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Phoenix Fan Fusion
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Phoenix Fan Fusion
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33°24′N 112°06′W / 33.4°N 112.1°W / 33.4; -112.1

Phoenix Fan Fusion
StatusActive
GenreSpeculative fiction
VenuePhoenix Convention Center
LocationPhoenix, Arizona
CountryUnited States
Inaugurated2002; 22 years ago [1]
Attendance130,145 in 2025 [2]
Organized bySquare Egg Entertainment
Websitephoenixfanfusion.com

Phoenix Fan Fusion (formerly Phoenix Comicon and Phoenix Comic Fest) is a speculative fiction entertainment and comic book convention held annually in Phoenix, Arizona. It was founded as the Phoenix Cactus Comicon in June 2002, and originally consisted of a one-day six-hour event held in Ahwatukee, Arizona.[3] The convention plays host to comic related panels, programming events, art contests, and autograph signings for all ages. It is a three-day event (Friday-Sunday) held during the summer at the Phoenix Convention Center in downtown Phoenix. On Thursday evening prior to the official opening of the event, there is a preview for professionals, exhibitors, and select guests pre-registered for all three days.

Originally showcasing comic books, science fiction/fantasy and film/television, and related popular arts, the convention has expanded over the years to include a larger range of pop culture elements, such as horror, anime, manga, animation, toys, collectible card games, video games, webcomics, and fantasy novels. In 2016, the convention set an attendance record of 106,096, and reportedly generates approximately $5 million in revenue for the city of Phoenix.[4][5] Then-Phoenix Comicon also began to expand programming into the surrounding hotels starting in 2013, including the Hyatt Regency, Marriott Renaissance and Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotels.

History and organization

[edit]
The Phoenix Convention Center has hosted the annual convention since 2010.
Phoenix Comicon 2017

The first Phoenix Comicon was held in June 2002 as Phoenix Cactus Comicon.[6] It was a one-day convention lasting six hours held at a Best Western in Ahwatukee, Arizona.[7] Admission was $3 per person and there were 432 attendees, along with a few local creators and exhibitors. The following three years, the convention was held at the Glendale Civic Center. The size of the convention and the attendance were doubled from the previous year, and the Sunday morning six-hour length of the convention was maintained. The convention began to bring out some guests from out of state including Spider-Man artist Todd Nauck and comic legend Marv Wolfman. The programming was increased to include Q&A's with guests, how-to workshops, and film trailer presentations.

In 2006, the convention was held at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Arizona, for the first time in its history.[8] It also became a two-day convention, with a Friday preview night, and featured guests such as voice actors Johnny Yong Bosch and Greg Ayres. The exhibitor room was dramatically expanded, as was the amount of programming offered. This was the first convention to expand beyond comic books into the greater pop culture community, including anime, manga, sci-Fi, fantasy and cosplay. Over the weekend, there were over 2,600 attendees. From 2007 to 2009, the convention was held in January at the Mesa Convention Center, where attendance jumped past 3,200. The convention first forayed into media guests in 2007, when Feedback, the winner of Stan Lee's Who Wants to Be a Superhero? attended. In 2009, the event was expanded to 3 days, with a Thursday preview night. It was also announced at the 2009 convention that due to an overwhelming attendance of around 7,000 people that year, the convention in 2010 would be moved to the Phoenix Convention Center the next year and that the dates would be moved to the end of May.

Starting in 2010, the convention was held on Memorial Day weekend at the Phoenix Convention Center and Grand Hyatt Hotel in Phoenix. This change was due to the large increase in attendance and the availability of funds to hold the convention in a larger venue. Increasingly popular celebrities such as Leonard Nimoy, George Takei, and Stan Lee also attended the convention as special guests. One of the highlights of the 2013 event included the world premiere of "Pilgrim of Eternity", the first full-length episode of the award-winning Star Trek Continues fan film web series and a sequel to "Who Mourns for Adonais?". In 2014, due to a scheduling conflict, the convention was moved to the first week of June as opposed to Memorial Day weekend. The convention also expanded its presence into the South and West buildings of the convention center, as well as nearby hotels including the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Marriott Renaissance Hotel and Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel. The 2015 and 2016 convention took place the weekend after Memorial Day weekend at the Phoenix Convention Center, and further utilized the convention facilities, including expanding to the third level ballroom in order to accommodate a larger amount of attendees for popular media guests.

Beginning in 2017, the convention again took place on Memorial Day weekend at the Phoenix Convention Center, with the same being true through 2022.

