(note: George Perez was scheduled to be at this convention)
It is with deep regret and sadness that R.A.P. Promotions announces that there will be no BIG EASY COMIC-CON in 2001.
It was our intention, as part of a three year development plan, to return to the Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel on Memorial Day weekend, 2001. Throughout the production of our 2000 show we were consistently assured by the local management of the hotel that this was their intention as well. Much to our dismay, the local management of the Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel mistreated both Big Easy Comic-Con 2000 and our attendees. Nonetheless, we felt the issues at hand would be addressed and corrected in 2001. We were again assured that Big Easy Comic-Con would have a show venue within the Hilton New Orleans Riverside. The producer even received a written letter of apology from the hotel's general manager as it related to the treatment we endured in 2000.
Understand our dispute was only with the local management of the Hilton New Orleans Riverside. R.A.P. Promotions had no difficulties with the Hilton chain and our sister show, Mid-Ohio-Con, enjoys a very positive relationship with the Hilton Columbus and its local management.
Less than 24 hours after receiving our payment in full for services rendered, we received a phone call from the hotel's sales manager that the Hilton New Orleans Riverside would not host Big Easy Comic-Con 2001. It was explained that the hotel had received an offer from another group which wanted to rent the space promised to us for more money and that the hotel was accepting that other offer. We were given no forewarning. We were offered no further explanation. The local management refused to honor an agreement that they had assured us, both verbally and in writing, would be honored.
Despite our very best efforts, and the tireless dedication of many local supporters, circumstances far beyond our control make it impossible to produce this event in 2001.
We offer our most sincere apologies to the fans, celebrity guests, industry professionals and our dedicated crew. We are especially sorry that this decision will not permit us to participate and support, as fully as originally planned, the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund's "Making Waves II Cruise". Be assured that the cruise will indeed take place as advertised and we urge everyone to support it as fully as possible. More information on Making Waves II can be obtained by visiting the CBLDF's web site (http://www.cbldf.org/).
We hope to someday bring the Big Easy Comic-Con back to New Orleans. Until then, we thank you for your support and understanding.