Updated: February 3, 2025
Founded in 1971 by Gary Berman and Adam Malin, two young teenage sci-fi fans in New York, Creation Entertainment continues a 53 year tradition of producing the world's leading fan conventions for followers of genre television and film.
Inventing the concept of "traveling" fan conventions, Creation has brought its brand of live interactive entertainment events to millions of attendees throughout the United States, Canada and Great Britain. Beginning with the development of localized comic book conventions in the 1970's and 1980's, including its long running annual Thanksgiving weekend event in Manhattan, Creation later moved its interest into focusing on sci-fi, fantasy and horror television series and films. Creation’s long-running comic conventions were amongst the first gatherings to preview upcoming genre films and TV shows.
In 1991, Creation Entertainment became the first studio licensee for the production of film "stills" when Paramount Pictures granted the company a landmark agreement for the Star Trek franchise that covered photos as well as a wide range of collectible souvenirs. Working closely with the Paramount/Viacom Consumer Products team and with the inspiration of one of Creation's earliest patrons, Trek creator Gene Roddenberry, Creation designed and produced a myriad of Star Trek t-shirts, hats, mugs, photos and assorted autographed collectibles.
The singular combination of professional marketing and event management coupled with a passion for subject matter made Creation produced fan conventions enormously successful. At the height of Star Trek's popularity Creation Entertainment was organizing up to 110 conventions a year, often running three or more events a weekend.
Creation's success with the Star Trek franchise clearly illustrated to the Hollywood community that hardcore fans were a valuable market for both publicity and consumer purchases, even long after a series left the air or a film awaited a sequel. Within a decade and scores of meetings with marketing and promotion executives, every major studio began paying attention to fans and their collecting passions.
Parlaying its Star Trek story, Creation developed relationships with many of the top genre franchises often producing "official fan conventions" and/or licensed souvenirs and authorized fan clubs. Along the way, Creation produced events and/or merchandising with studios and production teams involving properties including Star Wars, Terminator, The X-Files, Lost, Xena, Twilight, The Lord of the Rings, Dr. Who, Stargate, The Muppets, Supernatural, The Vampire Diaries, Once Upon A Time and many more.
The media's interest in the colorful aspects of Creation produced fan conventions often led to the first widespread coverage of a property's growing appeal. With series including Lost, The X-Files, Supernatural and Xena: Warrior Princess, Creation's involvement garnered early coverage that helped the cult followings of these shows to grow into the long-running hits they became. For 25 years Creation teamed with Fangoria Magazine to present The Weekend of Horrors gatherings which became a genre industry tradition that, through networking, became a starting point for many of those who later landed important industry jobs.
With well over 1,500 celebrity appearances, a who's who of genre history including Isaac Asimov, Peter Jackson, Stan Lee, Gene Roddenberry, George Lucas, Ray Bradbury, William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, Jack Nicholson, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Roger Corman, Gillian Anderson, Ron Howard, Robert Wise, Elijah Wood, Jack Kirby, Sir Patrick Stewart, Wes Craven, John Landis, George Romero, Anthony Perkins, Kit Harrington and Vincent Price have graced Creation stages throughout the world.
In 2007, Creation teamed up with Warner Bros to begin the Official Supernatural Convention Tour centered around the popular CW TV series. Stars Jensen Ackles, Jared Padalecki and Misha Collins have headlined over 150 events with Creation up to the present time with the tour continuing into 2025.
Working with one of Creation's most beloved celebrities the company produced a sold out worldwide musical concert tour with Xena star Lucy Lawless highlighted by appearances at LA's famed Roxy Theatre that drew fans from around the globe.
In 2009, Creation began its involvement in the worldwide phenomenon of the Twilight Saga films and books with a North American Official Twilight Convention Tour playing to enthusiastic crowds anxious to meet stars including Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, and Taylor Lautner.
Unlike other fan conventions, Creation's policy is not to oversell its venues and guarantees a seat in its main theatre for all ticket holders to see all guest appearances and attractions. Through a wide range of pricing options Creation offers everyone with an interest in its subject matter the opportunity to participate in its events and see the stars that we've come to admire and enjoy.
