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WHERE: Heropa Convention Center
WHEN: November 1-5, 9 AM - 2 AM
WHAT: Sixth Annual FanPort, the nation's largest, wildly popular imPort convention
WARNINGS: None anticipated; PM me if this needs to be updated
For the past several weeks, all anyone in Heropa could talk about was the upcoming convention. Approaching either the Heropa Convention Center or its new, secondary location, the nearby historic Hotel Veronica, imPorts will run into throngs of fans with lines snaking around the block, all waiting to see that wonderful sign which reads:
Isard Industries, Project Walkway, The Ruby Café, Antiquity Attire, and the Antiquities Channel -- Official Sponsors of FanPort 2020
But imPorts, both new and old, don't have to worry about that. Any returning imPort will be whisked into either location to receive their imPortantVIP badge on a special gold lanyard, bypassing the massive lines. For new imPorts, they will all receive their badges on the large party bus that takes them directly to the Hotel Veronica. The convention only exists for them, after all! Why should they have to stand on lines like everyone else?
For the more social-media-savvy among them, this year FanPort offers a variety of fun, limited-edition FanPort- and Halloween-themed filters to turn anyone into an imPort with green skin, bulging muscles, or a pumpkin for a head. Please be sure to tag anything with #FanPort2020!
So imPort, what would you like to do?
- The crown jewel of FanPort returns again to serve as a one-stop-shop for imPort art and merch. Throngs of dedicated and talented artists pour their heart and soul into their crafts, and as a result Artist's Alley is by far the most crowded venue at the con. Rows of neatly set-up tables occupy one of the largest spaces in the Heropa Convention Center, and yet somehow there does not feel like there is nearly enough room in the paths between them.
Its reputation is certainly well earned, as curious imPorts can stumble across nearly anything they can think of. Mugs with superhero logos? Check. T-Shirts identical to the one they wear? It's there. Replica jewelry of a family heirloom worn constantly by a roommate? Oh look, there are 4 different tables selling it. Body pillow with their face on it? Maybe don't turn around (unless that's something they want to find). Fanart of imPorts who have never even spoken to each other before? Of course it's here. It's what FanPort is best known for at this point, after all!
Doujin, prints, buttons, keychains, plushies, merch, jewelry, t-shirts, and of course commissions, can all be found dotted around Artist's Alley's many tables. Just be careful, if an imPort gets recognized they might get swarmed. Then again, anyone looking for a discount might want to be recognized... - For anyone looking to avoid the sheer chaos that seems to exude from Artist's Alley can try the imPort Hall instead. A large, open area in the heart of the Heropa Convention Center, the imPort Hall is home to all manner of vendors big and small trying to sell their wares and/or increase brand awareness among the masses. The hall has been divided into three distinct areas:
Area 1
Home to a variety of vendors looking to sell more "official" imPort merchandise. Dozens of vendors are selling wigs, costumes, and other accessories allowing for quick and easy cosplay options. Among them is Official FanPort Sponsor Antiquity Attire, a bespoke clothing store specializing in selling fashions modeled after some of the more far-reaching imPort worlds, with some clothing closet-worthy, while others are simply for cosplay. Antiquity Attire is eagerly looking torope unsuspecting imPortssign-on imPort fans to model their latest designs.
Additionally, book vendors and publishers are selling imPort-written books, authorized and unauthorized biographies, and miscellaneous other fiction works with just enough facts changed to avoid being sued. The publishers, in particular, are always looking for new imPort talent to sign under them, no writing talent required... and a few of them are very pushy on this point.
Area 2
For the more frugal imPorts, this area, home to the larger brands seeking to increase brand awareness, is home to tons of random free stuff. Sure, imPorts might not care about the cars or insurance they have to sell, but these places have been to enough cons now to entice them to stop by all the same. If they want a huge bag to hold all their stuff, all they have to do is fill out this quick one-page form asking for their name and email (don't worry, they never check to see if it's real, so feel free to put anything down to get that bag!). Free swag is the nature of nearly all of these native-sponsored businesses, and they have them in droves.
One of the largest vendors is AtlanTech, which held it's own arrival ceremony earlier in the year. Speaking to one of the many staff members on hand there, imPorts will learn that they believe there's increasing evidence that there have been gaps in memory or even reality since October 1st, and they're looking to get to the bottom of it. They're actively seeking to recruit imPort scientists, subjects, and safety personnel for carefully controlled experiments. Any takers? (For anyone interested, this may or may not be leading to an official event coming up ;))
Area 3
The largest area of them all--the imPortant area (their bad pun very much intended). Here, imPort-run businesses and organizations (as well as enterprising individuals) are given prime real estate to show off whatever it is they care about. Import-run booths have been divided into three categories, and are promoted both on the FanPort app and in their con guide as follows:
BUSINESSES - ENTERTAINMENT
- FOOD
- Located throughout rooms in both the Heropa Convention Center and Hotel Veronica, FanPort is home to a multitude of panels for attendees to sit in on, some of which are imPort-run. Specific information about the panels themselves can be found in both the guidebook or official FanPort app. Signs can be found next to the door of each panel room announcing the date and time of specifics panels hosted in that room.
