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Our Origins

More than an event. A world to explore.

With over 600 exhibitors and thousands of fans, Toronto Game Expo is the largest fan-driven marketplace in Canada. It happens twice a year… and it gets bigger every time.

From rare collectibles to indie games and cosplay icons to childhood nostalgia, every corner of the show is designed for discovery.

We bring together the creators, the collectors, and the curious. Because when passion meets community, something incredible happens.

This is more than a show. It’s everything you love, under one roof.


Toronto Game Expo was founded in 2022 by Chris Hodgson and Darby Queiser, the team behind HQ Events Inc., which launched the Barrie Game Exchange (BGE) in 2015. BGE started as a grassroots video game swap meet, focused purely on buying, selling, and trading games and collectibles, and quickly became one of Canada’s largest shows of its kind.
But as the community grew, so did the vision.
With BGE outgrowing even the largest venues in Barrie, Chris and Darby set their sights on something bigger. Drawing inspiration from major conventions like Anime North, Fan Expo, Comic-Cons, and large-scale video game expos in the US, they created Toronto Game Expo — a full-scale fan event that goes far beyond a traditional marketplace.
Launched in March 2023, Toronto Game Expo brings together over 600 exhibitors, indie game developers, cosplay guests, free play arcades, tournaments, workshops, and family-friendly programming, offering an immersive, inclusive experience for fans of all ages.
Now held twice a year at Exhibition Place, TGE continues to grow with every show. From its humble origin built on the same community-first values that made BGE a success, the show has now expanded into a true celebration of gaming and pop culture.
 

Core Values

Community

  • At the heart of Toronto Game Expo is a passionate, supportive community. We’re here to celebrate what we love, together.

Accessibility

  • We strive to make the show easy to attend, easy to navigate, and welcoming for everyone, from first-time fans to seasoned collectors.

Diversity

  • We believe in representation across all levels. From our exhibitors and guests to our programming and attendees. Everyone deserves to see themselves reflected in the space.

Creativity

  • From indie developers to cosplay artists, we champion original work and bold ideas. This is a space where creativity thrives.

Integrity

  • We treat every exhibitor, guest, and attendee with fairness and respect. Please be mindful and respectful of others and ensure the space stays family-friendly.

Growth

  • With every event, we aim higher. More exhibitors. More attendees. More opportunities to create something unforgettable.

A Message from Chris & Darby

Co-Founders, Toronto Game Expo

"We didn’t set out to create just another convention. We set out to build something that fans in this country have been waiting for — something bold, ambitious, and full of heart.

 

Toronto Game Expo was born from a simple passion: to bring people together through the things they love. What started as a swap meet in a small community hall has become Canada’s largest fan-driven marketplace, with over 600 exhibitors, a vibrant cosplay scene, indie games, a free play gaming arena, and thousands of people sharing the same excitement under one roof.

 

We believe in this show. And we believe in where it’s going.

 

Every event gets bigger. Every moment brings more people together. And every year, we raise the bar on what’s possible. We're inspired by the world's best fan events, but we're doing it with a distinctly Canadian soul.

 

This is just the beginning.

 

See you at the show."
 

— Chris & Darby

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