A spin-off of Toronto’s Fan Expo Canada, Fan Expo Regina is held each spring in the city’s largest convention center, Evraz Plaze. The convention showcases a wide range of pop culture elements including comics, anime, manga, fantasy and science fiction, video games, horror, film, television, collectible card games, toys, and more.
Its program includes celebrity Q&A, autograph sessions and photo-ops with media guests, panels, sketching duels, a costume contest, Artist Alley, sneak peeks and presentations, workshops, gaming tournaments, book signings, a retailer area, a board gaming area, and other events and activities.
Most attendees are eager to meet special guests such as actors known for their roles in sci-fi and fantasy franchises, from Star Wars and Star Trek to Doctor Who and Game of Thrones. For example, the guest list of the 2016 edition included actors Sean Astin (The Lord of the Rings film trilogy), James and Oliver Phelps (the Harry Potter film series), Dirk Benedict (The A-Team), Verne Troyer (Austin Powers Films), and Matt Frewer (Max Headroom).
Other guests include voice actors, animators, comic book artists and writers, cosplayers, artists and illustrators, authors, and various organizations (costume groups, cosplay groups, fan clubs, gaming communities, podcasters, libraries, charities, etc.). They participate in a wide range of activities which give attendees an opportunity to get close and personal with their favorite celebrities.
There are special events for artists and cosplayers who come to the festival. Comic artists can participate in friendly sketching duels that have become a signature event at Fan Expo conventions, while cosplayers compete in the costume contest. Besides, there is Artist Alley where artists and illustrators present their works (comics, graphic novels, illustrations, original drawings and sketches), cosplay panels, the Indy Market showcasing small press, and more.
Photo: Kay Pike Fashion
