7 essential tips for first-timers at Fan Expo Vancouver 2019

Do you remember your first Fan Expo?

There’s so much to do and see, and so little time, so it’s only natural to feel a little overwhelmed.

If Fan Expo Vancouver 2019, running from Friday, March 1 to Sunday, March 3, is your first event, then worry not.

Here are seven essential tips for first-timers who are planning to make their way to the Vancouver Convention Centre this weekend.

See also

• Vancouver's most popular cosplays for the 2019 Fan Expo
• Fan Expo Vancouver adds Pamela Anderson to celebrity guest lineup
• How to find out how much your comic book is worth: Fan Expo

Buy tickets in advance

Ticket selections at the door are limited to single-day Friday, single-day Sunday, and deluxe passes. For a larger selection, you’re better off looking online, plus — you’ll save money by doing so.

Plan your days

If you’re planning on checking out specific panels, you’ll want to make sure you plan and schedule your day properly. Not to mention, the weekend schedule is a great way to figure out where and when your favourite star will pop up.

Attendees can also use the official FAN EXPO Vancouver app on their smartphone or tablet.

If you’re hoping to have anything signed, prep your items

Celebrities will often have pictures that you can pick out, but you can often have your own personal treasures signed as well.

Take note though, most guests have fees for signatures, so check the website to make sure and bring cash. Comic creators will often sign any of their creations for free.

Wear comfy shoes

Comfort is king. Don’t make that mistake.

Bring cash and act fast

ATMs can often run out of cash near the convention, so it’s safest to bring cash.

Exclusives also tend to sell out quickly, so if you’re looking for event-specific merchandise, make sure to do it early.

Cosplay if you can

Cosplay is one of the best parts of con-culture. Visitors will get the chance to see top-notch costumes from characters in every genre.

And in many cases, if you want to take a photo with a cosplayer, all you have to do is ask!

Just remember though, cosplay doesn’t mean consent — just because someone is dressed as a character that enjoys a certain kind of behaviour or attention, doesn’t mean that the cosplayer does. Always be respectful of personal space and ask permission.

Look for photo-ops

If you’re itching to get your photo taken with one of Fan Expo Vancouver’s celebrity guests, you can!

Photo-ops can be pre-booked or purchased on-site. Some celebrity guests will do selfies at their tables, but it isn’t guaranteed.

Fan Expo Vancouver 2019

When: March 1 to 3, 2019

Where:  Vancouver Convention Centre – 999 Canada Place

Tickets: Available online, $25 to $30

Daily Hive is a proud media sponsor of Fan Expo 2019