FAN EXPO is making a grand return this year, celebrating its 30th anniversary filled with vibrant capes, lightsabers, superheroes, and enthusiastic cosplayers. This event, which began as a modest comic book convention attracting around 1,500 fans three decades ago, has evolved into the third-largest pop culture gathering in North America, drawing crowds from all corners of the globe.
“We’ll see over 130,000 people come through the doors,” said Andrew Moyes, Vice President of FAN EXPO. “This used to be a little bit more niche, but now everyone loves celebrating fandom. So, there’s truly something for everyone,” he added, highlighting the inclusive atmosphere of the convention.
The FAN EXPO showcases a wide array of fandoms, catering to enthusiasts of comics, sci-fi, superheroes, anime, gaming, and more. This convergence creates a vibrant community where attendees feel comfortable expressing themselves without fear of judgment. “It’s one of the safest spaces for me, honestly. You could really be yourself and there’s not a whole lot of judgment,” shared one of the event attendees.
This year’s event includes exciting exhibits, notably a highly anticipated Back to the Future reunion featuring stars Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd, marking the 40th anniversary of the beloved film. In addition to this, major brands such as Disney, Lego, The Simpsons, and Star Wars are featured prominently, making the event a haven for fans of all ages.
Local businesses are also benefiting from the influx of visitors during the convention. Oscar Yazedjian, owner of Major Comics in Montreal and a vendor at FAN EXPO since 1998, points out the significance of this event for business owners within the industry. “You have to be here. If you have a business, if you’re in the industry, you’re in the hobby, you have to be here,” he asserted. Yazedjian emphasized the importance of making connections at this venue, both in terms of purchasing collections and networking.
Additionally, Moyes remarked on the positive impact of FAN EXPO on the local economy, stating, “We’re filling restaurants down here around Front Street. We have a lot of hotel partners as well that are selling hotel rooms. And of course, we’re great partners with the Metro Toronto Convention Center.” This not only enhances the experience for attendees but also supports local businesses and the hospitality sector in Toronto.
FAN EXPO is taking place from August 21 to August 24 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, promising an event filled with excitement for enthusiasts of all kinds.
