Fan Expo Canada is the perfect way to close out the summer. The four-day-long celebration is overflowing with positive vibes since it’s attended by pop culture’s most devoted fans. And by most devoted fans, I don’t just mean hardcore cosplayers. Panelists, artists, and even the celebrity guests all go out of their way to show their love and appreciation for fandom. #GoodVibesOnly

But if I had one complaint about attending – and this is a great problem to have – it’s that there is too much to see and do. Fan Expo Canada lasts four days and will attract 130, 000 attendees. So, if you have something on your pop culture bucket-list, you must hustle through the crowds with purpose. Nobody wants to miss out on a photo op with their celebrity crush because they lost track of time at a Sorting Hat ceremony – and yeah, that’s a real thing.

To help you manage your time, I wrote a list of must-see panels taking place at this year’s event. I’ve included a bit of something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for love at Fan Expo, trying to break into the entertainment business, or just want to find out more about your favourite TV show, this list has you covered.

NOTE: This list only details “Panel Events.” There are many other ways to spend your time at Fan Expo. If you discover a panel you’re excited to attend, make sure you arrive early. People start lining up well-ahead of the most popular panels.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 21.

WOMEN IN VOICE ACTING ROUND TABLE – ROOM 713 5:30 pm
Voice acting is acting, and performers confront different challenges in entertainment when navigating the creative process. Join this roundtable discussion from some of the talented women in the voice acting industry about their experiences: Amanda Miller (Boruto;) Cristina Vee (Sailor Mars;) Rachael Lillis (Misty;) and Veronica Taylor (Ash.)

MAKING YOUR VIDEO GAME JUNIOR PORTFOLIO STAND OUT – ROOM 714B 6:30 pm
This workshop is for artists (such as 2D, VFX, 3D, concept, etc.) who want to get a job in the video game industry but don’t know where to start. How to get your CV reviewed, how to build up your portfolio, tips on how to get experience and more, led by a 10-year industry veteran and current video game Producer at iLLOGIKA in Montreal!

COLLEGIATE ESPORTS: HOW DO I GET INVOLVED? – ROOM 715B 6:30 pm
“How do I start a school club to support student gamers?” “How do I get my institution to recognize esports as an official varsity team?” “What steps should I take to help educate my institution on the growth and demand of esports?” Join 4 prominent leaders in the Ontario collegiate space, each representing a different college or university, for this all you need to know panel about e-sports!

COSPLAY FX MAKEUP – BRING YOUR HEROES AND MONSTERS TO THE NEXT LEVEL! – ROOM 701B THURSDAY 7:00 pm
This live demo will show attendees how to achieve simple FX like gunshots, road rash and knife wounds for their cosplay, and finish up by turning an attendee into a Walker worthy of TWD!

SUPERHEROES AND SUPERVILLAINS: FEMALE REPRESENTATION IN COMICS, MOVIES AND TV – ROOM 715B 8:00 pm
There are so many awesome male superhero and supervillain characters in comics and media, but what about the female representation in these mediums? From Shera, Princess of Power, to the iconic villains in the DC and Marvel Universes, to the french phenomenon, Miraculous Ladybug; Learn about the best, and the worst female protagonists and antagonists in this panel!

FRIDAY AUGUST 22.

HASBRO PRESENTATION: TRANSFORMERS – ROOM 705 FRIDAY 11:00 am
Be sure to swing by the Transformers Brand Panel at 11am on Friday, August 23, for the latest brand updates and news!

BREAKING INTO COMICS – ROOM 716B FRIDAY 11:00 am
With the shifting landscape of the comics industry, this is your INVALUABLE guide to breaking into the comics industry.

WRITING FOR COMICS – ROOM 714B FRIDAY 2:45 pm
Comics present their own unique challenges when it comes to writing. Join this panel of experts to learn tips and tricks to make your own stories and dialogue pop!

Q&A WITH THE CAST OF HIT COMEDY SERIES KIM’S CONVENIENCE – ROOM 206 FRIDAY 3:00 pm
Join Appa and the gang for this not to be missed Q&A with the cast of the CBC’s hit comedy, Kim’s Convenience! OK, see you!

BEHIND THE SCENES OF VFX – ROOM 701B FRIDAY 3:00 pm
Just how do the monsters and magic on movie screens come to life? If you’ve ever been interested in how today’s film industry makes those amazing effects, don’t miss this panel with insider pro, Jennifer Maillet!

SPECIAL PRESENTATION WITH LEGO STAR WARS DESIGN MANAGER MICHAEL LEE STOCKWELL – ROOM 716B 4:00 pm
Star Wars fan and LEGO fan unite, because the Design Manager of Lego Star Wars is here! Learn all about the many blocks that build a LEGO galaxy far far away in the special presentation!

Q&A WITH RAINN WILSON – ROOM 106 Friday 6:00 pm
He’s somewhere between a snake and a mongoose (and a panther) and has a wig for every person in the office. Dwight Schrute has arrived at FAN EXPO Canada! Join actor Rainn Wilson as he shares stories from his years in The Office and where he’s been boldly going since!

