Winnipeg Comiccon October 28-30, 2022

Winnipeg Comiccon returns better than ever. This is the second year the organizers from Montreal at the helm. It has been hard even knowing how much of the RBC Convention Centre was even going to be available since the vaccine clinic was still operational till September. Last year's event was a half the space, with vaccine passport at the door and mask mandate. It was successful in that short sweet spot before a deeper shutdown only weeks later.

The locally run C4 Central Canada Comic Con in previous years from 2018 and back was the biggest convention held annually in Manitoba. Once the $180 million expansion of the convention was completed in late 2015, the enormous size and expense of the third floor became apparent to conventions that had previously operated there. Vendors found it pricey and corporate sponsorship became more important than ever. By 2019 C4 was not able to do a show. The requirement of staffing to do a pop culture show required an enormous commitment of time and expertise. Not to mention money.

In Canada now, the pop culture events are run by businesses that do several events a year and have staff year round. It is just too tough to not try economies of scale for guests, corporate sponsorship and working with local partners. The good news is well run events can be very good business for local vendors and artisans.

Winnipeg's Comiccon Halloween weekend timeslot has always been the best since it offers the perfect excuse for anyone to wear a costume. When critics say we need more people downtown, this is the type of event they talk about. Often the Jets are playing at the same time the convention is on and tens of thousands of people are in the streets.

We likely have not seen just how big Comiccon can become in Winnipeg going forward. It takes a lot of planning but people in the city have years of experience in pop culture get togethers. And these events don't operate without a lot of volunteers and outreach groups and locally hired staff. And loads of small businesses.

This year will feature three screenings of Phantom of the Paradise Friday and a screening and into of Army of Darkness by Bruce Campbell.

Lots of cosplays performers will be in attendance and the masquerade for best costumes.

And a Comiccon beer is also being introduced.

The convention runs October 28 to 30. Expect to great attendance this year.