This story was written by Chris Doucher, Editor-in-Chief and Writer for GeekNerdNet. (Photo credit to: Fan Expo HQ)
FAN EXPO HQ convention lineup—as of October, 14 2020. (photo credit: Fan Expo HQ)
To say that 2020 has pretty much sucked when it comes to getting our geek on at conventions, would be a galactus-sized understatement. So, I’m super happy to tell you that our friends over at FAN EXPO HQ—the largest enterainment convention group in North America—has some welcome news for you. Today, they announced updated dates for their slate of conventions to be held in 2021. While some dates have stayed the same, others have changed, including Calgary Expo moving from spring to summer, and a new date for Fan Expo Vancouver still to be announced. Please see the official Fan Expo HQ press release below.
And hey, if you’re craving convention content, please check out my interviews from Fan Expo Vancouver 2020, the only convention that went ahead—waaaay back in February.
I look forward to seeing you all again in 2021.
***OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE FROM FAN EXPO HQ***
FAN EXPO HQ announces 2021 North American show dates
(October 14, 2020): Fandom will return in 2021. Today, FAN EXPO HQ announced dates for its five largest North American conventions.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, FAN EXPO HQ cancelled all conventions set to take place in 2020 and instantly set its sights on 2021; developing enhanced health and safety protocols and an even more thrilling fan experience for 2021.
The new convention dates limit industry disruption and look ahead to a return to fandom that is as safe as possible. A regular schedule will resume in 2022. The schedule for FAN EXPO HQ’s five largest conventions in 2021 will run as follows:
MEGACON Orlando: March 18 – 21, 2021*
Calgary Comics & Entertainment Expo: July 30 – August 2, 2021
FAN EXPO Boston: August 6 – 8, 2021
FAN EXPO Canada: August 26 – 29, 2021
FAN EXPO Dallas: September 17 – 19, 2021
* As you know, every good team has a Plan B. Your friendly neighborhood FAN EXPO HQ squad has secured back-up dates of August 12 - 15, 2021 just in case we can’t come together in March.
Tickets for FAN EXPO HQ conventions in 2021 will be made available in the coming months. Events will only take place in accordance with official guidelines along with advanced health and safety protocols in place.
FAN EXPO HQ President, Aman Gupta said, “There’s no question that our industry has been rocked by COVID-19, but we have been heartened and encouraged by the response from our fan community. This pause reminds us that these kinds of events provide a gathering place for community and a celebration of creativity. I know I speak for everyone from our vendors to our volunteers when I say that the return to the show floor can’t come soon enough”.
He added, “We’re grateful to our industry partners including tourism bureaus, venues, and vendors for working with us to make adjustments to provide maximum room for recovery and ensure a safe return. Thanks to their support, responsibility, and willingness to be flexible, we continue to innovate and work to keep our industry healthy as we collectively navigate these challenges. Of course, we look forward to returning to our normal schedule in 2022”.
Dates for other events on the FAN EXPO HQ roster are expected later in 2020.
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ABOUT FAN EXPO HQ
FAN EXPO HQ is the largest entertainment convention group in North America and one of the largest in the world. Collectively it hosts over 500,000 annually at FAN EXPO Canada™, MEGACON Orlando, FAN EXPO Dallas™, FAN EXPO Boston™, Calgary Comics & Entertainment Expo, FAN EXPO Vancouver™, Toronto ComiCon, Dallas Fan Days and Edmonton Comics & Entertainment Expo.