| rev:text
| - This review is based mostly on the 2011 Fan Expo experience, but I will touch on the broad spectrum as well.
To begin with, Fan Expo is an event that occurs in Toronto once a year, usually the last weekend of August at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (sometimes in the South Building, sometimes in the North building)
The Convention centre sports two main areas: The North Building and The South Building. The South Building is by far larger and usually Hobby Star (the company that runs Fan Expo) will book this building. Last year they did not and the fire department shut them down due to weight restrictions. They continued to sell tickets none the less and it was made painfully clear that Hobby Star is really just in it for the money rather than actually caring about their patrons having a good time. This wasn't the first time they have majorly mucked things up. Previous years have seen a vendor arrested for selling illegal weaponry (throwing stars, brass knuckles, etc.), the Fire Marshal halting ticket sales on multiple occassions, attendee lockout (as mentioned above) and over-selling tickets to special events without refunding.
Despite all of this bad news and bad press, Fan Expo continues to draw in tens of thousands of people every year, and growing. Normally the event happens from Friday to Sunday with the 2011 year being the first to introduce a Thursday to Sunday schedule (supposedly as an apology to fans for last year abhorrent practices, but clearly just an attempt to rake in more money). This makes it a prime spot for those with themed businesses and art to showcase and sell their work.
Now, onto this years performance: I quite enjoyed myself this year. I have been attending this event since 2004 when Rue Morgue's Festival of Fear joined the title line-up (now including horror, sci-fi, anime, gaming and comics) and this was the first year I can actually tell you I had a good time all around. Due to the now-4-day-event, I decided to attend Thursday, Friday and Sunday only - this made a HUGE difference. I have never been a fan of people pushing me, shoving me, running their strollers into me, etc. and this has always been at maximum on Saturdays (especially in the vendor room). This did however mean that I missed some key sessions I had originally planned on attending.
The bigger celebrities were giving their talks in the largest room available meaning there were loads of seats available without the need to stand or sit in lines for hours on end - unless you're a major Fanboy who needs to sit in the front row to see Shatner for the fourth time. Which...you might be, if you're reading this ;)
My husband and I splurged on the Premium (previously VIP) pass this year with the added incentive of a Premium Lounge where we could go and relax between exciting geek events. When we arrived in the lounge we were greeted by "Wonka Girls" who were handing us armloads of (not sample) Wonka candy.
This year I found things more easy going, smooth and I felt I was given more of an opportunity to see or do the things I wanted to on the various days. Aside from the candy in the Premium Lounge I couldn't find a grand purpose for the Premium Pass this year. There was no separate entrance to the vendors area this year and it didn't give me much more than I could have gotten for many dollars cheaper with the Deluxe pass.
As a bonafide Fangirl, I will probably always attend this event. I've learned the ins and outs over the years of what to sit in line for, what not to - when to visit vendors and what to buy and which day. If you plan on going, go with some friends. Even if the Expo sucks royally, you'll still have great company.
If its your first year going - don't spring for the Premium pass. Get a Deluxe for the weekend and pick and choose a couple of things you want to see so as not to overwhelm yourself. I would also advise first timers to go with long timer Con-goers who can guide you in the right direction so that you don't feel you've wasted your weekend.
If you can't afford to go, my advise is to save up for the following year rather than trying to get in as a volunteer. Despite Hobby Star bringing in millions of dollars with this event, they still petition for volunteers rather than having a paid, on the ball staff to take care of things.
Altogether, I would definitely recommend attending with some friends and making your own good time.
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