FanExpo Special Edition 2021: Getting Ready

 

For those who have not yet heard FanExpo bought out Pop Culture Con. I got the chance to talk with one of the employees from Pop Culture Classroom on Free Comic Book Day and he said that it was just getting too hard for the staff to run the con and do the education parts of it. I was also saddened to hear that they were no longer doing the partnership with Adams State to get people graduate credit at the event for their education program. So for those wondering what impact this will have on the con, I’m right there with you. This will be FanExpo’s first year running the con (even if it is a smaller preview con) so I do not know what will happen. 

Personally I have been working with FanExpo since a little after the buyout as a Fan Ambassador. It is a volunteer position where we try to have mini events each month to make a stronger geek community and to show people that geeky fun can be year round. I’ve actually had a hard time getting people to come to these events since FanExpo’s presence in Colorado is still trying to be established.

So enough of an intro, let’s get to the con-

 

Getting There: 

The Con is going to be at the Colorado Convention Center just like the Pop Culture Con. On their site they recommend parking at the convention center. This starts out ant $12 and goes up. Depending on what time you want to get there, there are cheaper parking options but you will need to walk more. If you can car pool this is a great option and then have everyone split the cost. If you’re going on your own or with one other person then the way I suggest in getting here is by light rail. Right now depending on how far out you live a regional pass is $10.50 and a local pass is $6. These are good for all day, there is a stop right at the convention center, just remember to keep track of the time that the last train runs. Also if you are a college student or school employee at the Auraria Campus you can use your school ECO pass to ride for free. The bus can also be a cheap option with the best station being the Civic Center. You will have a little further to walk, but saving money can be worth it.

Also be prepared for long lines. In the past even with tickets it has taken me over an hour to just get in the door at the convention center due to crowed size.

Tickets: 

Adult tickets range from $45-349. Different days cost different amounts and the high tier tickets are either the premium package ($119) or the VIP package ($349). Both of these higher tiers come with “goodie bags” and other bonuses. I really do miss the days when I could buy a three day pass to a convention for $25. A 3 day pass here will cost you $89 dollars so not too bad…. Kids tickets run from $10-40.

 

Food/Drink:

Drink, preferably water but soda can work as well. My experience here is that the convention center had little food stops on the main level and then there was also a food court that had food truck like items. This are had lots of tables with places to sit, but many other places in the convention center had very few areas where people can sit. I’m telling you this now, since I have volunteered for Pop Culture Con in the past, that you can be asked by workers to move if you sit down on the floor in some hallways. This is due to fire codes and having people be able to move if something bad happens. Due not yell at or get nasty with the workers. They are just trying to keep everyone safe. At the same time this place does not provide enough seating for people, so people with disabilities may have a hard time finding somewhere to rest if they need it.

 Shopping: 

A personal favorite of mine. In the past the dealers room was massive and then the artist area was tucked in on a side. Inside both good and bad deals can be found. I always tell people to shop around first to make sure that you are getting the best price on the item you want. Pre covid they even had one booth where all items were only $5. It was great, but I do not remember the vender and do not know if they will be back.

 

Guests:

The cool thing about FanExpo is that they are able to get top billing guests to come to Denver. They remind me of what StarFest used to be. I still remember when StarFest was able to get people like Tom Cruise and John Travolta. Some of the ones they got this year are: William Shatner, Zachary Quinto, Michael Rooker, and Ray Fisher. Not all stars will be there each day so check the Guest site to see what days the stars you want to see will be there (https://fanexpohq.com/fanexpodenver/celebrities/).

 

Schedule:

https://fanexpohq.com/fanexpodenver/schedule/

Pop Culture Classroom will still have a presence and events happening at the convention.

Additional Events:

All of these have an additional cost and I do not directly support that since you are then also expected to buy food and the such from the venue. It used to be that places were just happy to get people in the door, but not anymore. 

This year there will be a concert by James Marsters that will have an additional fee of $25-125. 

Then on Friday night at Lucky Strike there is an after party. There will be a costume contest and raffle. It’s unclear at what time this starts, but the sign up for the costume contest starts at 9pm. Tickets are $15.

On Saturday night there is then a after party at the Hard Rock Café. They will be having live music and tabletop games. Tickets for this run $15-25.

 

COVID:

Masks are mandatory. I also recommend hand sanitizer. Who knows how many people have touched that statue you just bought.

 

Also checked out Geeked Colorado’s Facebook page for a special link to buy tickets or https://purchase.growtix.com/eh/FAN_EXPO_Denver_2021?pref=72c23d56689509868d1118e960826600 .

Map From: Google Maps

All other pictures from FanExpo site.