Oh my goodness! It was absolutely freezing here for the start of Fan Expo Portland, I have never wanted to change out of cosplay as soon as heading out to con. It seems like my first time cosplaying Yuzuriha (Hell’s Paradise) was a very cute but cold try. At least it has not fully snowed yet, but it is completely icy.
I would say for the first day of con, plus the current weather conditions…it was a good turn out. I did feel bad for the vendors and artists because very few people showed up to Fan Expo on day one because of the current weather, lots of ice and many (news) predictions of snow. Although, I liked being able to walk around the convention and exhibition hall without being crushed or squeezed, which made shopping easier.
I am super excited for day two of Fan Expo, lots more panels being held and of course a One Piece meetup I just need to go to. But, I’m using most of my time to lazy-ily check out con and people watch (it feels slow enough and less crowded that I finally get to do this). Plus, I love finding good spots around con to take photos or make TikToks for fun. I still hope it’s not as crowded on Saturday, just because I want to shop a bit more without being shoved (as a short person it always happens at con), but I have a bestie’s birthday coming up (so I need to spoil). There are also a few very cute things I need to buy for myself, mostly some hilarious mouse pads of the One Piece cast, One Piece cards, and some Miguel O’Hara stuff I was able to find (my current hubby, living rent free in my brain 24/7).
I am incredibly sad that many of the guests have canceled last minute due to filming and now weather. On this list is Jon Bernthal, I can’t tell you how bummed I was hearing that news. Maybe one day I’ll finally get to meet him, but so far… Not this con (crying silently into my pillow tonight).
The panels I’m hoping to check out on saturday are, World of Warblas, Toss it in a blender, Intro to foam work, and checking out any of the Idolfest’s (I’m just curious as to what it is). There are always so many fun cosplay panels that the cosplay guild hosts at all these cons, and I’m really hoping that I’ll be able to attend more this weekend since I’m not as busy (so far).
Even with the lack of people on the first day, there were still a lot of people in cosplay! Although I was loving all the chill sweats and warm clothes, while I’m freezing my butt off (haha). I’m looking forward to trying out the rest of the new cosplays I have for this weekend, although none of them are warm ones. I guess I’m just dumb for not seeing that a winter storm was coming into town, or else I would have brought warmer and more relaxed cosplays.
Day two of Fan Expo Portland looks like another cold one, and if you’re able to safely get to con…I know you all will have a blast!
Are you going to be at FanExpo Portland this weekend? Feel free to leave a comment below or chat with us on Twitter/X at @TheConCollectve, Threads at @theconventioncollective, or Bluesky at @theconcollective.bsky.social
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