SATURDAY AUGUST 23.

Q&A WITH SAVED BY THE BELL STARS ELIZABETH BERKLEY, MARK-PAUL GOSSELAAR & MARIO LOPEZ – ROOM 106 11:00 am
It’s all right, because we’ve been saved by the bell! Go back to the glory days of the 90s with this special cast Q&A!

CELEBRITY Q&A WITH SCI-FI “IT GIRL” SUMMER GLAU – ROOM 206 12:00 pm
Summer Glau is a science fiction and fantasy television icon; with roles such as River Tam in Firefly and Serenity, as Tess Doerner in The 4400, as Cameron / Allison Young in Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, as Bennett Halverson in Dollhouse, as Skylar Adams in Alphas, and as Isabel Rochev / Ravager in Arrow!

Q&A WITH THE BOYS’ KARL URBAN AND JACK QUAID – ROOM 106 1:00 pm
Do you believe in Superheroes? Whether you cheer on The Boys or support the Seven, you don’t want to miss our Q&A with Billy Butcher and Hughie!

Q&A WITH UMBRELLA ACADEMY’S NUMBER 1 & 3, TOM HOPPER AND EMMY RAVER-LAMPMAN – ROOM 206 1:30 pm
Fresh from the apocalypse, Luthor and Allison Hargreeves are here! Join Tom Hopper and Emmy Raver-Lampman for the Q&A on all thing Umbrella Academy!

Q&A WITH TRANSFORMERS STARS FRANK WELKER AND PETER CULLEN – ROOM 106 2:00 pm
Transform and roll-IN to this epic meeting of the voices behind two of the greatest bots in history! As the talent behind the original Optimus Prime and Megatron, Frank and Peter have returned to the roles several times on TV and in the movies – in addition to an insanely long list of voice credits sure to make anyone blush.

EXCLUSIVE ADVANCE SCREENING OF GLOBAL’S NEW DRAMA “EVIL” – ROOM 701B 3:00 pm
Join us for the exclusive advance screening of Global’s new drama EVIL, premiering Thursday, Sept. 26 at 10pm ET/PT. The new psychological mystery series starring Mike Colter will examine the intricacies of the long-standing debate between religion, science, and the occult.

Q&A WITH SMALLVILLE STARS KRISTIN KREUK, MICHAEL ROSENBAUM, LAURA VANDERVOORT & TOM WELLING – ROOM 106 3:15 pm
Stroll down memory lane with Clark Kent, Lex Luthor, Lana Lang and Kara Kent! Relive your favourite Smallville memories at this cast Q & A!

FOUNDING THE MARVEL UNIVERSE: A TRIBUTE TO STAN LEE, JACK KIRBY AND STEVE DITKO – 714B SATURDAY 4:00 pm
Please join renowned author Blake Bell and an esteemed panel of creators as they discuss the legacy and impact of Stan Lee, Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko.

SUNDAY AUGUST 24.

CELEBRITY Q&A WITH THE LEGENDARY JEFF GOLDBLUM – ROOM 106 11:00 am
We all know life finds a way, so find your way to this not to be missed Q&A with the legendary Jeff Goldblum!

GEEK SPEED DATING (LGBTQ – 1:00 pm & Hetero – 3:00 pm) – ROOM 803
Back by popular demand, speed dating is returning to Fan Expo Canada! Come and join in the fun and experience the thrill of meeting your potential soul mate, future spouse or maybe someone a little more casual! All weekend! On-site sign up only! This is an 18+ event.

TODD MCFARLANE – RAW AND UNCENSORED – 716B 2:00 pm
Todd McFarlane, Image Comics founder, creator of Spawn, co-creator of Venom and McFarlane Toys CEO, talks about his 30+ years in the comic and entertainment industry. He will be raw and uncensored—talking toys, comics, industry advice and more! He’ll also be talking about one of the biggest milestones in his career, Spawn 300, which will set the record for the longest-running creator-owned superhero comic ever! Bring your burning questions for a Toddfather Q&A. This jam-packed panel is a must for any Todd McFarlane fan!

CELEBRITY Q&A WITH THE DOCTOR HIMSELF PETER CAPALDI – ROOM 106 3:30 pm
He may be gruff on the outside, but this timelord made his way into our hearts! The 12th Doctor is here! Don’t miss your chance to spend some time with Peter Capaldi and learn more about life inside the Tardis!

Fan Expo Canada runs August 22-25, 2019 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

FAN EXPO Canada™ celebrates 25 years inviting fans far and wide to discover, celebrate and belong with them from August 22-25, 2019 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The annual convention is the largest comics, sci-fi, horror, anime and gaming event in Canada and the second-largest in North America. This year the show floor will be packed with exciting family-friendly activities and celebrity guests including John Travolta (Pulp Fiction), Rainn Wilson (The Office), Jeff Goldblum (Jurassic Park), Zachary Levi (Shazam!) and more. The all-ages pop culture convention expects to host over 130,000 fans in 750,000 sq. Ft. of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre for the four-day event.