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40°36′7.812″N 111°53′0.7794″W / 40.60217000°N 111.883549833°W / 40.60217000; -111.883549833

FanX Salt Lake
StatusActive
GenreMulti-genre
VenueSalt Palace Convention Center
LocationsSalt Lake City, Utah
CountryUnited States
InauguratedSeptember 5, 2013 (2013-09-05)
Founders
Most recentSeptember 27, 2025; 33 days ago (2025-09-27)
Next eventTBA
Attendance127,000 (September 2015)
Organized byDan Farr Productions
Filing statusFor-profit
Websitewww.fanxsaltlake.com

FanX Salt Lake (formerly Salt Lake Comic Con) is an annual multi-genre pop culture expo held in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States. It is produced by Dan Farr and Bryan Brandenburg under Dan Farr Productions and is Utah's most attended convention according to the Governor's Office of Economic Development.[1][2][3] The first convention took place at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City.[4] The second event, Salt Lake Comic Con FanXperience, was inaugurated in April 2014.[5][6]

History

[edit]

The first Salt Lake Comic Con was held September 5–7, 2013 and included special guests including Adam West, William Shatner,[7] and Stan Lee with attendance over 70,000.[8][9] People attended with ticket sales that exceeded 50,000.[10][11][9][1] Salt Lake Comic Con FanXperience, the first of two Salt Lake comic conventions in 2014, took place on April 17–19, 2014.[12] FanXperience was attended by over 100,000 people.[13]

On July 25, 2014, San Diego Comic-Con sent Dan Farr Productions a cease and desist letter over the use of the term "Comic Con."[14] Convention organizers responded with a press release citing their legal position and unwillingness to comply to the cease and desist letter.[15] In December 2017, a San Diego jury found San Diego Comic-Con does hold a trademark on the term "Comic Con," but also found Salt Lake organizers Dan Farr and Bryan Brandenburg did not willfully or intentionally violate it. They awarded SDCC $20,000 in damages, less than the $12 million the non-profit wanted. Subsequently, Farr and Brandenburg re-branded the convention under the name FanX.[16] On January 16, 2018, Farr and Brandenburg filed a motion for a new trial.[17]

In March 2016, Dan Farr Productions partnered with POP Life to expand FanXperience to Asia.[18] Bryan Brandenburg stepped aside in May 2018 in response to criticism of how he handled a sexual harassment complaint.[19][20][21] In 2019, Brandenburg devoted himself full-time to Zenerchi, a biotech company he founded in Salt Lake City.[22]

