Raven's Loft 2.0

[Ravenloft]

There were a couple of Deadpool's at the convention, but this Deadpool stayed in character several days in a row! I saw him 'sneaking' up on Darth Vader and Obi Wan with a katana one day. LOL! They'd look back, and he would kind of dance away.

 

[Ravenloft]

Steam Punk Girl

 

[Ravenloft]

I'm not much of a DC comics fan, but Poison Ivy can climb my tree any day of the week!

 

[Ravenloft]

Fairy dance.

 

[Ravenloft]

I'm not sure, but I think this is steam punk too?

 

[Ravenloft]

What on earth does this character come from?! I have absolutely no idea! But It looked cool.

 

[Ravenloft]

Belatrix from Harry Potter, right?

 

[Ravenloft]

A woman not to be messed with.

 

[Ravenloft]

This was freaking cool!
An undead Dragonborn
Sorceress!

 

[Ravenloft]

A Gnoll with an axe...

 

[Ravenloft]

Another pretty boy elf...

 

[Ravenloft]

I think she was a Tiefling.

She took some really nasty potion...

Which aparently gave her bat wings.

 

[Ravenloft]

Pyramid Head

 

[Ravenloft]

Game of Thrones

 

[Ravenloft]

Prototype?

 

[Ravenloft]

Can anyone tell me which game this version of Zelda comes from?

 

[Ravenloft]

This is a different Zelda, what game does SHE come from?!

 

[yeishia]

Wow some awesome costumes Raven..I wish I had been there with you

I am still searching for a convention close to me. Hint hint!

 

[Ravenloft]

Comic book Conventions:


Central Canada Comic Con

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Canada_Comic_Con

The Central Canada Comic Con is an annual fan convention held in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

This show began to grow in 1994 as a simple weekend trade show called the Manitoba Collector's Expo. Back in 1994 it showcased everything from sports cards to antiques to toys and comic books. As times changed, so did the event, and in 2000 it became the Manitoba Toy & Comic Expo, dropping the antiques and reducing the sports cards.

In 2006, the show expanded as the Manitoba Comic Con, and brought in attendees from all over Manitoba and North Dakota. The show focused on toys, comic books, gaming, anime, and local artists.

In 2007 it brought in the media aspect with David Prowse, Richard Hatch and Margot Kidder.

In 2008 it moved to the Winnipeg Convention Centre with guests like Lou Ferrigno, Jeremy Bulloch, LeVar Burton, Erica Durance, Justin Hartley, Charlie Adler and John de Lancie.

The Central Canada Comic Con is one of the fastest growing shows with an attendance well over 16,000 in 2008,[citation needed] and it is Central Canada's largest convention celebrating the best in comic books, science fiction, gaming, anime, fantasy, horror and pop culture.

Wizard World purchased the convention shortly after the 2010 show, but dropped out in June 2011.


Cos & Effect

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cos_&_Effect

Cos & Effect is a 3-day annual costume, cosplay, and alternative fashion convention held in Metro Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and organized by IRL Events. Cos & Effect is held in August.

Cos & Effect's programming, is similar in some ways, to that of comic and anime conventions, but puts a larger focus on guest panelists, industry workshops, fashion walkoffs, and competitions celebrating creativity.


Fan Expo Canada

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fan_Expo_Canada

Toronto, Canada's Fan Expo Canada is an annual multi-genre fan convention. It was founded as the Canadian National Comic Book Expo in 1994 by Hobby Star Marketing Inc. It is traditionally a three-day event (Friday through Sunday) typically held the weekend before Labour Day during the summer at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC); starting in 2011, it became a four-day convention.

Originally showcasing comic books, science fiction/fantasy and film/television and related popular arts, Fan Expo Canada has expanded over the years to include a larger range of pop culture and fandom elements, such as horror, anime, manga, animation, toys, collectible card games, video games and web entertainment. The convention is the largest of its kind in Canada and among the largest in world, filling the entire South Building of the MTCC with 80,000 attendees in 2011.

Programming
Along with panels, seminars, and workshops with comic book professionals, there are previews of upcoming feature films, portfolio review sessions with top comic book and video game companies, and evening events such as the Masquerade (a costume contest), special screenings and the Diamond Distribution Industry Night Dinner and Reception for industry professionals only.

Traditional events include screening rooms devoted to Japanese animation, gaming, and over 300 hours of other programming on all aspects of comic books and popular culture.

