Mischief Management, LLC is a company that organizes annual fandom-based conferences, including BroadwayCon, GeekyCon, Con of Thrones, EnchantiCon, Obsessed Fest, and PodX.
In March 2026, they were heavily criticized for their mismanagement and poor production of Barbie Dream Fest in Fort Lauderdale. Fans spent hundreds of dollars for tickets and were met with disappointment by the actual event.
LeakyCon was an unofficial fan convention centered on the Harry Potter franchise and broader fan culture, founded in 2009 by Melissa Anelli of the fan site "The Leaky Cauldron". The event brought together fans for panels, performances, and community-driven programming, and was held in multiple cities across the United States and internationally.
The first LeakyCon was held in Boston in 2009. By 2012, the convention had grown to approximately 3,800 attendees in Chicago.
The convention later expanded internationally, including events in Dublin, Ireland, and rotated between major U.S. cities. The 2018 Dallas event sold out and was described as the largest to date. Attendance peaked in 2019, when the Dallas convention drew more than 18,000 attendees.
Following disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic, and anti-trans comments by J. K. Rowling, attendance declined, with approximately 2,800 attendees reported at the 2024 Portland event, which was described as the final LeakyCon. The convention was subsequently succeeded by EnchantiCon, a broader fantasy-focused event launched in 2025.
LeakyCon programming included panel discussions, live entertainment, and appearances by actors and creators associated with the Harry Potter franchise. Panels addressed topics such as literary analysis, social issues, and fan interpretation.
Fan participation was central to the convention, particularly through cosplay and interactive programming.
Programming also included wizard rock ("wrock") performances, fan-created productions, and live theatrical presentations. Productions associated with Team StarKid, including installments of A Very Potter Musical, were presented at the convention, with performers such as Darren Criss appearing at LeakyCon events. The convention also featured appearances by internet creators and performers from other fandoms, reflecting its overlap with broader online and pop culture communities.
LeakyCon incorporated immersive experiences, including a 2014 after-hours event at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort.
The convention was noted for its community-driven and inclusive atmosphere. In later years, programming reflected evolving fan perspectives, including discussions of identity, representation, and reinterpretations of the Harry Potter series independent of its original author.
LeakyCon was described as part of a broader global fan culture surrounding the Harry Potter franchise, providing a space for community-building and creative expression. Events drew thousands of attendees and fostered a network of fan creators, performers, and communities.
BroadwayCon is an annual fan convention dedicated to Broadway theatre and live stage entertainment, produced by Mischief Management in partnership with Playbill.
The first BroadwayCon was held in New York City from January 22 to 24, 2016. The event was created to provide a space for theatre fans to engage directly with performers, creators, and industry professionals.
BroadwayCon returned annually to New York City, typically held each January. The convention expanded its programming over time, featuring panels, performances, workshops, and fan events. Following disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic, BroadwayCon resumed in-person events in subsequent years.
By 2026, BroadwayCon had continued as an annual event, maintaining its role as a major gathering for theatre fans and professionals.
BroadwayCon programming includes panel discussions, live performances, autograph sessions, and meet-and-greet opportunities with Broadway performers and creatives. The convention also features workshops, fan competitions, and interactive experiences centered on musical theater and stagecraft.
Notable participants have included Broadway actors, composers, and creators from productions such as Hamilton, Wicked, and Dear Evan Hansen. The event also incorporates performances, including concerts and showcases featuring Broadway talent.
Fan participation is a central component of BroadwayCon, particularly through cosplay inspired by stage productions and engagement with fan communities.
BroadwayCon has been described as a unique space that connects theatre fans with the Broadway community, offering access to performers and industry professionals in an interactive setting. The convention has grown into one of the most prominent fan-focused events dedicated to live theater.
GeekyCon targets the online fandoms of Doctor Who, Supernatural, Glee, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and Disney. In 2016, it was announced that GeekyCon was on hiatus.
Con of Thrones was an unofficial fan convention focused on the HBO television series Game of Thrones and George R. R. MartinâÂÂs A Song of Ice and Fire series, produced by Mischief Management in partnership with fansite "Watchers on the Wall" and the podcast Game of Owns.
It originated as A Con of Ice and Fire, first held in Nashville, Tennessee, from June 30 to July 2, 2017. Zack Luye of the Game of Owns podcast directed the event, which had 35 different vendors in attendance and featured 120 hours of activity. According to The Verge, it was "the first full-scale fan convention" dedicated to the franchise.
