Comics, cosplays, costumes, oh my! That’s right folks, Fan Expo Canada is back this summer — and as their preferred insurance partner/mega fans, we thought we’d give you a glimpse into what they have in store for their August 25th-28th show at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
It’s crazy to think how the third largest pop culture event in North America once started as a small comic book convention that attracted no more than 1,500 people back in 1995. Today, Fan Expo Canada has become the ultimate hub for comic, sci-fi and anime fans all over the world!
Now that we’ve got our fangirling out of the way, we thought we’d share a bit of what you can expect to see at Fan Expo, along with who you could potentially run into at the show.
Geeking out yet? Same here.
Photo credits: @fanexpocanada on Instagram
Getting into character: Cosplay
It’s not a Fan Expo show if there aren’t a multitude of events and attractions based solely on Cosplaying! From Cosplay panels with experts to community meet-ups, there’s an event for every Cosplayer out there — whether you’re a beginner or an expert.
If you’re eager to show off your mad cosplaying skills, strut your stuff on the Cosplay Red Carpet! No sign-ups or stress are required, all you need to do is bring out your finest runway walk, give your best face, and pose for the line-up of professional photographers. How fabulous!
If your little ones love Cosplay too, consider registering them for the Kids Costume Contest – a.k.a. Toronto’s most adorable attraction of the year! You can sign them up 15 minutes before the event on the Cosplay Red Carpet, and prepare to be bombarded with cuteness.
Celebrities, legends and creators
Fan Expo is known for inviting some of the biggest and most influential actors, artists and celebrities to their shows. From Marvel movie characters to anime voice-actors, fans will get the chance to get autographs, photo ops, and ask their favourite celebs some burning questions at panels/Q&As — making memories that will last a lifetime!
With that said, here are a few of the guests that will be attending the show (and this isn’t even close to half of who will be there):
- Elijah Woods: Frodo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings
- William Shatner: James T. Kirk in Star Trek
- Giancarlo Esposito: Moff Gideon in The Mandalorian
- Zach Aguilar: Tanjiro Kamado in Demon Slayer (English version)
- Joseph Quinn: Eddie Munson in Stranger Things
- Ashley Eckstein: Ahsoka Tano in Star Wars: The Clone Wars
- Arthur ‘Art’ Adams: Legendary comic artist
Click here to see who else will be joining, how you can connect with them, and the days they will be making their appearances!
Shop until you drop with Fan Expo Exhibitors!
From artists to comic book sellers, to an array of different retailers (a.k.a. the best merch stands around), Fan Expo is the ultimate place to find some top-tier gifts, trinkets, and fandom-based items to bring home.
Out of the 1000-plus vendors that will be attending, here are a few to keep an eye out for:
1. MoonStruck Shop
If you’re an admirer of Tokyo and Seoul streetwear, the Moonstruck Shop is the place to be during Fan Expo! This female-owned streetwear brand gets its inspiration from these well-known fashion capitols and does a magical job of making them into their own. With that said, check them out over the weekend if you’re looking to amp up your personal style!
2. Maxine Vee Art
Based in the GTA, Maxine Vee is the whimsical illustrator of everyone’s dreams. From working with brands such as Scholastic, Harper Collins and even Walt Disney, Maxine knows a thing or two about creating enchanting illustrations. If you also get starstruck looking at her work, don’t forget to stop by her booth to take home a print or two (or five).
3. Layered Butter
Calling all film lovers! Run, don’t walk, to the Layered Butter booth during Fan Expo; the community who loves films so much they issue their own books about them. Created by fans for fans, each issue contains original art, interviews and essays that pay homage to the beauty behind some of the most well-loved films in the world.
Frankly, we’ve barely scratched the surface of what you can expect from the upcoming Fan Expo show. Considering they make updates and announcements every week (especially on Instagram), you can expect to find out even more as the countdown continues.
We’re proud to be partnered with Fan Expo Canada to help get their exhibitors covered in time for a busy, fun-filled weekend! We hope to catch you all there, whether you’re in your best Cosplay or not.
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If you’re a Fan Expo vendor looking for coverage for the upcoming show, look no further! Duuo offers a preferred rate on the cost of vendor insurance, not to mention, it takes less than 5 minutes to purchase. Click here to get covered today!
