About the Toronto Prop Expo
Toronto Prop Expo is an annual celebration of props, costumes, models, and the craft behind them. From iconic replicas to original creations, the Expo brings together makers, collectors, industry professionals, and fans for a day of sharing, showcasing, and inspiration.
Our Mission
Our mission is to support and showcase the talent and passion behind prop making, costuming, and model building. Whether it’s for film, cosplay, or personal expression, we provide a platform for creators and collectors to connect, inspire one another, and share their work with an engaged and welcoming audience.
Our History
The roots of Toronto Prop Expo trace back to 2007, when David Pea organized a small gathering of Replica Prop Forum (RPF) members — about a dozen fans who came together to share their builds and connect in person.
In 2011, the event was revived as a more structured meetup by Andrew Portelli and John Anderson, who continued to grow the community. Around 2013, Michael Bergeron joined the team. From roughly 2015 onward, the Expo was run by Michael and John Anderson.
Over the years, it evolved into a larger annual event for prop and costume makers across the region. You can explore highlights from previous years in our Archives.
In 2024, the event transitioned to new organizers, with the support of the previous team. We’re grateful to everyone who helped build and sustain this community over the years.
Our Values
We believe in:
- Community over competition — the Expo is a place to share skills, not gatekeep them.
- Craftsmanship of all kinds — whether your prop is 3D printed, foam-forged, kitbashed, or scratch-built, it’s welcome here.
- Accessibility and inclusion — we strive to make the event open and welcoming to people of all backgrounds, skill levels, and identities.
- Celebrating the behind-the-scenes — we shine a light on the people and processes that bring props and costumes to life.
Who We Are
Toronto Prop Expo is currently organized by John Leschinski and Jennifer Lanktree.
John is a designer and developer with more than two decades of experience creating digital tools and content. Jennifer is an experienced event manager, administrator, and community coordinator. Together, they aim to continue the Expo’s tradition while introducing new opportunities for attendees, exhibitors, and sponsors to connect and grow.
Whether you’re a builder, a cosplayer, a collector, or just a fan of props and costumes, we’d love to have you join us.