On May 25, 2017, the first day of the 2017 convention, a man was arrested at the convention after posting his intent to kill police officers to Facebook and was found in possession of several firearms and knives. The man believed he was the Punisher, and intended to kill bad police officers, along with actor Jason David Frank, who was attending the convention as a guest. Security changes were made to the event, including a ban on prop weapons resembling any sort of gun which included those constructed from cardboard and foam. Other prop weapons needed to be deemed safe by security. Although vendors were still allowed to sell toy weapons, they were to be sealed and to be taken off the premises immediately after purchase. These new rules resulted in the cancellation of several panels focused on making prop weapons. The attendance for the convention declined steadily in the following days.[9]

In January 2018, the convention was renamed Phoenix Comic Fest. This was done to avoid use of the term "comic con", which is a response to a San Diego Comic-Con lawsuit.[10] In 2018, bracelets were given to attendees in place of laminated passes. On the Saturday of the con, a fire alarm caused an evacuation just before 8 pm; many attendees stayed just outside the convention center. At 9:30 p.m., it was determined to be a false alarm, but what was left of the scheduling for Saturday night had to be cancelled and rescheduled for safety reasons. The following morning the convention announced that attendees who had purchased a Saturday pass would be able to obtain a Sunday pass as compensation for Saturday's incident. The convention hours were extended as well. During the 2018 convention, it was announced that the convention would again be renamed in 2019 to Phoenix Fan Fusion.[11]

The 2020 Phoenix Fan Fusion was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[12] It was initially deferred to 2021 but then rescheduled for January 2022.[13] However, in September 2021, due to uncertainties surrounding Delta variant of COVID-19, Phoenix Fan Fusion was once again postponed to May 2022.[14]

Events

[edit]
Stan Lee addressing attendees at the 2014 Phoenix Comicon.

Along with panels, seminars, and workshops with comic book professionals, evenings at the convention include events such as themed prom parties, the annual Masquerade costume contest, and a Film Festival with several different prize opportunities.

In 2014, Phoenix Comicon also began a partnership with NASA, allowing attendees to participate in the FameLab program, as well as hear from NASA representatives at various panels throughout the convention. Phoenix Comicon also partnered with media guests and entertainers to offer special events outside the convention, including a performance by Brian Posehn, Myq Kaplan, and Mike Drucker for their comedy group Comedy Mutant, as well as a one-man performance of Star Wars, presented by Charlie Ross.

Like most comics conventions, Phoenix Fan Fusion features a large floor space for exhibitors. These exhibitors include media companies, as well as comic-book dealers and collectibles merchants. The exclusive collectibles sold include merchandise of licensed movie, comic book, and animation characters. Also like most comics conventions, Phoenix Fan Fusion includes an autograph and photo opportunity area, as well as the Artists' Alley, where comics artists can sign autographs and provide free or paid sketches.

For the first time ever, Phoenix Comicon held a separate event in December 2014, titled Phoenix Comicon Fan Fest, at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The convention functioned as a smaller version of Phoenix Comicon, maintaining its usual elements of panels, workshops, and exhibitors, while expanding its focus on comic book artists, and fan interaction with its various media guests. Convention organizers stated that they saw a desire from their audience to host a convention in Arizona during the winter, but due to the costs involved with renting the Phoenix Convention Center and blocking off rooms at nearby hotels, the decision was made to host the Fan Fest in Glendale at the University of Phoenix Stadium. Several television and media guests attended the first ever Fan Fest, including David Ramsey, Colin Baker, and Michael Biehn among others, including several dozen comic book artists and creators. In 2016, the Fan Fest was moved to the Phoenix Convention Center, and took place in October, rather than December. The Fan Fest event was officially canceled by Square Egg Entertainment in June 2018.[15]

Locations and dates

[edit]