Like most comic book conventions, Fan Expo Canada features a large floorspace for exhibitors. These include media companies such as movie studios and TV networks, as well as comic book dealers and collectibles merchants. Fan Expo Canada also includes a large autographs area, as well as an Artists Alley where comic book artists can sign autographs and sell or do free sketches.

Exclusive collectibles
In recent years, Fan Expo Canada has become one of the few events that provides selling "exclusive" products to attendees. The vast majority of the exclusives offered at Fan Expo Canada are licensed properties of popular movie, comic book and related characters.


GX (gaming expo)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GX_(gaming_expo)

Toronto, Canada's GX is the “National Gaming Expo” and part of an annual multigenre convention entitled Fan Expo Canada. It was founded 2005 by Hobby Star Marketing Inc. It is traditionally a three-day event (Friday through Sunday) but expanded to four days (Thursday through Sunday) in 2011. It is typically held the weekend before Labour Day during the summer in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Originally showcasing collectable card games, role playing games/fantasy and some film/television and related popular arts, the convention has expanded over the years to include a larger range of pop culture elements, such as Collectible miniatures games, board games, video games and web entertainment. The Fan Expo Canada convention which GX is a part of is the largest of its kind in Canada and among the largest in world, filling the entire North building of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre with over 79,000 attendees in 2011.

Along with panels, seminars, and workshops with industry professionals, there are previews of upcoming products, and news from video game companies, and evening events such as The Masquerade; a costume contest, and the Diamond Distribution Industry Night Dinner and reception for industry professionals only.

Like most consumer conventions, Fan Expo Canada features a large floorspace for exhibitors. These include media companies such as movie studios and TV networks, as well as comic book publishers and collectibles merchants. Fan Expo Canada also includes a large autograph area, as well as the Artists' Alley where artists can sign autographs and sell or draw free sketches.


Montreal Comicon

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montreal_Comiccon

The Montreal Comiccon (French: Le Comiccon de Montréal), under its current form, was launched in 2006 as "Montreal Comic-Con". The event features comic books, toys, games, science-fiction, horror, anime, non-sport cards and collectibles. It is held 3 times a year at Place Bonaventure, in downtown Montreal, with the biggest of the 3 shows (the "Comiccon") taking place in September and lasting 2 days (3 days beginning in 2012).

Special guests, artists, exhibitors and special contests make the Comiccon suitable for children and adults. The September 2011 edition featured guests such as Stan Lee (Spider-Man, X-Men), Adam West (Batman), James Marsters (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and Vic Mignogna (Fullmetal Alchemist, Vampire Knight).

The Montreal Comiccon strives to become a fan convention with multi-genre content, with focus on comics, sci-fi, horror, anime and games. While sharing common traits with San Diego's Comic-Con International and Toronto's Fan Expo Canada, the Montreal Comiccon differentiates itself by offering a variety of attractions catering to both the anglophone and francophone population markets of Montreal, and bridging the gap between American comics and European bande dessinée with crossborder and overseas guests and attractions.

Programming
As with most other comics conventions, the Montreal Comiccon offers a select range of activities, exhibits, and other attractions. Comiccon's programming consists of a large Dealers Room, an Artists Alley, a costume contest, a trading-card games area and Guest panels. New to 2010 are film screenings, Guest photo sessions and a Masquerade. 2011 sees the introduction of additional photo booths, structured autograph line-up barriers, a larger main events stage and dedicated panels/screenings rooms.


Otakuthon

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otakuthon

Otakuthon is Quebec's largest anime convention promoting Japanese animation (anime), Japanese graphic novels (manga), related gaming and Japanese pop-culture (music, cinema, television).[2] It is held annually for 3 days in downtown Montreal during a weekend in the summer months. It is a non-profit, fan-run anime convention that was initiated by Concordia University's anime club, named Otaku Anime of Concordia University (Otaku Anime for short).[3] The name "Otakuthon" is a portmanteau of the Japanese word "otaku" and "marathon". Otakuthon strives to be a bilingual (French and English) event, having programming, the masquerade, and the program book in both official languages.[4] The first edition of Otakuthon was held in 2006 in mid June, but later moved to early-mid August / late July from 2007 onward. Otakuthon 2012 was held on August 3–5, 2012 at the Palais des congrès de Montréal.

