FAN EXPO at METRO TORONTO CONVENTION CENTRE

Comics, science fiction, horror, anime, and gaming are coming together under one roof.

The award winning Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC), the Number One site for conventions and trade shows for Canada and the U.S., plays host to Fan Expo Canada in August. Beginning as the Canadian National Comic Book Expo in 1995, this event continues to grow. Rebranded in 2006, when it attracted 43,000 fans, the show is expected to draw 80,000. They’ll be flocking to visit the 700+ exhibitors spread out over the 400,000 square foot space at the MTCC’s South Building including special sites to meet their favourite celebrity guests.

Jaclyn Law from Toronto is planning a “staycation” for her first visit to Fan Expo and says she’s really looking forward to it. “It’s an affordable way to do something in the city,” Law says. “The celebrities, from television shows and movies I’ve watched for years, are the draw for me, but I’m really curious about the rest of it. The venue will be packed, I’m sure, but it will have an exciting energy. It will also be fun to see people in costumes.”

          
Organizers and veteran attendees advise getting there early and giving yourself lots of time to get around the site. You can spend the first of the four days just acquainting yourself with everything, and then make a plan of attack for the rest of your visit. All of that walking will make you hungry or thirsty, but don’t despair. The MTCC offers menus to suit every taste, and there’s lots of local food to choose from.

When you’re ready for a break from the action you can get out and discover all that Downtown Toronto  has to offer, including plenty of coffee shops, and restaurants, so no matter what you’re in the mood for, you’ll find it. If you plan on staying in the city, many of the major hotels are offering special discounts for Fan Expo including The King Edward Hotel and the Hilton Toronto.  All are within walking distance of the MTCC. And getting to the city is easy with Porter Airlines.

Fan Expo Canada is a multi-media pop culture event that is a “must see and do.” It couldn’t be happening in a better place than steps from King Blue.