Phoenix Fan Fusion / Comicon / Comic Fest

[edit]
No. Dates Location Attendance Special Guests
1[16] June 9, 2002 Best Western Hotel,
Ahwatukee, AZ 		432[17] None
2[16] April 13, 2003 Glendale Civic Center 780 None
3[18] April 2004 Glendale Civic Center 690 None
4[18] April 2005 Glendale Civic Center 680 Todd Nauck, Marv Wolfman
5[19] September 23–24, 2006 Mesa Convention Center 2,600 Christine Auten, Greg Ayres, Josh Blaylock, Johnny Yong Bosch, Shannon Denton, Eyeshine, Christy Lijewski, Jen Quick, Armand Villavert Jr.
6[20] January 27–28, 2007 Mesa Convention Center 3,200 Shannon Denton, Crispin Freeman, Tiffany Grant, Matt Greenfield, M. Alice LeGrow, Angel Medina, Vic Mignogna, George Pérez, Jen Quick, Amy Reeder Hadley, among others.
7[21] January 26–27, 2008 Mesa Convention Center 5,200 Maral Agnerian, Greg Ayres, David Beaty, Jeremy Bulloch, Svetlana Chmakova, Luci Christian, Shannon Denton, Walter Koenig, Jeph Loeb, Peter Mayhew, Ed McGuinness, Dawn "Kaijugal" McKechnie, Angel Medina, Michelle Ruff, Armand Villavert Jr., Mark Waid, Wil Wheaton, Andrew Wheelan, among others.
8[22] January 23–25, 2009 Mesa Convention Center 7,000 David Beaty, Lou Ferrigno, Tiffany Grant, Erin Gray, Matt Greenfield, Reuben Langdon, Yuri Lowenthal, Tara Platt, Christophe Tang, Wil Wheaton, among others.
9[23] May 28–30, 2010 Phoenix Convention Center,
Hyatt Regency Hotel 		13,988 Stan Lee, Wil Wheaton, Lou Ferrigno, LeVar Burton, Felicia Day, Jonathan Frakes, Genie Francis, James Marsters, Philip Tan, Greg Capullo, Mike McFarland, John Scalzi, among others.
10[23] May 26–29, 2011 Phoenix Convention Center,
Hyatt Regency Hotel 		23,001 Stan Lee, Wil Wheaton, Leonard Nimoy, George Takei, Sandeep Parikh, Jeff Lewis, Cassandra Peterson, Billy Dee Williams, Paul McGillion, Todd McFarlane, Max Brooks, Bruce Boxleitner, Jaime Paglia, Aaron Douglas, Alex Albrecht, Kristin Bauer van Straten, Vic Mignogna, Kazha, Brina Palencia, Ernie Hudson, John Scalzi, Cherie Priest, Robert J. Sawyer, among others.
11[23] May 24–27, 2012 Phoenix Convention Center,
Hyatt Regency Hotel 		32,127 William Shatner, Ed Asner, George Pérez, Greg Horn, Yvonne Navarro, Jeff Mariotte, Jeremy Bulloch, Vic Mignogna, Kazha, Arthur Suydam, Gil Gerard, Erin Gray, James A. Owen, Gini Koch, Billy Tucci, Weston Ochse, Tony Amendola, Stuart Immonen, Kathryn Immonen, Brent Spiner, Levar Burton, Michael Dorn, Marina Sirtis, Colin Ferguson, David Finch, Garth Ennis, Craig W. Chenery, Casper Van Dien, Dina Meyer, Lou Ferrigno, Jon Bernthal, among others.
12[23] May 23–26, 2013 Phoenix Convention Center,
Hyatt Regency Hotel,
Marriott Renaissance Hotel 		55,313 John Barrowman, Nichelle Nichols, J. Michael Straczynski, Bill Mumy, Claudia Christian, Jerry Doyle, Peter Jurasik, Jason Carter, Robin Atkin Downes, Andrea Thompson, Michael Forest, Tracy Scoggins, Julie Caitlin Brown, Mira Furlan, Walter Koenig, Pat Tallman, Stephen Furst, Cindy Morgan, Garrett Wang, Kristin Bauer, Amanda Tapping, Jewel Staite, Sam Witwer, Michael Rooker, Alexis Tipton, Gigi Edgley, David Franklin, Dean Cain, Chandler Riggs, Laurie Holden, Yuri Lowenthal, Vic Mignogna, Tara Platt, Grant Imahara, Wil Wheaton, Chris Gore, Tara Strong, among others.
13[23] June 5–8, 2014 Phoenix Convention Center,
Hyatt Regency Hotel,
Marriott Renaissance Hotel,
Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel 		77,818 Bruce Campbell, Nathan Fillion, John Barrowman, Adam West, John Rhys-Davies, Mark Sheppard, Don Rosa, Mark Bagley, Patrick Rothfuss, Danny Glover, John Ratzenberger, Stan Lee, Brian Posehn, Burt Ward, Julie Newmar, Todd McFarlane, Walter Jones, David Yost, Austin St. John, Richard Dean Anderson, Charlaine Harris, Manu Bennett, Dean Lorey, Crispin Freeman, Jim Butcher, Todd Haberkorn, Jason Spisak, Cary Elwes, Stephen Amell, Michael Rooker, Kelly Le Brock, Catherine Bach, Amber Benson, Dean Lorey, Sonny Strait, Paul and Storm, among others.
14[23] May 28–31, 2015 Phoenix Convention Center,
Hyatt Regency Hotel,
Marriott Renaissance Hotel,
Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel 		75,501[24] Summer Glau, Jason Momoa, Paul Cornell, Mike Zeck, Edward James Olmos, Charisma Carpenter, Renee Witterstaetter, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Jim Beaver, William Tucci, Scott Sigler, Lou Ferrigno, Weston Ochse, Yvonne Navarro, Van Jensen, Michael Shanks, Alexis Denisof, Alyson Hannigan, Barry Bostwick, Christopher Lloyd, Chuck Huber, Danielle Panabaker, David Morrissey, Jason Isaacs, Karl Urban, Katee Sackhoff, Lexa Doig, Mary McDonnell, Max Brooks, Nell Campbell, Patricia Quinn, Ron Perlman, Tom Kane, Roger L. Jackson, Veronica Taylor, Vic Mignogna, Todd Haberkorn, Chris Doohan, Michele Specht, David Baron, John Layman, Mike S. Miller, Brian Pulido, Art Adams, Todd Nauck, Eric Basaldua, Michael A. Stackpole, Bret Blevins, Joel Gomez, Don Rosa, Jacen Burrows, Brett Booth, Jae Lee, Fábio Moon, Gabriel Bá, Jim Steranko, Norm Rapmund, Rafael Albuquerque, Ryan Ottley, Tim Vigil, among others.[25]