Programming
As with most other anime conventions, Otakuthon offers a wide range of programming, exhibits, and other events. Otakuthon's programming consists of cosplay events, a masquerade, vendors, an Artists' Area, panels and workshops, game shows, anime video screenings, dances, karaoke, and music concerts. New to 2008 were photo booths, a garage sale[5] and a manga library.[6]
Art: The Artists' Area is an artists' marketplace for illustrators, painters, writers, and crafters to display and sell their arts and crafts. A separate Art Gallery allows artists to display and auction their artworks.
Cosplay events: Otakuthon features a Cosplay Skit Contest called the Otaku Skit Show, a Masquerade, a Cosplay Chess and a Cosplay RPG Battle. Many attendees spend most of the convention in costume as their favorite anime, manga or video game character. Some participate in the Otaku Skit Show, the Masquerade (one of Otakuthon's largest events), the Cosplay Chess and the Cosplay RPG. There are also photo booths where attendees can have their photos professionally taken in costume, and the Cosplay Café, where attendees can enjoy Japanese snacks, meals, desserts and drinks while being served by volunteers in cosplay.
Gaming: Otakuthon has a large room for playing video games on consoles and PCs, with tournaments scheduled throughout the weekend. It has also tables reserved for tabletop card-trading games such as Magic The Gathering and boardgames such as Settlers of Catan.
Merchandise: The convention has a large Dealers' Area in which commercial merchants such retailers and professional artists and crafters set up booths and sell anime, manga and video game related merchandise. It is one of the main attractions of the convention. There is also a garage sale section where attendees can buy used merchandise items.
Music: There are musical performances throughout the weekend. There is at least one concert at the convention featuring a musical Guest. Otakuthon also features karaoke rooms and hosts the Otakuthon Idol singing contest and the J-Music in Motion show.
Panels and workshops: Otakuthon, like almost every convention, has panels and workshops on subjects such as various anime series, how to draw manga, voice acting, Japanese culture and a variety of other topics. While Guests of Honour discuss and tell news or stories about their roles or occupations and answer questions from the audience, most panels and workshops are given by fans rather than Guests.
Saturday Night Dance: There is a late-night dance party on Saturday night hosted by Montreal area (and sometimes Guest) anime DJs.
Video screenings: There are many rooms in which anime series, films and OVAs and live action J-Dramas are shown on projector screens during the convention. Fan-made productions such as fan parodies and anime music videos (AMVs) are also shown. For those who prefer reading manga, there is a room where the entire manga library collection of Otaku Anime is at the disposal of attendees to borrow and read.
Other attractions: Attendees can meet Guests and get items autographed, or engage in the weekend-long anime-themed Otakuthon Misadventures live-action role-playing (LARP) game with dozens of participants. There are also various other games, events, shows and contests such as the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, the Fashion Show, the Sunday Morning Brunch, Trollball, Otakuthon Turnabout, the Anime Mystery Dating Game, Anime Name That Tune, Anime Win, Lose, or Draw, the Human Battleship Game, Yurika Kart, and DollFest activities.


Toronto Comic Con

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toronto_Comic_Con

The Toronto Comic Con is an annual comic book convention held in Toronto, Canada starting in 2003. It was sold in 2009 to Wizard Entertainment owner Gareb Shamus and was relaunched as a Wizard event in 2010.

From 2003-2007 the subtitle for the event was "A Celebration of Comic Books, Graphic Novels, Manga and Sequential Art". During those years the event was scheduled to run over three days (Friday through Sunday). In 2008 the convention was a two-day event (Saturday and Sunday).

Events
Features have included: exhibitor room for commercial selling of related goods, a corporate area for companies to promote their projects, an Artist Alley area for comic book creators, a guest area for invited guests of the convention, panel room for discussions on various aspects of comic books and creators, workshops and children's programming. In previous years the convention was the home to additional special events programming such as Women of Comics Symposium and the Joe Shuster Awards.


Toronto Comicon (Diferent from Comic Con.)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toronto_Comicon

Toronto ComiCON is a series of semi-annual comic book conventions held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, since 2001. Hobbystar (who also run Fan Expo Canada) hold fall, spring, and winter one-day comic book conventions called the Toronto ComiCON at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Since 2004, the spring event has been referred to as the "Fan Appreciation Event" and includes free admission held in conjunction with participating Toronto-area comic book stores such as the Silver Snail. Since 2007 the spring Toronto ComiCON has been a multi-day event.




