I first began attending horror and comic conventions back in 2009. As a lifelong fan of the genre, the experience was thrilling—meeting icons like Gunnar Hansen and Doug Bradley, whose performances helped shape my love for horror. Back then, autographs were typically around $30, and most celebrities didn’t charge extra for selfies. It felt personal, accessible, and genuinely fan-focused.

Fast forward to today, and the convention scene has changed dramatically. The same event I attended in 2009 recently boasted over 100 horror celebrity guests, but not a single one charged less than $50 for an autograph. Many added an additional $30 or more just for a selfie. Professional photo ops—rare back then except at the biggest conventions—have now become commonplace, often costing hundreds of dollars for a single shot.

While I still love the atmosphere and energy of cons, the rising costs have made me reconsider how I participate. I may shift my focus more toward attending as a vendor rather than a fan. I completely understand the realities of inflation, travel costs, and the value of a celebrity's time, but like many longtime attendees, I simply don’t have the disposable income I once did.

Conventions will always be special to me, but their evolution has definitely made me nostalgic for the more accessible, fan-friendly events of the past.