Meet The Team

Formerly known as GameJam South, the event first launched in May 2021 as a celebration of retro gaming, collectibles, and community in the heart of Huntsville, Alabama. In 2024, founder Ty passed the torch to new leadership, and Adam (The Retro Beard) joined forces with Travis (WoodmanClassics) to continue the legacy of an event that meant so much to them and the local gaming community. Together, they rebranded the show as Rocket City Retro Fest—a weekend dedicated to classic gaming, pop culture, and nostalgia, with a mission to make Huntsville the ultimate destination for retro fans across the Southeast.

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Founder & Owner

Adam

Adam, known online as @TheRetroBeard, is a lifelong gamer, collector, and creator with a passion for preserving and celebrating retro culture. As co-organizer of Rocket City Retro Fest, he brings years of experience from the gaming community and his creative flair from designing custom retro-inspired art and displays. Adam is rarely seen without his wife and creative partner Heather (@Pixel_Parts) together, they blend nostalgia and artistry to keep retro gaming alive and inspire a new generation of fans. Their shared passion and energy help make Rocket City Retro Fest the ultimate celebration of gaming history and creativity.

Founder & Owner

Travis

Travis is the proud owner and operator of a prop studio based in Atlanta, GA, where he immerses himself in the world of the film industry. Additionally, he has a lifelong passion for collecting retro video games. Travis creatively merges his expertise and equipment from prop building to meticulously craft scaled replicas of coveted and iconic video game statues. Recently, he has ventured into content creation on YouTube, using it as a platform to document and narrate his creative processes.

Founder & Owner

Austin

Austin is one of the founding members of Southeast Game Exchange, one of the Southeast’s largest retro gaming conventions. In addition, he helps organize numerous fan and comic conventions throughout the region. With over a decade of experience, creativity, and community-driven passion, Austin brings a proven commitment to every event he’s involved with. Now, that same dedication to creating unforgettable fan experiences will help fuel the growth and excitement of Rocket City Retro Fest.

GameJam South Founder

Ty is the founder of GameJam South, the original retro gaming convention that brought the Huntsville community together for the first time in May 2021. His vision and dedication built the foundation for what would become one of the South’s most beloved retro events. We’re incredibly thankful for Ty’s passion, creativity, and trust in allowing us to carry his legacy forward through Rocket City Retro Fest.

GameJam South Founder

Slay

Slay was a founder of GameJam South and played a key role in bringing Huntsville’s retro gaming community together. His passion and creativity helped shape the event’s early success, and his influence continues to inspire the spirit behind Rocket City Retro Fest.