As many of you know, since 2007 I have worked in the capacity of Canadian Guest Coordinator and Comics Programming Coordinator for Fan Expo Canada — Canada’s largest comic book event, with over 65,000 attendees in 2010. It is a huge hub event for the region, as comics publishers, retailers, dealers, creators and fans all participate in the event in various capacities.

From the Fan Expo Canada website: http://www.fanexpocanada.com/

FAN EXPO CANADA REVEALS A COLOSSAL 2011!

>> EXTRA DAY ADDED!
In response to the shows overwhelming popularity, we are pleased to announce that Fan Expo Canada 2011 will now expand to FOUR BIG DAYS of fun and excitement! It will take place from AUGUST 25th TO 28th, 2011.

>> MORE TIME TO ENJOY!
We will also be extending the show hours each day to allow more time, more screenings, more panels and more fun!

2011 SHOW HOURS:

Thursday 2PM – 9PM (2PM for VIPs/Deluxe, 4PM for daily admission)
Friday 10AM – 8PM
Saturday 10AM – 8PM
Sunday 10AM – 6PM

>> MORE SPACE, MORE CAPACITY – 50% BIGGER!

Fan Expo Canada will now take over for the first time ever, the ENTIRE SOUTH BUILDING at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre! At over 400 000 square feet, this will be the biggest Fan Expo Canada EVER!

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So that’s the big news. No guests to announce yet. I also did an interview with Peter DeCourcy at Comic Book Daily that’s gone up today about some of the changes:

http://www.comicbookdaily.com/wp/daily_news/fan-expos-kevin-boyd-talks-big-plans-for-2011/

What is going to separate Fan Expo 2011 from every other convention this year?

That’s a great question Peter. In my mind what makes it separate from ever other convention is that is OUR Convention – OURS as in the biggest and most important CANADIAN comics event on the schedule. Sure, there are other fantastic events on the schedule in Toronto and in other parts of the country, but this is the Canadian equivalent of San Diego Comic-Con — you’ll note on our site our tag line is now “celebrating 17 years of Comic*Con North” and we aren’t kidding around. In the case of Fan Expo Canada, the creators, celebrities and companies are coming to CANADA, and this is the biggest and most important show on the schedule for our Canadian exhibitors and creators, and it’s the third largest event of its kind in North America. We are 100% Canadian owned and operated, and we do not discriminate – all types of comics and creators are welcome at Fan Expo Canada.