Wizard World, Inc. produces Comic Cons and fan conventions across North America. The events celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking.

They feature celebrities from movies and TV along with artists and writers, and they stage events including premieres, gaming tournaments, panels and costume contests.

"We were looking to expand from our largest cities like Chicago and Philadelphia to ones a size smaller than that," Milani said, with 16 shows scheduled this year by expanding into Tulsa, Louisville and Sacramento. "Then we look for cities that don't really have a show like ours, that combines so many elements into our shows.

"So we look for the right city, and how it will fit in with our schedule, and Tulsa and its venue fit perfect for us in November of this year."

"They had been looking at Tulsa for a while, and one of their main concerns was the size they needed," Ward said of her venue's capacity. "We assured them that we can get them to fit (into the Cox Business Center), and hey, if they outgrow us, we'll move them to the BOK Center in the future. ... I did use the Bassmaster event as an example of what we can do."