Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
Hal-Con 2026 is the largest sci-fi and fantasy convention in Atlantic Canada, taking place from November 6 to 8 at the Halifax Convention Centre.
This event features a variety of panels, workshops, and activities for fans of all ages.
Hal-Con 2026 takes place in Halifax, Canada.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: Hal-Con 2026 runs from November 6 to 8, 2026, at the Halifax Convention Centre in Halifax, Canada.
- 2Scale and Focus: This premier event attracts over 15,000 attendees, featuring a diverse range of sci-fi and fantasy programming.
- 3Organiser: Hal-Con is organized by a dedicated team committed to creating an inclusive and engaging experience for all attendees.
- 4Buyer Authority: Fans, cosplayers, and industry professionals gather to network, share ideas, and celebrate their love for sci-fi and fantasy.
- 5Entry / Access: Tickets are available online, with various admission options to suit different attendee needs.
Why visit
Attendees can expect a vibrant atmosphere filled with engaging panels, workshops, and opportunities to meet their favorite creators and fellow fans. Hal-Con offers a unique chance to immerse oneself in the sci-fi and fantasy community, making it a must-visit event for enthusiasts.
Why exhibit
Exhibitors gain access to a passionate audience of over 15,000 attendees, providing an excellent opportunity to showcase their products and services. Participating in Hal-Con allows exhibitors to connect with potential customers and build brand recognition within the thriving sci-fi and fantasy market.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Cosplayers and costume makers attending for the masquerade, Hall Cosplay judging and photo shoots
Comic, graphic-novel and manga readers browsing Artist Alley and back-issue dealers
Tabletop, board game and trading-card players joining open-play and tournament sessions
Video game and indie game fans trying demos on the show floor
Sci-fi, fantasy and horror fans following film, TV and literature programming
Families and younger fans looking for all-ages activities and guest appearances
Collectors hunting art prints, enamel pins and limited-run merchandise
Genre authors, artists and creators attending panels, signings and fan meet-ups
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Comic book publishers, indie comics studios and Artist Alley creators
Cosplay suppliers selling costumes, wigs, props and prop-making materials
Tabletop RPG, board game and trading-card publishers running demos and tournaments
Video game and indie game developers, including Atlantic Canadian studios
Pop-culture merchandise and collectible retailers (figures, pins, apparel, plush)
Fan artists and print sellers offering original and limited-edition work
Genre authors, small presses and independent publishers signing and selling books
Specialty vendors serving sci-fi, fantasy and anime fandom
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Comic books, graphic novels, manga and back issues
Cosplay costumes, props, wigs and accessories
Board games, tabletop RPGs, trading card games and dice
Video games and indie titles
Sci-fi and fantasy merchandise and collectibles
Art prints, enamel pins and handmade fan art
Genre books, novels and small-press publications
Apparel, plush and novelty pop-culture items
Location & Facilities
Venue
Halifax Convention Centre
Halifax, Canada
Facilities
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Halifax Convention Centre in Halifax typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Halifax Convention Centre for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
How the last edition performed
Previous edition
New this edition
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Halifax, Canada
Why it matters
Attending Hal-Con 2026 on 2026-11-06 to 2026-11-08 in Halifax lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Market news
Latest updates from across the market.
Canada Cosplay Costumes Market | Growth, Trends & Share 2032
www.6wresearch.com/industry-report/canada-cosplay-costumes-market
Canada Cosplay Clothing Market (2025-2031) | Growth & Industry
www.6wresearch.com/industry-report/canada-cosplay-clothing-market
Cosplay-Eh! A new professional cosplay contest is born in Canada ...
www.montrealcomiccon.com/en/press/cosplay-eh-a-new-professional-cosplay-contest-is-born-in-canada/
Vancouver comic book, cosplay fans come out in full force for Fan Expo
ca.news.yahoo.com/spider-man-chewbacca-chainsaw-man-231958705.html
What is the Best Cosplay Canada Trends for 2026?
blog.dokidokicos.com/blog/best-cosplay-trends-canada-2026/
The Canadian Cosplay Scene in 2025 - Steamprint
steamprint.ca/blogs/news/the-canadian-cosplay-scene-in-2025
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · CAD
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Budget
North End / Quinpool Road area, roughly 1.5-2.5 km from Halifax Convention CentreUSD 85–125 / night
Simple motel or budget inn options; confirm shuttle or transit links and early November availability before travel.
