ReedPOP, MCM Comic Con Join Forces to Produce Largest Pop Culture Events in U.K.

October 23, 2017

ReedPOP, the world’s largest producer of pop culture events, is adding a series of premier events across the United Kingdom to its portfolio through the acquisition of MCM Comic Con.

ReedPOP has brought one of the largest pop culture events producers in the UK into its family of leading experiential fan events.

The acquisition of MCM by ReedPOP, a boutique group within Reed Exhibitions, part of RELX Group, will take effect immediately, and its impact will begin to be seen and felt on all 2018 events.

The MCM Comic Con show portfolio boasts nearly 300,000 pop culture fans and cosplayers who flock to events throughout the year in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Liverpool and Belfast.

"For nearly a decade I’ve watched with great admiration as the MCM brand grew in size, scale and quality, as well as in the hearts and minds of UK fans. I could not be more proud and humbled to team up with the MCM team to bring two world-class pop culture event companies together,” said Lance Fensterman, Global Head of ReedPOP.

He added, "The addition of the MCM brand extends the reach and influence of the ReedPOP portfolio and further solidifies our place as the number one producer of fan events across the globe. We cannot wait to work with the MCM team to build even bigger and better events for fans in the UK.”

MCM Comic Con was co-founded by Bryan Cooney premiering the show in 2002 as the London Expo.

The next few years saw London Expo grow and flourish. In 2004, it rebranded as London MCM Expo – the ‘MCM’ standing for ‘Movies, Comics, Media’; and in 2005, it took the first steps that would transform it from a collectors’ and autograph event into a comic con, with the addition of dedicated comics and anime areas plus film and TV content.

More recent years saw MCM spread its wings, launching events across the U.K.

“Everyone at MCM is delighted to be joining the ReedPOP family. I have visited NYCC many times and thought how cool would it be to work with Lance and ReedPOP.,” said MCM Co-founder Bryan Cooney. 

He added, Today, all my wishes are granted. I look forward to launching MCM into a higher orbit of popular culture’s greatest shows alongside ReedPOP.”

Since ReedPOP's first event in 2006, the sold-out New York Comic Con, the group has sought to produce exceptional experiences for passionate audiences and grow the industries surrounding these passions.

This philosophy has led to burgeoning attendance, the support of major creators and publishers and partnerships with leading entertainment brands including Lucasfilm (Star Wars Celebration), Twitch (TwitchCon) and Penny Arcade (PAX).

In recent years, ReedPOP has recognized pop culture audiences emerging throughout the world, where it has produced experiences for these new fans and connected exhibitors to these hungry, unexplored markets.

ReedPOP’s previous global events have been held in China, France, Australia, Germany, India, Singapore, Korea and other territories across the globe.

Add new comment

Partner Voices
Here at Mandalay Bay, venues are inviting and innovative. As one of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip, the Mandalay Bay Convention Center has recently undergone an exciting upgrade. This renowned venue now offers everything your business needs, with a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, as well as an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're searching for a venue that is both inviting and innovative, Mandalay Bay is the place to be. Mandalay Bay is committed to investing in a new wave of enhancements, not only in the convention space but also throughout the entire resort. With new restaurant openings and remodels, spectacular entertainment, and updated rooms, Mandalay Bay promises to deliver new and exciting experiences to its guests until 2024. To create a truly effective conference venue, Mandalay Bay has carefully considered what businesses require. The right technology, capacity, and inspiration are essential to take ideas to the next level. The refreshed Mandalay Bay Convention Center has been designed with your business in mind. Every room is equipped with newly-upgraded technology, enhancing our ability to support bandwidth demand and overall data capabilities. Additionally, the addition of 10 new digital walls provides bigger and more dynamic ways to display customized content messages. Mandalay Bay offers world-class conference space and service. The venue options range from ballrooms to ample pre-function spaces, catering to teams of any size while accommodating multiple large groups simultaneously. Our certified planners work collaboratively with you to understand your specific event requirements, anticipating your business needs and offering the best-fit solutions. In addition to providing exceptional conference facilities, Mandalay Bay is also dedicated to sustainability. We strive to give our guests an unforgettable experience while minimizing our impact on the environment. As part of our sustainable energy efforts, you'll find refillable water stations throughout the property, eliminating the need for single-use plastic bottles and reducing unnecessary plastic usage. Mandalay Bay is proud to offer an upgraded and enhanced experience for businesses seeking a venue that combines innovation, convenience, and sustainability. Whether you're hosting a conference, meeting, or other business event, Mandalay Bay's refreshed convention space, world-class service, and commitment to sustainability make it the ideal choice. Come and discover the new wave of experiences awaiting you at Mandalay Bay on the Las Vegas Strip. Wherever your organization is going, getting there starts with being here.