Previously on Fan Expo...Toronto-Age unites?!
In case the thread title isn't making sense, the Just Dance demo last year kept playing Party Rock Anthem for the entire four days.
Where is it?
Fan Expo will be held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in downtown Toronto from Thursday, August 23rd to Sunday, August 26th. The Convention Centre is right beside the CN Tower, and easily accessible via public transit. If you're somehow lost, just find the CN Tower (hard to miss) and make your way there.
Map (via Google Maps)
How much are tickets?
Buy Tickets Online | On-Site Box Office On Convention Days.
Thursday (16:00 - 21:00) - $25.00
Friday (10:00 - 19:00) - $30.00
Saturday (10:00 - 19:00) - $45.00
Sunday (10:00 - 17:00) - $35.00
All 4 Days - $95.00
Child Pass - $10
Children Under 5 - FREE
*HST included
Jay & Silent Bob Get Old Performance:
Friday (19:20) - $39.00
GAF Meetups:
- Grindhouse Burger Bar on Sunday the 26th with a 4:30-5:00PM -
isny
Quadratic
Fugu?
krae_man
stn
zorbsie (yes lurkers are welcome!)
lostconfused?
AlphaTwo00?
Featured Guests | Special Guests | Also Appearing | Attractions | Schedule
Featured Guests | Also Appearing | Authors | Attractions | Schedule
Featured Guests | Also Appearing | Authors | Attractions | Schedule
Featured Guests | Also Appearing | Attractions | Schedule
Featured Guests | Video Game Guests | Also Appearing | Gaming Attractions | Gaming Schedule
There's plenty to do at Fan Expo, but why not take some time to plan things out? Here are some resources to help you get through the weekend.
Money
I'd say about half of the exhibitors will accept VISA, Master Card, or Interac, but CASH is probably the most efficient way to pay. It might even score you a better price on your purchase. Keep the cards as backup. If you need more, there are ATMs outside the exhibitors area, and banks outside the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
Getting around
There will be plenty of people, especially at the exhibitors area. It may be difficult to get around, so be sure to take a FREE Fan Expo guide scattered around the area. If you are a mail subscriber, your copy should be arriving by mail.
There is also a floor plan available to download (click), as well as the official schedule (click).
Mobile users, check out the Guidebook app. A very handy app to keep with you during the convention, which shows you the map of the show floor, reminds and details you of events, a Twitter feed that keeps track of the convention, a shared photo album for people to share their own photos, and other stuff. The app is available on the App Store for iOS devices and the Google Play Store for Android devices. On Windows Phone 7 and Blackberry devices, a fully-featured web version is available on m.guidebook.com
Transportation
It's very easy to get to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. See the Map above for directions if you're driving. Public transit users, simply depart at Union Station, make your way to the Skywalk heading towards the Rogers Centre, and there will (probably) be Fan Expo volunteers that will direct you to the Convention Centre. Unless you're lugging around a huge costume, or plan to scrape every inch of the place for things to buy, it's probably a lot easier to just take public transit, rather than drive. Parking will probably cost you a lot, too, if you can find a spot.
Food
If last year is any indication, food selection will suck and be overpriced. Don't get suckered in; bring a snack, a refillable bottle for water, a granola bar, something light and leaves little to no mess. There are restaurants outside the Convention Centre, and downtown Toronto in general has plenty to offer for great restaurants. The Toronto-Age thread is your one-stop resource centre for all things Toronto (thanks EvilMario). Take advantage of Toronto-GAF's knowledge and recommendations, as well. Who knows the city better than us?
Baggage
You're going to buy a lot. Or, that's your plan. If you're there for just one day, you're going to want to buy everything you see before the end of the day. Along with a backpack, bring another bag to carry your stuff with. Alternatively, Silver Snail and/or other exhibitors will (probably?) offer giant bags hanging off their table free of charge, like last year. I'm unsure of lockers, so you might be out of luck if you plan on storing your things in one.
Other Tips
Try to stay inside. Leaving the Convention Centre means you'll have to line up if you want to enter again. They've done a better job last year managing the lines, but you'll never know this time around. Stay inside, and leave only if you're absolutely done or if it's important.
Keep it moving. Stopping in the middle of the exhibitors' area is a dumb idea, since you'd be holding everyone up. People who want to take pictures of people in costume will crowd the space up, too. Watch out for those crowds.
FUN
Have a lot of that. At the end of the day, you're going to be dead tired, but at least you had a really fun day. You may be heading back the next day, or you may just go for one, but remember to enjoy yourself. Marvel at the costumes, take pictures, try the speed dating, whatever. Might as well indulge.
Next time on Fan Expo...Fan Expo Vancouver 2013 for Vancouver-GAF on April 20th and 21st 2013.
