Creating Connections: The Rise of Pixel Expo

The story of Pixel Expo is one rooted in passion, community, and the love for anime and video games. It all began a decade ago when Perth lost its major local anime convention, leaving an empty void in the community. In 2014, a group of friends saw an opportunity to create something new, not just for anime but for the broader worlds of anime and video games. With this vision, they formed the first committee, created a constitution, and birthed Phoenix AGE Inc. The name Pixel Expo wasn't settled on immediately; it was a journey marked by quiz nights, League of Legends watch parties, and Street Fighter tournaments to crowd-fund their dream. The hard work paid off when, in 2022, Pixel Expo sold every available ticket before the day of the event.

The values that drove that initial committee in 2014 are still at the heart of Pixel Expo today. "We will always be an expo run by the community for the community," Tim the president of Pixel Expo shared, emphasizing their commitment to showcasing the best talent in Western Australia. The mission of Pixel Expo is clear: to empower and highlight the gaming and animation community in Western Australia. They are dedicated to providing a platform where local game developers, animators, and artists can cultivate their talent and pursue their passion within a supportive community. The event has evolved significantly from its humble beginnings outside a food truck in the Perth CBD. What was once a small, single-day event with a handful of traders and artists has grown into a large-scale expo featuring over 200 businesses, international cosplay superstars, and opportunities for over 40 game developers to showcase their work to attendees.

Pixel Expo stands out from other conventions through its focus on creating an experiential event. It's not just about attending; it's about engaging with the content in a way that allows fans to immerse themselves fully. "Pixel Expo is the only event in Perth dedicated to gaming and animation," Tim said, highlighting the unique focus on gaming that sets it apart from other local conventions. While they acknowledge the strengths of other events like Oz Comic Con, Tokyo Alley, and HoshiCon, Pixel Expo's emphasis on interaction—whether through game development workshops, live content creation, or the interactive Pixel Quest game—creates a distinct experience for attendees.

However, organizing an event like Pixel Expo comes with its own set of challenges, especially in Western Australia. The state's isolation makes it difficult to support interstate traders and manage the costs associated with flights from around the country and the world. It took nearly six years of hard work just to secure the deposit for the venue. Interestingly, the pandemic, which disrupted so many events, was a saving grace for Pixel Expo. With interstate conventions unable to reach WA, there was an opportunity to break into the market and meet the pent-up demand. The logistical challenges persist, but each year they manage to reach more fans, with this year's event already seeing a record number of interstate ticket sales. "We would like to be one of the conventions in Australia that people will travel for, because we offer a unique and amazing show—that's the dream!"

One of the most cherished aspects of Pixel Expo is the sense of community it fosters. Almost 50% of the event space is dedicated to areas where attendees can connect with fellow enthusiasts. Their Pixel Unity space is a safe and supportive environment for members of the LGBTQIA+ community, while the BRB space is designed to assist individuals who may get overstimulated at events. "We want Pixel Expo to be accessible to everyone, and take great pride in our efforts to support all members of the community," Tim shared. Additionally, the expo hosts the largest collection of game developers at any event in WA, offering a low-cost option for developers to showcase their games, gain valuable feedback, and interact with attendees.

Pixel Expo is a labor of love, run purely by volunteers who come from diverse backgrounds, including health workers, mine site controllers, data analysts, and teachers. The event's success is a testament to the dedication of these volunteers, who give up their free time to bring Pixel Expo to life. The event is supported by a strong network of community groups, sponsors like PLE Computers, and local organizations, all of whom contribute to making Pixel Expo one of the biggest pop culture events in WA.

For those involved in Pixel Expo, some of the most memorable moments come from seeing the joy on attendees' faces. "One of my favorite memories is walking around both our first and second expo and seeing the genuine delight and joy on our attendees' faces," Tim recalled. Whether it's watching families play retro games together or welcoming the community at the opening ceremony, these moments capture the spirit of Pixel Expo—a celebration of gaming and animation that brings people together in a shared passion.

Pixel Expo will be back on September 28th and 29th 2024. Tickets are available now and with their killer line up including international cosplay icon Taryn Cosplay its an event you won’t to miss, or risk the dreaded FOMO. 

Images taken by HK Photography Perth