Ozark Mountain Bigfoot Conference Set for October in Nixa

If you've been searching for a gathering that truly celebrates everything Sasquatch, the Ozark Mountain Bigfoot Conference in Nixa, Missouri is shaping up to be one of those can't-miss events of the year. Slated for October 3rd, this full-day conference is pulling together some of the most passionate voices in the field, and a recent episode of The Cryptid Podcast gave listeners a fantastic preview of what's in store. Margie K, a seasoned paranormal investigator with years of experience exploring cryptids, UFOs, and all things strange and unusual, joined the show to spill all the details. As a partner with Maryanne Zyel in organizing this year's event, Margie has been hands-on with planning, and her excitement is absolutely contagious. The speaker lineup is stacked. Margie herself will be sharing her own extraordinary personal experiences with Sasquatch, the kind of encounters that fall outside the norm and promise to shake things up. Super Dave, also known as Sasquatch in the community, will be discussing his new book, "Sasquatch in Your Face." Jim Peters and Joe Jenkins, better known as the Shaunie Squatchers, are also on the bill. Dan Nadrell, a biologist and herpetologist, will be presenting on upper Midwest Sasquatch, bringing a scientific lens to the conversation. And Harley Owens, a boots-on-the-ground researcher from the Appalachian Mountains, will be talking about Bigfoot in the Smokies, a region rich with sightings and lore. The day kicks off at 9:00 a.m., with setup beginning at 8:00, and vendors will be on-site focusing entirely on Sasquatch. Tickets for the full-day conference are running $40 per person, with conference t-shirts available for $22. But the fun doesn't stop there. The night before, on October 2nd, there's an optional barbecue at Maryanne Zyel's house, limited to just 30 people at $30 a ticket. Given that the MC for the conference is Race Hobbs, a well-known radio personality who is apparently very serious about his barbecue, this is shaping up to be a feast worth attending. Speakers get in on the barbecue free, which is a nice perk. For those really wanting to dive deep, Maryanne is also organizing a Bigfoot expedition to a secret location. This is completely separate from the conference and requires direct contact with Maryanne to register. As a BFRO investigator with extensive experience leading expeditions, she vets everyone who signs up, and spots are limited. Past expeditions at this location have consistently produced experiences, making it a rare opportunity for anyone looking to get their feet wet in the field. Margie also touched on her work with the Unexplained Network, a digital radio platform covering all things paranormal. The network features shows from researchers like DA Roberts and Micah Hanks, and Margie herself is gearing up to launch a new two-hour live call-in show in January, a first for the network. You can find them on Spotify, iHeart, YouTube, Rumble, and pretty much every digital radio app out there. The vibe of the whole conversation really captures what makes these gatherings special. It's not just about lectures and vendor tables. It's about connecting with people who have stood in the woods and heard something they can't explain, who have collected plaster casts of footprints, who have spent nights around a campfire swapping stories that would make anyone else's jaw drop. The Ozark Mountain Bigfoot Conference feels like one of those events where you leave with more questions than you arrived with, and honestly, that's exactly how it should be. If any of this sounds like your kind of day, definitely check out the full episode of The Cryptid Podcast for all the details and Margie's own stories. And if you're anywhere near Nixa, Missouri this October, this conference should be at the top of your list.