[1] It is owned and operated by Informa's Fan Expo HQ.
From 2001 to 2012, Hobby Star Marketing, Inc. (who also ran Fan Expo Canada) held fall, spring, and winter one-day comic book conventions called the Toronto ComiCON at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
From 2004 to 2011, the spring event was referred to as the "Fan Appreciation Event" and included free admission held in conjunction with participating Toronto-area comic book stores such as the Silver Snail.
Beginning in 2012, the Toronto Comicon format underwent extensive restructuring has now become a three-day event that "[boasts] unique exhibitors, presentations, workshops and many celebrity guests.
"[2] Since the changes, the convention has attracted more high-profile guests and attendance rates have increased, therefore making it a key competitor to Toronto Comic Con.