Must-Attend Vancouver Conventions and Fan Expos

Vancouver is renowned as a premier hub for events and conventions, and the city draws visitors from around the world with modern amenities and world-class event venues, including the Vancouver Convention Centre and BC Place Stadium. Whether you’re a pop culture enthusiast, an avid learner, or a business professional, this city offers an exciting lineup of conventions for everyone.

Find dates and details for Vancouver conventions, including Just for Laughs, Fan Expo, and PDC, and then book at the Carmana Hotel downtown to make attending easy.

This year’s lineup of Vancouver conventions includes these must-attend events.

February 12–22, 2026 | Multiple venues in Vancouver

Just For Laughs Vancouver, Western Canada’s biggest comedy festival, takes place each February for 10 days. It features a wide variety of comedy acts, including stand-up, podcasts, improv, and sketch shows from emerging talents and well-known comedians; past performers have included John Mulaney, Bill Burr, and Trevor Noah. Some of the anticipated comics for 2026 include James Acaster, Michelle Buteau, Nimesh Patel, Drew Lynch, and Dropout Improv. Whether you want to catch the latest phenomenon or watch a rising star, you’ll find plenty of performances to enjoy at venues across Vancouver.

February 14–16, 2026 | Vancouver Convention Centre

Fan Expo is a can’t-miss Vancouver event celebrating all things pop culture, from cult classics to new favorites and everything in between. Attendees enjoy appearances from celebrity guests, panel discussions with actors, writers, and producers, and an exhibitor hall offering merchandise and collectibles. Guests for 2026 include The Lord of the Rings trilogy’s Astin, Boyd, Monaghan, and Wood, plus Smallville personalities, anime voice actors, comic creators, gaming stars, and cosplayers. Fan Expo Vancouver 2026 tickets are on sale now. 

March 5–7, 2026 | Vancouver Convention Centre

The Pacific Dental Conference is one of the biggest in North America and the biggest in Canada, so it’s a must-attend Vancouver event for dental professionals. With almost 300 exhibitors, more than 200 open sessions, and hands-on courses taught by experts, the PDC offers plenty of learning opportunities to keep you ahead in the industry. This Vancouver Convention Centre event also showcases the latest and greatest in dental tech, products, and services. Bring your team and find out how to take your practice to the next level. The early bird registration deadline is January 9.  

March 7–8, 2026 | BC Place

The 2026 HSBC SVNS Vancouver is back for another year. This is the ultimate Vancouver sports experience, with three days of awesome women’s and men’s rugby action and crazy costumes. Both women’s and men’s rugby tournaments are happening at the same time — watch the teams battle it out for the champion title.

March 7–14, 2026  | Vancouver Convention Centre

The Vancouver International Wine Festival features 114 wineries from 14 countries and is one of Canada’s biggest food and wine events. It includes informative, educational, and entertaining programming for the public and trade. Buy tickets for the Bacchanalia Gala Dinner and Auction or a festival tasting. 

April 13–17, 2026 | Vancouver Convention Centre

TED2026 focuses on sharing ideas on building a better future from voices in every discipline. The program promises to bring the world’s greatest innovators, dreamers, creators, and doers together. Visitors must be members to join these meaningful conversations. Apply today to begin the review process. 

May 11–14, 2026 | Vancouver Convention Centre

Web Summit, the beloved “Glastonbury for geeks,” will return for another North American event at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Thousands of international entrepreneurs, investors, tech leaders, and media professionals are expected to join this convention — a must for tech- and business-oriented mindsets. Don't miss out!

October 4–8, 2026 | Vancouver Convention Centre

Engineers, researchers, and other professionals will come together for the Energy Conversion Congress & Expo (ECCE), a global convention for the latest advances in various areas of conservation. The agenda promises interactive and multidisciplinary discussions on creating a net-zero world. Stay tuned to the ECCE website to be the first to know about speakers, programs, and registration dates.

BC Place Stadium, the Vancouver Convention Centre, and other popular venues are located directly downtown, providing attendees with easy access to events, dining, and lodging. Use these tips to make the most of your visit to Vancouver:

Make reservations at hotels near the Vancouver Convention Centre for easy access to the best corporate and cosplay events. The Carmana Hotel offers a convenient downtown location, comfortable accommodations, and direct booking promotions. Our spacious suites are perfect for relaxing after a long day at a Vancouver fan expo or conference.

If you’re travelling to the Pacific Dental Conference, Web Summit, or a similar event, Carmana offers corporate travel accommodations with business amenities, meeting rooms, and anything your team may need. 

Depending on where you’re coming from, you can easily walk, take public transit, or drive to Vancouver event venues. Walking is the easiest and cheapest way to get around Vancouver during conventions, especially if you’re staying downtown. Carmana Hotel is just 0.6 miles from the Vancouver Convention Centre, a walkable distance whether you’re dressed in cosplay or carrying merch. Our hotel also offers some of the best accommodations near BC Place Stadium, making it a breeze to hop from your hotel to sporting events.

Public transportation includes the SkyTrain, Canada’s rapid transit line, and SeaBus; both connect visitors to downtown venues and other sights. Rideshares and cabs are also efficient ways to get to event venues.

If you prefer to drive, familiarize yourself with lot availability and pricing to avoid surprises. Parking is available on-site at the convention centre parkade and various independent lots nearby, including Waterfront Centre, Station East, TDPC Parking, and Commerce Place. Parkades are first-come, first-served, and will likely feature special-event pricing. Those attending events at BC Place Stadium can pre-book a spot at the on-site parkade or look for private lots. Due to large crowds at these events, public transit or walking are more preferred methods with fewer hassles.

While making your hotel reservation and parking plans are important, these additional pointers ensure you’re ready for the event of the year: 

Save money and time by buying your tickets in advance. Early bird specials and other rewards can make a huge difference in your budget and free up more funds for your trip. Buying online eliminates the need to wait in long lines or risk the event selling out early. Look into bundles and multi-day passes to save extra money compared to single-day entries.

Don’t be afraid to attend a speaker or presentation alone, especially if you traveled a long way for the convention. If you’re with a group of people with different interests, split up and make the most of it. Just make a plan to meet back with your group afterwards and stay in touch during the event.

The venue’s map and event schedule are your best friends during a convention. Save an offline copy or print one out so laggy Wi-Fi doesn’t slow you down. A portable charger, a refillable water bottle (or hydropack if the venue allows it), and other little comforts can help you get through long days. A repair/touch-up kit can be handy for your cosplay if you’re attending Vancouver’s Fan Expo. Always review the venue and event policies about what’s permitted.

Fan Expo Vancouver is just one of the conventions and events worth visiting this beautiful city for, and the Carmana Hotel makes planning easy. We offer the perfect blend of comfort and convenience to enhance your experience, and our hotel’s location near the Vancouver Convention Centre and other popular venues makes us an ideal home base. As you start registering for this year’s events, make your reservations at Carmana early to secure the best rates.