Review: Fan Expo is the home of celebrities & disorganization (Includes first-hand account)

First, a few facts. In its 24th year, Fan Expo is the third largest fan convention in North America. The yearly attendance average is 140,000. Celebrities such as William Shatner, Norman Reedus and Stan Lee have returned to the event multiple times. Kevin Smith hosted a live podcast a few years ago and the con has presented cast reunions for the original Degrassi, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Student Bodies and most recently, Back to the Future. On paper, this is one of the greatest fan conventions on the continent… unfortunately, that’s not always the impression on the ground.

This year’s chief celebration was dedicated to Back to the Future with special guests Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson and Tom Wilson coming together for a specially ticketed panel on Friday night. Three members of the cast of The Princess Bride — Cary Elwes, Chris Sarandon and Wallace Shawn — were also present, alongside a number of actors from Degrassi: The Next Generation and WWE superstars, including Triple H. Other TV shows were also represented, including Rose McIver of iZombie, Mark Sheppard formerly of Supernatural, Karen Gillan of Doctor Who fame and several actors from Star Trek: Discovery. Jason Momoa and Evangeline Lilly also made appearances, mostly in support of their recent and upcoming blockbusters.

Whether you want to hear behind-the-scenes anecdotes via juicy panel discussions, get your prized memorabilia signed by your favourite artist or spend a few seconds shoulder-to-shoulder during a photo-op, Fan Expo rarely disappoints in the special guest department… though some of these rare opportunities have a hefty price tag to match.

Every con has its good and bad features, but most tend to the negative elements to improve future events – Fan Expo has had the same pro and con list for years and it doesn’t look like they’re changing.

Similar Posts

  • Review: Cirque du Soleil brings ‘Avatar’s beauty to the world stage (Includes first-hand account)

    Up until the recent release of the latest Star Wars chapter, Avatar was the highest grossing film of all-time. Yet, in spite of this monumental accomplishment, the stunning picture has rarely been mentioned outside of this context since 2009. However, such striking artistry did not escape the attention of the creators at Cirque du Soleil. The troupe pays tribute to James Cameron’s epic world of the Na’vi in their first adaptation of a movie titled Toruk – The First Flight, which is currently on a world tour.

  • Review: Emo Philips doesn’t go for easy laughs at Montreal comedy fest (Includes first-hand account)

    There are undoubtedly different types of comedy that appeal to different people. Some have more limited audiences than others, whether it’s because of unshared politics, a distaste for raunchy humour or jokes that require too much thought. While there are comedians that integrate all of these styles, Emo Philips leans towards the latter, much like Andy Kaufman. Playing a darkened, small venue at Montreal’s Just for Laughs comedy festival, the audience often found themselves mulling over a joke as he transitioned to the next.

  • Review: Just for Laughs has a distinguished British accent (Includes first-hand account)

    Not all senses of humour are universal, but the Brits have been making people laugh the world over for decades. BBC comedies have dedicated followings and troupes like Monty Python have captured the adoration of audiences for decades. Therefore it’s not surprising there would be a programme at the Just for Laughs festival dedicated to comedians from the UK. Hosted by Mark Watson, “Brit(ish)” delivered six comedians whose one commonality is their citizenship.

  • Get to know your fave heroes at Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. (Includes first-hand account)

    Last year, more than a decade of thrilling adventures, epic victories and heart-wrenching defeats came to a head with the release of Marvel’s Avengers: Endgame. Fans frequently point to the moment when the reunited — and in some cases resurrected — superhero team assembles for the final battle as one of the most moving and triumphant scenes in the MCU’s history as it finally brought all our beloved heroes — big and small — onto a single battlefield. After this moment, we bid farewell to some characters and awaited meeting others again as they embarked on new journeys. But in this world, it’s never really goodbye. Obviously, watching everything on a screen keeps fans at arm’s length from these personalities and their painstakingly detailed armoury. Thus, Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N.: The Experience is travelling the world to bring admirers closer to the action.

  • Review: TIFF 2015: Tastemakers Lounge blends fashion and cocktails (Includes first-hand account)

    Each year the Toronto International Film Festival attracts hundreds of celebrities and industry professionals who come to the city to promote their latest projects and discover the newest submissions from their friends and colleagues. But between mingling at parties, posing for the cameras and doing hours of interviews, there’s also a little reverse promotion happening in exclusive lounges throughout the city. One such venue is the 11th annual Tastemakers Lounge, which showcases quality fashion, accessories and libations for the discerning eye and palate.