Mack PopCon

Welcome Chad Atkinson to Mack Popcon 2026

Chad Atkinson is a veteran Special Effects Artist from Los Angeles who has 30 years of experience in the film and television industry. Chad's early career started when he attended Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids Michigan. He then moved to Pennsylvania to study Industrial Design at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh where he cut his teeth in special effects make up under the tutelage of veteran artist Jerry Gergely.

Upon moving to sunny Los Angeles, Chad was employed by Amalgamated Dynamics Inc. co-owned by Oscar winning artists Alec Gillis and Tom Woodruff Jr. He worked as a mould maker and fabricator on major films such as STARSHIP TROOPERS, ALIEN RESURRECTION, MY FAVOURITE MARTIAN and X-FILES THE MOVIE. After working with Oscar winning makeup artist Mathew Mungle on films such as DEEP BLUE SEA, I STILL KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER and BOWFINGER, he took his talents to the internationally renowned KNB EFX GROUP INC. Under the helm of Robert Kurtzman, Greg Nicotero and Howard Berger, Chad worked on a series of Oscar and Emmy award winning films such as CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE and DUNE.

Since moving to Australia in 2009, Chad has formed a co operated several special effects studios and has landed key roles heading the prosthetics department for both KILLER ELITE, PATRICK and LOVE AND MONSTERS,MORTAL KOMBAT 2 and ANACONDA as well as freelance work on THE LOVED ONES and the Oscar nominated film THE HOBBIT. Chad hosts workshops and short courses from his Queensland studio where students learn special effects from him.

With experience working on over 100 films and television shows it was only ever going to be a matter of time before he received recognition for his special effects makeup skills and in 2010, 14 years after he began in the industry, Chad won an EMMY award for his work on the HBO mini-series THE PACIFIC.

Mack PopCon
🗓1st August 2026
⏰9am-4pm
📍Mackay showgrounds

🎨 Vendor Highlight: Sarah May Arts

Bringing together beautiful florals, cosy aesthetics, and a love of pop culture, Sarah May Arts creates artwork that is instantly recognisable for its soft colours, whimsical style, and delightful attention to detail.

Based in Brisbane, Sarah launched Sarah May Arts in 2020 as a passion project centred around floral line art. Since then, her brand has grown into a vibrant collection of artwork that combines intricate floral designs with cute, colourful, and often nerdy themes inspired by gaming, anime, fantasy, and fandom culture. Her mission is simple: to spread beauty and joy through fun and creative designs.

Visitors to the Sarah May Arts stall will discover a wonderful range of stickers, sticker sheets, art prints, keychains, stationery, and other illustrated goodies. From cosy gaming-inspired artwork to adorable original characters and nature-inspired designs, every piece is created to help fans celebrate the things they love.

Sarah's work is perfect for collectors, stationery lovers, gamers, anime fans, and anyone who enjoys cute, colourful artwork with a touch of floral magic. Her growing presence on the Australian convention circuit has made her a favourite among fans looking for unique, high-quality artist merchandise.

Be sure to visit Sarah May Arts at Mack PopCon 2026 and treat yourself to some adorable artwork, stickers, and accessories that are guaranteed to brighten your day! 🌸✨🎮📚💖

Perfect for fans of gaming, anime, fantasy, stationery, stickers, and all things cute and cosy! 🌿🎨✨📖

📚 Vendor Highlight: Stargon Books

Prepare for adventure among the stars with Stargon Books, the creative home of Queensland author Mark McDonough.

Stargon Books brings readers exciting worlds filled with action, adventure, science fiction, aliens, space travel, time travel, and unforgettable characters. Mark's stories are written to inspire readers of all ages, particularly younger readers and young adults, while still offering plenty for adult science-fiction fans to enjoy.

His flagship Star Runner series follows three teenagers whose lives are changed forever after a mysterious encounter in space leads them to wormholes, alien civilizations, space battles, and a galaxy full of adventure.

Beyond Star Runner, Mark has expanded his shared universe with series including Continuance Cycle, featuring time travel, superpowers, and world-changing stakes, and Antiquity Journals, an exciting blend of archaeology, mystery, and interstellar exploration.

A lifelong storyteller from Queensland, Mark created Stargon Books to share the countless characters, worlds, and adventures that have filled his imagination for years.

Be sure to stop by the Stargon Books stall at Mack PopCon 2026 to meet the author, discover your next favourite sci-fi adventure, and pick up a signed copy of one of his fantastic books! 🚀✨📖

Perfect for fans of science fiction, space adventures, aliens, and epic journeys across the galaxy. 📚🌌🚀

Please welcome one of our 2026 guests, Forever Cosplay!

🌟Based in Queensland, Forever Cosplay (Beth) is a seasoned content creator and character performer. She is known for bringing faces like Supergirl (DC Comics), Captain Carter (Marvel) and Lute (Hazbin Hotel) to life on social media and events.

🎯With a combined online reach of over 150,000 followers, Beth has spent her time incorporating advice, marketing and Media Production into her cosplay content.

