect at HellmouthCon
Your Guide to Fan Experiences, Photo Ops & More

​What Is HellmouthCon and How Does It Work?

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HellmouthCon is a fan-run, 100% volunteer-powered convention celebrating Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, and the fandoms that gravitate toward the Hellmouth. We aim to create an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming experience for all—without the high-priced exclusivity of big corporate cons. We don’t do exclusive high-bid meet-and-greets or VIP-only access. Instead, we aim to keep things affordable, fan-friendly, and fun.

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Everyone with a badge has equal access to our guests through panels, photo ops, Fan Experiences, and autograph/selfie opportunities. We do not offer one-on-one time with guests, and if you encounter a guest during their personal time, please be respectful—they’re not “on the clock.” 

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 Every attendee has equal access to our guests through:

• Panels and Workshops

• Fan Experiences (FEs)

• Specialty Photo Ops

• Autographs & Table Selfies

• Sunnydale Mall (Vendor Room) – Fandom-friendly vendors, artists, and creators 

We want everyone to feel included and have a great time without breaking the bank.

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Panels & Programming

We offer two panel rooms that are open to all badge-holders and runs throughout the day:

• Main Room: Big-name guests and spotlight sessions

• Smaller Room: Intimate discussions, workshops, and fandom panels

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Sunnydale Mall

Just like the actual Sunnydale Mall—but with fewer hellhounds and way more fandom flair.

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The Main Gym becomes our Vendor Room, where fandom-friendly vendors, artists, and creators gather to tempt you with wares worthy of any Slayer, Watcher, or Scooby. Whether you’re looking for enchanted jewelry, handmade stakes (for decorative use only, please), pop culture art, or rare collectibles, this is your one-stop Hellmouth shop.

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Stock up on Slayer swag, treat yourself like you’ve just saved the world (again), and support the incredible makers who keep fandom alive—one handcrafted treasure at a time.  Because in Sunnydale… shopping is a full-contact sport.

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Fan Experiences (FEs)

Fan Experiences are group-based sessions, usually about 45 minutes long, and include fun interactions like Q&As, games, or themed conversations with guests.
 

• Tickets are flat-priced and sold on a first-come, first-served basis—no bidding involved.

• Purchase online through our website in advance.  If any tickets remain they can be purchased in person at the designated table inside the Sunnydale Mall (if not sold out).

• Onsite: cash, credit, and Venmo

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Note: The only time FE tickets are auctioned is when some donated their tickets to the Martin Katz Memorial Auction for charity.

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Specialty Photo Ops / Specialty Tableaux

We offer professional photo ops with:

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• Individual guests

• Themed combo shots featuring two or more guests

• Purchase in advance on our website (recommended—they often sell out) 

• Or buy onsite (if available) at the designated table inside the Sunnydale Mall

• Onsite: Cash, Credit Card, Venmo, PayPal​

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Autographs & Table Selfies

Guests will be signing and taking selfies at their tables inside the Sunnydale Mall throughout the weekend.

• Pay directly at each guest’s table

• All accept cash and credit cards; some may accept Venmo

• Prices vary by guest and are set individually.  See the Auto and Photo Ops page for pricing.

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Breakfast with Guests & Pricing

In 2024, we hosted Breakfast with Villainsa a hot buffet meal with fan-favorite baddies, for $75. Fan Experiences range from $50–$100.

Pricing for 2025 will be announced in early May and we always aim to keep events accessible and fun while supporting charity.

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Cosplay & Trivia Contests

Think you’ve got the look of a Big Bad or the brains of a Watcher? Step into the spotlight (or the library) and show off your Buffyverse brilliance and costume creativity! Whether you’re channeling your inner Slayer, vampire, or demon-of-the-week, our cosplay contest is your chance to strut your stuff. And if you’ve memorized every line from Once More, with Feeling—the trivia contest is calling your name. Wit, wisdom, and wardrobe—all are welcome. Points for style, accuracy, and knowing exactly how many times Buffy died.

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Meetups

From Broody Vamps Anonymous to Witches of the Hellmouth and beyond, our fan-hosted meetups are your chance to find your coven. Meetups happen throughout the weekend and are a perfect way to connect with fellow fans who share your favorite ships, characters, or headcanons.

Whether you’re Team Spuffy, a devoted Scooby, or just looking for fellow demon hunters, there’s a meetup for you. Come for the fandom, stay for the feels!

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Accessibility

We are committed to making HellmouthCon accessible and inclusive:

• Wheelchair-accessible entrances and pathways

• Elevator in the main building to access Little Theater

• Accessible restrooms

• Designated viewing areas (space permitting) for panels

• More info can be found at Accessibility

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Volunteering and Day Of Help
Want to be part of the magic behind the Hellmouth? Whether you’ve got Slayer strength, Watcher wisdom, or just a big Scooby heart, we always welcome new helping hands.

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If you’re interested in volunteering in advance or getting more involved behind the scenes, check out our volunteer opportunities ahead of time. But even if you decide last minute, you can still make a difference. Just swing by the Info Table near the entrance during the event to sign up as a Day-Of Volunteer.  It takes a village to keep the Hellmouth from opening (again), and we’d love to have you on the team.

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Stay in the Loop

We post updates on social media, but the best way to get timely info is to sign up for our newsletter.
Visit our homepage and click the newsletter signup button so you don’t miss important announcements!

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In Summary

• Two panel rooms, open to all attendees (one large, one small)

• All attendees have equal access to guests—no VIP exclusives

• Group Fan Experiences, 45 minutes long, purchased online or onsite (if available) at the designated table inside the Sunnydale Mall

• Specialty photo ops and Specialty Tableaux, solo & combo, purchased online or onsite at the same table in the Mall

• Autographs and selfies are sold directly by guests at their tables

• No bidding or exclusivity tiers, except for occasional charity auctions

• Pricing is transparent and reasonable—finalized closer to May

• Vendors, contests, meetups, and surprise guests

• ♿ Accessible and inclusive venue

• Volunteer-powered and Charity-focused

• Filming location of Buffy—walk the hallowed halls of Sunnydale High!

• Newsletter – your best source for timely updates. Sign up for the newsletter on the homepage

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Hope this helps give you a full picture of what HellmouthCon is all about!  Feel free to reach out if you have more questions — we're happy to help.