7 Shocking Secrets And Must-Know Facts About FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention (Formerly Salt Lake Comic Con)

The landscape of pop culture conventions in the Intermountain West has been dominated for over a decade by one massive event, but its identity is a story of legal battles and explosive growth. As of the most recent event in September 2024, the convention known to many as "Salt Lake Comic Con" is officially the FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention, a three-day phenomenon that transforms the Salt Palace Convention Center into a geek paradise. This article provides the most current, up-to-date information on the convention, exploring its controversial history, the major highlights of the 2024 event, and what fans can expect from this unique 'FanXperience.' We dive deep into the secrets that shaped this Utah institution, from its record-breaking attendance to the high-profile legal drama that forced a permanent rebrand.

The 2024 FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention, held from September 26th to the 28th, reaffirmed its status as a world-class gathering, attracting a red carpet of Hollywood royalty, comic book legends, and thousands of dedicated fans. From high-energy celebrity panels to massive cosplay competitions, the event continues to be the premier pop culture expo in Salt Lake City, Utah, carrying on the legacy of its original, controversial name. This is everything you need to know about the convention that defied the odds and redefined the regional comic con experience.

The Event Profile: FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention at a Glance

The convention, organized by Dan Farr Productions, is a multi-genre pop culture expo that began with a bang and quickly became one of the most attended events in North America. Its history is inseparable from its legal battles, making its current profile a testament to its resilience.

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• Current Official Name: FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention (often shortened to FanX)
• Original Name: Salt Lake Comic Con
• Primary Organizer: Dan Farr Productions
• Venue: Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
• Typical Event Timing: Annually, usually in late September (e.g., September 26–28, 2024)
• Focus: Comic books, science fiction, fantasy, film, television, gaming, and pop culture.
• Key Features (Entities): Celebrity Guest Panels, Autograph Signings, Photo Ops, Cosplay Contests, KidCon, and the FanX Film Festival.
• Geographical Reach: Caters primarily to the Intermountain West region.

The event’s origins trace back to 2013, and its rapid success immediately put it on the map. This explosive growth, however, also led to its biggest challenge: a trademark infringement lawsuit that would change its name forever.

The Controversial History: Why "Salt Lake Comic Con" Had to Change

The most unique and compelling aspect of this convention is its dramatic backstory. The name change from "Salt Lake Comic Con" to "FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention" was not a marketing choice; it was the result of a high-stakes legal battle with the organizers of San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC).

The San Diego Comic-Con Trademark Lawsuit

The legal dispute centered on the use of the term "Comic Con," which the San Diego organizers claimed was a protected trademark. After years of litigation, the Salt Lake organizers were ultimately found to have infringed on the trademark. This forced a permanent rebrand to "FanX," a name that had been used for smaller, secondary events in the past, but was now adopted as the primary brand. This legal saga is a crucial piece of the convention's identity, highlighting the fiercely competitive nature of the pop culture event industry.

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Internal Scandal: The Co-Founder Controversy

Adding to the convention's tumultuous history was the controversy surrounding co-founder Bryan Brandenburg. In a shocking turn of events, Brandenburg, who was instrumental in the convention's early success, was found guilty of sending bomb threats in 2024. This internal scandal cast a shadow over the organization, making the event's continuation under Dan Farr Productions a significant achievement in overcoming adversity and maintaining the focus on the fan experience.

The 2024 FanX Highlights: Celebrity Guests and Unique Attractions

Despite the historical turbulence, the 2024 FanX event demonstrated the convention's enduring appeal, drawing massive crowds and securing a diverse, high-profile guest list. The focus remains squarely on delivering a memorable 'FanXperience' through unique interactions and a wide array of attractions.

A Star-Studded Guest Roster

The 2024 convention, held in late September, featured a formidable lineup of celebrity guests spanning major film franchises, beloved television series, and the world of voice acting. These entities form the core of the convention's appeal, driving massive attendance for Autograph Signings and Photo Ops.

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Notable guests from the 2024 event included:

• Andy Serkis: Known for iconic motion-capture roles (Gollum, Caesar).
• Anthony Daniels: The legendary actor behind C-3PO in the Star Wars saga.
• Alison Arngrim: Best known as Nellie Oleson from Little House on the Prairie.
• Bart Johnson: Coach Bolton from the High School Musical franchise.
• Adrian Hough: A prominent voice actor in video games and animation.
• Afua Richardson: A celebrated comic book artist and illustrator.
• Alyson Court: The voice of Claire Redfield in the Resident Evil series.
• Amir Talai: Voice actor known for roles in The Legend of Vox Machina.

These guests participated in numerous Celebrity Guest Panels, offering fans a chance to hear behind-the-scenes stories and ask questions in an intimate setting. The sheer volume of star power ensures there is something for every genre fan.

The FanXperience: More Than Just Comics

FanX has successfully diversified its offerings to appeal to a broad pop culture audience. It’s no longer just a "comic con" but a comprehensive pop culture expo.

• Cosplay Contests: The event hosts one of the region's largest Cosplay Contests, where participants showcase incredible craftsmanship and creativity, competing for prizes and bragging rights.
• FanX Film Festival: A dedicated event showcasing independent films, documentaries, and short features focused on genre and pop culture themes.
• KidCon: A family-friendly zone with activities, panels, and attractions specifically designed for younger convention-goers, making the event accessible for all ages.
• Gaming Competitions: Dedicated areas for video game tournaments and table-top gaming, catering to the massive gaming community.
• Vendor Booths: Hundreds of exhibitors selling everything from rare comic books and original artwork to exclusive merchandise and collectibles.

Planning Your Visit: Tickets, Venue, and Future Dates

For those planning to attend the next FanX, understanding the logistics, ticket tiers, and typical timing is essential. The convention is a massive undertaking at the Salt Palace Convention Center, requiring careful planning.

Ticket Tiers and Pricing

Ticket prices for FanX are structured to accommodate various levels of fandom, from casual visitors to dedicated enthusiasts. While exact prices fluctuate annually, the tiers generally include:

• Single-Day Tickets: Ideal for visitors interested in a specific day's programming (e.g., Friday or Saturday). Prices typically start around $30 for early-bird purchases.
• Three-Day Passes: The standard ticket for fans who want to experience the entire convention.
• VIP Passes: These premium passes offer significant perks, including early access, dedicated lines for autographs and photo ops, and exclusive merchandise.

The Venue: Salt Palace Convention Center

The Salt Palace Convention Center serves as the long-standing home for FanX. Its vast floor space is essential for hosting the large crowds, numerous Vendor Booths, and multiple simultaneous panels. The venue is centrally located in downtown Salt Lake City, making it easily accessible via public transit and within walking distance of many hotels and restaurants.

Looking Ahead: FanX 2025 and Beyond

Based on the consistent annual scheduling, the next major event, FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention 2025, is expected to take place in late September 2025. Fans are advised to monitor the official FanX website for the release of specific dates and the first wave of guest announcements, which typically begin months in advance. The convention's proven track record of securing major talent and delivering a quality fan experience suggests that its future remains bright, solidifying its place as a must-attend event in the pop culture calendar.