To find out even more about this big event, I interviewed the expo's producer Shawna Suckow via email.
Mike McGuff: How would you describe The Guy Expo?
Shawna Suckow: I would describe it as everything guys love under one roof. We have beer tasting, a beer garden, a tailgating zone, home improvement, 3200 square feet of indoor laser tag, all the major Houston sports teams, Hooters, and the Houston Fire Department’s Street Machines Car Club will be there too. Also the Eat more Heat Zone will feature fiery foods from Houston and elsewhere. There’s something at the Expo for every guy out there. As a woman, a lot of this stuff appeals to me too, but I have to admit that every now and then something has to be explained to me. I didn’t have a clue about MMA until we started working on the Expo.
MM: Where did the idea come from?
SS: We wanted to create an Expo that didn’t exist, something unique that we all would enjoy working on. We used to produce all kinds of other conventions for real estate and government – beer and cars definitely are a lot more fun.
MM: Why was Houston picked as the second place to hold the event?
SS: We were considering several major cities for the next Expo, and Houston was the most welcoming by far. They partnered with us from the beginning, working with us in ways that other cities weren’t willing to. It’s enabling us to give this Expo some legs in a down economy, but also benefit the City of Houston while we do it. For selfish reasons, I’m happy to be headed to Houston and getting the hell out of Minnesota in November.
MM: How will Houston's sports teams participate?
SS: The Tailgating Area is hosted by the Houston Texans, who will bring a life-size inflatable goal post so guys can try their skills at kicking a field goal, and the cheerleaders will make appearances on Saturday and Sunday. The Houston Energy will feature a quarterback toss contest in the same area, and will bring some players as well. In the Fox Sports Team Zone, we’ll have the Rockets Power Dancers and Clutch along with some interactive contests. The Aeros will have an inflatable slapshot contest and will bring the AeroDynamics and Chilly. The Astros will be featuring some contests, and The Dynamo are bringing an inflatable field and possibly some players. For some reason, it seems like everything I just mentioned is inflatable.
MM: The Almost-Darwin Awards must spark interest?
SS: It’s a completely ridiculous contest that’s a lot of fun. Guys basically get on stage and share the story about the stupidest way they almost died. We’ve had some hilarious ones, let me tell you. I can’t wait to hear what Houston brings. There will be some great prizes for all our contests, so it’s completely worth the humiliation. Contestants can learn more and enter the contests by visiting www.theguyexpo.com.
MM: What type of guy will want to come to the Expo?
SS: We’ve got 12 different themed zones, so I believe there’s something of interest for almost any guy. If they like beer, then it’s a no-brainer. It’s also completely interactive wherever you go, so there are things to do, not just to look at. Any guy wanting a few hours of complete guy-ness should come and check it out. If they’re worried about missing the game, we’ll have 7 big screen TVs, including an 82-incher, in the Hooters Novemberfest Beer Garden.
MM: Anything else you want to add?
SS: Yes – the Houston Women Fire Fighters have put together their inaugural calendar, and they’re unveiling it at our Expo, so come on out to meet them and get signed copies of their calendar, all to benefit charity. We’re also giving away certificates for free beer for a year every night of the Expo. No catch, except we encourage everyone to donate to the Houston Fire Fighters Burned & Crippled Children’s Fund. Also, the Houston Habitat For Humanity is building the Ultimate Tricked-Out Garage, and auctioning off the materials at the end to benefit their organization. Tickets are eight bucks, but you can get in for half price from 5-6pm on Friday,10-11am on Saturday, and all day on Sunday. Fire fighters, police and military all get in free with their ID.
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