15[23] June 2–5, 2016 Phoenix Convention Center,
Hyatt Regency Hotel 		106,096[26] Alex Kingston, Billie Piper, Oded Fehr, Mark Pellegrino, Timothy Omundson, Bob Morley, Arryn Zech, Caitlin Glass, Caity Lotz, Dan Starkey, David Fielding, David Ramsey, D. C. Douglas, Emma Caulfield, Eve Myles, Gates McFadden, Glenn Morshower, James Marsters, Jess Harnell, Kane Hodder, Sam Jones, Patrick Rothfuss, George Perez, Kara Ashley, Ksenia Solo, Lee Majors, Lindsay Wagner, Martin Kove, Maurice LaMarche, Neve McIntosh, Nolan North, Ralph Macchio, Robert Beltran, Sean Astin, Tony Todd, Troy Baker, William Zabka, Mike Zeck, among others.
16[23] May 25–28, 2017 Phoenix Convention Center,
Hyatt Regency Hotel 		80,703[23] Dick Van Dyke, Alan Tudyk, Karen Gillan, Bonnie Wright, Jon Bernthal, Elden Henson, Kevin Conroy, PJ Haarsma, Gabriel Luna, Curtis Armstrong, Danny Trejo, Anthony Michael Hall, Vic Mignogna, Sean Schemmel, Christopher Sabat, Todd Haberkorn, Teddy Sears, Karen David, John de Lancie, Osric Chau, David Anders, Sean Maguire, Rachel Skarsten, Michael Rosenbaum, Neal McDonough, Ciara Renée, Garrett Wang, Robert Duncan McNeill, Jason David Frank, Osric Chau, Ryan Hurst, Peter David, Robin Hobb, Terry Brooks, Michael A. Stackpole, Arthur Suydam, Norm Rapmund, Dan Jurgens, Diane Pershing, Diana Gabaldon, Kevin J. Anderson, Timothy Zahn, Dan Wells, Jim Shooter, Jae Lee, Frank Beddor, Sam Sykes, Myke Cole, Pierce Brown, Jim Butcher, Sherrilyn Kenyon, among others.
17[23] May 24–27, 2018 Phoenix Convention Center 57,853 Tim Curry, William Shatner, Wil Wheaton, Michael Rooker, Dan Fogler, Sean Gunn, Greg Grunberg, Jason David Frank, Jeremy Bulloch, Michael Chiklis, Ming-Na Wen, Sean Maher, Adelaide Kane, Eddie McClintock, Graham McTavish, Manu Bennett, Linda Larkin, Paige O'Hara, Rebekah McKendry, Sam J. Jones, Charles Martinet, Bryce Papenbrook, Trina Nishimura, Barbara Dunkelman, Justin Briner, Steve Blum, Mary Elizabeth McGlynn, Greg Capullo, Scott Snyder, Jae Lee, Alan Davis, Todd McFarlane, Bob Camp, Brian Azzarello, Brian Pulido, Dan Parent, James Tynion IV, Marguerite Bennett, Mark Farmer, Klaus Janson, Adi Granov, Christopher Paolini, Cory Doctorow, Melissa Marr, Diana Gabaldon, Sam Sykes, Myke Cole, Alan Dean Foster, V. E. Schwab, Emily Devenport, Gail Carriger, Jody Lynn Nye, John Scalzi, Melinda M. Snodgrass, L. E. Modesitt, Jr., Mercedes Lackey, Sylvain Neuvel, Aprilynne Pike, Chuck Wendig, Delilah S. Dawson, Jeffrey Brown, Joseph Nassise, Michael A. Stackpole, Larry Dixon, Yvonne Navarro, among others.
18 May 23–26, 2019 Phoenix Convention Center Adam Savage, Amy Jo Johnson, Arryn Zech, Barbara Dunkelman, Billy Dee Williams, Brian Herring, Catherine Tate, Chris Sarandon, Christopher Sabat, Elijah Wood, Garrett Wang, George Takei, James Rallison, Jeff Goldblum, Jeremy Shada, John Barrowman, Kara Eberle, Lucie Pohl, Matthew Lewis, Nichelle Nichols, Paul Reubens, Phi Phi O'Hara, Ray Park, Robin Lord Taylor, Samantha Ireland, Steve Cardenas, Summer Glau, Tom Kenny, Walter Koenig, among others.
19[27] May 27-29, 2022 Phoenix Convention Center Billy West, Christopher Daniel Barnes, Christopher Eccleston, Doug Jones, Felicia Day, Jim Cummings, Jodi Benson, John DiMaggio, Katie Griffin, Linda Ballantyne, Heartless Aquarius, James A. Owen, among others.
20 June 2-4, 2023 Phoenix Convention Center Stephen Amell, Christopher Eccleston, Matt Lanter, Katee Sackhoff, Jeremy Renner, Sonequa Martin-Green, James Arnold Taylor
21 May 24-26, 2024 Phoenix Convention Center Dee Bradley Baker, Dante Basco, Giancarlo Esposito, Zach Aguilar, Todd McFarlane, Simu Liu, Michael Rooker, Alan Tudyk, Dick Van Dyke
22 June 6-8, 2025 Phoenix Convention Center 130,145[28] Hayden Christensen, Elijah Wood, Dominic Monaghan, Sean Astin, Billy Boyd, John Rhys-Davies, Marisa Tomei, Ron Perlman, Chloe Bennett, Ming-Na Wen, Jeff Ward, Vincent D'Onofrio, Anthony Daniels, Kevin Altieri, Manny Jacinto, Rob Wiethoff, Roger Clark, Simon Pegg, Rainn Wilson, Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner, Paige O'Hara, Eugene Cordero, Jason Lee, Kevin Smith, Jason Mewes, Katey Sagal