List of events

[edit]
Dates Location Attendance Notable guests Notes
September 5–7, 2013 Salt Palace Convention Center 70,000-80,000[citation needed] Adam West, Burt Ward, Claire Coffee, David Prowse, Dean Cain, Dirk Benedict, Glenn Morshower, Henry Winkler, John de Lancie, Kevin Sorbo, Lou Ferrigno, Manu Bennett, Peter Mayhew, Ray Park, Richard Hatch, Sofia Milos, Stan Lee, Weta Workshop, William Shatner, and over 100 other guests.[23] Salt Lake Comic Con was the largest convention ever held in Utah. The first Salt Lake Comic Con brought roughly $31 million to the state of Utah.[citation needed]
April 17–19, 2014 Salt Palace Convention Center,[24] The Gateway,[25] Salt Lake Marriott Hotel Downtown at City Creek Center,[26] Utah State Capitol[27] Over 100,000[28][29] Aaron Douglas, Adam Baldwin, Billy Dee Williams, Bob Layton, Brent Spiner, Cassandra Peterson, Chandler Riggs, Charles Fleischer, Denise Crosby, Dexter Vines, Ed McGuinness, Edward James Olmos, Gates McFadden, Ioan Gruffudd, James Marsters, Jason David Frank, Jeremy Bulloch, Jon Bernthal, Jonathan Frakes, Julie Benz, Karen Gillan, Karl Urban, Kelly Hu, Laurie Holden, Marina Sirtis, Michael Dorn, Micky Dolenz, Nathan Fillion, Neal Adams, Patrick Stewart, Peter David, Sean Patrick Flanery, William Shatner, and over 100 other guests.[23] Salt Lake Comic Con FanXperience was the largest convention ever held in the state of Utah.[1]
September 4–6, 2014 Salt Palace Convention Center,[30] The Gateway,[31] Salt Lake Marriott Hotel Downtown at City Creek Center,[32] Radisson Hotels Salt Lake City Downtown[33] Over 120,000[34] Ernie Hudson, Bruce Campbell, John Barrowman, Sam Witwer, Cary Elwes, Eliza Dushku, Erin Gray, Lou Ferrigno, Kevin Sorbo, Michael Rosenbaum, Jason David Frank, Giancarlo Esposito, Vic Mignogna, Simon Helberg, Stephen Amell, Manu Bennett, Jon Heder, Neal Adams, Brandon Sanderson, David Farland, Weta Workshop, Barbara Eden, Alan Tudyk, James Hong, Hulk Hogan, Danny Glover, Charisma Carpenter, Kevin Conroy, Gigi Edgley, Matt Frewer, Patrick Warburton, Eve Myles, Craig Parker, Johnny Yong Bosch, Veronica Taylor, Eric Roberts, Colin Baker, Paul McGann, Grant Imahara, Ian Ziering, Ron Perlman, Leonard Nimoy (via Skype), Stan Lee[23] and over 100 other guests.
January 29–31, 2015 Salt Palace Convention Center[35] Over 50,000[36] Matt Smith, Karen Gillan, Billie Piper, Carrie Fisher, Christopher Lloyd, Felicia Day, Tom Felton, Steven Yeun, Emily Kinney, Laurie Holden, Lena Headey, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Brandon Routh, Ray Park, Paul Wesley, Phoebe Tonkin, Nichelle Nichols, Anthony Michael Hall, Mark Pellegrino, Alaina Huffman, Ralph Macchio, Glenn Morshower, RJ Mitte, Jim Cummings, Jess Harnell, Rob Paulsen, and over 100 other guests.[23]
September 24–26, 2015 Salt Palace Convention Center[37] 127,000[citation needed] Chris Evans, Hayley Atwell, Sebastian Stan, Ian Somerhalder, Felicia Day, James and Oliver Phelps, John Barrowman, Jenna Coleman, Arthur Darvill, Sean Astin, Anthony Daniels, Scott Wilson, Marina Sirtis, Denis O'Hare, Dean O'Gorman, Kristin Bauer van Straten, Robbie Amell, Walter Koenig, Richard Hatch, Emma Caulfield, Linda Blair, Daniel Cudmore, Vic Mignogna, Emmanuelle Vaugier, Christopher Gorham, Austin St. John, Joel Hodgson, Bill Corbett, Trace Beaulieu, Frank Conniff, Jim Butcher, Timothy Zahn, James Dashner, R. A. Salvatore, Terry Brooks, Dee Bradley Baker, Jess Harnell, Rob Paulsen, Richard Paul Evans, Kevin Hearne[23] and over 100 other guests. The third annual Salt Lake Comic Con event broke its previous attendance records with 127,000 attendees.[citation needed] Salt Lake Comic Con 2015 also helped contribute to record breaking Utah Transit Authority ridership numbers with 567,892 boardings on TRAX (light rail) and FrontRunner. The event broke the Guinness World Record for the Most People Dressed as Comic Book Characters in one location with 1784 participants.[38] Salt Lake Comic Con 2015 hosted the POP! Life World Tour Exhibition presented by Funko and Toy Tokyo.[39]
March 24–26, 2016 Salt Palace Convention Center[40] Over 50,000[citation needed] Buzz Aldrin, Gillian Anderson, Matt Smith, Jason Isaacs, Summer Glau, Chandler Riggs, Alex Kingston, Tom Kenny, Alan Tudyk, LeVar Burton, Mitch Pileggi, Dean Cain, Sylvester McCoy, Peter Davison, Bill Farmer, Jess Harnell, Paul Blackthorne, Charlotte Ross, Curtis Armstrong, Gary Lockwood, Michael Traynor, Don Shanks, Grey DeLisle, Erica Carroll, William B. Davis, Kate Beckinsale, Nick Carter, Tony Anselmo, Danai Gurira, Joey Fatone, Jeremy Renner, and over 100 other guests.[23] The sixth Salt Lake Comic Con event and the third annual FanXperience event.
