VentHaven 2008 Posted by Puppet-Planet on Jul 22, 2008
This was my 5th year attending the convention and by far, the most enjoyed. Probably because I've come to know and be known by everyone there so my comfort level for socializing was pretty high. I even went to the "hospitality room" twice, which is where everyone basically drinks and gets loud every night after all of the events are over. 
I was asked to participate in a discussion panel this year, which I was terrified of because I don't like public speaking. It went really well though, I found it fairly easy to talk because of the set up with people asking questions.... I didn't have to think of a subject or anything and with the dialog provided via questions, it was easy enough to just answer them. I even managed a few jokes that the crowd responded to with laughter even though I was shaking in my shoes.
Being up there with MaryAnn Taylor and Kristen L. was an awesome experience and it was fun to learn how similar we all work, use similar materials, and handle situations in business.
Jeff Dunham came over to my booth with his daughter and started playing with a couple of my Bug Buddy puppets, commenting how cute and expressive they are. Everyone followed him taking pictures, and I snapped a few good ones myself. I've said it a million times, but let me repeat myself by stating once more how sweet and down to earth this guy really is. Very few "big name" acts will actually walk around freely because of the interruption of cameras, requests for autographs, etc. but Jeff is right out there regularly and attends the convention annually.... I don't recall a year that he's missed since my first time 5 years go.
Terry Fator was there too, such a sweet guy. Both he and Jeff donated $10,000 each to the VentHaven Museum! Popular figure maker Tim Selberg revealed a new figure ordered by Terry Fator, it was the first time Terry was going to see it. Terry used it for the first time in a show that evening too.... I've never seen him perform live and it was an amazing thing to witness. I swear, when he started with "At Last" by Etta James, I looked at a friend next to me and said "I thought you said everything was live?" because I thought he was using music tracks for his puppet..... NO, it was all Terry and spot on. Just amazing. Also, instead of selling his DVD, Terry gave them away to all of the convention attendees... very generous because we all would have purchased it if priced anyway.
Oh, and I almost forgot... Terry sang and shared the story behind his song, "Horses In Heaven" for us. A CD will be released this winter and the proceeds will be donated for the benefit of children with diseases. Not many dry eyes in the house after that song.... it's sure to be a big hit, you guys have to experience it.
And another awesome turn of events... There was an exceptional performance by a young lady from Texas in the Junior open mic event. At one point she performed the auctioneer song with two figures with speed AND precision that you wouldn't believe. That song is hard to do with two voices let alone three! Terry was so impressed by her that he later announced his invitation to have her open for him during his upcoming performance in Texas later this year! I need to find where I wrote down her name because I don't want to botch up the spelling of it, she deserves proper credit. I'll update with the correct information soon.... does anyone who attended the convention have it? Please post if you do!
Jeff "lectured" a Q&A discussion panel with his figures and also shared new Christmas material that will be released on a new DVD this winter. Hilarious stuff, and I know Jeff's new DVD is something Santa will be stuffing in my stocking this year.
The next day after his Q&A, Jeff and his family (minus one daughter who was at camp or something) seated themselves outside of the VentHaven museum in the melting hot sun to sell and autograph Achmed & Peanut T-shirts for everyone.... 100% of the proceeds going to the museum.
The pretty young lady who won Sweden's Got Talent in 2007, Zillah, was also there performing and showing her generosity. She gave away tiny little puppet replica's of her Monkey character, Totte, to all of the children. Not to mention, her patience in signing autographs and making herself available for photos with everyone... the line was loooooong let me tell ya!
Jimmy Nelson was there again this year and I couldn't pass up another opportunity to have my photo taken with him and his wife.
Except, this year he brought us a special treat.... his Danny O'Day AND Farfel figures for photo ops!
I could go on and on gushing about all of the highlights of this year's convention. I didn't even get into all of the classes and educational lectures they had. It was not one to miss, I'll tell you that! I just got home last night after the long drive, but I'm still giddy from all the excitement.
-Michele
PS: Other exciting mentions: Dan Horn's puppet manipulation class, Pete Michael's performance, Elgrego from New Zealand performance, David Turner's performance, Jerry Lane's performance, Val Hilliker from Canada's class, and all the new friends I met during this year's journey at VentHaven!
I was asked to participate in a discussion panel this year, which I was terrified of because I don't like public speaking. It went really well though, I found it fairly easy to talk because of the set up with people asking questions.... I didn't have to think of a subject or anything and with the dialog provided via questions, it was easy enough to just answer them. I even managed a few jokes that the crowd responded to with laughter even though I was shaking in my shoes.