Subsequent events were held in Dallas (2018) and Nashville (2019). Fan organizations and media platforms within the fandom collaborated on the programming, which included panel discussions, live podcasts, performances, and fan-driven discussions exploring themes, characters, and theories related to the franchise. Autograph sessions, photo opportunities, and interactive experiences such as workshops and themed activities were also included.
The convention featured appearances by cast members from the television series, including Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Jerome Flynn, Hannah Murray, Miltos Yerolemou, Kate Dickie and others, alongside creators, podcasters, and fan community leaders.
Con of Thrones was scheduled for July 17âÂÂ19, 2020 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, but it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2021 con was also scheduled to be held in Orlando, but was cancelled over concerns of not being able to meet attendee expectations.
HBO announced an official convention to be held in Las Vegas February 18âÂÂ20, 2022, but that event was postponed until December 9âÂÂ11, 2022 and moved to Los Angeles.
No Con of Thrones event was announced in 2022.
Organizers cancelled the 2023 event, also planned for Orlando, citing concerns over the political and legislative climate in Florida and its potential impact on attendees, guests, and partners. Despite slower ticket sales, the event had been expected to draw several thousand attendees.
No Con of Thrones events have been announced following the 2023 cancellation.
PodX was a convention for fans of podcasts held in Nashville, Tennessee from May 31 to June 2, 2019. Panels featured LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and women podcasters, as well as experts offering tips on how to interview subjects, audio quality, and monetization. The event took place at the Music City Center and was sponsored by Stitcher, Vox Media, Wondery, and Book Riot. The convention drew an audience of approximately 300.
Obsessed Fest was a fan convention focused on true crime podcasts and media, organized in association with the Obsessed Network and produced by Mischief Management.
The first Obsessed Fest was held from September 30 to October 2, 2022, in Columbus, Ohio. The event was created by podcast host Patrick Hinds and the Obsessed Network as a live gathering for fans of true crime podcasts. Programming included panel discussions, live podcast recordings, meet-and-greet sessions, and fan-focused events such as themed brunches and interactive activities.
The convention featured appearances by podcasters and creators from shows including True Crime Obsessed, Obsessed With Disappeared, ', and Scamfluencers.
Following subsequent events, Obsessed Fest became the subject of public criticism related to its organization and the conduct of individuals associated with the Obsessed Network.
In 2023, the podcast Crime Writers On... published a public statement expressing concern over "allegations of a toxic workplace, abusive behavior, and racially problematic comments" involving Obsessed Network leadership, as well as concerns regarding the handling of events connected to Obsessed Fest.
Accounts from attendees and participants also described issues related to organization, scheduling, and overall event experience, although many of these reports were shared through social media and fan communities rather than formal media coverage.
No additional Obsessed Fest events have been publicly announced following the 2023 event.
Barbie Dream Fest was a three-day fan convention held from March 27 to 29, 2026, at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The event was produced by Mischief Management under license from Mattel and was marketed as an immersive fan experience featuring interactive exhibits, themed installations, and celebrity appearances. Advertisements had stated that Serena Williams would be present, as well as members of the voice cast from '. Barbie The Movie: In Concert, a world tour featuring the all-woman orchestra Barbie Land Sinfonietta playing the score and soundtrack of the 2023 Barbie film while the movie played on screen, was expected to arrive for a performance on the first night of the festival.
Following its opening, the event received widespread criticism from attendees and media outlets, who reported that it did not meet advertised expectations. Attendees described sparse decorations, limited interactive elements, and confusion over additional costs for activities that were not clearly included with admission.
Ticket prices ranged from approximately $69 for single-day admission to more than $400 for premium packages.
Media coverage and attendee reactions circulated widely on social media, with comparisons drawn to other poorly received events such as the Fyre Festival and the Willy Wonka-themed experience in Glasgow; though some expected celebrities were present: Williams, Angel Reese, and Marlee Matlin were all in attendance. After the event began, aerospace engineer Emily Calandrelli cancelled her appearance due to a pregnancy issue, stating she felt uncomfortable traveling to Florida under the circumstances given the state's restrictions on emergency care for pregnant women.
In response to the backlash, Mischief Management initially offered refunds equal to two-thirds of the price for those who had purchased weekend passes. Mattel later announced that full refunds would be issued to all ticket holders, stating that it had licensed the Barbie brand for the event and was working with the organizers to address attendee concerns and process refunds. A statement from Mischief Management e-mailed to USA Today stated that attendees could expect full refunds within three to four weeks.
Announced in July 2025, Jewish Joy Con is an upcoming collaboration between Jewish Joy LLC headed by Jean Meltzer and Mischief Management. Originally scheduled for March 13âÂÂ15, 2026, the event was postponed until spring 2027. The announcement was made on January 16, 2026, via Facebook.