September 1–3, 2016 Salt Palace Convention Center Over 120,000[citation needed] Mark Hamill, William Shatner, Stephen Amell, John Cena, Evanna Lynch, Ian Somerhalder, Paul Wesley, Robert Englund, Lou Ferrigno, Michael Rooker, Famke Janssen, Arthur Darvill, Billy Boyd, Millie Bobby Brown, Jim Beaver, John Schneider, Tom Wopat, Catherine Bach, Manu Bennett, David Ramsey, Jason David Frank, Jeremy Bulloch, Vic Mignogna, Phil LaMarr, Steve Blum, James Arnold Taylor, Fred Tatasciore, Jess Harnell, Liam McIntyre, Troy Baker, and over 100 other guests.[23] The fourth annual Salt Lake Comic Con event.
March 17–18, 2017 Salt Palace Convention Center 45,000 - 50,000 (est) Stan Lee (via Skype), Cary Elwes, Wallace Shawn, Michael Cudlitz, Chris Sarandon, "Weird Al" Yankovic, John Rhys-Davies, Tara Strong, Khary Payton, Jess Harnell, Adrian Paul, Judge Reinhold, Bonnie Wright, James Roday, Dulé Hill, Jason Momoa, Emilie de Ravin, Holly Marie Combs, Josh McDermitt, Sean Maguire, Greg Grunberg, Verne Troyer, Adrienne Wilkinson, Brian Krause, Jennifer Hale, Amy Gumenick, Sam J. Jones, RJ Mitte, Zachary Levi, Christopher Lambert, Jeff Bennett, Marv Wolfman, Richard Paul Evans, Brandon Mull, and over 100 other guests.[23] The fourth annual FanXperience event and the first Salt Lake Comic Con FanXperience event to be held for two days.
September 21–23, 2017 Salt Palace Convention Center 75,000 - 100,000 (est) Val Kilmer, John Cusack, Jon Bernthal, Christopher Lloyd, Richard Dean Anderson, John Barrowman, Catherine Tate, Wil Wheaton, Michael Rooker, Thomas F. Wilson, Ross Marquand, Eliza Dushku, Joonas Suotamo, Sean Gunn, Michael Rosenbaum, Nolan North, Christopher Sabat, Sean Schemmel, Eoin Macken, Jewel Staite, Corbin Bernsen, Will Friedle, Vic Mignogna, Jess Harnell, and dozens more.[41] The fifth annual Salt Lake Comic Con event.
September 6–8, 2018 Salt Palace Convention Center Approximately 110,000[42] Jeff Goldblum, Karl Urban, Dave Bautista, Jason Momoa, Ian Mcdiarmid, Rainn Wilson, David Tennant, Evangeline Lilly, Chuck Norris, Tom Welling, Michael Rosenbaum, Jennifer Morrison, Gaten Matarazzo, Brent Spiner, John DiMaggio, Lucy Lawless, Karl Urban, Tim Curry, Mark Sheppard, John Wesley Shipp, Kevin Sorbo, Jason David Frank, Robby Benson, Amy Jo Johnson, Paige O’Hara, Tricia Helfer, Elizabeth Daily, and more were announced. The sixth annual FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention event. The first event for which the expo has used the words "Comic Convention" instead of "Comic Con", following a lawsuit with San Diego Comic-Con.
April 19–20, 2019 Salt Palace Convention Center 45,000 - 50,000 (est) Clark Gregg, Pom Klementieff, Mike Colter, Tye Sheridan, Lynda Carter, Warwick Davis, Val Kilmer, Aimee Garcia, John Cleese, Ricky Schroder, Austin St. John, and Angela Kinsey were announced. FanX Spring was held in April as a two-day event with FanX Fall scheduled for the first week of September 2019.
September 5–7, 2019 Salt Palace Convention Center 85,000 - 95,000 (est) Tom Holland, Hayden Christensen, Ian McDiarmid, Ross Marquand, Jason Isaacs, Rebecca Mader, Keifer Sutherland, Megan Follows, Chris Kirkpatrick, Joey Fatone, Lana Parrilla, Kel Mitchell, Linda Ballantyne, Billy Zane and Patrick Renna were announced.
September 17–19, 2020 Salt Palace Convention Center Cancelled Alan Ritchson, Keegan Connor Tracy, Jaleel White, Peter Cullen FanX 2020 was originally scheduled to be held September 17–19, but was cancelled on July 10 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.[43]
September 16–18, 2021 Salt Palace Convention Center Will Friedle, Christopher Eccleston, William Zabka were announced.
September 22–24, 2022 Salt Palace Convention Center
September 21–23, 2023 Salt Palace Convention Center William Shatner, Cary Elwes, Giancarlo Esposito, Jess Harnell, and Tara Strong were announced.
September 26–28, 2024 Salt Palace Convention Center Dick Van Dyke, Mel Gibson, Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Susan Sarandon, Bonnie Wright, Anthony Daniels and Wil Wheaton were announced.
September 25–27, 2025 Salt Palace Convention Center 100,000+ [44] Ke Huy Quan, Danny Elfman, William Shatner, Catherine Tate, Billie Piper, Freema Agyeman, Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Ian Somerhalder, Shantel VanSanten, Laz Alonso, Zachary Levi, Ben Barnes, Brad Garrett, John Rhys-Davies, Sean Astin, Miranda Otto, Cleavant Derricks, Jerry O'Connell, Lawrence Makoare, Tyler Hoechlin, Melissa Benoist, Linda Blair, Matthew Modine, Ross Marquand, Michael Rooker, Cooper Andrews, Garrett Hedlund, Frank Grillo, Andrew McCarthy, Henry Thomas, Henry Winkler, Don Most, Anson Williams, Thomas Lennon, Cedric Yarbrough, Nikki Reed, Emily Hampshire, Laura Prepon, Doug Jones, Vanessa Shaw, Omri Katz, Enrico Colantoni, Dylan McDermott, John Ratzenberger, Vicki Lawrence. Soleil Moon Frye, Debbe Dunning, Patricia Richardson, Richard Karn, Dana Wheeler-Nicholson,

