The Dark History and Horror Convention was started by myself, Brian L Ward, in 2014 and has been held yearly (with the exception of 2020) in the Champaign Urbana, Illinois area.

To say that there is no other show like it in downstate Illinois or even within a few hours would not be a misstatement.

Any donation amount is greatly appreciated, read further to see what amounts gain you sponsorship recognition.

Welcome to a gathering like no other — a celebration of the strange, the shadowed, the

spectacular. The Dark History & Horror Convention is a one-of-a-kind, community-driven

experience that welcomes lovers of the macabre, the eerie, and the historically dark.

Set in the gorgeous and haunted Orpheum Theatre in downtown Champaign, Illinois, this

immersive convention features:

• True crime and dark history panels

• Horror film screenings

• Unique, dark-themed vendors

• Tattoo artists & dark crafters

• Authors and special guests

• A vibrant, inclusive community experience

This is not just an event. It’s a homecoming for those who live on the fringe, who crave

the unconventional, and who find beauty in the eerie, the odd, and the twisted.

Some stats for the event and creator

• Average attendance for event is between 300 – 350 attendees

• Facebook stats: 8.6K Likes/9.7K Followers

• Instagram stats: 1,376 Followers

• X stats: 838 Followers

• Tiktok stats: 1,083 Followers

Mission Statement

The Dark History & Horror Convention is community-powered. Our mission is to:

• Create a safe and celebratory space for people who feel "different"

• Support LGBTQIA+ and alternative communities

• Highlight artists, crafters, and voices within the horror and dark history world

• Offer a rich, engaging cultural experience for fans of the macabre

The Venue: The Haunted Orpheum Theatre

Built in 1914 and steeped in history (and mystery), the Orpheum Theatre is the perfect

Gothic backdrop. But its haunting beauty comes at a cost. Venue rental and logistics are

our primary funding needs.

Why Sponsor This Event?

Supporting the Dark History & Horror Convention means more than a logo on a flyer. It

means being part of something authentic, magical, inclusive, and rare. Here's what your

support helps fund:

Direct Sponsorship Needs:

• Rental of the historic Orpheum Theatre

• Travel and accommodations for guests and artists

• Vendor and community support

• Accessibility accommodations

• Event programming (screenings, panels)

Sponsor Rewards & Support Tiers

We believe sponsorship should feel personal, special — even magical. Here’s how we

show our thanks:

$50+ “Soldier”

• Small exclusive mystery thank-you gift

• Your name listed on our “Friends on the Fringe” posts on social media accounts for

DHHC

$150+ “Capo”

• All of the above

• Discounted ticket to the event

• Access to the Saturday Night Afterparty

$300+ “Underboss”

• All of the above

• A personal thank-you video or cameo from the creator or a guest

• Private tour of the Orpheum Theatre with the creator (Saturday only)

Sponsor a soul

Support doesn’t have to be broad — it can be personal. Want to help your favorite artist,

author, or friend attend and shine? Sponsor their hotel stay or travel costs. In return,

they’ll send you a heartfelt thank-you gift or video.

Some sponsorship opportunities:

• Towards budget for Orpheum: Goal $1,500

• Towards budget for hotel stay for talent: Goal $1,200

• Towards budget for travel expenses and/or talent fees: Goal $2,000

• Towards budget for advertising and misc. convention expenses: Goal $1,500

Join the Fringe Family

The Dark History & Horror Convention is not just a gathering — it’s a community for the

misunderstood, the curious, the haunted, and the creatively wicked. Your support helps

this event remain:

• Independent

• Accessible

• Welcoming

• True to its roots

This is your chance to help build something beautifully strange.