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About this event
MCM London Comic Con
MCM London Comic Con returns for three days of pop culture celebration in the heart of the UK. Join fans, creators, and industry talent at ExCeL London in London, United Kingdom for 23–25 October 2026.
This major comic con event is designed for anyone who loves anime, gaming, comics, and entertainment, with standout moments including the chance to meet voice actors and TV/film guests, discover art and literature from independent creators, and enjoy a weekend built around community, creativity, and cosplay culture.
Where
ExCeL London, Royal Victoria Dock
1 Western Gateway, Royal Docks
London E16 1XL
United Kingdom
When
23–25 October 2026
What to Expect
- Celebrity guest experiences featuring voice actors and TV/film stars
- Independent creator browsing across art, literature, and fan-favorite works
- Gaming and anime energy throughout the weekend
- Cosplay culture with dedicated features and cosplay-focused areas
- Community-driven pop culture fun with opportunities to make memories that last
With dedicated show floor spaces and a packed programme of attractions, MCM London Comic Con is an immersive experience for long-time fans and first-time attendees alike.
Data sheet
MCM London Comic Con – Event Attendee & Buyer Profile Analysis
Event Date: 23–25 October 2026
Location: ExCeL, London, United Kingdom
Event Status: Upcoming
Research Date: 2 July 2026
Event Overview
| Event Name | MCM London Comic Con |
| Event Date | 23–25 October 2026 |
| Event Status | Upcoming |
| Venue | ExCeL London, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, Royal Docks |
| City | London |
| State / Region | Greater London |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Organizer | RX / ReedPop |
| Official Event Website | www.mcmcomiccon.com/london/en-us/home.html |
| Event Type | Consumer pop culture convention, creator marketplace, entertainment showcase, fan engagement event |
| Primary Category | Entertainment & Media |
| Secondary Applicable Categories | Arts & Crafts; Apparel & Clothing; IT & Technology; Business Services |
| Audience Reach | National with strong international fan and creator draw |
| Estimated Attendance / Expected Footfall | Attendance figure not publicly confirmed by the organizer. |
| Attendance Data Reliability | Low for current-year footfall; official date and venue are confirmed, but public attendance totals are not. |
| Main Purpose of Event | To bring together fans, creators, exhibitors, licensors, media, performers, gaming and anime communities, and entertainment brands for live engagement, commerce, and promotion. |
About the Event
MCM London Comic Con is one of the UK’s largest pop culture conventions, centered on comics, gaming, anime, cosplay, entertainment, and creator-led fandom experiences. The official site positions the 2026 edition as the “biggest Pop Culture celebration in the UK,” with guest appearances, independent creators, fan experiences, and broad audience engagement across the weekend.
For B2B stakeholders, the event matters because it attracts a dense concentration of licensors, publishers, game-related brands, media companies, artists, merch sellers, and community-driven businesses that rely on brand visibility, audience acquisition, direct merchandising, and partnership development. It is especially useful for companies selling licensing, merchandise, creator services, experiential marketing, event technology, print, display, fulfillment, and fan engagement solutions.
1. Who Attends: Buyers / Attendees
| Buyer / Attendee Segment | Typical Organizations | Buying Role or Influence | Relevance to Exhibitors / Suppliers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensing and brand teams | Entertainment brands, media properties, IP owners, franchises | Approve brand partnerships, merch, activations, and licensing programs | High-value for licensing, merchandising, and event activation suppliers |
| Retail buyers and category managers | Pop culture retailers, gift shops, online stores, specialist chains | Source products, evaluate ranges, and place wholesale orders | Strong for licensed merchandise, collectibles, apparel, and impulse-buy products |
| E-commerce and marketplace operators | DTC merch brands, fan shops, online collectibles sellers | Manage sourcing, assortment, campaign execution, and fulfillment | Relevant for ecommerce platforms, shipping, print-on-demand, and inventory tools |
| Publishers and editorial teams | Comic publishers, book publishers, manga imprints, magazines | Commission, promote, and market content and creator relationships | Relevant for print, distribution, promo, and audience-growth vendors |
| Gaming business leaders | Game publishers, studios, accessory brands, streaming partners | Support launches, partnerships, community building, and sponsorships | Useful for gaming hardware, peripherals, media, and experiential vendors |
| Creators and artist-entrepreneurs | Independent artists, illustrators, writers, makers, studios | Buy tools, print services, retail display products, and business support | Strong for art supplies, print, merch production, and creator services |
| Event marketing and sponsorship teams | Brands seeking live fan engagement and awareness | Evaluate booth, sponsorship, sampling, and activation opportunities | Important for experiential agencies, promo suppliers, and media buyers |