📣Featured in Take 5 Magazine and Creative Cosplays Magazine, Forever Cosplay has spent her time building a professional, inclusive and family‑friendly cosplay brand.

❤️Based in Queensland, Forever Cosplay (Beth) is a seasoned content creator and character performer. She is known for bringing faces like Supergirl (DC Comics), Captain Carter (Marvel), and Lute (Hazbin Hotel) to life on social media and events.

🗓️When: 1st August 2026
⏱️Time: 9am-4pm
📍Where: Mackay Showgrounds

Vendor Highlight: Darkwood Fantasy Creatures

Enter a world where imagination takes physical form with Darkwood Fantasy Creatures!

Created by Queensland artist Aileen Radford, Darkwood Fantasy Creatures specialises in handcrafted fantasy art dolls, poseable creatures, dragons, and advanced puppets. What began as a passion for drawing magical beasts and building fantasy worlds has grown into a full-time career creating one-of-a-kind creatures that capture the wonder of fantasy and storytelling.

Inspired by a lifelong love of art, mythology, and creature design, Aileen brings her imagination to life through incredibly detailed creations that are collected by fantasy enthusiasts around the world. Each piece is individually handcrafted, ensuring no two creatures are exactly alike.

With a large online following and a reputation for creating stunning original works, Darkwood Fantasy Creatures continues to enchant fans with magical companions ranging from adorable fantasy beasts to breathtaking dragons and intricate puppets.

If you've ever dreamed of owning a creature straight from a fantasy realm, be sure to visit Darkwood Fantasy Creatures at Mack PopCon 2026. You never know what magical being might be waiting to come home with you! ✨🐉🦄

Vendor Spotlight- DeckaDice Mackay 🎲

Calling all game enthusiasts! DeckADice Mackay is returning to Mack PopCon, and they’re bringing the thrill of card tournaments with them. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a curious newcomer, get ready to shuffle, deal, and strategize your way to victory! 🃏🎉

🔥 DeckADice Mackay is your gateway to intense card battles. Where you want to channel your inner planeswalker in MTG or unleash your favourite evolution in Pokemon TCG they will have a seat for you!

✨But wait, there’s more! DeckADice Mackay isn’t just about tournaments. They’re also bringing a slice of their shop to the festival. Chat with their friendly team, explore their stock, and maybe even challenge them to a friendly game. Whether you’re a collector, a casual player, or a die-hard competitor, DeckADice Mackay welcomes you! 🤝🎴✨

WELCOMING back FREEK Productions to Mack PopCon 2026
“Freek (meaning- ‘Too weird to be a freak') The platform that is Freek Productions, is the creative hub of Rock n Roll writer/comic book creator/children’s author/podcaster/axe throwing coach(yes), Jesse Dracman.

Taking a negative situation like lockdown, which shut down his musical/touring life, Jesse started writing as a way to stay creative and positive. From novellas to comic book series and now a children’s book to weekly podcasts "RAD", Jesse has proven you can take ideas and make them a reality.

The unique approach of weekly recycling to finance the projects is one that has been a great topic of discussion at various conventions and Jesse loves chatting and helping others realize their creative goals. Freek Productions is Jesse’s way of bringing a lil rock n roll charisma to the industry and share inspiring ideas and rock n roll adventures from life on the road that resulted in the comic series Freakenstein’. All of Jesse’s work is a love letter to his childhood and loves seeing others get inspired to forge their own path.”

WELCOMING back Freek Productions to Mack PopCon 2026
🗓1st August 2026
⏰9am-4pm
📍Mackay showgrounds

🎉 COUNTDOWN TO MACK POPCON 2026! 🎉

Only 58 DAYS TO GO until Mackay's biggest celebration of pop culture, anime, gaming, cosplay, comics, artists, creators, and community! 🦸‍♂️🎮🎭📚

📅 1 August 2026
📍 Mackay Showgrounds
⏰ 9:00am – 4:00pm

Whether you're a seasoned cosplayer, a passionate collector, a gamer, an anime fan, or just looking for a fun family day out, Mack PopCon has something for everyone!

Join us as we celebrate our 5th Anniversary and make 2026 our biggest and best event yet! 💙

Who's excited? Let us know in the comments and tell us what you're looking forward to most! 👇

🎉 MACK POPCON 2026 TICKETS ON SALE NOW! 🎉

📅 Saturday, 1 August 2026
📍 Mackay Showgrounds
⏰ 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

💜 Disability & Sensory Hour: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

🎟️ Early Bird Tickets
• Ages 6+ — $5
• Under 6 — FREE

🎟️ At the Door
• Ages 6+ — $10
• Under 6 — FREE

Join us for a fantastic day of cosplay, gaming, artists, vendors, special guests, competitions, and family-friendly fun!

Secure your Early Bird tickets today and save!
https://www.mackpopcon.org.au/buy-tickets

Need somthing to do today?
Come on down to the River of Life Festival and come see us! Ask about Mack PopCon 2026 and even have a go at our video game guessing game!