The Stars of 'Days of Our Lives' Shine for a Star Struck Fan Event

Soap opera viewers are some of the most dedicated fans, tuning in every day to watch the lives of their favorite characters unfold like an unending novel. So it's not difficult to understand why fan conventions are so popular with the four remaining soap operas airing on television today—The Young and the Restless, General Hospital, Days of Our Lives, and The Bold and the Beautiful.

With larger events, a fan has less of a chance of getting much one-on-one time with their favorite actor. Usually, time for an autograph and/or picture is allotted with little opportunity for conversation. One company is attempting to change all of that (and succeeding) with its innovative smaller conventions designed for the fans by fans.

Started by Paul Barotti and Keith Holley in 2014, Star Struck Fan Events, Inc. is a small but growing company dedicated to providing the ultimate fan experience to soap opera fans. As Paul and Keith are fans themselves, they make the events affordable at unique venues, but more importantly, they offer the stars soap opera devotees want to see.

The most recent event hosted by Star Struck was a Post-Emmy Party for five (originally six) of the stars of Days of Our Lives who had been nominated for Daytime Emmys—Lucas Adams (Tripp), Billy Flynn (Chad), Victoria Konefal (Ciara), Eric Martsolf (Brady) and Marci Miller (ex-Abigail).

A small, yet boisterous group of approximately thirty fans gathered in a room inside the Hilton in Minneapolis on June 29 for the chance to meet their favorite actors for the first-part of a two-day event. And it didn't take them long to see that Star Struck had planned the perfect party with the right stars.

Because of the size of the four-hour session, every fan had the opportunity to ask a question if they desired. The autograph sessions were informal, allowing fans to interact with the actors easily, while the mix and mingle session enabled fans to chat with the actors one-on-one and take multiple selfies. With lively conversations and plenty of laughs, the event delivered more than it promised.

And every one of these actors went above and beyond to make sure their fans had an experience of a lifetime. They shared hilarious stories, expressed interest in the lives of these fans, and made sure everyone felt comfortable and welcome. And the topics of conversation kept the crowd entertained and engaged as they presented a side of the actors dedicated soap fans wouldn't ordinarily get to see.

Eric Martsolf's canine story (I would have paid for the ticket just to hear this!), Lucas Adams' secret to realistic crying scenes, Billy Flynn's illustrated gun tale, Victoria Konefal's dream job (hint: she's already has it!), and Marci Miller's insight into the romance scenes she often shared with Billy Flynn held the attention of every fan in the room.

And if that wasn't enough, a silent auction gave fans a chance to win even more autographed items, (including a Post Emmy Party pillow that had been signed by the nominees, as well as pictures and plaques of other cast members), and a raffle offered several signed issues of Soap Opera Digest.

While the Meet and Greet concluded at two, the fun was only getting started. Star Struck Events planned a weekend that included dancing with the stars, and a trip to Paisley Park, which was Prince's private estate and production complex that features iconic items from his life such as his concert wardrobe, awards, motorcycles, and even rare music and video recordings.

Overall, every fan that attended the event left with a smile and memories they could hold onto forever, along with a few hundred photographs. Not only was this Post Emmy party a success, it's the reason why some fans immediately started making plans to attend the next event, which will take place in Tarrytown, NY August 10-11.

To learn more about Star Struck Events, and which of your favorite actors will be attending shows in the future, visit www.starstruckfanevents.com.

#DaysofourLives #DOOL #BillyFlynn #EricMartsolf #VictoriaKonefal #MarciMiller #LucasAdams #StarStruck