Being up there with MaryAnn Taylor and Kristen L. was an awesome experience and it was fun to learn how similar we all work, use similar materials, and handle situations in business.Jeff Dunham came over to my booth with his daughter and started playing with a couple of my Bug Buddy puppets, commenting how cute and expressive they are. Everyone followed him taking pictures, and I snapped a few good ones myself. I've said it a million times, but let me repeat myself by stating once more how sweet and down to earth this guy really is. Very few "big name" acts will actually walk around freely because of the interruption of cameras, requests for autographs, etc. but Jeff is right out there regularly and attends the convention annually.... I don't recall a year that he's missed since my first time 5 years go.
Terry Fator was there too, such a sweet guy. Both he and Jeff donated $10,000 each to the VentHaven Museum! Popular figure maker Tim Selberg revealed a new figure ordered by Terry Fator, it was the first time Terry was going to see it. Terry used it for the first time in a show that evening too.... I've never seen him perform live and it was an amazing thing to witness. I swear, when he started with "At Last" by Etta James, I looked at a friend next to me and said "I thought you said everything was live?" because I thought he was using music tracks for his puppet..... NO, it was all Terry and spot on. Just amazing. Also, instead of selling his DVD, Terry gave them away to all of the convention attendees... very generous because we all would have purchased it if priced anyway.
Oh, and I almost forgot... Terry sang and shared the story behind his song, "Horses In Heaven" for us. A CD will be released this winter and the proceeds will be donated for the benefit of children with diseases. Not many dry eyes in the house after that song.... it's sure to be a big hit, you guys have to experience it.
And another awesome turn of events... There was an exceptional performance by a young lady from Texas in the Junior open mic event. At one point she performed the auctioneer song with two figures with speed AND precision that you wouldn't believe. That song is hard to do with two voices let alone three! Terry was so impressed by her that he later announced his invitation to have her open for him during his upcoming performance in Texas later this year! I need to find where I wrote down her name because I don't want to botch up the spelling of it, she deserves proper credit. I'll update with the correct information soon.... does anyone who attended the convention have it? Please post if you do!
Jeff "lectured" a Q&A discussion panel with his figures and also shared new Christmas material that will be released on a new DVD this winter. Hilarious stuff, and I know Jeff's new DVD is something Santa will be stuffing in my stocking this year.
The next day after his Q&A, Jeff and his family (minus one daughter who was at camp or something) seated themselves outside of the VentHaven museum in the melting hot sun to sell and autograph Achmed & Peanut T-shirts for everyone.... 100% of the proceeds going to the museum.
The pretty young lady who won Sweden's Got Talent in 2007, Zillah, was also there performing and showing her generosity. She gave away tiny little puppet replica's of her Monkey character, Totte, to all of the children. Not to mention, her patience in signing autographs and making herself available for photos with everyone... the line was loooooong let me tell ya!
Jimmy Nelson was there again this year and I couldn't pass up another opportunity to have my photo taken with him and his wife.
Except, this year he brought us a special treat.... his Danny O'Day AND Farfel figures for photo ops!I could go on and on gushing about all of the highlights of this year's convention. I didn't even get into all of the classes and educational lectures they had. It was not one to miss, I'll tell you that! I just got home last night after the long drive, but I'm still giddy from all the excitement.
-Michele
PS: Other exciting mentions: Dan Horn's puppet manipulation class, Pete Michael's performance, Elgrego from New Zealand performance, David Turner's performance, Jerry Lane's performance, Val Hilliker from Canada's class, and all the new friends I met during this year's journey at VentHaven!
Re: VentHaven 2008 Posted by Ron G. on Jul 23, 2008
Thanks Michele, those are great pictures and an awesome report.
I'm glad that you had such a good time.
Ron G.
PS
Can you imagine growing up with Jeff Dunham for a father?
PPS
Did anyone else catch ventriloquist Michael Harrison on America's Got Talent last night?
http://www.funnyguy.ca/aboutus.htm
http://www.hulu.com/watch/27671/americas-got-talent-michael-harrison
I'm glad that you had such a good time.
Ron G.
PS
Can you imagine growing up with Jeff Dunham for a father?
PPS
Did anyone else catch ventriloquist Michael Harrison on America's Got Talent last night?
http://www.funnyguy.ca/aboutus.htm
http://www.hulu.com/watch/27671/americas-got-talent-michael-harrison
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