2009 Sunburst Celebrity Tribute Artist Convention took Orlando by storm!

 

Excitement was had by all at the recent 2009 Sunburst Celebrity Tribute Artist Convention in Orlando, Florida.  This convention of celebrity impersonators was held at the Rosen Plaza from August 12-16, with the main showcasing of the "stars" on Friday and Saturday.

Tribute Artist to Robert Pattinson

Executive Producers Gregory and Jackie Thompson were worried a bit that the economy would have a major effect on the convention, but they were wrong. Registration and attendance for the event turned out to be exceptional this year.

"Elton John"

The two showcasing days, Friday and Saturday, August 14-15 began at 12:30pm. Agents and Talent Buyers as well as Tour Group Operators attended, and it was open to the public as well.

"Forrest, Forrest Gump"

There were 105 attendees under the titles of "Agents, Talent Buyers and Tour Operators" with approximately the same amount of artists in attendance.  Over all there was standing room only - a great success! 

"Martha Stewart"

The convention was open to anyone and everyone who wanted to come and participate, learn and network in the "industry" - which included singers, dancers, actors, comedians, tribute artists, lookalikes, impressionists and more. 

"Tina Turner"

 Those who did not showcase/perform on stage, were interviewed by the emcee and mingled among the audience, before or after the showcasing, for photo and marketing opportunities.

"Liza"

One full day, Thursday, was dedicated to seminars.  These professional talent and talent buyers attended seminars that covered such topics as: marketing, stage presence, voice techniques, costume design by Sara Lassalle, wigs by Janet Balla "The Wig Lady," the business side of the industry, promoting one's self by Gig Salad, photography by Michael Cairns, body movement, makeup...

The seminars offered a plethora of information that would normally take years to acquire. Even veterans found a lot of marketing opportunities, and there were dozens of buyers whom some did not know even existed!  

"Cher"

To top it off, the event was 100% tax deductible, and like many Sunburst attendees have said,

If you only get one booking or only meet one buyer who will book you, it's worth attending. All the rest, extra bookings, informative seminars, fun and networking, is gravy."

"Robert Redford"

Comedy Nite, seminars, parties and showcases were followed by an awards banquet.  Impersonators and guests attended dressed in formal attire or as the celebrity that they chose to pay tribute.  The Sunburst Awards Banquet began with an elegant buffet, followed by an awards ceremony.

"Anna Nicole"

Gregory Thompson, who emceed the ceremony, had this to say about the awards, 

These awards, in the convention's beginnings (2004), were 'just for fun.'  But they have grown, and most talent take them very seriously."

"Elizabeth Taylor"

The awards were mostly voted on by the talents' own peers on the internet thanks to Marc Dobson. Dobson also produced a live web cast of the showcasing and awards ceremony. 

"Cindy Lou Who"

Some of the awards were:  Moxy Award (first to sign up for the event), Congeniality, Steam Trunk, Most Naturally Looks Like His or Her Celebrity, Most Transformed, Party Animal, Most Funny, Best Web Design, Best Photo... (winners, along with more tribute artist talent, to follow ~ those talent who have not been linked and/or would like their "story" out there, feel free to leave a comment or contact me at debsford@gmail.com)

"Diana Ross"

The 2010 Sunburst Celebrity Tribute Artist Convention will be in September next year, exact date to be announced, located on its website.  Another celebrity tribute artists convention and awards ceremony is that of The Reel Awards and the CIC (Celebrity Impersonator Convention) in Las Vegas, Nevada.  It will be the first week of March, 2010.

"Jessica Rabbit, Martha Stewart & Ann Margret"

Lookalike talent within slide show:  Adam Lambert, The Terminator, Barbra Streisand, Bette Midler, Bing Crosby, Sean Connery, Trina Turner,  Rodney Dangerfield, George Burns, Robert DeNiro, Daniel Craig , Bill Clinton ...

For those who are either missing a photo and/or contact info in this article please contact me at debsford@gmail.com.  Also, two examiner.com writers are available to write about you as well, they are either myself or Dawnn Behrens at dawnnblondee@aol.com.  Due to not having enough space for all talent within this article, there will be another written, but talent info is needed first, thanks.