| Technology and platform buyers | Ticketing, community platforms, creator tools, retail tech | Source software for fan engagement, ecommerce, and event operations | Relevant for SaaS vendors, CRM, analytics, and event tech providers |
| Media and press | Entertainment media, fandom media, creators, podcasters | Influence visibility, promotion, and audience reach | Useful for PR, advertising, content syndication, and media partnership vendors |
2. Event Location and Attendee Geographic Origin
| Geographic Area | Likely Attendee Origin | Buyer Concentration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Host city: London | Very high | High | Large local fan base, creator economy activity, media and retail concentration |
| Host region: Greater London / South East England | High | High | Strong access to retail, publishing, media, and brand teams |
| Nearby business hubs | Central London, Docklands, West End, tech and media clusters | High | Attractive for brand, PR, ecommerce, entertainment, and sponsorship buyers |
| National reach: United Kingdom | High | Medium to high | Draws attendees and suppliers from across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland |
| International reach | Moderate to high | Medium | Likely draw from Europe, North America, and global fandom communities via guests and IP brands |
| Trade corridors relevant to suppliers | UK retail, EU licensing, transatlantic entertainment, creator commerce | Medium | Strong for cross-border merch, print, fulfillment, and media rights conversations |
3. Audience Reach
| Reach Level | Assessment | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| National | Primary classification | The event is UK-wide in brand recognition and audience draw, with London acting as the central access point. |
| Global | Secondary descriptor | International guests, fandom communities, and globally recognized IPs increase international relevance. |
4. Sample Buyer Companies and Websites
| Buyer Company / Organization | Buyer Type | Why It Is Relevant | Website | Best Job Titles to Target | Evidence Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ReedPop | Event organizer / buyer-side ecosystem | Organizer oversees show operations, exhibitor sales, sponsorships, and event tech requirements. | reedpop.com | Event Director, Sponsorship Director, Exhibitor Sales Manager, Operations Director | Confirmed Government / Procurement Organization |
| ExCeL London | Venue operator / services buyer | Venue decision-makers influence event services, logistics, AV, security, and catering procurement. | excel.london | Venue Operations Director, Procurement Manager, Event Services Manager, Facilities Director | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Hasbro | Toy, game, and entertainment brand | Licensing, fandom, collectibles, and retail merchandising align strongly with comic con audiences. | hasbro.com | Licensing Manager, Brand Partnerships Director, Retail Marketing Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Bandai Namco Europe | Gaming publisher / entertainment brand | Games, anime-adjacent IP, and fan engagement are core event themes. | bandainamcoent.eu | Marketing Director, Community Manager, Partnerships Director, Brand Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Nintendo | Gaming and entertainment brand | High fan affinity, character IP, and game promotion relevance. | nintendo.com | Brand Manager, Events Manager, PR Director, Partnerships Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| The Pokémon Company International | Entertainment and licensing organization | Strong consumer fandom, collectible merchandise, and event activation fit. | pokemon.com | Licensing Lead, Marketing Director, Consumer Products Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Square Enix | Game publisher / entertainment brand | Popular with fandom audiences; ideal for launches, merch, and community activations. | square-enix-games.com | Publishing Director, Community Lead, Marketing Manager, Partnerships Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Crunchyroll | Anime streaming and media company | Anime audience overlap makes this highly relevant for fan acquisition and promotions. | crunchyroll.com | Marketing Director, Brand Partnerships Manager, Content Acquisition Lead | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Viz Media | Publishing / anime licensing company | Manga, anime, and licensed content are highly relevant to the show’s core audience. | viz.com | Licensing Manager, Publishing Director, Marketing Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Aardman | Animation studio / IP owner | Animation and family entertainment brands can leverage fan conventions for awareness and merchandising. | aardman.com | Head of Marketing, Licensing Manager, Brand Partnerships Lead | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Forbidden Planet | Retailer / fandom merch seller | Retail merchandising and collector goods are directly aligned with the event’s attendee demand. | forbiddenplanet.com | Buying Manager, Merchandising Director, Ecommerce Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Waterstones | Bookseller / category buyer | Comics, manga, and fandom publishing are strong adjacency categories. | waterstones.com | Category Buyer, Merchandising Manager, Trading Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| HMV | Retailer / entertainment goods | Music, film, gaming, and fandom merchandise overlap strongly with the event audience. | hmv.com | Category Manager, Buyer, Retail Operations Director | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
