Today, FAN EXPO HQ shared big plans to change the fan convention industry in North America forever, when it announced six of Wizard World’s (OTC:WIZD) largest U.S. shows will join its portfolio, including Wizard World New Orleans. Wizard World’s events in Chicago, Philadelphia, St. Louis, Portland and Cleveland will also be rebranded as FAN EXPO events in 2022. FAN EXPO will run 17 shows in North America, making it the largest producer of fan conventions in the world.
“Fandom unites us. It’s been too long since fans in New Orleans have been able to gather and celebrate, so we can’t wait for FAN EXPO New Orleans in 2022.” said FAN EXPO HQ President, Aman Gupta. “FAN EXPO HQ is devoted to creating unmissable, exceptional fan experiences. We’re beyond thrilled to be able to offer that to fans in New Orleans and pleased that Wizard World recognized our ability to elevate guest experience to the next level. We’re looking forward to getting to know the local community, learn what they’re looking for, and raise the bar!”
The New Orleans show, which started as Wizard World New Orleans in 2011, has attracted thousands of fans each year as well as celebrities and creators like Stan Lee, Chris Evans and Jason Momoa. It’s traditionally been held in January at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Plans for FAN EXPO New Orleans 2022 will be announced later this year, and fans can expect a new, reinvigorated brand and revitalized attendee experience. FAN EXPO HQ will be collaborating with Wizard World on a smooth transition and will honor all prior commitments with fans, exhibitors, and artisans. Wizard World will continue to operate the Wizard World Vault and will be participating at all FAN EXPO events.
FAN EXPO HQ’s existing roster includes FAN EXPO Canada (Toronto, ON), MEGACON Orlando, FAN EXPO Dallas, FAN EXPO Boston, Calgary Comics & Entertainment Expo, FAN EXPO Vancouver, Toronto Comicon, Dallas FAN FESTIVAL, Edmonton Comics & Entertainment Expo and various other special events. It also includes FAN EXPO San Francisco, a new event launching in fall 2022, and FAN EXPO Denver, previously Denver Pop Culture Con, which will return with an introductory SPECIAL EDITION show this fall before fully returning in 2022. FAN EXPO HQ events are expected to attract nearly 1 million fans in 2022 and will cover more than 10 million square feet of exhibition space.
“Every fan, at every single one of our 17 events across North America, will benefit from this game-changing announcement,” said Gupta. “As the largest producer of fan events in the world, we will be able to offer even more exclusive access to superstar talents, international brands, and innovative experiences. 2022 will be the most exciting year in our company’s history, and I know fans in New Orleans will feel that pride and excitement.”
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ABOUT FAN EXPO HQ
FAN EXPO HQ is the largest comic con producer in the world. Collectively it hosts nearly 1 million fans annually at FAN EXPO Canada™, MEGACON Orlando, FAN EXPO Dallas™, FAN EXPO Boston™, FAN EXPO Denver, FAN EXPO San Francisco, Calgary Comics & Entertainment Expo, FAN EXPO Vancouver™, Toronto Comicon, Dallas FAN FESTIVAL and Edmonton Comics & Entertainment Expo. In 2022, FAN EXPO HQ will present six new shows previously organized by Wizard World: FAN EXPO Chicago, FAN EXPO St. Louis, FAN EXPO Portland, FAN EXPO New Orleans, and FAN EXPO Cleveland.