Dave Foley, Jason Faunt, Walter Emanuel Jones, Rick Worthy, Mick Foley, Lita, Sting, Ric Flair, May Hong, Tom Kenny, Alex Brightman, Richard Horvitz, Brandon Rogers, Bryce Pinkham, Vivian Nixon, Anika Noni Rose, Robbie Daymond, Ray Chase, Max Mittelman, Jennifer Hale, Sean Schemmel, Christopher Sabat, Dameon Clarke, Dee Bradley Baker, Greg Baldwin,

Michaela Jill Murphy, Nolan North, Sarah Natochenny, Erica Schroeder, Jason Griffith, Lisa Ortiz, Jess Harnell, Kellen Goff, J. Michael Tatum, Brianna Knickerbocker, Maggie Robertson, Alejandro Saab, Pablo Hidalgo

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

FanX

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention is an annual pop culture and comic convention held in , , featuring celebrity guests from , television, and comics, along with panel discussions, vendor booths, author signings, and competitions. Organized by Dan Farr Productions and first launched in 2013, it rebranded from Salt Lake Comic Con to FanX following a by International, which resulted in a barring the use of "Comic Con" and requiring payment of approximately $4 million in legal fees. The event has grown to become Utah's largest convention by attendance, typically drawing 100,000 to 125,000 visitors over three days at the , making it the highest comic convention in . Notable guests have included actors such as Chris Evans, , and , contributing to its reputation for high-profile appearances despite the host city's relatively small metropolitan population of under 1.2 million. By 2019, organizers reported donating over $2 million to local charities and community initiatives, alongside maintaining a social media presence reaching 1-2 million users weekly. FanX has faced criticism for operational challenges, including delays in photo opportunities and vendor issues, as well as a 2018 controversy involving the mishandling of a sexual harassment complaint, which led co-founder Bryan Brandenburg to step aside amid public backlash. These incidents prompted the formation of an advisory council to address attendee safety and trust, though the convention has continued to expand with events like spring and fall editions in prior years.