- Back for its second year, all imPorts are invited to try their luck at love. 5 minutes is all would-be couples get to know each other, hoping to find that love connection. At the end, succeed and score a phone number, fail... and better luck with your next date!
Con staff take the comfort of their attendees very seriously and are on hand to promptly kick out any creeps or troublemakers.
What do you say, imPort? Want to try for a love connection? - It wouldn't be a con without costumes, and attendees aren't going to let a little thing like most imPorts dressing casually stop them from emulating their idols. From the fan that quickly slaps together some clothes already in their closet for their Hiro Hamada cosplay, to the fan who has seemingly created their costume via mad-libs and creating their costume by using a noun + imPort to create their Bride Jane Porter costume, to the fan who has spent months painstakingly crafting their Iron Man armor, all are welcomed and celebrated at FanPort!
ImPorts, be warned, most of these cosplayers will seek out their muses and/or any of their friends in the crowd to get selfies with their favs.
And cosplaying isn't just for the natives--imPorts are highly encouraged to dress up as their friends, enemies, or even total strangers! Costumes can be found in the imPort Hall for any last-minute decisions. Get in the spirit! It was just Halloween, after all.
Any imPorts who do try their hand at cosplay are encouraged to enter the Cosplay Contest at any point during the week. Organizers only have 2 rules for imPort applicants--no one is allowed to cosplay as themselves, and shapeshifting to achieve the costume in any way is prohibited. Otherwise, good luck! - Come down to the historic Hotel Veronica for a one-of-a-kind night November 1st to welcome arriving imPorts! The entire first floor has been transformed into the home of a nobleman or like a scene straight out of Phantom of the Opera, complete with elaborate suits, gowns and, of course, elaborate masks.
Everything will be provided for free for all imPortantVIPs; they will be whisked off to dressing rooms and transformed, completely to their tastes, by a team of professional stylists. Anything from gothic to over-the-top to traditional to modern is here in whatever size any imPort needs. And a larger selection of masks can't be found anywhere!
Once properly dressed, imPorts can make their way through the decorated hallways to several available ballrooms, each with identical fancy buffets and their own in-house musicians playing lively instrumental tunes just begging for people to dance.
Alcohol is, of course, provided, so long as the imPort is of legal drinking age. - While the Hotel Veronica is hosting something classic, the Heropa Convention Center will be hosting its con staple over the course of each of the 4 nights in several of its conference rooms, each catering to different crowds. While some are space for more traditional raving, several others have been transformed to keep the spirit of Halloween going for as long as it takes (suck it, Thanksgiving!). Each of the rooms is jam-packed with bright lights, glow sticks, loud imPort-inspired or Halloween-themed music (depending on the room) by a rotating cast of well-known DJs, and congoers looking for a good time.
Glowsticks and other rave paraphernalia are available for very affordable prices by vendors set up outside each room.
For imPorts of legal drinking age (and bartenders will be carding!!), a bar has been set up in two of the larger rave spaces where people looking for a quick break can try a variety of imPort-themed cocktails and mocktails available for congoers to enjoy, like The Prodigy, The Magnus, The Cultivator, Darin's Hammer, and The Winter Soldier. - In the back of the imPort Hall sits a series of metal containers, all painted to give the appearance of decay. Signs issuing warnings such as "Enter If You Dare" and "Beware All Who Enter Here" are plastered over their walls. The only entrance into the containers has been decorated to resemble the overrun front lawn of an abandoned mansion. Upon approach, the member of con staff working the door gives a menacing smile as she welcomes each guest. There's something unnerving about the way she says it. As she pulls the curtain aside, guests are greeted by a blood-curdling scream.
Inside, guests will find a variety of rooms, each with its own theme. They're staffed by a variety of actors all determined to scare the pants off everyone inside. Brave enough to make it through?
The breakdown is as follows: - Situated next to the Heropa Convention Center, taking up a considerable part of its parking lot, a corn maze has been erected to get congoers into the (admittedly slightly belatedly) spirit of the fall. Anyone who wishes to try their luck at making it through the Jack-o-Lantern-themed maze will find that it isn't just a maze--it's also a scavenger hunt. Congoers can find a number of pumpkin charms hidden throughout the maze, some visible while others will take a bit of searching to discover. At the end, they will be able to exchange their charms for swag, gift certificates to official FanPort vendors, and monetary gift cards, with prizes being dependant on how many charms they've collected.
