How Earp-a-Palooza Streamlined Celebrity Meet-and-Greet Lines with NextMe’s Virtual Queues
Earp-a-Palooza is a three-day annual fan convention that celebrates the beloved TV show Wynonna Earp. The 2022 event drew hundreds of dedicated fans eager to attend panels, participate in cosplay contests, and most importantly, meet their favorite cast members, including Melanie Scrofano, Dominique Provost-Chalkley, and Kat Barrell.
With high volumes of attendees vying for limited time slots for autographs and photo ops, the event team needed a better way to manage crowd flow and reduce long lines onsite. That’s when they turned to NextMe.
Photos courtesy of Earp-a-Palooza.
The Challenge
Managing large crowds in a tight space created confusion, long waits, and overworked staff during peak celebrity meet-and-greet times.
Overcrowding
Fans lined up early, overwhelming limited space around autograph and photo op areas.
Unclear wait times
No visibility led to frustration and missed sessions.
Line management
Staff struggled to control crowds and coordinate timing.
The Solution
To solve these issues, Earp-a-Palooza launched NextMe’s onsite waitlist software across all talent tables and photo op stations. The goal: shorten physical lines, improve wait time transparency, and empower staff with real-time queue management tools.
Virtual queues for each celebrity
Fans joined specific lines by scanning a QR code or accessing a custom branded link for each celebrity.
No app download required
Attendees received real-time status updates via SMS links – keeping things easy and accessible.
Two-way messaging & alerts
Fans were notified when their turn was near and could manage their time using a browser-based virtual waiting room.
Centralized dashboard for staff
Staff monitored and controlled line flow in real-time, reducing crowd build-up and enhancing the fan experience.
The Results
60% decrease in line abandonment
Less confusion meant more fans stuck around for their moment with the stars.
Increased visibility into position in line
Fans always knew where they were in line and when to return.
Improved space efficiency
Event areas remained organized and comfortable, even during peak periods.
NextMe gave our fans the freedom to enjoy more of the convention while they waited. It reduced confusion, lightened the load on our staff, and helped everything run smoother.
Allison Shank, Co-Director @ Earp-a-Palooza
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