History

Founding and Early Development

FanX, initially launched as Salt Lake Comic Con, was established by entrepreneurs Dan Farr and Bryan Brandenburg under Dan Farr Productions, an event and marketing firm co-founded by Farr. The inaugural convention occurred from September 5 to 7, 2013, at the in , , representing the region's first major comic and pop culture gathering of its kind. Farr, drawing from his prior success co-founding —a company specializing in 3D content and software—sought to fill a void in for fan-focused events celebrating , films, television, and related media, inspired by larger national conventions but tailored to local enthusiasm for such genres. The debut event featured panels, vendor exhibits, and celebrity appearances, attracting substantial crowds and exceeding organizers' expectations for turnout and engagement in a state with limited prior exposure to comic cons. Early development saw rapid iteration, with the introduction of a spring edition in to capitalize on growing demand, expanding programming to include contests, artist alleys, and broader pop culture discussions while maintaining the fall flagship at the . This dual-event model, produced annually by Dan Farr Productions, solidified the convention's role as Utah's leading platform for fan interactions, fostering community growth amid increasing attendance and logistical scaling at the venues.

Trademark Dispute and Rebranding

In August 2014, Comic-Con International, organizers of , filed a against Dan Farr Productions, the company behind Con, alleging that the event's name caused consumer confusion and diluted SDCC's federally registered "Comic-Con" trademarks. The suit claimed Con's use of "Comic Con" since its inception in 2013 infringed on SDCC's marks, which had been in use since 1970 and were upheld as valid despite arguments of genericness. A federal jury in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of ruled on December 8, 2017, that Dan Farr Productions willfully infringed SDCC's trademarks, rejecting defenses that "comic-con" was a generic term for fan conventions. The verdict followed a trial where evidence included instances of attendee confusion, such as mistaken ticket purchases and assumptions of affiliation between the events. Organizers of Comic Con initially vowed to appeal without changing the name but signaled reconsideration amid the loss. On January 17, 2018, Dan Farr Productions launched a new website for the event, indicating a rebranding to FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention to comply with anticipated restrictions while preserving the event's identity. The name "FanX" derived from "Fan Experience," emphasizing broader pop culture elements beyond , though the full title retained "Comic Convention" to distinguish it from the hyphenated "Comic-Con." In August 2018, U.S. District Judge Anthony Battaglia issued a permanent prohibiting FanX from using "Comic-Con" or any confusingly similar terms, including reminders of its former name, and ordered payment of approximately $3.9 million in SDCC's attorney fees, citing the willfulness of the infringement. FanX appealed the fee award and to the Ninth Circuit, arguing financial hardship and that the term's generic use in the industry undermined SDCC's exclusive rights, but the court affirmed the judgment in April 2020. The parties reached a settlement on July 31, 2020, resolving all remaining claims without altering the or fee obligations, allowing FanX to continue under its rebranded name while adhering to restrictions. The dispute highlighted tensions over scope in the convention industry, where SDCC has enforced its marks against multiple regional events, prompting varied rebrandings elsewhere.

Expansion, Challenges, and Recent Years

Following the 2018 rebranding, FanX experienced sustained growth in attendance and programming scope, solidifying its position as Utah's largest convention and the biggest comic event in North America on a per-capita basis, with average crowds exceeding 125,000 attendees per event. That year, despite internal disruptions including the trademark settlement and a harassment complaint, the September event drew more visitors than the prior record of approximately 120,000, demonstrating resilience in fan interest. The posed a major challenge, forcing the cancellation of the 2020 edition in July due to rising cases and restrictions in , which organizers described as extending a "summer without superheroes" amid widespread event shutdowns. FanX resumed in September 2021 with eager celebrity participation and adapted safety protocols, though specific attendance figures for the return were not publicly detailed beyond general recovery trends for similar conventions. In recent years, FanX has maintained high attendance, projecting over 100,000 for the 2025 event held September 25–27 at the Convention Center, featuring guests such as . Organizers doubled security measures for 2025 in response to community safety concerns following a nearby deadly shooting, while downtown construction for a new and preparations for the 2034 Winter Olympics disrupted some logistics. Expansion efforts included the acquisition of convention by FanX owners in 2023, signaling broader operational reach beyond .

Event Format and Features

Core Activities and Programming

FanX's core programming centers on panel discussions, which form the backbone of attendee engagement. These include large-scale question-and-answer sessions with celebrity guests in venues like the Grand Ballroom, as well as smaller-scale fan-led presentations and discussions analyzing , television, comics, and other pop culture elements. Panels typically run from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Thursday, noon to 11 p.m. on Friday, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on , with schedules and maps provided via the event app for navigation across multiple rooms. Workshops complement the panels by offering hands-on sessions on creative skills, such as writing techniques or media analysis, fostering educational interaction among fans and professionals. Dedicated gaming zones provide interactive experiences, including tournaments, demonstrations, and play sessions tied to sci-fi and fantasy themes. KidCon designates a family-oriented area with age-appropriate activities, such as supervised games and introductions to pop culture, to ensure accessibility for younger attendees.