5. Job Profiles, Industries and Event Type
| Priority | Job Title / Function | Department | Seniority Level | Why This Role Matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Head of Marketing / Marketing Director | Marketing | Director / VP | Plans fan acquisition, sponsorship, and campaign visibility |
| 2 | Brand Partnerships Director | Partnerships | Director | Approves sponsorships, cross-promotions, and activations |
| 3 | Licensing Manager | Licensing / IP Commercialization | Manager | Evaluates brand usage, merchandise, and content partnerships |
| 4 | Category Manager / Buyer | Merchandising / Retail | Manager | Sources licensed goods, collectibles, and impulse purchases |
| 5 | Ecommerce Manager | Digital Commerce | Manager | Manages fan-store conversion, inventory, and fulfillment tools |
| 6 | Event Manager / Exhibition Manager | Events | Manager / Director | Handles show logistics, supplier selection, and floor planning |
| 7 | Community Manager | Community / Social | Manager | Drives fan engagement and creator/community activation |
| 8 | PR Director / Communications Manager | Communications | Director / Manager | Shapes media coverage, announcements, and talent visibility |
| 9 | Production Manager | Production | Manager | Coordinates assets, stage content, and branded experiences |
| 10 | Business Development Director | Commercial | Director / VP | Finds revenue opportunities, sponsors, and strategic partnerships |
| Priority | Apollo Industry | Why It Fits the Event | Best Buyer Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Entertainment | Core alignment with fandom, media, and IP-driven audience demand | Licensing, promotions, and fan engagement tools |
| 2 | Media Production | Film, TV, and content creators are central to the guest ecosystem | PR, media, production services, and event activation |
| 3 | Computer Games | Gaming is a major content pillar of the event | Game publishers, studios, peripherals, community tools |
| 4 | Internet | Fan communities and digital commerce are event-relevant | Platforms, ecommerce, creator tools |
| 5 | Retail | Merch, collectibles, and pop culture product sales are central | Category buyers, wholesale, merchandising |
| 6 | Consumer Goods | Licensed merchandise, collectibles, and fan products are relevant | Product sourcing, launches, and packaging |
| 7 | Apparel & Fashion | Cosplay and branded apparel are major submarkets | Apparel buyers, merch programs, print services |
| 8 | Marketing & Advertising | Brands use the show for campaigns and live activations | Event marketing, sponsorship, experiential outreach |
| 9 | Publishing | Comics, manga, and books align closely with attendee interests | Publishers, distributors, literary promotions |
| 10 | Events Services | Operational vendors support show management and exhibitor execution | Onsite services, staffing, logistics, production |
| 11 | E-Learning | Creator education and fan workshops can generate related demand | Training, tutorials, creator programs |
| 12 | Information Technology & Services | Event platforms, ecommerce, CRM, and analytics are relevant | Software and digital infrastructure sales |
6. Estimated Attendance
| Metric | Figure | Status | Source / Basis | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estimated total footfall | Not publicly confirmed | Unconfirmed | Organizer website does not publish a current-year attendance figure in the provided source text | Use only as a lead-generation event, not as a quantified buyer-count event |
| Exhibitor count | Not publicly confirmed | Unconfirmed | No verified current exhibitor count in provided official text | Exhibitor directory exists, but current-year totals are not provided here |
| Buyer count | Not publicly confirmed | Unconfirmed | No published buyer list | Treat as a broad consumer and creator event with targeted B2B segments |
| Speaker / guest count | Not publicly confirmed in aggregate | Unconfirmed | Official page references guest lineup and schedule, but no aggregate count in source text | Guest names may change prior to show |
| Historical attendance | Not used | Not sourced here | No verified historical figure included in provided source text | If needed for list sales, verify separately via organizer media kit or post-event report |
7. Key Focus Areas and Buyer Engagement
| Focus Area | Typical Buyer Need | Buyer Engagement Opportunity | Relevant Supplier Offering |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensing | Brand extension and IP monetization | Meet licensors, rights holders, and merch buyers | Licensing management, royalty tracking, approvals software |
| Merchandising | Product assortment and sell-through | Target retail buyers and fan-commerce operators | Packaging, display, print, wholesale fulfillment |
| Creator services | Tools for independent sellers and artists | Reach artists, writers, and small studios | Printing, merch production, booking, marketplaces |