Science Fiction conventions:


Ad Astra (convention)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ad_Astra_(convention)

Ad Astra is an annual science fiction and fantasy convention in Toronto. Major events of the convention include the Masquerade, Guest of Honour presentations, panel discussions, Art Show, and Dealer's Room, as well as a wide variety of privately-run room parties. Other events on the convention program include a games room, book launches, and the Saturday evening dance.

Programming
Ad Astra's programming features a wide variety of discussion panels on various topics of interest to science fiction and fantasy fans. Writing, art, and costuming workshops are also often seen each year at the convention.


CNAnime

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CNAnime

Toronto, Canada's CNAnime is an annual multigenre fan convention that runs within what is now called Fan Expo Canada. It was founded as the Canadian National Anime Expo in 1998 by Hobby Star Marketing Inc. It is traditionally a three-day event (Friday through Sunday) typically held the weekend before Labour Day during the summer in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Originally showcasing anime, the convention has expanded over the years to include a larger range of pop culture elements, such as cosplay, manga, animation, toys, collectible card games, video games and web entertainment. The convention is the largest of its kind in Canada and among the largest in world, filling the entire North building of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre with over 79,000 attendees in 2011.

Along with panels, seminars, and workshops with anime professionals, there are previews of upcoming feature films, and evening events such as The Masquerade; a costume contest, and the Diamond Distribution Industry Night Dinner and reception for industry professionals only.

Traditional events include screening rooms devoted to Japanese animation, with over 175 hours of other programming on all aspects of pop culture.

Like most similar conventions, CNAnime runs within Fan Expo Canada and features a large floorspace for exhibitors. These include media companies such as movie studios and TV networks, as well as anime, toy, and manga dealers with many top collectibles merchants as well. CNAnime/Fan Expo Canada also includes a large autograph area, as well as the Artists' Alley where manga artists can sign autographs and sell or do free sketches.


Fan Expo Canada

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fan_Expo_Canada

Toronto, Canada's Fan Expo Canada is an annual multi-genre fan convention. It was founded as the Canadian National Comic Book Expo in 1994 by Hobby Star Marketing Inc. It is traditionally a three-day event (Friday through Sunday) typically held the weekend before Labour Day during the summer at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC); starting in 2011, it became a four-day convention.

Originally showcasing comic books, science fiction/fantasy and film/television and related popular arts, Fan Expo Canada has expanded over the years to include a larger range of pop culture and fandom elements, such as horror, anime, manga, animation, toys, collectible card games, video games and web entertainment. The convention is the largest of its kind in Canada and among the largest in world, filling the entire South Building of the MTCC with 80,000 attendees in 2011.

Programming
Along with panels, seminars, and workshops with comic book professionals, there are previews of upcoming feature films, portfolio review sessions with top comic book and video game companies, and evening events such as the Masquerade (a costume contest), special screenings and the Diamond Distribution Industry Night Dinner and Reception for industry professionals only.

Traditional events include screening rooms devoted to Japanese animation, gaming, and over 300 hours of other programming on all aspects of comic books and popular culture.

Like most comic book conventions, Fan Expo Canada features a large floorspace for exhibitors. These include media companies such as movie studios and TV networks, as well as comic book dealers and collectibles merchants. Fan Expo Canada also includes a large autographs area, as well as an Artists Alley where comic book artists can sign autographs and sell or do free sketches.

Exclusive collectibles
In recent years, Fan Expo Canada has become one of the few events that provides selling "exclusive" products to attendees. The vast majority of the exclusives offered at Fan Expo Canada are licensed properties of popular movie, comic book and related characters.


FilKONtario

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FilKONtario

FilKONtario is a fan-run convention in the Mississauga, Ontario area[1] dedicated to filk, the music of science fiction and fantasy fandom. Established in 1991, it is the only filk convention in Canada.[2] In its fifth year (1995), the convention initiated the Filk Hall of Fame, which continues to recognize those who have made significant contributions to filk music and the filk community, world-wide. This international awards program is administered through FilKONtario, with an international jury


Gatecon

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gatecon

Gatecon is an annual fan convention centered around the Stargate television franchise. Most of the Gatecon conventions have been held in Vancouver, Canada.

Gatecon was conceived in 2000 to provide a place for fans of the show Stargate SG-1 to meet members of the cast and crew, and to get to know their fellow fans. The original organizers met due to an interactive Stargate-themed site run by Ryan Peters under Showtime's umbrella.[citation needed]

Gatecon celebrated its 5th Anniversary in July 2004, which was a sell out with 700 attendees. It had around 30 guests over the 3 day event. It was also the first time Amanda Tapping, Christopher Judge and Michael Shanks had a panel together at Gatecon. Gatecon 2006 was the first event held in the United Kingdom. Around 250 people attended the convention at Cheltenham's University Campus.

