Salt Lake City FanX: A Solo Experience

Last month, I went to Salt Lake City FanX after not attending for the last five years. I went with a coworker on Thursday and again on Saturday by myself. Going on Saturday was my first time ever solo, and I wondered what it would be like. I ended up enjoying myself. I discovered three reasons why I liked it, but also one reason why I didn’t.

Likes: 

1. Prioritizing What I Wanted

At every FanX I’ve gone to, there are certain celebrities that I want to meet and souvenirs to purchase to commemorate my experience, and this one was no different. I planned to meet the actresses, Melissa Gilbert (Laura Ingalls Wilder) and Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson) from the 1970s and 80s television show, Little House on the Prairie, and to attend their panel. I also wanted to meet the host of a tv series I watched as a boy, Reading Rainbow’s Levar Burton. In addition, I anticipated purchasing a Disney lapel pin, Funko Pops (a FanX favorite), and possibly a piece of artwork for my souvenirs. Prioritizing whom I wanted to meet and what souvenirs to get helped me know how to spend my time at FanX.

2. Setting my Own Pace

Once I had secured the registration band to my wrist, I entered the main floor of the Salt Palace where FanX was being held and set a casual pace. Usually, I grow frustrated with how slow or fast and the directions the masses of people take, but this time I tried to remain calm and relaxed. As I did, I found myself smiling as I leisurely followed the flow, soaking in the atmosphere. I walked the aisles of vendors’ stalls, enjoying taking time to explore what interested me. I went early to celebrities’ booths, so I had time to meet and briefly chat with each of them. In an effort not to feel rushed, I decided when I wanted to leave the convention, and then gave myself plenty of time to look for souvenirs. 

3. Interacting with Fellow FanXers

In the past, I went to FanX with friends. We would talk about the actors and actresses we’d met, panels attended, and the merchandise and cosplayers that we had seen. When I was nervous before meeting a celebrity, they gave me needed encouragement. With them present, I wasn’t inclined to step out of my comfort zone and speak to other attendees beyond complimenting their costumes. This time however, in addition to praising some on their cosplays, I engaged in conversations with others. As I waited in line at “Celebrity Row” to meet Levar Burton, I spoke with one person about the shows in which he appeared. We also talked about other famous guests we met and our interactions with them. While exploring “Artist Alley,” I spoke with Zack Smith about the works he was selling as I perused his portfolios. Curious, I asked him about the process of getting a spot at FanX, if business was going well, and praised his clever artwork. I ended up purchasing two of his pieces; they were too irresistible to pass up. Whether waiting in line with another attendee or speaking with a seller, interacting with them reminded me that others were just as enthusiastic as I was to be at FanX.

Check out more of Zack Smith's art on Instagram and Facebook

Dislike: 

Being Unable to Share the Experience In-Person

As much as I enjoyed attending FanX solo, it was still different from the other times I’d gone. I was unable to share my experiences with friends or family in-person. Happy over meeting the stars of Little House on the Prairie and Reading Rainbow, I texted the selfies that I took and brief descriptions of my interactions with them to my family. They were delighted for me and asked what it was like meeting the celebrities. I also periodically texted a friend with whom I’ve attended FanX in past years. I told him about the cosplays I saw and my observations of the event after being absent from it for five years. Yes, I was sharing my experiences in real time with loved ones, but an iPhone can only communicate their words, not their tone, facial expressions, and body language.

I had a great time going to FanX by myself. I plan to go again next year. Now that I know what it’s like to attend solo, I will prioritize my time to meet whom I want and to shop. I will pace myself so that I can take in as much of the experience as I can. I will step out of my comfort zone by talking with other attendees. And I’ll remember that there is a drawback of not being able to share the event with others in-person.