Office of the Premier
Northern FanCon 2018, an internationally recognized entertainment expo and comic convention, will bring Hollywood celebrities, creative geniuses and thousands of visitors together in Prince George on May 11–13, 2018, with help from the Province’s Tourism Events Program.
Northern FanCon features comic and film artists, creative workshops, costume play (cosplay) contests, live interviews of celebrity guests and a pop culture trade show. Returning for a fourth year, FanCon draws national and international attendance, and is a must-attend event for people in Prince George. The annual event gains huge buzz from media coverage and social media, not only in Canada, but around the world.
“Northern FanCon is becoming an iconic event that attracts thousands of fans. This is great news for Prince George, because it creates significant tourism impact and boosts the local economy,” said Lana Popham, acting Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. “Providing support for unique events — like Northern FanCon — is just one way that our government is attracting tourists to our province, and helping British Columbians who earn their living in the tourism industry.”
“The positive impacts of Northern FanCon have been felt all over the province, and across the B.C. borders,” said Norm Coyne, event director, Northern FanCon. “This year, thanks to support from the Tourism Events Program and other visionary partners, we get to expand the influence our city is having on the screen-arts industry of the province. We are showing that this sector has a place in all regions of B.C. At the same time, we are also having an influence on the tourism industry, as we draw people from far and wide into a new and exciting relationship with British Columbia.”
Over the past four years, more than 50,000 people have attended the Prince George-based expo, travelling from as far as New Zealand, Japan and Texas, to attend and meet their favourite stars. The line-up this year includes legendary entertainer Nichelle Nichols — best known for her role as Lt. Uhura on Star Trek — as well as renowned Australian actress Gigi Edgley and many others. This year’s three-day event is expected to generate about $500,000 in visitor spending.
The Tourism Events Program supports events that raise national and international awareness of B.C.’s many tourism experiences, and inspires people from around the world to travel to and experience British Columbia. These events also generate tourism activity in communities and regions throughout the province.
Quick Facts:
- The Province of British Columbia has provided $24,500 in funding to Northern FanCon 2018, through the Tourism Events Program.
- Northern FanCon is a fan convention/entertainment expo hosted by UNLTD Media & Events, the Prince George Citizen and the Northland Auto Group, and is held at Prince George’s CN Centre and Kin 1 arena.
- An estimated 10,340 attendees and participants are expected, with 4,540 attending from outside Prince George.
- Visitors are expected to stay four days, generating 4,420 hotel room nights during Prince George’s low tourism season.
- Northern FanCon has won several awards, including the 2017 Prince George Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Award for tourism and hospitality.
Learn More:
Learn more about Northern FanCon 2018: https://fancon.ca/
On Twitter (hashtag: #northernfancon2018): https://twitter.com/northernfancon
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northernfanconpg/
For more information on the Tourism Events Program, visit: www.destinationbc.ca/BC-Tourism-Industry/Municipal-and-Regional-District-Tax-Program/Tourism-Events-Program.aspx