Since its inception, Gatecon raised money for the Make-a-Wish Foundation through a series of auction evenings. MGM and The Bridge Studios donated props and costumes.[citation needed] Over the past 7 years Gatecon has raised $250,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.[citation needed]. Proceeds from the 2008 charity auction were donated to the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society


GX (gaming expo)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GX_(gaming_expo)

Toronto, Canada's GX is the “National Gaming Expo” and part of an annual multigenre convention entitled Fan Expo Canada. It was founded 2005 by Hobby Star Marketing Inc. It is traditionally a three-day event (Friday through Sunday) but expanded to four days (Thursday through Sunday) in 2011. It is typically held the weekend before Labour Day during the summer in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Originally showcasing collectable card games, role playing games/fantasy and some film/television and related popular arts, the convention has expanded over the years to include a larger range of pop culture elements, such as Collectible miniatures games, board games, video games and web entertainment. The Fan Expo Canada convention which GX is a part of is the largest of its kind in Canada and among the largest in world, filling the entire North building of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre with over 79,000 attendees in 2011.

Along with panels, seminars, and workshops with industry professionals, there are previews of upcoming products, and news from video game companies, and evening events such as The Masquerade; a costume contest, and the Diamond Distribution Industry Night Dinner and reception for industry professionals only.

Like most consumer conventions, Fan Expo Canada features a large floorspace for exhibitors. These include media companies such as movie studios and TV networks, as well as comic book publishers and collectibles merchants. Fan Expo Canada also includes a large autograph area, as well as the Artists' Alley where artists can sign autographs and sell or draw free sketches.


Hal-Con

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hal-Con

Hal-Con Sci-Fi, Fantasy & Comic Convention, commonly known as Hal-Con, was founded in the 1970s and revived in the 2010s. It is traditionally an annual weekend event held in Halifax, Nova Scotia in Atlantic Canada and held at the end of fall.

Originally showcasing comic books, games, science fiction/fantasy and film/television, and related popular arts. It has grown to encompasses the full-spectrum of geekdom, including Comic Books, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Gaming, Cyberpunk, Steampunk, Renaissance, Anime, Furry, Cyber goth, Cosplay, and anything else of the fantastical while still having enough appeal for even the most casual fan. The gathering includes entertainment for most tastes from music, stage show, and small social gaming circles, and the chance to rub elbows with the famous and infamous of geek pop-culture.

Hal-Con 2012 is returning October 26–28, 2012 at World Trade and Convention Centre.

Hal-Con 2012 Guests

Actors
John Rhys-Davies
René Auberjonois
Nicholas Briggs
Brian Downey
Robert Maillet
Manu Intiraymi
Lolita Fatjo
Ajay Fry

Musicians
Paul and Storm
Nerd Army

Authors
R. A. Salvatore
Geno Salvatore
Brandon Sanderson
Rachel Caine
Alex Bledsoe
C.S. Maccath
Matthew LeDrew
Ellen Curtis
Darren Hann
David C. Rhind

Comics
Gail Simone
Steve McNiven
Darwyn Cooke
Conor McCreery
Nick Bradshaw
Larry Hama
Mark Oakley
Geof Isherwood
Francesco Francavilla
Ramón Pérez
Joel Duggan
J.R. Faulkner
Jay Paulin

Models
Drakaina Muse (International Fantasy Model)

Local
Fat Apollo
And much more to be announced.

Things to do
Apart from the media guest Q&A’s, autographs and photo sessions, there are many other programming options and things to do during the convention...
Celebrity Guest Lectures
Authors Readings
Anime and Video Rooms
Artist Alley
Charity Auction
Specialty Vendors
Discussion Panels
Masquerade Dance
Costume Contest
Dressing in Costume
Gaming demonstrations, tournaments & play


Polaris (convention)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polaris_(convention)

Polaris (formerly Toronto Trek) is an annual science fiction and fantasy convention held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada in the past and now held in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada.

It began in 1986 as a relaxacon as Toronto Trek Celebration. Two years later, in 1988, Toronto Trek Celebration 2 took place. In 1989 it dropped the word "Celebration" and became simply "Toronto Trek". For its twenty-first convention in 2007, the name was changed to "Polaris".[1][2].

