Reality TV fan convention to launch in LA

Wasn't this inevitable?

A reality TV fan convention is launching in Los Angeles next year.

Titled the Reality Rocks Expo, the event is conceived as a sort of Comic-Con for unscripted television. It's being launched by e5 Global Media, the owners of The Hollywood Reporter. 

Some major names in the reality TV landscape are on the event's advisory committee: Mark Burnett Productions; Shed Media; LMNO Productions; CMT; Oxygen Media; Casting Duo, Inc.; Sundance Channel; RDF USA and A. Smith & Co. Productions.

"It’s the only place where they can get up close and personal with their favorite stars from reality, lifestyle, factual television as well as the producers who fill their TV screens with interesting, entertaining and informative programming," said Amy Freeman-Cohen, co-managing director, Reality Rocks. "They may even get a shot at being cast on one of their favorite shows."

"Reality Rocks is destined to become a signature event for reality TV," added David Eilenberg, head of development and current programming for Mark Burnett Productions. "We relish the opportunity to connect with our amazing fans and give them the opportunity to connect with all the great on-camera and off-camera characters of our genre."

Billed as the only event of its kind, Reality Rocks will include a show floor, live demonstrations, stage performances, celebrity panels and an online Reality TV Awards voted on by fans and hosted at the event.

"This is a unique opportunity for the networks and producers to connect with their fans on a whole new level, and maybe even find the next great show or personality," said Bailey Beeken, vp of the film and entertainment group at e5 Global Media. "Measuring the excitement and engagement of the fans during the expo, gives the producers and networks real, experiential feedback from the fans as they head into the May Sweeps and before many of the new season’s shows kick-off."

Reality Rocks is April 8-10, 2011, at the Los Angeles Convention Center.