Mid-range
Downtown Halifax, roughly 300-700 m from Halifax Convention CentreUSD 150–210 / night
Convenient downtown chains and suites hotels; rates rise on event weekends, so book early.
Premium
Downtown waterfront / adjacent to Halifax Convention CentreUSD 230–320 / night
Upscale full-service properties within walking distance of the venue; confirm current rates and taxes before travel.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Bus
Estimated costCAD 4.25–5.25 one way
Best forHalifax Transit Route 320 (airport express), Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) to downtown Halifax
Route 320 serves the airport and downtown with a journey of roughly 40-60 minutes; check the current timetable and exact fare before travel.
Taxi
Estimated costCAD 70–90
Best forHalifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) to Halifax Convention Centre
Licensed airport taxis serve downtown Halifax in roughly 30-45 minutes depending on traffic; confirm the metered or flat rate before travel.
Rideshare
Estimated costCAD 60–85
Best forYHZ or downtown Halifax hotels to Halifax Convention Centre
Ride-hailing is available in Halifax but coverage can be thinner than in larger Canadian cities; confirm wait times and surge pricing before travel.
Walk
Estimated costFree
Best forDowntown Halifax hotels to Halifax Convention Centre
Several downtown hotels are within a short walk of the venue; pack waterproof layers for early November.
Car
Estimated costCAD 20–40 per day
Best forDowntown Halifax parking near Halifax Convention Centre
Paid parking is available in the downtown core and at the venue; confirm daily rates and any event parking arrangements before travel.
Weather
Halifax in November runs cool and damp. Pack layers, a waterproof outer shell, and comfortable walking shoes for the walk between the Halifax Convention Centre and downtown hotels.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Mobile data and Wi-Fi are widely available in Halifax. Business travellers should confirm roaming with their home carrier or pick up a Canadian SIM; Wi-Fi is listed among amenities at several hotels near the Halifax Convention Centre.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Cosplay photo etiquette
Hal-Con draws large numbers of cosplayers. Always ask before taking a photo, accept a no, and credit makers when you share images, since many costumes are handmade and take months to build.
Tipping in Halifax
As elsewhere in Canada, tipping is customary in restaurants and bars, typically 15-20% of the pre-tax bill, and taxi and rideshare drivers are usually tipped as well. Debit and credit cards are widely accepted.
November weather
Halifax in early November is cool, wet and windy. Pack layers, a waterproof outer shell and comfortable shoes for walking between downtown hotels and the Halifax Convention Centre, and check the forecast close to travel.
Downtown and the waterfront
The convention centre sits in downtown Halifax, close to the waterfront boardwalk, restaurants and the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, so allow extra time to explore between convention sessions.
Convention floor norms
Expect queues for popular panels and autograph or photo-op sessions. Follow the organiser's line and bag-check rules, and keep aisles in the Dealers Room and Artist Alley clear for other attendees.
Local fan community
Hal-Con is a long-running Atlantic Canadian fan convention, so expect a community-focused atmosphere with volunteers, local artists and Maritime hospitality, and many attendees who return year after year.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Compare flights to the nearest international gateway serving Halifax; confirm ground transport on the organiser site.
Hotels
Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.
Check-in (recommended)
2026-11-06
Check-out (recommended)
2026-11-08
Areas to stay
Downtown Halifax, roughly 300-700 m from Halifax Convention Centre · Downtown waterfront / adjacent to Halifax Convention Centre · North End / Quinpool Road area, roughly 1.5-2.5 km from Halifax Convention Centre
budget
CAD 85-125/night
mid range
CAD 150-210/night
premium
CAD 230-320/night
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Use the nearest international airport serving Halifax; Metro, train or taxi links are typically available to the venue district.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Halifax Convention Centre: North End / Quinpool Road area, roughly 1.5-2.5 km from Halifax Convention Centre: North End / Quinpool Road area, roughly 1.5-2.5 km from Halifax Convention Centre; Downtown Halifax, roughly 300-700 m from Halifax Convention Centre: Downtown Halifax, roughly 300-700 m from Halifax Convention Centre; Downtown waterfront / adjacent to Halifax Convention Centre: Downtown waterfront / adjacent to Halifax Convention Centre.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Halifax; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Halifax Transit bus service is captured as a public transit option between Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) and the Halifax Convention Centre; see Moovit and Rome2rio route pages for lines and journey time.