Guest Appearances and Policies

FanX features celebrity guests from film, television, , and other media, who participate in sessions, professional photo opportunities, and panel discussions at the Convention Center. These appearances are centralized in areas like Celebrity Row, where attendees can purchase add-on experiences such as signed items or posed photographs, in addition to general convention access. Guest schedules specify attendance times, which may vary from promotional listings, and include high-profile figures such as actors and Ben Barnes in recent events. All announced guests commit to attending, but appearances remain subject to change or cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances, a standard practice across comic conventions. In the event of a cancellation, organizers attempt to secure a comparable replacement guest, though no guarantees are provided. General event tickets are non-refundable regardless of guest changes, reflecting the convention's policy that attendance is not contingent on specific individuals. For pre-purchased photo operations or autographs tied to a canceling guest, attendees may select a full refund or exchange for an available alternative via a self-service portal, excluding event admission fees. Missed opportunities due to attendee absence or scheduling conflicts do not qualify for refunds. These policies apply uniformly, with no provisions for partial refunds on bundled packages if only select guests are affected.

Vendor and Cosplay Elements

The Vendor Floor at FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention comprises thousands of square feet of exhibition space featuring hundreds of booths dedicated to merchandise such as collectibles, artwork, , books, costumes, and apparel. This area constitutes the majority of the convention's exhibit space, accommodating a diverse array of vendors offering items ranging from mass-produced memorabilia to handmade crafts and rare collectibles. Operating hours typically align with the event schedule, such as Thursday from 1:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., from 11:45 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Saturday from 10:45 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with booth lists and maps provided via the official website closer to each event. FanX emphasizes exhibitor participation through open applications for merchants and vendors, enabling a broad selection of pop culture-related goods that cater to attendees' interests in , sci-fi, fantasy, and gaming. Standard booth setups include 10' x 10' spaces with 8' high back drapes, 3' high side drapes, a skirted table, and identification signage, facilitating efficient shopping experiences amid high attendance. Cosplay serves as a central attraction, drawing thousands of participants who embody characters from film, television, video games, and , often showcased throughout the convention halls. The Official Cosplay Contest, held annually, features competitive categories judged on craftsmanship, accuracy, and performance, with registration requiring online submission and a deadline of August 22 at 11:59 p.m. for the preceding year's event cycle. Entrants are divided into sections such as novice, intermediate, and advanced, with selections based on application quality; winners receive recognition for exceptional detail, as seen in the 2025 contest where craftsmanship was highlighted in announcements. The contest includes a hosted stage show with performances, judged by selected experts and emceed by appointed hosts, culminating in awards for categories like Hall of Fame for elite entries. Beyond the formal competition, informal gatherings and photo opportunities permeate the event, fostering community interaction without restrictive policies beyond general convention .

Major Events and Milestones

Pre-Rebranding Events (2013–2017)

The inaugural Salt Lake Comic Con took place from September 5 to 7, 2013, at the in , , drawing an estimated 72,000 attendees and marking the largest first-year turnout for a comic convention in at the time. Guests of honor included actors , , and , alongside creator , who participated in panels and autograph sessions. The event featured vendor halls, contests, and programming on , , and film, contributing an estimated economic impact exceeding $20 million to the local area as reported by organizers. Building on this success, Dan Farr Productions launched a spring edition called Salt Lake Comic Con FanXperience from April 17 to 19, 2014, which attracted over 100,000 visitors and established a biannual format. The corresponding fall Salt Lake Comic Con occurred September 4 to 6, 2014, with guests such as , , and a return appearance by , who publicly praised it as "the greatest comic con in the world." Subsequent years followed the dual-event pattern, with the 2015 fall edition from September 24 to 26 reporting 127,000 attendees and featuring high-profile guests including , , and . The spring FanXperience events in 2015 and 2016, held in January and March respectively, continued to draw tens of thousands, emphasizing fan interactions, gaming tournaments, and panels. The 2016 fall event ran September 1 to 3, while 2017's spring FanXperience occurred March 17 to 18, and the final pre-rebranding fall convention was September 21 to 23, amid emerging trademark challenges from organizers that would prompt the name change. Attendance figures, primarily self-reported by organizers, reflected consistent growth driven by celebrity bookings and expanded programming, though independent verification remained limited.

