Co-host Heather Kelly, of former KSL NewsRadio fame, and current Heather Kelly Show, joins Utah Fan Culture podcast and blog host KellieAnn Halvorsen: with a sneak peek inside FanX Salt Lake Comic & Pop Culture Convention 2026. Recently, Heather sat down with FanX Founder Dan Farr to talk “The business behind FanX Salt Lake: What it costs to put 100,000 fans under one roof.”  Now with this knowledge in their heads and years of experience finding connection and friends at the convention, both give insights into the con, how it’s moving forward over the next few years as downtown gets resculpted, and some surprising tips for navigating this massive event.

Episode Overview:

• A look into this year’s FanX, including what it’s like moderating panels and pitching ideas.
• A sneak peek at Heather Kelly’s conversation with FanX founder Dan Farr, how the idea was explosive in popularity from the start in 2013, to the massive economic and societal impact it is in 2026. As well as a look at how the convention will cope as the convention center downtown is remodeled.
• Convention Highlights & Inclusivity: Features celebrities, author panels, voice actors, cosplay competitions, kids’ areas, gaming, quiet rooms, and mental health initiatives like NerdHQ by Zachary Levi.
• Attendee Tips Like: Buy tickets early (kids under 10 are free with an adult), wear comfortable walking shoes, stay hydrated, bring food/cash, check out side panels, and plan for heavy crowds.

The “Utah Fan Culture” podcast and blog highlight Utah’s unique place in storytelling, arts, and entertainment — as well as the fans that support them. Utah is unlike any other state due to its clash of conservative and liberal arts scenes, as well as a stunning variety of natural locations showcased at museums, venues, conventions, filming locations, historic landmarks, and more. That, coupled with community support, as Utah is ranked #1 for live arts participation per capita, showcases that “This is the place… for fans!” Even TIME declared it the Nerdiest State of the Union in 2014.

At Utah Fan Culture, former KSL’s “Fan Effect Podcast” host and producer, KellieAnn Halvorsen, continues her work showcasing fans, fandoms, and fantastic storytelling through reviews, interviews, and event spotlights. With co-hosts and guests like Games & Things Utah’s Chris Graham and Jenna Safley, and award-winning newsperson Heather Kelly, Halvorsen forces her friends into the spotlight to share the stories that have made a difference in their lives.

Listen now on YouTube, and follow along at UtahFanCulture.com as episodes, social media, events, and more are added to the ever-growing lineup, and we go Fan(Girl/Boy)ing around Utah. And you can even support KellieAnn in this effort on Patreon, so she can keep making a difference one fan at a time.