Dallas Fan Expo 2021 Preview

Each year I look forward to attending Fan Expo Dallas. This year is no exception. The organizers have lined up a fantastic panel of celebrities, voice actors, artists, and comic creators to delight my inner nerd. I know the moment I step through the doors with my badge, I will transform from proper teachers’ aide into giddy fangirl. The lights, sounds, and colors will beckon me further in and I will once again tread The Halls of Fandoms.

The convention opens its doors on Friday for five hours only. With so much pop-culture represented, it’s difficult to narrow down where to go first and what to do. Much of Artists’ Alley, Vendors, and Exhibitors will still be setting up. However, the crowds are thinner and it provides an opportunity to get a lay of the land. If lucky, lines to meet voice actors Christopher Sabat (@JustChrisSabat), Charles Martinet (@CharlesMartinet), Billy West (@TheBillyWest), Monica Rial (@Rialisms), and Kevin Conroy (@RealKevinConroy) will be shorter. Time permitting, several comic creators are high on my list to meet, such as Donny Cates (@Doncates), Kyle Higgins (@KyleDHiggins), Benjamin Percy (@Benjamin_Percy), Sam de la Rosa, and John Hebert, just to name a few.

Saturday ushers in nine hours of cosplayers, artists, panels, celebrities, and vendors. The convention is in full swing, crowds are thick and lines are long. Fan Expo is experienced, though. They always have plenty of staff and volunteers to help con-goers find their way and keep the “chaos” organized and flowing. This is the day I seek out the stars of stage and screen. My photo protectors are ready to receive the autographs of Brendon Fraser, Adam Savage (@donttrythis), George Takei (@GeorgeTakei), Walter Koenig (@GineokwKoenig), Stephen Amell (@StephenAmell), Mario Lopez (@mariolopezviva), and Dominic Monaghan (@DomsWildThings). There are, of course, others, but I’ll be watching panels, gaming, shopping, or admiring all the cosplay when I’m not in line for photos or autographs!

Sunday sees the final seven hours of the show, though let’s be real, most vendors will be packing up their shops around noon. I don’t fault them; tearing down a set up takes just as long as putting it up. It’s okay; all of my must-have important purchases happened Saturday. If I missed anyone, many of the voice actors and comic creators will still be around, giving me an extra chance to meet them before I, too, must pack up and head home. It’s going to be a great weekend!