FanExpo is Canada’s largest con and boasts an attendance similar to SDCC – 130,000 people. Having been to both, I am pretty sure FanExpo number are measured using the metric system. It’s big but not SDCC big. Still, there is no way to see everything on your list and you will eventually suffer from FOMO at some point.
Case in point
Zachary Levi
I tweeted to FanExpo about Zach being a guest. When NerdHQ was cancelled at SDCC this year, I was really disappointed. Although he was hosting SYFY’s events, I never had a chance to get over here to see him (FOMO). So, when a few days after I tweeted, it was announced that he would be at FanExpo, I did my open version of a NerdHQ dance party happy dance.
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But… his panel was on Thursday night. I wasn’t arriving until Friday morning. *sobs*
Funtimes – 0 FOMO – 1
But, on Friday, this happened so…
Funtimes – 1 FOMO – 1
Tim Curry
Not someone I would have expected to see at a con but Tim Curry, as well as many of the cast of Rocky Horror Picture Show, were making rare appearances at FanExpo. He, of course, is great as the sweet transvestite from Transexual, Transylvania but my favourite roll from him was in Clue. Yes, like the murderous board game. If you haven’t seen it, dig other your old VHS player answer watch. Comic genius at work.
And I missed his panel. Fatigue won the day.
Funtimes – 1 FOMO – 2
Let’s do the Time Warp Again
Following the theme of Rocky Horror Picture show, there was a panel to teach you how to properly do the time warp. And when to throw toast while watching the film.
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Ya, I don’t know either…
But since I had been up since 3 am to catch my plane to Toronto to experience all the nerdy goodness, I missed this late night panel. Bed was more important – even if my room was possessed by Zuul.
Funtimes – 1 FOMO – 3
Who ya gonna call?
Thankfully, I found some help with my closet possession problem.
Funtimes – 2 FOMO – 3
One of my favorite things about FanExpo are the photo ops brought by groups and studios. Sometimes the lines can be a bit long (like maybe 20 minutes long) but after experiencing SDCC, anything less that spending a day in line is totally worth it.
Funtimes – 3, 4, 5 FOMO – 3
Buffy Regret
Is there any woman my age who didn’t grow up on Buffy the Vampire Slayer? At the time, Angel was my vampire crush. I do so like a bad boy with a good heart. But on a recent rewatch, I realized that Giles was my current crush. Since when did the nerdy librarian type become my type? I hardly recognize myself anymore. With great regret, I had to miss Anthony Head’s panel due to a early evening flight home. Dang it.
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Funtimes – 5 FOMO – 4
The people that you meet
The reason I love cons so much is not the celebrities or experiences (thought those are cool), it’s my fellow nerds that attend. Unlike SDCC this year, the atmosphere at FanExpo was light, fun and full of wonder. I met some super cool people while waiting to get into panels including a grandmother who was attending with her grandchildren and had just signed up to Instagram for the sole purpose of following John Barrowman’s antics.
Funtimes – 6 FOMO – 4
John Barrowman
What can I say. This panel is always a highlight no matter what con John is at. Don’t know who her is? Don’t worry. Go to his panel anyway. It is THE most crazy entertaining thing you will see during a con weekend. I can’t even describe the craziness that happens. Thankfully, some lovely soul has put it up on youtube for all to enjoy.
Watch it:
Funtimes – 7 FOMO – 4
Yes, FanExpo was once again a success. If you can’t get into SDCC or NYCC, make the trek to Toronto next September long weekend as this con continues to get better and better.
Protip – Canadians always take the right side escalators. If you are in a hurry, go left.