The convention has a focus on media guests from science fiction, fantasy movies and television series and novel authors such as Star Trek, Babylon 5, Stargate, Doctor Who, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Jericho, Lost and Battlestar Galactica. Photo opportunities, autographs and Question & Answer sessions feature the media guest, who sometimes come to other programming and after hours events.

Polaris is one of several activities run by the TCON Promotional Society by means of a convention committee of more than 100 people grouped into 38 individual teams, each taking care of a different part of the convention. The TCON Promotional Society has coordinated other events, such as the Canadian Conrunners Conference in 2004, Their other current project is the Constellation Awards, a fan-nominated, fan-voted set of Science Fiction Awards with focus on film and television science fiction. TCON hosted events are proposed to the TCON Board of Directors and voted upon by said Board. The TCON Promotional Society is a not-for-profit corporation based out of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.


Pure Speculation

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pure_Speculation

Pure Speculation Festival, also known as Pure Spec, is an annual multi-genre fan convention taking place in Edmonton, Canada. It is an event that prides itself on being "by geeks, for geeks." Originally founded as a speculative fiction convention, it repackaged itself as a festival celebrating geek and fan culture in 2008. It now offers programming dealing with science fiction, fantasy, pop culture, gaming, anime, comic books and webcomics.

In addition to the usual fare such as panels, games and a vendor room, there are several special events the festival hosts every year. The annual Costume Shindig happens on the Saturday of the event, featuring prizes in a variety of silly categories for guests and attendees. The Geeks for Geeks Charity Auction is also a yearly feature, in support of local charities.

Several smaller components also help to create the larger Pure Speculation Festival. These include Con*Spec, a writing and literature segment run by On Spec Magazine, and Comic Talks, a series of comic book panels hosted by Happy Harbor Comics. Until 2007, Pure Spec also played host to Con of Cold, an RPGA sanctioned Dungeons & Dragons event. Edmonton based BioWare also involves itself in the festival yearly, hosting panels and offering prize support.


Rue Morgue Festival of Fear

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rue_Morgue_Festival_of_Fear

Toronto, Canada's Festival of Fear is an annual multigenre fan convention that runs as part of Fan Expo Canada. It was founded as the Canadian National Horror Expo in 2004 by Rue Morgue Magazine and Hobby Star Marketing Inc. It is traditionally a three-day event (Friday through Sunday) typically held the weekend before Labour Day during the summer in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Originally showcasing novels, fantasy and film/television and related popular arts, the convention has expanded over the years to include a larger range of pop culture elements, such as horror, anime, manga, animation, toys, collectible card games, video games and web entertainment. The convention is the largest of its kind in Canada and among the largest in world, filling the entire North building of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre with over 79,000 attendees in 2011.

Along with panels, seminars, and workshops with industry professionals, there are previews of upcoming feature films, video game companies, and evening events such as The Masquerade; a costume contest, and other social receptions.

Typically there is over 175 hours of programming on all aspects of pop culture over the weekend.


Sci-Fi on the Rock

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sci-Fi_on_the_Rock

Sci-Fi on the Rock is an annual science fiction, fantasy and horror convention held in St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada. It was founded by Darren Hann and Melanie Collins in mid-to-late 2006, and held its first convention in 2007.


SFContario

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SFContario

SFContario is a general-interest science fiction convention held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and sponsored by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Society of Upper Canada.[1]

The first convention took place on November 19–21, 2010, at the Ramada Plaza Hotel in Toronto.[2] The guests of honour were author Michael Swanwick, writers and editors Patrick and Teresa Nielsen Hayden, fan Geri Sullivan, filk musician Karen Linsley, artist Billy Tackett, and toastmaster Robert J. Sawyer.[2] The convention chair was Alexander von Thorn.[1]

Events at the convention included panels on science fiction and fantasy, writing, science, fan history and conventions, and media, as well as author readings, autograph signings, an interview with expatriate American SF writer and HUAC victim Chandler Davis, kaffeeklatsches, a ceremony presenting pins to past Aurora Award nominees, a masquerade, an art show, a charity auction, filk concerts, bid and other parties, an anime room, and an improv fundraiser for the Sunburst Award performed by improvisers from the Impatient Theatre Co..[3]

A second convention is scheduled for November 18–20, 2011, at the Ramada Plaza Hotel in Toronto. The scheduled guests of honour include international author John Scalzi, Canadian author Karl Schroeder, editor Gardner Dozois, and filk band Toyboat. This will also serve as the 31st Canvention, Canada's national science fiction convention.


