Saturdays at Fan Expo at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre are always packed, busy, and filled to the brim with a variety of fandoms, a number of people come for the one day only, and it is an experience. Since, Covid, I’ve been a little anxious with large crowds, but was willing to see if I could handle it.

I was able to see the floor minutes before they let the crowds in, and it was a wonderful moment, filled with anticipation, excitement tinged the air, possibilities lurking around every booth and corner.

And then, at 0930, the floor sprang to life with people rushing to fill spots, scoop deals, meet celebrities and pose for pictures with the mass of cosplayers, today there were tons of Azriphales and Crowleys from Good Omens.

Once again, I was able to talk with a number of fans throughout the course of the day. I did learn that there has to be a better way to run the autograph sessions. The idea of the VIP ticket which allows people to skip the lines may be worth it financially for some, but it also really does those who have been waiting in the queue (sometimes for over an hour) a disservice. There has to be a way to draw one VIP, and then one from the actual line to keep both moving. Even if a VIP ticket waits for five minutes, they are still moving faster than those who have waited the hour.

The staff and volunteers have been exemplary through all of it, friendly, informative, and enjoying the crowds and their own interactions with them.

I was able to get in quick hellos and signatures with Anson Mount and Ethan Peck from Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, and each of them took time to say hello and give each fan a moment.

From there I was able to traverse to the South Building to check out some of the shopping. Have you seen some of the art available for sale there? I was able to pick up a gorgeous Rich Kelly Raiders of the Lost Ark numbered print from Now Your Treasures – check them out if you haven’t been there yet.

And then there are the panels.

With the SAG-AFTRA strikes going on, it prohibits what the actors can talk about on stage, and the questions they can answer, so instead, they have learned to talk around things, give reflections, share personal stories and impressions, while still entertaining, and opening up to the audience. They’ve really honed their crafts, Todd Stashwick’s chat was brilliant, as was Michelle Hurd’s, Gates McFadden’s and of course Mount and Peck – pairing them together was a brilliant plan.

I’m still leaning towards getting a saber – it’s so tempting. Or maybe a new tattoo – did I mention the fact that they have a Tattoo Alley in the North Building?

And I have to say, despite the crowds, everything seemed to be amazing today. Everything moved quickly, smoothly, and everyone was in a great mood and taking in the amazing things on display.

So there is a photo op for me tomorrow, and some last wandering around to check out the great deals and costumes.

And I have to say, I was in a Lower Decks uniform today, and just interacting with other Trek fans as we recognized one another in our various uniforms, saluted and wished each other LLAP, that was amazing. Fandoms are amazing, and supportive, and I really needed to see this in person. It was good for my mental health.

The costumes, the booths, the people, the sights, the celebrities have all been amazing this time around, and I have to commend Fan Expo and all of the fans who show up for it.

Let’s see how it plays out tomorrow!! If you see me say hi!!