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This week on Back to Pop, we’re diving into the origin story of one of the most beloved fan events in the country: JoeFest.

Host Marc Childs sits down with JoeFest founder Ed Schumacher to unpack how a small toy show in an Augusta, Georgia hotel ballroom evolved into a full-scale convention center experience with thousands of fans, celebrity guests, and a collector culture that rivals anything Hasbro could dream up.

🎙️ From humble beginnings to massive growth

🎨 The art of curating the perfect vendor floor

🔥 Crisis management stories from behind the scenes

🧒🏾 Why JoeFest is bringing in a new generation of fans

🎟️ How to grab tickets and what exclusives to look out for

💥 Plus: A rapid-fire round we’re calling “The File Card”

If you’ve ever collected an action figure, built a custom display, or just want to hear how passion turns into legacy, this is the episode for you.

🔗 All links mentioned in the episode, including JoeFest tickets → [joefestusa.com]

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