STAPLE!

'''STAPLE! The Independent Media Expo''' is an annual convention| in Austin, United States, for alternative comics, minicomics, webcomics, zines, underground comics|, and graphic arts. Chris Nicholas founded the conference as a gathering place for professional artists and amateur creators, "a showcase for the folks who publish comics and zines and possible literary masterworks out of their own apartments."

The show is sponsored by Austin Books, an Eisner|-nominated comic book store and the site of the largest gathering of artists for the worldwide 24-Hour Comics Day| held in 2005.

History
Guests at the 2005| convention included Shannon Wheeler, Scott Kurtz, Terry Moore|, and Michael Lark. Guests at the 2006 convention include Tony Millionaire, Jim Mahfood, Dave Crosland, David Hopkins|, and winners of the Xeric Foundation grant for comic book self-publishers.

Guests at the 2007| convention include Dean Haspiel, Brian Keene, and Danielle Corsetto. Returning guests included Jim Mahfood, Dave Crosland, and David Hopkins|. 2007 also marked the first Independent Animation Panel at STAPLE!

In 2011, the show expanded to two days. Guests included Jill Thompson, Alex Robinson, Brian Clevinger, Scott Wegener, and James O'Barr. Special guests of the 2012 show were Kevin Eastman, Jason Neulander, Brian Hurtt, Cullen Bunn, Monica Gallagher, Liz Prince, Kagan McLeod, and MariNaomi.

Event dates and locations

 * March 5, 2005: BPOE #201
 * March 4, 2006: Red Oak Ballroom
 * March 3, 2007: Red Oak Ballroom
 * March 1, 2008: Monarch Event Center
 * March 7, 2009: Monarch Event Center
 * March 6, 2010: Monarch Event Center
 * March 5–6, 2011
 * March 3–4, 2012: Marchesa Hall and Theater
 * March 2–3, 2013: Marchesa Hall and Theater
 * March 1–2, 2014: Marchesa Hall and Theater
 * March 7–8, 2015: Marchesa Hall and Theater
 * March 5–6, 2016: Marchesa Hall and Theater