Phoenix Fan Fest

[edit]
Date Location Attendance Special Guests
1[23] December 12–14, 2014 University of Phoenix Stadium 11,403 David Ramsey, Colin Baker, Paul McGann, Tom Skerritt, Ben Browder, Michael Biehn, Jennifer Blanc, Eddie McClintock, Linda Blair, Jae Lee, Bob Layton, Norm Rapmund, Neal Adams, James A. Owen, among others.
2[23] December 4–6, 2015 University of Phoenix Stadium,
Renaissance Hotel Glendale 		Unknown Karen Gillan, Sean Maher, Alaina Huffman, Julian Richings, Gareth David-Lloyd, Dirk Benedict, Denise Crosby, W. Morgan Sheppard, Kevin Sorbo, Alan Oppenheimer, Melendy Britt, Tom Lenk, Tim Seeley, Aaron Lopresti, Don Rosa, Frank Beddor, among others.
3[29] October 22–23, 2016 Phoenix Convention Center Unknown Millie Bobby Brown, John Cena, Nikki Bella, Brie Bella, Daniel Bryan, Brett Dalton, Elizabeth Henstridge, David Harbour, Jake "The Snake" Roberts, Bob Layton, Tahmoh Penikett, The Honky Tonk Man, Tim Rose, among others.
4[30] November 11–12, 2017 Phoenix Convention Center Unknown Ernie Hudson, Zach Callison, Mara Wilson, AJ Michalka, Kevin McNally, Mallory Jansen, Gail Kim, Lisa Marie Varon, Grace Rolek, Peter Ostrum, Julie Dawn Cole, Denise Nickerson, Paris Themmen, James A. Owen, Aprilynne Pike, among others.

References

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

Phoenix Fan Fusion

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Phoenix Fan Fusion is an annual multi-genre pop culture convention held in , encompassing comics, anime, science fiction, fantasy, gaming, film, television, and . Founded in June 2002 as the Phoenix Cactus Comicon—a modest one-day, six-hour event in Ahwatukee with 432 attendees and $3 admission—it has expanded into a major regional gathering spanning multiple days at the Phoenix Convention Center. The event features celebrity panels, artist alleys, vendor markets, costume contests, and interactive exhibits, drawing tens of thousands of participants and generating substantial economic activity for the local area. Originally organized by Matt Solberg, the convention underwent several rebrandings—from Phoenix Cactus Comicon to Phoenix Comicon and briefly Phoenix Comic Fest—before adopting its current name in 2019 to sidestep trademark conflicts associated with the term "comic-con," particularly following legal pressures from . Growth brought logistical challenges, including overcrowding and panel delays, as well as a notable 2017 incident where an armed attendee was arrested, prompting enhanced security measures like bans on certain prop weapons and mandatory inspections. Despite such hurdles, Phoenix Fan Fusion has solidified its status as a key venue for fan engagement, with recent editions in 2025 marking record attendance amid post-pandemic recovery.

Origins and Evolution

Founding as Phoenix Comicon (2002–2010)

Phoenix Cactus Comicon, the precursor to Phoenix Comicon, was founded by Matt Solberg, CEO of Square Egg Entertainment, as a one-day comic book convention held on June 9, 2002, at the Best Western Hotel in Ahwatukee, Arizona. The event lasted six hours, featured 32 dealer tables, and attracted 432 attendees paying $3 admission each. Solberg aimed to create the "best-organized, best-attended, and most fun convention" in Phoenix, focusing initially on comic books with guests such as artists Todd McFarlane and Jim Mahfood. The convention experienced steady growth in its early years, prompting venue changes to accommodate increasing attendance. In 2003, it relocated to the Glendale Civic Center, drawing 780 attendees and introducing additional programming like a and celebrity guests including Attendance fluctuated slightly to around 690 in 2004 and 680 in 2005 at the same venue, but expanded significantly in 2006 when it moved to the Mesa Convention Center for a two-day format, reaching 2,600 participants. Subsequent years saw continued increases: 3,200 in 2007, 5,200 in 2008, and 7,000 in 2009, all at Mesa, with programming diversifying to include guests like in 2008 and events such as competitions by 2009. By 2008, the event was officially renamed Phoenix Comicon, though promotional materials sometimes retained the original name due to a late decision. In 2010, it shifted to the Phoenix Convention Center over weekend, boosting attendance to 13,988 and marking a transition to larger-scale operations while maintaining its comic-focused roots amid rising geek culture popularity. This period laid the foundation for the convention's expansion, driven by consistent organization under Square Egg and growing regional interest in and related media.

Expansion and Peak Pre-Rebranding (2011–2017)

During this period, Phoenix Comicon experienced rapid expansion, marked by increased attendance, extended programming, and a shift to the weekend slot in 2011, which allowed for a four-day format at the Phoenix Convention Center. This change facilitated greater scale, with the event drawing 32,127 attendees in 2012, surpassing prior records and reflecting growing regional appeal among fans of , sci-fi, and pop culture. Attendance continued to surge, reaching 77,818 in , driven by expanded exhibits, panels, and vendor spaces that accommodated diverse activities. By , figures stood at approximately 75,501 unique attendees, with the convention solidifying its status as a major draw through high-profile programming. The event attracted notable guests, including creators and actors, enhancing its prestige and contributing to year-over-year growth. The peak arrived in , when unique attendance hit a record 106,096, with total daily visitors exceeding 216,000 across four days from June 2 to 5; this represented a 40% increase over 2015 and generated an estimated $5 million in economic impact for Phoenix through and local spending. Organizers attributed the surge to refined logistics and broader appeal, though it strained capacity, prompting preparations for further increases in 2017. Heading into 2017 (May 25–28), expectations were for a 10% attendance rise, with operational adjustments like enhanced security and crowd management to handle the scale.

