The first comic book convention in Calgary took place in 2006. In 2009 its program expanded to include movies, television shows and other aspects of modern pop culture. The convention has quickly become one of the largest events of its kind in Canada. In 2015, it attracted over 100,000 attendees. The event was originally held at the BMO Centre, Calgary’s largest convention center. In 2013, it expanded across the whole Stampede Park where the center is located because of its constantly growing attendance.
The program of the convention is rich and diverse. It features an extensive range of panels, celebrity autograph sessions and photo-ops that take place in conference rooms of the BMO Centre and various locations throughout the park.
Each convention features media guests known for their roles in sci-fi and fantasy films and TV series. For example, the 2017 line-up included Christopher Lambert, Danielle Panabaker, Millie Bobby Brown and Nathan Fillion. The 2012 convention reunited the cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the show’s pilot episode. Two years later, the Calgary Expo reunited nearly the entire case of Aliens.
Various activities featuring celebrity guests aren’t the only major attraction at the convention. A lot of people come to watch the annual cosplay parade which begins in the neighborhood of Eau Claire and finishes at the Olympic Plaza park. The first parade was held in 2013, it featured about 400 participants. The number of cosplayers partaking in the parade has been growing ever since.
The Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo also offers a variety of special events, numerous vendors and exhibitors, Artist Alley, Cosplay Corner, presentations and demonstrations, exclusive merchandise, gaming zones, Kids Zone for the youngest attendees, and much more.
Photo: calgaryexpo.com
