# How Earp-a-Palooza Streamlined Celebrity Meet-and-Greet Lines with NextMe’s Virtual Queues

> Learn how NextMe helped Earp-a-Palooza give fans the freedom to explore the convention while they waited to meet their favorite celebrities.

Source: https://nextmeapp.com/case-studies/earp-a-palooza/

[Case studies](https://nextmeapp.com/case-studies/) · [Events](https://nextmeapp.com/case-studies/?industry=events)

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.

![Earp-a-Palooza](https://nextmeapp.com/_astro/earp-a-palooza.DeHrXlNM_Z1jmxsN.webp)

-   **Earp-a-Palooza** Client
-   **Events** Industry
-   **September 22, 2026** Updated

Key outcomes

-   **60%** decrease in line abandonment

## 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.

![Fans meeting cast members at the autograph tables at Earp-a-Palooza](https://nextmeapp.com/_astro/autograph-table.DP2A3Auf_YVj0r.webp)

Photos courtesy of Earp-a-Palooza.

![Earp-a-Palooza’s branded virtual waiting room showing a fan 3rd in line, with a reminder to purchase photo ops](https://nextmeapp.com/_astro/branded-virtual-waiting-room.CEsjeWWv_Z1tQe7s.webp)

## 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 and selecting a 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.

![A cast member in a cowboy hat chatting with fans at his table at Earp-a-Palooza](https://nextmeapp.com/_astro/fan-meet-and-greet.wOZp11Bq_Z1EwSRx.webp)

## 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.

![Fans talking with a cast member during a meet-and-greet at Earp-a-Palooza](https://nextmeapp.com/_astro/photo-op-fans.Br3OPqaf_ZumptG.webp)

> “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 ShankCo-Director, Earp-a-Palooza

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-   [How Hello Kitty Cafe Chicago Managed 4,600+ Guests at the World’s Largest Grand Opening](https://nextmeapp.com/case-studies/hello-kitty-cafe-chicago/) — Events · When Chicago police threatened to shut down the world’s largest Hello Kitty Cafe grand opening, NextMe’s hybrid queue moved 4,600+ guests off the sidewalk.