Post-Rebranding Events (2018–Present)

The first FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention took place from September 6 to 8, 2018, at the Salt Palace Convention Center in , , attracting an estimated 110,000 attendees and exceeding the prior year's attendance amid and legal resolutions. The event featured celebrity guests, panels, and vendor exhibits, maintaining core programming elements while organizers emphasized fan engagement. The 2019 iteration, held September 5–7, drew over 100,000 participants and highlighted contests, STEM-focused exhibits from local institutions like , and interactive vendor experiences. A spring edition in April also occurred, expanding access to programming such as galleries and panels. The 2020 event, originally planned for September 17–19, was canceled due to surging cases in and concerns, postponing in-person gatherings for the first time since . Organizers cited consultations with health officials and leaders as decisive factors. FanX returned in 2021 from September 16–18, with reports of eager celebrity participation and adapted safety protocols following the pandemic hiatus. Annual fall conventions resumed thereafter, sustaining attendance between 100,000 and 125,000 per event and reinforcing its position as 's largest convention by participant count. The 2023 edition marked the overall 10th anniversary of the convention series, prompting reflections from founder Dan Farr on sustained growth and fan loyalty. The series has continued without further interruptions, with the 2025 event scheduled for September 25–27 at the Salt Palace, featuring updated programming hours and app-based scheduling tools.

Controversies

2018 Harassment Complaint Mishandling

In early 2018, author Shannon Hale contacted FanX co-founder Bryan Brandenburg to express concerns over the convention's handling of sexual harassment reports, including an alleged 2017 incident at the prior Salt Lake Comic Con where author Richard Paul Evans reportedly touched a female author inappropriately without consent. Hale questioned her planned attendance at the September 2018 event, citing perceived inadequacies in FanX's response despite a new Universal Harassment Policy introduced in February 2018 that outlined prohibited behaviors and sanctions. On May 21, 2018, Brandenburg replied via email, suggesting Hale "sit this one out" if she felt unsafe and describing the #MeToo movement as "trendy," which Hale and critics viewed as dismissive. FanX staff then publicly tweeted Hale's private email correspondence—later deleted—prompting accusations of doxxing and further harassment from Hale, who stated it constituted public shaming rather than private resolution. The exchange ignited widespread backlash on social media, with multiple authors, including Brendan Reichs, withdrawing from the event and calling for stronger accountability. Brandenburg issued a public apology the same day on and , acknowledging his "insensitivity" and "mistakes" in escalating the matter, while committing to better comprehend dynamics. On May 22, 2018, he elaborated in a FanX blog post, outlining planned staff training on within 90 days, anonymous reporting mechanisms, and explicit guidelines in the updated . Evans, previously not re-invited, confirmed his non-participation in future events following discussions with organizers. By May 25, 2018, announced an indefinite leave of absence from operations, announced by co-founder Dan Farr, who emphasized condemning unsafe behaviors and forming a compliance committee; would attend the event only as a private attendee. FanX responded with additional measures, including a donation to Time's Up and, in July 2018, the creation of a with the League of Volunteers to prevent . A launched for the event received two reports amid higher call volume, though most were unrelated to misconduct. returned in August 2018, pledging policy enhancements.