| Fan engagement | Community growth and loyalty | Engage brands, media, and gaming companies | CRM, community platforms, social media tools |
| Event operations | Onsite execution and safety | Reach event teams and venue operators | Registration, staffing, security, scheduling software |
| Retail tech | Conversion, inventory, and POS efficiency | Target ecommerce and retail decision-makers | POS, ecommerce, analytics, fulfillment |
| Promotional media | Awareness and audience reach | Pitch PR, paid media, and sponsorship packages | Media buying, press tools, content syndication |
Lead Quality Assessment
| Factor | Assessment | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Buyer relevance | High | Strong concentration of entertainment, retail, licensing, and creator-side buying roles. |
| Decision-maker availability | Medium | Top decision-makers are present through brands, publishers, retailers, and exhibitors, but the event is consumer-facing. |
| Data collection potential | Medium | Exhibitor, guest, and brand ecosystems are visible, but buyer lists are not publicly complete. |
| Apollo targeting potential | High | Useful for segmented targeting across entertainment, retail, gaming, publishing, and event services. |
| Geographic targeting potential | High | London and UK-wide targeting is practical, with additional focus on European entertainment hubs. |
| Best outreach approach | High-volume segmented outreach | Use industry, title, and keyword filters; position around merch, licensing, fan engagement, and event execution. |
| Overall lead quality | High | Best suited for entertainment, retail, creator economy, and event services prospecting. |
| Best use case | Attendee list building, exhibitor targeting, sponsorship prospecting, and creator commerce outreach | Suitable for teams selling event services, merch solutions, licensing support, and fan engagement tools. |
| Limitations / risks | Medium | Current-year attendance lists are not publicly confirmed, and consumer fan attendance may dilute pure B2B precision. |
Apollo.io Targeting Recommendation
| Filter Type | Recommended Filters | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Apollo industries | Entertainment, Media Production, Computer Games, Retail, Publishing, Marketing & Advertising, Events Services, Apparel & Fashion, Consumer Goods, Information Technology & Services | Focus on organizations most likely to buy sponsorship, merch, licensing, and event services |
| Departments | Marketing, Partnerships, Business Development, Merchandising, Ecommerce, Events, PR/Communications, Product | Capture the decision-makers responsible for campaigns, commercial deals, and product sourcing |
| Seniority | Director, VP, Head, Manager, C-level where relevant | Prioritize decision-makers and budget holders |
| Job titles | Marketing Director, Brand Partnerships Manager, Licensing Manager, Buying Manager, Merchandising Director, Ecommerce Manager, Event Manager, PR Director, Community Manager, Business Development Director | Target the most commercially relevant roles for fan-event spending |
| Geography | United Kingdom, Greater London, South East England, Europe, North America | Align outreach with likely attendee and vendor geographies |
| Employee size | 11–50, 51–200, 201–1000, 1000+ | Covers creator businesses, mid-market brands, and global licensors |
| Keywords | licensing, merch, merchandise, fandom, anime, comics, gaming, cosplay, partnerships, sponsorship, retail, ecommerce, community, convention | Refine to brands and teams with direct event relevance |
| Company type | Private companies, public companies, agencies, retailers, publishers, studios, and event organizers | Broad enough to capture commercial buyers and partnership teams |
Suggested Apollo Search Logic: (entertainment OR media production OR computer games OR retail OR publishing) AND (marketing OR partnerships OR licensing OR merchandising OR ecommerce OR events) AND (director OR vp OR head OR manager) AND (UK OR London OR Europe). Add keyword layers such as “anime,” “comics,” “cosplay,” “fandom,” “merchandise,” and “sponsorship” for tighter relevance.
Client Fit Review Required
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Sources & Verification Notes
| Source | Type | What It Verified | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCM London Comic Con official website | Official organizer source | Event name, dates, venue, location, event positioning, schedule references, and show structure | Very High |
| ExCeL London official website | Venue website | Venue identity and location context | High |
| Official event homepage content provided by user | Primary source excerpt | Confirmed 23–25 October 2026 dates, ExCeL London venue, and event description | Very High |
| Official event pages: Exhibitors, Guests, Schedule, Industry & Exhibiting | Official navigation references | Verified that exhibitor, guest, and schedule sections exist on the official site, though current-year lists were not captured in the provided text | Moderate |
🎯 Selling to this event's audience? Get a free tailored buyer list
Tell us your work email and our AI instantly builds a buyer list matched to MCM London Comic Con — the best‑fit companies to target, the exact decision‑maker job titles, and the industry filters that fit what you sell.
🔒 Get my buyer details Free · ~20 seconds