Rebranding to Phoenix Fan Fusion (2018–present)

In 2018, the event's organizers, Square Egg Entertainment, rebranded Phoenix Comicon to Phoenix Comic Fest to preempt potential lawsuits over the term "Comicon," drawing from precedents like those involving International. The change took effect immediately for the 2018 iteration, held May 24–27 at the Phoenix Convention Center, amid efforts to tighten security following a 2017 incident where a man with a fake press badge prompted evacuations and an arrest. Attendance for the 2018 Phoenix Comic Fest fell to 57,853, a decline from over 80,000 in 2017, attributed in part to attendee confusion over the abrupt name shift and lingering negative associations from prior years. On May 27, 2018, during the event's final day, organizers announced a further to Phoenix Fan Fusion effective for the 2019 edition, citing on the "Comic Fest" moniker and a desire to highlight the convention's expanded scope beyond comics to include , fantasy, , gaming, and other fandoms. The new name aimed to encapsulate this "fusion" of interests, with the 2019 event scheduled for May 23–26. Under the Phoenix Fan Fusion branding, the convention has maintained its core programming while adapting to challenges, including the cancellation of the 2020 edition due to the . Post-pandemic attendance initially remained subdued amid increased competition from other conventions and economic factors, with reports of around 42,000–52,000 unique visitors in recent years prior to 2025. However, the June 6–8, 2025, event achieved a new attendance record, surpassing the previous high of 106,096 set in 2016, signaling recovery and sustained popularity in .

Organization and Governance

Founding Team and Leadership

Phoenix Fan Fusion originated as Phoenix Cactus Comicon, founded by Matt Solberg in June 2002 through his company, Square Egg Entertainment. The first event occurred on June 9 at the Hotel in Ahwatukee, , as a one-day, six-hour featuring 32 vendor tables and attracting 432 attendees. Solberg, a comic enthusiast with prior experience in political campaigns and comic distribution, identified a gap for a local fan gathering in and launched the initiative under Square Egg, where he serves as founder and CEO. Early organizational efforts involved collaboration with local comic retailers, notably Mike Banks of Samurai Comics, who provided promotional support and vendor participation to build attendance in the convention's nascent years. While Solberg is consistently recognized as the primary founder, certain historical accounts describe him as a co-founder, though no other individuals are explicitly named as equivalent partners in founding documentation. Square Egg Entertainment has remained the parent entity, handling event production without a publicly detailed founding team beyond Solberg's central role. Solberg directed the convention's growth as its executive leader, expanding it from a niche comic event to a broader pop-culture festival rebranded as Phoenix Fan Fusion in 2018. In January 2017, amid fallout from a security breach involving a and subsequent volunteer program overhauls, Solberg publicly apologized for disruptions to staff and fans, announcing temporary steps back from certain oversight duties while affirming commitment to the event's continuity. Square Egg Entertainment, under Solberg's ownership, continues to govern operations, prioritizing logistical and programming decisions through its core team, though specific current executives beyond the founder are not extensively outlined in verifiable records.

Operational Structure and Partnerships

Phoenix Fan Fusion is produced by Act One Media, the overseeing its planning, execution, and management as a for-profit pop culture convention. The organization maintains specialized departments for key functions, including programming, sponsorship acquisition, exhibitor coordination, and attendee operations, with roles such as Director of Sponsorships held by AJ Hernandez. The event's founding leadership was provided by Matt Solberg, who established the convention in 2002 and directed it for over two decades until transitioning away from day-to-day command in late 2024 to pursue other initiatives, delegating primary oversight to and longtime programming director Boudrie. Operational partnerships center on venue logistics with the Phoenix Convention Center, which hosts the event annually and enforces exclusive contracts for on-site services like food and beverage provision by Aventura Foods. The convention also collaborates with presenting sponsor KISSFM for promotional support and technology firms such as RYTHMz for event-wide connectivity infrastructure to ensure reliable network performance across exhibit halls and programming areas.

Programming and Activities

Celebrity Guests and Panels

Celebrity guests at Phoenix Fan Fusion, formerly Phoenix Comicon, have included prominent actors and creators from science fiction, comics, and popular media, serving as major draws for attendees. Panels featuring these guests typically involve moderated discussions, audience questions, and insights into their careers, often held in large convention halls with capacities exceeding 4,000. In 2011, appeared for a panel that received multiple standing ovations from over 4,000 fans, followed by , highlighting the event's growing appeal to genre icons. The programming emphasizes interactive sessions where guests share behind-the-scenes stories and career anecdotes, with schedules coordinated to maximize attendance. and also participated in 2011 panels, contributing to the convention's reputation for high-profile representation. Recent iterations have featured blockbuster stars; for instance, the 2025 event included , , , and , whose panels focused on their roles in franchises like and . In 2024, and headlined similar discussions. These panels are supplemented by autograph sessions and photo opportunities, though access often requires additional tickets due to high demand. The 2025 lineup marked one of the event's most extensive rosters, with panels drawing record crowds amid the convention's peak. Overall, guest appearances underscore the convention's evolution from local comic-focused gathering to a major pop culture event attracting international talent.

