WhoFest

Programming

Notable features of WhoFest include how-to programming, panels, fan discussions, gaming, a diverse selection of guests, celebrity encounters, a charity auction, a dealers room, "WhoKids" children's programming, trivia contests, concerts, and a dance on Saturday night. Many attendees wear costumes as various Doctor Who characters and others.

Critical reaction

In June 2013, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram named WhoFest as one of the "red-letter dates for geeks, fans, [and] collectors" as well as one of the signs that Dallas/Fort Worth has become "so geeky". In November 2013, the Dallas Observer called WhoFest "an enjoyable, eye-opening experience". In February 2015, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram declared WhoFest an event that "jumped out and made our nerd hearts go pitter-pat". In April 2015, The Dallas Morning News described WhoFest as a way to "get your geek on" and "a fun event for all Doctor Who fans".

2013 - WhoFest

WhoFest was held November 22–24, 2013, at the Crowne Plaza North Dallas in Addison, Texas. The convention was held on these dates to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the first Doctor Who broadcast in 1963. While the event featured panelists, experts, and fans, there were no celebrity guests from the television series at the convention. Activities included costume contests, discussion panels, videos, WhoKids children's programming, and participation in the live worldwide debut of the The Day of the Doctor 50th anniversary special.

Activities in support of Carter BloodCare, that year's designated charity, included a live auction and a blood drive. The convention chair was James Mahaffey. The convention T-shirt was designed by Barry Whitewater and the "50 Years of Doctor Who" poster was created by Keri O'Brien. Forced to cap membership sales at 1,000 due to space limitations in the hotel, WhoFest sold out months in advance, prompting the convention to seek a new home for WhoFest 2.

2015 - WhoFest 2

WhoFest 2 and the Irving Invasion was held April 24–26, 2015, at the Westin Dallas/Fort Worth Airport in Irving, Texas. Key program participants included actors Colin Baker (who played the Sixth Doctor), Nicola Bryant (companion Peri Brown), Terry Molloy (Davros), and Nicholas Briggs (voice of Daleks, Cybermen, and other characters) plus producer Jason Haigh-Ellery of Big Finish Productions. The convention chain was James Mahaffey.

WhoFest held an auction and other fundraisers during the convention to raise $5,000 and hundreds of pounds of food donations for that year's designated charity, the North Texas Food Bank. Artist Keri O'Brien designed the convention's signature "TARDIS dressed as the Sixth Doctor" artwork which was used by Michael Braun to create unique art prints and the convention's official T-shirt.

2016 - WhoFest 3

WhoFest 3 and the Daleks of DFW was held April 22–24, 2016, at the Westin Dallas/Fort Worth Airport in Irving, Texas. Key program participants included actors Eve Myles, Frazer Hines, Wendy Padbury, Richard Franklin, Simon Fisher-Becker, Ian McNeice, and Colin Spaull plus writer Andrew Cartmel. The convention co-chairs were Tim Miller and Mike Erickson. WhoFest held a charity auction to benefit Habitat for Humanity of South Collin County. Artist Michael Braun designed the convention's signature "Dalek invasion via the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge" artwork featured on promotional posters, merchandise, and the convention's official T-shirt.

2016 - WhoFest 4

WhoFest 4: The Power of Five will be held May 5, 2017, at the Westin Dallas/Fort Worth Airport in Irving, Texas. Key program participants are scheduled to include actor Peter Davison (who played the Fifth Doctor). The convention co-chairs will be Robyn Winans and Mike Erickson.