Salt Lake City Comic Con (now FanX) has evolved into one of the most beloved pop culture conventions in the U.S., bouncing back from pandemic setbacks with resilience, creativity, and community spirit. Here's why it deserves a spot on every geek's travel radar.
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🎠From “Cute” to Colossal: A Brief History of FanX
Salt Lake City Comic Con debuted in September 2013 at the Salt Palace Convention Center, founded by Dan Farr and Bryan Brandenburg. What started as a “quaint” idea quickly shattered expectations—over 72,000 attendees flooded the inaugural event, making it the largest first-year comic con in North America. By 2015, attendance soared to 127,000, cementing its status as Utah’s most attended convention.
In 2018, the event rebranded as FanX Salt Lake Pop Culture & Comic Convention, but the heart of the con—celebrating fandoms across comics, sci-fi, fantasy, anime, and gaming—remained unchanged.
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🦠Pandemic Pause and Powerful Comeback
Like many conventions, FanX 2020 was canceled due to COVID-19, despite having major plans in place. But the team didn’t fold. They pivoted to virtual engagement, kept the fanbase energized through social media, and returned stronger in 2021 with enhanced safety protocols and renewed enthusiasm.
Founder Dan Farr reflected on the journey during FanX’s 10th anniversary in 2023, saying, “Everybody has played a part” in building the community that helped the con survive and thrive.
🌟 Past Guests That Made Fans Swoon
FanX has hosted a galaxy of stars over the years, including:
- Stan Lee (Marvel legend)
- William Shatner (Star Trek)
- Jason Momoa (Aquaman)
- Tom Holland (Spider-Man)
- Hayley Atwell (Agent Carter)
- David Tennant (Doctor Who)
- Jeff Goldblum, Elijah Wood, and Chris Evans, among others
The guest list blends A-listers with cult favorites, ensuring every fandom feels seen.
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🎟️ Badge Info and Fan Perks
Badges range from single-day passes to VIP and Ultimate FanX experiences, which include perks like early access, priority seating, and exclusive merch. Autograph and photo-op tickets are sold separately, but you can still meet celebrities during panels or at booths without extra purchases.
FanX also offers:
- Discounts for early birds
- Volunteer opportunities
- Vendor and artist alley access
- Cosplay contests and themed parties
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💥 Why FanX Is a Must-Visit
What makes FanX special isn’t just the guests or the panels—it’s the welcoming, high-energy vibe. The con blends Utah’s local charm with global geek culture, creating a space where cosplayers, collectors, and creators connect. Whether you're chasing autographs, geeking out over anime, or just vibing with fellow fans, FanX delivers.
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✈️ Geeky Global Treks Tip
If you're planning a pop culture pilgrimage, FanX is a top-tier destination. The Salt Palace is centrally located, walkable from hotels and eateries, and the fall dates (usually late September) make for perfect cosplay weather. Add it to your con circuit—your passport to fandom deserves it.
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