Parking: On-site parking is available at Halifax Convention Centre; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: November 2026
Temperature: Cool November conditions typical for Halifax; expect chilly days and colder evenings. Check a live forecast before travelling.
Seasonality: November is a wet, shoulder-season month in Halifax with frequent rain and coastal wind. Carry rain protection for the convention-centre walk.
Packing: Layers, a waterproof jacket, an umbrella, and closed waterproof footwear are the practical packing items for a November Halifax convention weekend.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day for qualified buyer meetings: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Hal-Con 2026 usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
Exhibitor readiness roadmap
Event day: 2026-11-06
T-1
Review the Hal-Con 2026 Vendor Pack PDF for booth rules, booth pricing structure, setup hours and vendor directory listing.
T-2
Review the Be a Sponsor page and 2026 Sponsor Package PDF if you want promotional placements beyond a basic vendor table.
T-3
Confirm product categories and vendor-directory placement against Hal-Con's vendor categories, including 'Ships within Canada & United States'.
T-4
Read the Hal-Con policies page for vendor conduct, rules and on-site requirements.
T-5
Arrange stay and travel: downtown Halifax hotels near the venue, plus the YHZ-to-venue transfer via bus, shuttle or taxi.
T-6
Pack for a wet, cool November weekend in Halifax: layers, waterproof jacket, umbrella and waterproof footwear.
T-7
Reference the venue-level floor plans and accessible venue guidance before arriving for setup.
Networking spots
2Hal-Con 2026 registration concourse
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nightsCA$170.00
- Per diem × 2CA$150.00
Estimated totalCA$320.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Hal-Con 2026 fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4–8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published — confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3–6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources — confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Min. budget
Not yet confirmed
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Glossary
- Cosplay
- Costume play: dressing as a character from comics, film, TV, games or anime. At Hal-Con, cosplay ranges from casual closet cosplay to competition-level builds shown in the masquerade and Hall Cosplay.
- Masquerade
- A staged cosplay competition with scripted skits and craftsmanship judging, usually held on the main stage during the convention weekend.
- Hall Cosplay
- Cosplay judged on craftsmanship while worn around the convention floor rather than on stage, often with ribbons or awards for workmanship.
- Artist Alley
- A section where individual artists and illustrators sell original art, prints, comics and commissions directly to attendees, distinct from commercial retail booths.
- Dealers Room
- The main retail hall where vendors sell comics, collectibles, games, apparel and fan merchandise.
- Panel
- A scheduled talk or discussion, often with guests, authors or fan groups, covering a specific fandom, craft or industry topic.
- Autograph and photo-op session
- Timed opportunities to meet a featured guest for a signed item or a professional photo; check the organiser page to see whether separate tickets or pre-booking are required.
- Guest of Honour
- A headline invited guest, such as an actor, author, artist or voice performer, featured across panels, signings and main-stage events.
- Badge
- The attendee credential that grants access to the convention for a day or the full weekend; it is normally collected at registration and must be worn on site.
- Tabletop RPG
- A pen-and-paper role-playing game such as Dungeons & Dragons, played in scheduled or drop-in sessions using dice, rulebooks and character sheets.
- LARP
- Live action role-playing, where participants physically act out their characters in costume, often in a dedicated scenario or room.
- Fan art
- Artwork created by fans based on existing characters and worlds; original prints and commissions are a mainstay of Artist Alley.
- Con crud
- Informal term for the cold or fatigue some attendees pick up at busy conventions; hand sanitiser, sleep and hydration help reduce the risk.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Hal-Con 2026
- Hal-Con Halifax 2026
- Hal-Con Halifax
- Halifax sci-fi fantasy convention
- Hal-Con Convention Centre Halifax
- Hal-Con comic convention Halifax
- sci-fi fantasy convention Halifax 2026
- comic books graphic novels expo Halifax
- cosplay costumes accessories expo Halifax
- board games tabletop RPGs convention Halifax
10 more alternate names hidden
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Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.