Over Thanksgiving weekend, Fan Expo San Francisco returned to Moscone West Convention Center for its third year, reaffirming its place as a key event in the Bay Area's pop culture calendar. Despite the chilly downtown San Francisco weather, the warmth and energy inside Moscone West year's expo drew an even larger crowd, solidifying its growing popularity among fans.

The Exhibit Hall on the first floor felt noticeably more diverse than in previous years. While staples like anime figurines, trading cards, and comic books remained, this year introduced an expanded variety of vendors. Particularly notable was the increased presence of LARP (Live Action Role Playing) and prop creators selling items like replica weapons and potion bottles, which captivated fantasy and cosplay enthusiasts. The community zones were moved here including local groups such as the Ghostbusters-themed Terror Dog Squad, the 501st Legion Golden Gate Garrison, and the Droids Builders Club were present.

A surprising addition this year was several vendors selling premium tea leaves and coffee, offering a unique blend of niche interests that I hadn’t noticed in earlier expos. There was also a noticeable trend of custom enamel pins for sale, with many merchants offering unique designs tailored to fandom collectors.

Meanwhile, the Artist Alley on the second floor retained its strong presence, showcasing talented comic book artists and independent creators. Though the space’s layout was familiar, the content felt refreshed, with numerous artists offering new exclusive prints and signings.

Fan Expo’s growth wasn’t limited to the exhibit hall. The second floor housed various overlook theatres that offered different panels and have several rooms including an Anime HQ that had a cosplay repair station and Friendiverse Lounge for attendees to relax and socialize. 

Panel programming had improved in diversity, although the lack of a significant industry presence persisted. Major players like Viz Media and Crunchyroll, both headquartered in San Francisco, were again absent, a missed opportunity given their relevance to the audience. Still, attendees enjoyed engaging fan-led discussions and meetups.

The Cosplay Red Carpet area was a hub of activity, offering attendees more than just photo opportunities. Performances by groups like Gen Ryu Arts, whose taiko drumming reverberated through the halls, and Uzumaru, with their energetic yosakoi dancing, added cultural depth to the event.

While there was a food court in the Exhibit Hall, the food court right next door at the super theater complex, Metreon was packed with people who clearly came from the convention making it another indicator of Fan Expo’s increasing influence in the area. Despite its wear, the complex buzzed with attendees enjoying meals and discussing their favorite moments from the expo.

While some logistical challenges remain, such as optimizing unused floor space and addressing the lack of prominent industry exhibitors, Fan Expo San Francisco continues to grow and adapt. Its ability to attract diverse vendors, foster community engagement, and bring vibrant performances to the forefront has cemented its place as a must-attend event for Bay Area pop culture fans.

As the expo builds on its foundation, it currently remains unchallenged locally. Fans can eagerly anticipate what’s in store for next year, confident that Fan Expo San Francisco is becoming a staple celebration of fandom in the region.