Cosplay, Contests, and Fan Participation

![Cosplayers among attendees at Phoenix Comicon][float-right] Cosplay forms a core element of Phoenix Fan Fusion, with attendees creating and wearing costumes inspired by characters from , films, , video games, and other pop culture sources to immerse themselves in fandoms. The event enforces strict costume and prop policies to maintain a environment, prohibiting items that could pose safety risks such as real weapons or overly restrictive designs, while allowing creative expressions that comply with venue security standards. The convention features several judged cosplay competitions to highlight participants' craftsmanship, , and abilities. The Masquerade Costume Contest, a highlight event typically held on Saturday evenings from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM MST, requires advance applications and evaluates entrants on costume quality, presentation, and stage before a live . Complementing this, the "One Skit to Rule Them All" contest focuses on skit s where cosplayers act out character scenes, testing both costuming and theatrical skills. Specialized events include the Youth Masquerade and for participants aged 15 and under, requiring a valid event pass and parental consent for minors, and the Basic Cosplay Ball, a runway-style showcase open to all ages with parental supervision for those under 18. Fan participation extends beyond individual cosplay to collaborative and interactive formats, such as submitting proposals for panels and events that engage the community in discussions, workshops, or demonstrations related to fandoms. Opportunities for involvement include , vending, or sponsoring, fostering direct contributions to the convention's programming. Spectacular events like "Crimes Against Cosplay" encourage audience interaction, critiquing challenging costume designs from media while celebrating cosplayers' ingenuity in recreating them. These activities underscore the event's emphasis on active engagement, with policies promoting mutual respect and prohibiting to ensure inclusive participation.

Exhibits, Vendors, and Gaming Zones

The Exhibit Hall at Phoenix Fan Fusion occupies the lower level (Halls 1-6) of the Phoenix Convention Center and hosts over 600 vendors, artists, creators, dealers, publishers, creators, authors, groups, and celebrity actor booths. These exhibitors offer a range of merchandise including , artwork, costumes, collectibles, and fan apparel, with booth options such as 10 ft x 10 ft corner spaces starting at $1,599 and artist tables at lower rates. The hall operates Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., allowing badge holders in-and-out access for shopping and interactions. Gaming zones form a key component of the event, primarily in the Game Tabletopia Gaming Hall on the third floor of the North Building (Halls B and C), which has been expanded to double the space for board games and tabletop activities. This area features organized play for titles like Dungeons & Dragons (including sessions for ages 4-8), Settlers of Catan, Warhammer 40K, and card games such as Magic: The Gathering (with a 1k tournament Saturday 11 a.m.-8 p.m.) and Pokémon TCG (Friday 3 p.m. start). Additional gaming includes console, PC, and VR setups with tournaments and casual play, alongside the Arcade Oasis in the 120 Ballroom Lobby offering free-play arcade machines daily from 10 a.m. to 11:55 p.m. Schedules and sign-ups for games are available via the event's membership portal, emphasizing competitive and family-friendly experiences.

Venues and Logistics

Primary Venue: Phoenix Convention Center

The Phoenix Convention Center, situated at 100 N. 3rd Street in , , functions as the primary venue for Phoenix Fan Fusion, accommodating the event's extensive programming across its expansive facilities. The center provides 502,500 square feet of exhibit space, 143,400 square feet of event space, and a 28,000-square-foot , enabling the convention to host large-scale gatherings including panels, exhibits, and gaming zones. Its theater-style capacity reaches up to 16,000 seats, supporting high-attendance celebrity Q&A sessions and performances central to the event. Phoenix Fan Fusion utilizes the lower-level exhibition halls (Halls 1-6) for its vendor areas, featuring over 600 booths with artists, creators, costuming groups, and exhibitors, alongside special displays. The third-floor gaming hall hosts interactive zones, while meeting rooms and ballrooms facilitate panels and contests, with the layout optimized for multi-genre pop culture activities spanning three to four days. These spaces have supported record-breaking attendance, such as the 2025 event's peak turnout exceeding prior highs from 2016. The venue's infrastructure, including a 350 pounds per floor load capacity in lower-level halls and rigging points up to 2,500 pounds, accommodates elaborate setups, stage productions, and heavy exhibit installations required for the convention's immersive fan experiences. Its central location enhances accessibility via public transit and proximity to hotels, contributing to logistical efficiency for the influx of attendees.