SFX (Science Fiction Expo)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SFX_(Science_Fiction_Expo)

SFX (Science fiction Expo) is a convention in Toronto, Canada. The convention began as a featured event of the Canadian National Expo, now known as Fan Expo Canada. SFX was first added in 1999 and the name is a slang acronym, standing loosely for Science Fiction Exposition. It was the second featured event ever added to Fan Expo Canada created by Hobby Star Marketing Incorporated. SFX traditionally runs within the Fan Expo event for all three days (Friday through Sunday) typically held the weekend before Labour Day during the summer in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

SFX was originally launched as one time event for Fan Expo Canada, but the popularity of the feature has made it a mainstay of the convention. Fan Expo Canada is now one of the largest events of its kind in world, filling the entire North building of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre with over 79,000 attendees in 2011. Thousands of fans were shut out as they did not purchase tickets in advance.

Along with panels, seminars, and workshops with industry professionals, SFX often previews science fiction related films and television series. SFX also continues programming into the evening with events like ‘The Masquerade’; a costume contest for the attendees, and various on and off site parties and receptions.

Like most major consumer conventions, SFX features a large floorspace for exhibitors. These include media companies such as movie studios and TV networks, as well as retailers and highly specialized collectibles merchants. SFX also includes a large autograph area, and a professional photographic portrait studio for attendees to get autographs and pictures with their favourite Sci Fi celebrities.

Exclusive Collectibles
In recent years SFX has become one of the few events that provides the selling of "Exclusive" products to attendees, including exclusive photography shots of the celebrities on hand, that are only available for one time at this event.


VCON

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VCON

VCON is a fantasy, gaming, and science fiction convention held annually in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It has been hosted by the West Coast Science Fiction Association since 1993, and by WCSFCCA (the Western Canadian Science Fiction Convention Committee Association) before that.

The first "VCON" (which was simply called the Vancouver SF Convention) was held April 9 and 10, 1971 at the Hotel Georgia in Vancouver. Its sponsoring organisations included the University of British Columbia Science Fiction Society (UBC SFFEN), the B.C. Science Fiction Association (an offshoot of the UBC club) and the Simon Fraser University Science Fiction Society (SF3). There have been 34 VCONs held (including VCONs 18.5 and 19.5), plus other events (like The Science of Murder in 1994 and The Science of Survival in 1995) which were put on by WCSFA, but did not use the VCON name.

At VCON the Elron Awards for most dubious "achievements" in science fiction are presented, often with selected passages from the offending winners publicly read to the delight of attendees. R. Graeme Cameron, president of the British Columbia Science Fiction Association (BCSFA), has stated publicly that the name "Elron" is not an allusion to science-fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard. The awards are reported each year in the BCSFA's science fiction fanzine BCSFAzine.

Another VCON tradition is the Turkey Readings, during which panelists read selections from the worst published science fiction and fantasy books that the group has been able to collect. At the same time, volunteers from the audience act of the story being read, and artists make a poster inspired by the story (and the actors.) After the first 30 seconds, audience members can bid to make the reading stop, but other audience members can bid higher for the reading to continue. The bids must be deposited in cash in order to be counted. The reading continues until there are no more bids to make it continue. After the Turkey Readings, the "art" is auctioned off. The funds raised go to CUFF, the Canadian Unity Fan Fund.

VCON has hosted Canvention, Canada's national science fiction convention several times: VCON 14/Canvention 6 in 1986, VCON 26/Canvention 21 in 2001, and VCON 32/Canvention 27 in 2007. VCON has also hosted Westercon, the travelling science fiction convention for Western North America, at Westercon 44/VCON 19 in 1991.




Gamer conventions:


CanGames

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cos_&_Effect

CanGames has run annually since 1977 and takes place in Ottawa. It occurs every year on the Canadian May (Victoria Day) long weekend.

Although the show is now held on the Canadian Victoria Day weekend, the first show was held on the Canada Day weekend instead. Generally the show runs from Friday through Sunday night. The show has been held in a number of locations, including the [Carleton University] campus. Currently the Rideau Curling Club hosts the event.

Features of the Show

CanGames features gaming in both English and French and offers trophies to winners.

