Fan Expo 2024 was definitely NXT LVL.
Fan Expo Canada 2024 is a four-day pop culture event that was held August 22 to 25 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. This energetic event welcomed approximately 135,000 visitors with resounding applause for diversity and inclusion from dozens, if not hundreds, of fandoms.
Known for celebrity sightings, this year was no exception. The dazzling special guest list included but was not limited to stars like Simu Liu, Marisa Tomei, Giancarlo Esposito, and Rosario Dawson. Simu Liu, a fellow Canadian, is widely known for Shang-Chi and Barbie, and he discussed his career, saying that much of his success can be attributed to his initial working role, i.e., Kim's Convenience.
On the other hand, Dawson and Esposito, who I am a MAJOR fan of, were on panels showing off their Star Wars universe work. Other renowned celebrities who contributed to the various shades of talent included Helen Hunt and Josh Gad. Fan Expo 2024 also did proper homage to the comic book world by hosting acknowledged creators like Geoff Johns and Marc Guggenheim. The fans met the artists, listened to them speak about their experiences in various panels, and witnessed their works up close and personal.
Meanwhile, for gamers, there were voice actors such as Charles Martinet, Neil Newbon, and Tara Strong, appeasing fans with autographs and talks. Beloved local Canadian gaming legend Victor Lucas even had an Electric Playground Reunion panel with friends of the network, Steve Vegvari and Marissa Roberto.
We were also entertained by multiple tech and gaming booths on the floor from companies like Bell, AMD, Raptors Uprising, and Disney+. One standout for me was Xbox Canada, which had a great and multifaceted booth in which they got to showcase and create photo opportunities for the upcoming games; Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Star Wars Outlaws, and Call Of Duty: Black Ops 6. Plus, they had chances to win Xbox Game Passes and allowed people to check out some consoles.
My biggest day at the con was Saturday, where I was lucky enough to participate in the Femme Gaming, BMO Canada, and Toronto Football Club booth... An almost life-size banner of me included! The booth was running awareness for its upcoming BMO LVL Up Cup tournament and provided some much-needed downtime areas in the Femme Gaming Lounge.
Some other con highlights that never fail to impress me are all the artists in Artist Alley and all the cosplaying, where people arrive in fabulous costumes ranging from classic characters to original, innovative designs. Thousands come to the annual cosplay contest to demonstrate community creativity and dedication. Merchandising of many types contributed to the atmosphere; some were there to hawk their comics, while others featured geeky handmade crafts.
Although mostly positive, some logistics setbacks still played as the con continues to grow in attendance year after year. The corridors between the North and South buildings stayed crowded and hard to get through, and some days resulted in lengthy lines to exit the convention. This was especially showcased on the busiest day of the convention, Saturday. With Fan Expo's 'city hall' style chat during the weekend, the showrunners did, however, make a point to listen and take notes for next year.
Fan Expo Canada 2024 was an unforgettable experience, solidifying its position as the largest pop culture event in Toronto and maybe even Canada. The event was a perfect blend of star power, creativity, nerdom, and community spirit. As the show drew to a close, it was clear that Fan Expo had once again delivered, maintaining its status as one of the most eagerly anticipated conventions of the year.