Maintain interest in an annual event during a time when it could not take place in person. Provide a way to engage with Comic/Cosplay communities, during a year when all other Cons had been canceled. Maintain relationships with local vendors and artists. Showcasing our vendors in new ways. Opportunity to raise awareness digitally and grow the Comic Con audience for future years. Create digital content in advance of the event, allowing staff to participate in new ways.

Online programs: live and pre-recorded. Online marketplace and local business promotions. New Comic Con Reading Challenge using our digital reading software. Partnered with the MacLaren Art Centre and Drawing House to offer programming. Repurposed digital video program content for the day of the event, enabling us to capitalize on our digital repository. Offered graphic novels intended for free comic book day as promotional giveaways in branch. Featured comic reader’s advisory videos by staff and presenters.

Received about 40% traffic compared to our in-person Con and higher online engagement than prior years. Developed a model to continue to offer a digital experience, paired with an in-person Con, to increase access. Created a venue for the cosplay community to engage with one another, when opportunities for this community to meet are low. Created lead-up content including a maker interview, superhero storytime and pet dress up contest. Promotional videos with our superheroes taught kids how to wear a mask.