In 2001 Creation's management launched, through a new company, The Los Angeles Fitness Expo. The annual gathering held in January at The Los Angeles Convention Center draws over 50,000 attendees and is the West Coast's largest event of its kind. More recently TheFitExpo has gone on tour to visit San Diego, Anaheim, Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, Philadelphia and San Jose.
The company is still owned and operated by the original founders.
ADDITIONAL INFO ON OUR FOUNDERS: Gary Berman and Adam Malin
Gary Berman and Adam Malin, co-founders of Creation Entertainment, have significantly shaped the landscape of modern fandom and pop culture. Their journey began in 1971 when they ran one of the first comic book fan conventions, a groundbreaking effort that laid the foundation for future gatherings. At just 14 years old, they took on this ambitious project, showcasing their entrepreneurial spirit from an early age.
From the very beginning, Berman and Malin were passionate advocates for fans, especially at a time when studios often overlooked their importance. They fought tirelessly for the recognition of fandoms and collectors, urging studios to acknowledge the dedication and enthusiasm of their audiences. This advocacy not only elevated the status of fans within the entertainment industry but also paved the way for a more inclusive approach to fandom, encouraging creators to engage directly with the very people who supported their work.
Berman and Malin’s early recognition of comic book culture played a vital role in cultivating a community that celebrated not just superheroes, but also the artists and writers behind the stories. By creating conventions that highlighted comic book creators, they fostered an environment where fans could engage with the medium on a deeper level, ultimately contributing to the rise of comic book conventions across the globe.
Berman and Malin were also pivotal in creating new revenue streams for actors and behind-the-scenes talent, providing them opportunities to engage directly with their audiences. Many famous personalities launched their careers by first connecting with fans at Creation events, which became launchpads for their popularity in the industry. The duo essentially invented the concept of touring fan conventions, establishing a model that has been emulated worldwide.
They were also among the first to introduce licensed merchandise to the fan marketplace, collaborating with major studio licensing departments to create products that resonated with fans. This innovation not only provided fans with unique memorabilia but also established a new revenue stream that benefited both creators and fans alike. Their efforts helped legitimize and expand the merchandise available to fans, setting a precedent for future conventions and fan events.
Berman and Malin's dedication to the fandom community is exemplified by their long-standing relationships with popular franchises. They have spent over 40 years touring with Star Trek, organizing events that celebrated the franchise's rich history and engaging fans with the beloved cast and crew. Additionally, their 18-year unprecedented involvement with Supernatural has led to an ongoing tour of ten annual dates. They have also played a creative role in engaging fandoms for iconic series such as Star Wars, Xena, The X-Files, Lord of the Rings, Stargate, Dr. Who, Game of Thrones, Twilight, and The Vampire Diaries.
Their combined knowledge of logistics was crucial in designing fan conventions that catered to the needs of attendees and guests alike. Berman and Malin understood the complexities involved in organizing large-scale events, from venue selection to scheduling panels and managing guest appearances. This logistical expertise ensured that conventions ran smoothly, providing a positive experience for everyone involved and further enhancing their appeal.
They introduced theatrical performances and interactive panels to the convention experience, transforming gatherings into immersive celebrations of fandom. These additions turned conventions from simple meet-and-greets into multifaceted events that offered fans a richer experience, often featuring live performances and discussions that deepened their appreciation for the art of storytelling.
Now celebrating 54 years in business, Creation Entertainment remains at the forefront of the fan convention industry, continuously innovating and adapting to meet the evolving needs of fans. The partnership of Berman and Malin reflects a commitment to providing unique experiences and engaging programming, ensuring that the company remains a leader in the field.
Today, the global convention landscape reflects many of the ideas Berman and Malin developed in their early years. The conventions that attract millions of attendees each year owe a significant part of their structure to their pioneering vision.
While Gary Berman and Adam Malin's contributions have undoubtedly shaped the way fans engage with their interests, their work is a steadfast reminder of the power of community in pop culture. Together, they have laid the groundwork for a vibrant, inclusive environment where fans can celebrate their passions—an impact that continues to resonate throughout the world of fandom.