Trademark Enforcement and Business Criticisms

Dan Farr Productions, the organizer of FanX (formerly Salt Lake Comic Con), engaged in a protracted trademark dispute with International (SDCC) over the use of "Comic Con" in its event name. In July 2014, SDCC issued a cease-and-desist letter alleging infringement of its registered s, prompting a federal lawsuit later that year. A in December 2017 found that Dan Farr Productions had infringed SDCC's marks but rejected claims of willfulness, awarding minimal damages of $20,000. In August 2018, U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Battaglia ordered FanX to pay SDCC nearly $4 million in attorney fees, citing the need to deter similar challenges to established s, and issued a permanent barring further use of "Comic Con." The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the ruling in April 2020, solidifying the financial penalty. The dispute drew criticism for Dan Farr Productions' perceived aggressiveness, including organizers Dan Farr and Bryan Brandenburg driving a vehicle emblazoned with "Salt Lake Comic Con" branding to the 2014 SDCC event shortly after receiving the cease-and-desist, an action viewed by some as intentionally provocative amid ongoing negotiations. organizers defended their initial naming as a generic descriptor for fan experiences, arguing no prior enforcement by SDCC against similar events, but the courts upheld the trademarks' validity and consumer confusion risks. The rebranding to in 2018 was a direct outcome, though the company sought stays claiming the fee award threatened its viability and Utah's convention economy. Business criticisms of FanX have centered on its operational model, including high vendor booth fees that disadvantage smaller artists and exhibitors. Prime locations on the main expo floor can exceed $1,000 for a standard booth, with shared arrangements for groups of authors costing $235–$310 per participant, prompting complaints about for independent creators. feedback has highlighted organizational shortcomings, such as inadequate communication, inaccurate app listings of booth assignments, and suboptimal layouts diverting foot traffic from smaller sellers toward high-profile guest areas. The event's heavy reliance on appearances has also faced scrutiny for inflating ticket and autograph prices, with some attendees and vendors labeling management practices as prioritizing star power over equitable support, though attendance remains strong. The $4 million legal obligation exacerbated financial strains, with organizers warning of potential absent relief, underscoring risks in an expansion-focused model vulnerable to litigation.

Reception and Impact

Attendance Figures and Economic Contributions

FanX events have consistently drawn large crowds, with attendance figures exceeding 100,000 participants per convention. The 2018 FanX Convention reported approximately 110,000 attendees, surpassing prior years despite organizational challenges. Projections for the September 2025 event estimated over 100,000 visitors across the three-day period, excluding additional vendors and volunteers. Organizers frequently cite average attendance around 125,000, positioning FanX as Utah's largest convention and among the top in .
YearEventReported/Projected AttendanceSource
2014FanX (Spring)Over 100,000 tickets sold
2018FanX ~110,000
2025FanX >100,000 projected
Economically, FanX contributes through direct , spending, and local activity, though independent impact studies are limited. A 2014 FanX event generated over $1.8 million in net for organizers via ticket ranging from $30 single-day passes to $175 VIP entries. Company-wide annual has been estimated at $5.7 million, supporting operations and growth. Legal filings in 2018 asserted that FanX's cessation would cost Utah's economy millions in ripple effects from attendee spending on hotels, dining, and vendors. Promotional materials from associated PR firms claim an annual regional impact exceeding $31 million, primarily from out-of-state visitors boosting . Over five years ending around 2020, FanX donated nearly $2 million in cash and tickets to community causes, including underprivileged students and , indirectly enhancing local economic circulation. These figures, while organizer-reported, align with patterns for similar conventions where high attendance drives measurable gains absent comprehensive third-party audits.

Public and Industry Critiques

Public attendees have criticized for poor and management, with reports of inadequate handling of guest appearances leading to long waits and unfulfilled promises. One vendor review described the 2024 event as "WHACK" due to disorganization following the COVID hiatus, deeming it not worth the participation cost. Pricing structures have drawn backlash for alienating younger demographics, such as students, with single-day tickets starting at $23 but premium options like Gold passes escalating costs significantly, contributing to lower attendance from university crowds. Attendees have also highlighted the convention's model of requiring additional payments for panels, autographs, and photos atop admission fees as exploitative and "lunacy." Industry professionals, particularly authors and artists, have voiced concerns over FanX's initial mishandling of complaints, including a 2018 incident involving author touching a female colleague inappropriately, which organizers dismissed before public outcry prompted co-founder Bryan Brandenburg to take a leave of absence. Young adult author accused FanX leaders of insensitivity in responding to her complaints about the event's harassment policy, exacerbating rifts in Utah's creative community. Vendors and authors reported pressure not to despite grievances, citing FanX's dominance in the local market as a barrier, with some expressing intent to unite against perceived "breaches of trust" in responses. The 2018 trademark lawsuit loss to , resulting in a nearly $4 million legal fees award, prompted industry observers to question FanX's business practices and sustainability, with organizers warning it could "destroy" the company and harm 's economy. Recent vendor feedback includes complaints of waitlisting for exhibit space despite demand, limiting opportunities for artists and crafters.

References

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