We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Samantha Clarke a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Samantha, thanks for joining us today. Can you walk us through some of the key steps that allowed you move beyond an idea and actually launch?

Back in early October 2025, we sat down with Visit Macon to finalize the plans for CBF Isekai. At the time, it was strictly a regional gaming tournament. But as I was walking them through all the new activities we were layering in, they caught the vision and asked, “Can we scale this up into a full-blown convention?”
I’ve never been one to back down from a challenge, so I didn’t hesitate—I was all in.
The catch? It was already October. We essentially had to reverse-engineer a massive esports and anime convention in a matter of five months. It was a total sprint. We immediately pivoted to curate the lineup, scouting for the right voice actors, cosplay judges, and performers to set the tone. At the same time, we were sorting through a mountain of applications to hand-pick the vendors and food trucks that would actually fit the vibe we were going for. It was a wild, fast-paced build, but seeing it all come together from that one conversation was incredible.

Samantha, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

By day, I work as a pharmacist—a career that requires high-level organization, attention to detail, and a focus on helping people. However, my path into event planning started in 2015 when I planned my own wedding. I realized then that I didn’t just enjoy the process; I loved the challenge of taking a complex, large-scale vision and making it a reality. That experience shifted my perspective, eventually leading me to take on the role of Convention Chair for CBF Isekai Esports and Anime Convention.

At CBF Isekai, we provide a space for the esports and anime community in Middle Georgia to connect. My goal is simple: to create an event that is intentional, well-thought-out, and genuinely immersive.
In recent years, the convention scene has seen a rise in “pop-up” events that feel like they exist only to turn a quick profit. I’m working to change that narrative. We solve the problem of low-quality, disorganized events by bringing professional standards to the local nerd community. We aren’t just filling a hall with vendors; we’re building an experience that people actually want to be a part of.

What distinguishes my approach is a blend of professional reliability and local pride. I apply the same level of care and attention to detail from my pharmacy background to our event logistics. I also live here in Middle Georgia. I’m not an outside organizer looking for a payday; I’m a fan who wants our community to have a high-quality event we can actually be proud of.

I am most proud of the fact that we are bringing “big city” quality to Middle Georgia. You shouldn’t have to drive hours away to find a well-run convention. I want our fans, followers, and partners to know that when they see the CBF Isekai name, they can trust that the event will be handled with integrity and a genuine love for the culture.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

It may be underrated, but having your convention listed on Animecons.com was a game changer. Due to that alone, not only are potential attendees able to see your convention listed but we received many messages from vendors, performers, and voice actors.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My main goal was to create an immersive, fun atmosphere for everyone attending CBF Isekai. To pull that off, my team and I had to meticulously handle every detail—from the signage to the curation of the vendor hall. Our mission is simple: we want to bring a high-quality, ‘big city’ event to the nerd community right here in Middle Georgia.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sonesports.net
• Instagram: @cbf_isekai
• Facebook: Swagged Out Nerds- SON