We had previously reported last year that there was a lot of unused space around the convention. We are happy to report that this year they were able to fill up some of this space. There were more vendors and exhibitors on the first floor. The Community Zone on the first floor was a welcomed addition offering several photo opportunities such as with members of the Bay Area Bounty Hunters in full Star Wars cosplay, and with the 501st Legion posing next to a full-sized E-Web heavy repeating blaster from Star Wars. The Asian Art Museum was promoting its current exhibition ("MURAKAMI: MONSTERIZED") of contemporary artist Takashi Murakami with a coloring activity for attendees.

_{"MURAKAMI: MONSTERIZED" flower mural.}

Comic creators this year were moved to the second floor filling up the unused space last year around the escalators. The Artist Alley takes up the bulk of the second floor filled with fan creations including artworks, jewelry, crafts, and custom plushies. 

The third floor was organized a bit differently this year. Most of the guest autograph booths were around the escalators similar to the comic creator booths on the second floor. This included voice actor guests such as David Hayter best known for his work as Solid Snake from the Metal Gear series and Sarah Natochenny who was the last to voice Ash Ketchum from Pokemon.

_{Sarah Natochenny with a fan at her autograph booth.}

Celebrity autograph booths were a bit hidden, tucked away on the left hallway and I only noticed it as I was leaving the event. An on-site framing service was also offered for $25 on this floor. A large main stage area open to all attendees was set up on the third floor which took up most of the space reserved for large events such as sitdown panels with celebrities including William Shatner and Ewan McGregor. 

_{Actor Ewan McGregor on the main stage.}

We did see larger crowds at this year's show, and surprisingly we also saw a large number of families ranging from small children to grandparents. A Family Zone area offered different games and activities, including lightsaber training. Fan Expo is one of the few shows that embodies a family-friendly event with a little bit of everything for everyone across generations.

_{Attendees at lightsaber training in the Family Zone}

As it stands, you can see most of what the event has to offer in a day, and plenty of space is left available for more exhibitors, guests, panels, and things to see. While it was an absolute delight to see an official Nubs character from Star Wars: Young Jedi taking pictures with fans, there still is a bit of a void of industry presence at the show. 

_{Nubs from Star Wars: Young Jedi}

Fan Expo has definitely grown and looks to be a San Francisco staple for years to come and I am excited to go again next year from November 29 to December 1, 2024.

To learn more about Fan Expo, please visit:
https://fanexpohq.com/fanexposanfrancisco/