 

[Ravenloft]

TLDR:

http://animecons.com/events/calendar.shtml/003


Kita-Kon
September 7-9, 2012
Valhalla Inn Hotel & Convention Center
Thunder Bay, Ontario


Comiccon de Montréal
September 14-16, 2012
Palais des Congrès
Montréal, Quebec


Unplugged Expo
September 22-23, 2012
Best Western Primrose Hotel - Downtown Toronto
Toronto, Ontario


Shycon
September 28-30, 2012
Delta Winnipeg
Winnipeg, Manitoba


Ochiba~Con
September 29-30, 2012
Quality Hotel & Conference Centre, Oshawa
Oshawa, Ontario


Anime Evolution: Akimatsuri
November 3-4, 2012
Simon Fraser University
Burnaby, British Columbia


Cape & Kimono
November 3-4, 2012
Espace Dalhousie
Québec, Quebec


Otafest
May 17-10, 2013
University of Calgary
Calgary, Alberta


Anime North
May 24-26, 2013
Toronto Congress Center
Toronto, Ontario


Otakuthon
August 16-18, 2013
Palais des congrès de Montréal
Montréal, Quebec

 

[Ravenloft]

Whew, that was about 4 and a half hours worth of work putting all that together... Heh.

 

[yeishia]

Thank you Raven

Comiccon de Montréal
September 14-16, 2012
Palais des Congrès
Montréal, Quebec


This would be for me

I sure hope i can go !!!!

 

[Ravenloft]

I hope you can too, Yeishia! It's quite an experience!

Cost breakdown:

For a three day badge, you're looking at $85.

At two and a half weeks out from the con hotel rooms will probably be $80 - $100 a night I'm guessing. Unless you have some relatives place you can crash at...

Parking will run you around $20 - $30 a day, unless you can arrange being droped off and picked up somehow.

Special events within the con will cost you extra to attend. Around $20 for general seating, up to $100 for front row or prefered seating. Celebrity autographed photos can run $20 to $30 dollars.

Most cons prohibit outside food and onsite food is usually crap at $8 an item

You can find some amasing deals on merchandise in the dealers/exhibitor's room. (Mostly on the last day.) I saw packs of retail $4 card game booster packs for $0.20 a pack. Some vendors just want to clear their stock the last day and do crasy deals like: Whatever you can carry in your arms for $5 bucks

Toad and Troll an online gamer whole sale is well known for doing stuff like this at conventions. They don't want to pay to lug all that stock back home... LOL! I got probably $300 dollars worth of stuff for $5 on the last day.

So, if you can at least allot yourself $100 for the dealers room, to get a bunch of cool stuff.

Daunting prospect $ wise I know... But beleive me, its well worth it!

You can save quite a bit of money if the convention is near you and you can get someone to drop you off and pick you up, cutting out the need for a hotel room and parking costs. ($300 for a three night stay in a nearby hotel and $90 for three days of parking fees plus all the stress of even finding a hotel this close to the event and trying to find a parking garage/space each morning.

There's walking, lots of walking... My mom brought a fancy wheeled walker, and man was that a god send. It provides a seat, and a little basket you can keep stuff in under the seat, and takes away some of the stress of walking everywhere in the convention center. Just be sure to note where public elevators are, cause they don't go up escalators or stairs very well at all. Honestly, I was glad to have her with me, gave me the 'right' to be lasy and use the elevators and stuff. LOL! Made life alot easier really.

Um... What else, bring a quality digital camera that can store alot of pictures and a bunch of extra batteries. There will be TONS of costumes to take pictures of!!! In the four days I was at gencon, I took something like 800 pictures!

Okay, thats all I can think of to share for now. I hope that helps you plan things out for yourself a bit.

Now. back to the pictures for awhile.

 

[yeishia]

*Dances around happily*

I am going...I am going ..Saturday 15th at the Palais des Congrès

It is close to me one metro and one bus...but Scott will drive us both.

Thank you so much Raven for all the lovely info and links.

Don't worry about the French my reading level is much much higher than my speaking (too shy to practice )

I am going with my son and one of his band members Scott. We bought tickets for one day and maybe will buy for the comedy night too.

If I wasn't so broke I'd go the the 7.30 Shatner thingy too and the music thingy ...phantom.,.lol ...and... what the heck the VIP ticket to see every single thing!!!


Loves you I am sooo excited. I so wish I had a costume

 

[Ravenloft]

Character from the Call of Duty Modern Warfare games?