Overview
The Cryptids, Anomalies, & Paranormal Convention (CAP CON) will return to Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, on Saturday, May 9, 2026, occupying the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center. Organized by the Cryptids, Anomalies, and the Paranormal Society, the one‑day gathering brings together researchers, investigators, and enthusiasts to examine Wisconsin’s long‑standing folklore—ranging from Bigfoot sightings to unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP). The press release notes that the event aims to “explore the mysteries hidden within Wisconsin folklore and beyond,” positioning CAP CON as a focal point for both academic discussion and community interest in the paranormal.
Featured Speakers
CAP CON’s program lists more than a dozen presenters, each addressing a distinct facet of the field. Internationally recognized cryptozoologist Ken Gerhard will open with “Cryptids of the Seas & Lakes,” a survey of aquatic legends that have surfaced in global folklore. Wisconsin‑based Bigfoot researcher Jay Bachochin follows with “Wisconsin Bigfoot – The Kettle Connection,” presenting photographic and testimonial evidence tied to the Kettle Moraine region. Lee Hampel examines the “Beast of Bray Road” in a session titled “Wisconsin’s Skinwalker Ranch,” while author‑historian Sylvia Shults discusses haunted travel destinations across the state. A separate UFO/UAP panel, moderated by Jeff Finup, features researchers Dustin Schutta, Jeremy Socha, Zach Skrede, and Ian DeGraff, who will review recent sighting reports and methodological challenges in the study of unidentified aerial phenomena.
Workshops and Interactive Experiences
Beyond lectures, the convention offers a suite of hands‑on workshops designed to appeal to both novices and seasoned investigators. Attendees can enroll in sessions on spirit photography, energetic protection, remote viewing, and wilderness survival—skills often cited by field researchers. The schedule also includes a Psychic Gallery Reading with Terry Flick and a live séance led by Kristina Bloom, providing immersive experiences that complement the scientific presentations. Vendors number over 40, ranging from specialty publishing houses such as Hangar 1 Publishing to merchandise retailers like Sasquatch’s Variety Shop, creating a marketplace for equipment, literature, and memorabilia related to cryptozoology and paranormal research.
Logistics and Accessibility
Doors open at 10:00 AM, with tickets available through a dedicated event portal. While the convention will not be livestreamed, recordings of all speaker sessions will be released to Virtual Ticket and VIP Ticket holders after the event. This hybrid model broadens participation for enthusiasts unable to travel to Fond du Lac, a city that has hosted CAP CON in previous years. Sponsorship comes from organizations including Phantasm Paranormal and Urban Cryptids, underscoring a collaborative effort between local businesses and the broader paranormal community.
Context and Outlook
CAP CON reflects a growing public appetite for structured inquiry into anomalous phenomena, a trend echoed in recent academic conferences and government reports on UAPs. Barnaby Jones, spokesperson for the Wisconsin CAPS, emphasized the convention’s role as “a bridge between rigorous research and community curiosity,” noting that the event “provides a platform for credible investigators to share data while engaging the public in responsible dialogue.” As Wisconsin continues to produce notable reports—from the “Beast of Bray Road” to recent Great Lakes Mothman sightings—the convention offers a timely venue for consolidating evidence, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and charting future investigative priorities.