Shop Artist's Alley
Wander the imPort Hall
► Isard Industries (Official FanPort Sponsor) (Booth #874) Isanne Isard brings her unique expertise to FanPort! Come meet Ms. Isard in person to be one of the first to sign up for her innovative Earthtrooper Training Program, hire her for a daring case, or learn more about her new Imperial Investment Program with guaranteed principle. |
► Abigail Hobbs (Booth #538) Meet imPort and musician Abigail Hobbs at select times over the weekend (visit booth #538 or the FanPort app for times). CDs and digital codes of her music, as well as t-shirts, posters, and more will be available for purchase. Abigail will autograph any purchase. |
► The Untold History of Antiques (Booth #1682) The smash hit of the Antiquities Channel (Official FanPort Sponsor) comes to FanPort to offer fans a personal look at how host David Alleyne is able to learn so much about the objects that mean so much to you. Producers will be present at the booth if you have a great idea for an item to be read on the show. David himself will be available all 5 days for autographs, pictures, and minor psychometric readings of attendees' items (No magical items accepted). |
► Project Walkway (Official FanPort Sponsor) (Booth #2485) Project Runway is taking over FanPort! Anyone even remotely interested in the glamorous world of modeling will get an exclusive opportunity to get to meet faces both in front of and behind the cameras to learn more about the business and get autographs, while every member of the cast and crew works overtime to provide you with more entertainment than anyone else! Besides, where else can you meet standout imPort Allison Hargreeves in person? |
► Tina's Burgers (Booth #823) Our very own beloved Tina Belcher will be bringing back her love of burgers straight to our hall! She'll be offering up a variety of delicious burgers to the hungry FanPort community - available in beef and Inconcievable! Brand meat subtitute. Tina is known for her inventive cuisine, but if that's not enough to sway you, her way with words will! It's always worth a trip to Tina's Burgers, if only to see what punny names she'll come up with next. |
► The Ruby Café (Booth #637) Food that's delicious, decadent, and low-to-no calories? No, you're not dreaming, it's a wide variety of meals prepared by owner Lacey Burrows (with a little help from her powers). Stop by to sample some indulgent dishes that you have to try to believe! And once the food has won you over, be sure to stop by the restaurant for even more heavenly deliciousness. |
Attend a Panel
► ImPorts on Film Sponsored by Project Walkway, FanPort will be running a non-stop marathon of films over the course of 5 days starring your favorite imPort. Watch their most famous/popular movies for free with your FanPort admission! Check the FanPort app for specific movie times. |
► Health and Safety A one-on-one discussion with imPort Eddie Kaspbrak on issues around general health and safety. Additionally, he will offer advice on how to deal with certain "oddities" he's come across since arriving, such as not asking for imPort autographs in the middle of a crisis. |
► Multiversal Moxie Costumed heroes will be on hand to sign autographs and answer questions on justice from their home universe! |
► The Porter Blows imPort Katsuki Bakugo will argue the potential benefits (and consequences) of blowing up the Porter. Multiple simulations will occur using miniature models of the Porter and different types of flammable materials as he shows off his quirk. |
► Abigail Hobbs Live in Concert Abigail Hobbs will be performing selections from her albums on harpsichord, to take listeners on an emotional musical journey. Anyone with a specific medical issue is encouraged to request a healing song from the star. |
► Fall Fashion Show One night only: November 3rd! Come watch Project Walkway take over FanPort with the Fall Fashion Show of the season. Everyone who's anyone will be there! Does that include you? |
Go Speed Dating
Check out/Participate in the Cosplay
Attend the Masquerade Ball
Attend a Rave
Brave the Haunted House
► Classic Hollywood Monsters Actors dressed as classic Hollywood monsters (Frankenstein, Dracula, the Wolf Man, the Mummy…) are present in this room to pop out at congoers. |
► Classic Slasher Film Villains Actors dressed as classic slasher villains like Freddie Kreuger and Jason Voorhees will torment all who enter this "suburban American street", whether or not they're congoers or fellow actors (dressed as typical American teens). |
► Pitch Black Congoers must rely on their sense of touch to get through the seeming void of this room while scary sound effects try to disorient congoers… Wait, was that blood? |
► Church of the Damned Congoers catch actors dressed as priests and priestesses sacrificing a fellow actor at the altar of a room designed to look like decreipt church, while their previous victims litter the floor. Unfortunately for all who enter, the priests and priestesses don't take too well to being disturbed. |
► Night of the Living Dead Actors dressed as zombies rise from the grave in this room designed to look like a cemetery to "attack" any congoers who enter. Or maybe they get lucky and they just feel like shuffling past… it all depends on their mood. |
► Twisted Hospital Actors dressed as doctors and patients alike live to torment one another and any congoer in this room designed to look like a hospital in hell. Depending on their mood, they might find a con-goer would be perfect to be their next patient. |
► The Cave This room is designed to look like an actual bat cave. Fake but lifelike bats sleep silently on the ceiling… at least until congoers walk into the room. |
► Werewolves Congoers are ushered through a faux forest where they find actors are in varying stages of werewolf transforation… and some of them think congoers look tasty. |
► Laboratory An actor dressed as a mad scientist is learning how to make humans tick in this room is designed to look like a laboratory/surgery… by taking people apart/and or “adding” to them. Actors dressed as his “successful” experiments roam the room or jump out to scary congoers as they pass. |
► The Warehouse Not all of those experiments from the prior room were successful. Actors dressed as “failed” experiments either roam this room, designed to look like a giant storage unit, or struggle to free themselves from the pile of fake bodies in the center. |