Event Scheduling and Attendance History

Phoenix Fan Fusion events are customarily held over three or four consecutive days in late May or early June, aligning with the end of the school year and weekend to maximize family and fan participation. This timing has persisted since the convention's expansion under its prior Phoenix Comicon branding, with the primary venue being the Phoenix Convention Center since 2010. The rebranding to Phoenix Fan Fusion in 2018 did not alter the seasonal scheduling pattern, though the event shortened to three days in recent years, such as June 6–8 in 2025. The 2020 edition, originally planned for September 25–27, was canceled due to the , followed by the 2021 event (slated for May 28–30) also being scrapped; it was rescheduled to January 2022 before shifting back to May 27–29. Subsequent years maintained the late spring slot: May 23–26 in 2019, June 2–4 in 2023, and May 24–26 in 2024. The 2018 interim Phoenix Comic Fest occurred May 24–27, reflecting continuity amid the name change prompted by concerns. Attendance figures demonstrate steady growth from the event's origins, peaking under the Comicon name before a post-rebranding dip, disruptions, and a record recovery in 2025. Early Phoenix Comicon years saw rapid increases, reaching 106,096 unique attendees in 2016 over four days (June 2–5), generating an estimated $5 million in local economic impact. The 2018 edition drew 57,853 attendees amid the name transition, while 2025's three-day event shattered the prior record with 130,145 attendees, attributed to expanded programming and post- enthusiasm. Limited public data exists for 2019–2024, though the convention's scale suggests sustained mid-five-figure turnout in non-peak years.
YearEvent NameDatesAttendance (Unique)
2010Phoenix ComiconMay 28–3013,988
2011Phoenix ComiconMay 26–2923,001
2012Phoenix ComiconMay 24–2732,127
2013Phoenix ComiconMay 23–2655,313
2014Phoenix ComiconJune 5–877,818
2015Phoenix ComiconMay 28–3175,501
2016Phoenix ComiconJune 2–5106,096
2017Phoenix ComiconMay 25–2880,703
2018Phoenix Comic FestMay 24–2757,853
2019Phoenix Fan FusionMay 23–26Not publicly detailed
2020–2021Phoenix Fan FusionCanceledN/A
2022Phoenix Fan FusionMay 27–29Not publicly detailed
2023Phoenix Fan FusionJune 2–4Not publicly detailed
2024Phoenix Fan FusionMay 24–26Not publicly detailed
2025Phoenix Fan FusionJune 6–8130,145

Reception, Impact, and Challenges

Achievements and Cultural Significance

Phoenix Fan Fusion has grown from a modest one-day event in June 2002, initially titled Phoenix Cactus Comicon and held in Ahwatukee, Arizona, into Arizona's largest pop culture convention, spanning multiple days and venues in downtown Phoenix by 2014. This expansion reflects its achievement in scaling to national prominence while maintaining a focus on comics, sci-fi, fantasy, anime, and gaming fandoms. Attendance milestones underscore its operational success, with a peak of 106,096 in 2016 that remained unmatched until 2025, when 130,145 attendees over June 6–8 shattered the record amid post-pandemic recovery. Rebranding from Phoenix Comicon to in 2018 and then to Phoenix Fan Fusion in 2019 addressed trademark concerns over "Comic-Con" while broadening appeal beyond comics to general fan culture. The convention generates notable economic benefits for the Phoenix area, including an estimated $10 million impact on businesses in 2019 through visitor spending on hotels, dining, and retail, with city sources citing broader contributions exceeding $38 million in recent years. Culturally, Phoenix Fan Fusion fosters among diverse fandoms by providing spaces for , artist interactions, and panels that bridge fictional worlds with real-life expression, enhancing local geek culture and participant identity without reliance on narratives. Its emphasis on fan-driven activities distinguishes it as a grassroots hub in Arizona's convention landscape, promoting creative participation over commercial spectacle alone. In 2017, Phoenix Comicon faced significant operational challenges following the arrest of Mathew Sterling, who was apprehended en route to the event with multiple firearms and tactical gear, intending to carry out a targeting attendees and guests like actor . Sterling was later sentenced to 25 years in a state facility after being found guilty except insane on related charges. This incident prompted organizers to implement a strict no-weapons policy, banning all prop weapons including foam, cardboard, and lightsabers effective immediately during the event, which resulted in extensive security screenings, prolonged entry lines exceeding several hours, and widespread attendee frustration. The policy enforcement led to disputes with vendors, notably lightsaber manufacturer UltraSabers, which was ejected from the convention on May 27, 2017, for non-compliance with the new protocols on prop handling and sales; organizers initially withheld the vendor's booth fee refund, though a full refund was issued shortly after. Similar operational strains included proposed changes to the volunteer system in early 2017, requiring background checks and paid positions for some roles, which drew backlash from the fan community for potentially excluding long-time unpaid volunteers and increasing costs; event director Matt Solberg publicly reconsidered the plan amid the outcry. In response to the shooting threat and prior complaints, such as those aired by Solberg in a June 2016 apology for show-day issues like and , the event enhanced measures, including bag checks and metal detectors, but these have been criticized for contributing to persistent wait times and restrictive rules. To avert potential litigation similar to Comic-Con's successful suits against other events, organizers renamed Phoenix Comicon to Phoenix Comic Fest in January 2018, dropping "Comicon" amid fears of federal court challenges following a December 2017 jury verdict against Comic Con. The event underwent further rebranding to Phoenix Fan Fusion by 2019, reflecting ongoing adjustments to concerns without direct lawsuits filed against it. No major legal disputes have been reported since, though operational critiques persist, including 2025 reports of panel delays, overcrowding glitches, hygiene lapses among attendees, and cosplay weapon restrictions attributed to Phoenix Convention Center mandates rather than event policy alone.

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