But those moments mean more to fans than many people understand, said convention promoter and owner Casey Bassett.

“It really is a lot more than an autograph or picture with some celebrities; there is usually an emotional connection,” he said. “It really has a lot of value, and people take it with them for the rest of their lives.”

To give fans an exclusive experience, Bassett invited about 17 celebrity guests, including cast members from “Empire Records,” “The 100,” “Starship Troopers” and the “Twilight” saga.

It’ll be the second time that Sci-Fi Valley Con is hosting a few Cullen family members from the “Twilight” saga, including Jackson Rathbone (Jasper), Peter Facinelli (Carlisle) and Kellan Lutz (Emmett).

Photos courtesy of Sci-Fi Valley Con

Ashley Greene, who played Alice, is also set to accompany Rathbone, Facinelli and Lutz this spring, expanding the Twilight universe in Blair County.

While hosting autograph signings and selfie opportunities, celebrities will be involved in guest Q&A panels as well, according to a tentative schedule held in panel room 1.

Basset said the convention is slated to draw over 10,000 attendees, based on responses to their Facebook event.

“It’s pretty cool to see that Altoona can sustain a Pittsburgh-sized event and draw two or three times as many people,” he said.

In between talks and signing, attendees can also shop from about 250 vendors lining the walls of the Blair County Convention Center. Bassett said many tables tailor their merchandise according to the fandoms present from June 12 to 14, along with video games, independent authors and indie artists.

Photos courtesy of Sci-Fi Valley Con

There’s always a different mix of vendors at Sci-Fi Valley Con, he said, mentioning that both old and new tables will be available for attendees.

Other events include: a costume contest (2:30 p.m., June 13); a charity auction

(3:30 p.m., June 13); a late-night screening of “Twilight: New Moon” (10 p.m., June 12) and a Saturday night after-party (10 p.m., June 13 at the Holiday Bowl).

Considering the changing world, Bassett said Sci-Fi Valley Con attendees can escape from everyday life for a few hours while making some friends with like-minded interests.

“It’s a very therapeutic thing,” he said. “Many people in our society need to take a breather and look around. There are plenty of events to keep you entertained and panels that go all day long.”

Photos courtesy of Sci-Fi Valley Con

Tickets can be purchased at the door or preordered online at a discounted rate. Event information, parking/shuttle options and ticket pricing can be found on the Sci-Fi Valley Con website: https://scifivalleycon.com/events

If you go

What: Sci Fi Valley Con

When: 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. June 12; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 13 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 14

Where: Blair County Convention Center

Photos courtesy of Sci-Fi Valley Con

Tickets: Preorder available online at https://scifivalleycon.com/events

Preorder for adult tickets: (ends June 10)

Adult one-day admission: $35 (Friday or Sunday)

Adult one-day admission: $40 (Saturday)

Three-day admission: $45

Photos courtesy of Sci-Fi Valley Con

Adult tickets at the door:

One-day pass: $40 (Friday or Sunday)

One-day pass: $45 (Saturday)

Three-day pass: $50

Children’s tickets: (ages 6-12)

One-day pass: $10 (Friday, Saturday or Sunday)

Three-day pass: $20

Children ages 5 or under: Free admission

Photos courtesy of Sci-Fi Valley Con

Photos courtesy of Sci-Fi Valley Con