Small Press Expo SPX 2019

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Small Press Expo SPX 2019

America’s Finest Independent Comics & Cartooning Festival!

The Small Press Expo is the premier showcase for the exhibition of independent comic books and the discovery of new creative talent. SPX brings together over 300 artists and publishers to meet their readers, booksellers, distributors, and each other.

SPX also hosts the annual Ignatz Awards, a festival prize that recognizes outstanding achievement in comics, cartooning and graphic novels. The ballot is created by a panel of five cartoonists and is then voted on by the attendees at the event.

THE EXPO
The annual SPX comics and graphic arts festival presents the best and brightest established creators in independent comics. In addition to the opportunity for public exposure and potential revenue the festival provides to attending artists, the event also allows less established to network with publishers and prominent creators, providing unique opportunities for the comic artist/writer that is just starting out.

SPX prides itself on maintaining an open (rather than curated) registration policy and open access between attendees, exhibitors and volunteers. SPX is unique amongst the various comic book exhibitions, as it does not allow retailers to have a formal presence at the festival. Only creators and publishers are allowed to exhibit. The festival includes:

A public exhibition where artists, creators and publishers and the public interact in an informal setting. Graphic novels, comics and related merchandise are for sale and SPX attendees can interact with the attending creators/publishers.
A series of symposium held during the festival, where creators of comics engage in formal panel discussions and/or interviews open to SPX attendees.
SPX often sponsors off-site events the week of the convention, including academic seminars, book signings and school outreach programs.
THE SPX MISSION
The SPX non-profit charter defines the following goals for the organization:

To provide a forum to showcase new and emerging talent in the fields of comics, graphic novels and political cartooning.
Enable participants in the comics field to learn from more experienced people in the various aspects of the creation, publishing, marketing and distribution of comics related content.
To educate the public and members of the comics field in the areas of comic history, current trends in the comics field, the impact of comics on popular culture and other analytical topics.
To provide a fundraising forum for other comics related organizations such as the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, which is a 501(c) 3 that supports the comics community in First Amendment rights issues.

Former Guests:

Roz Chast
Jules Feiffer
Rebecca Sugar
Derf
Ngozi Ukazu
Carol Tyler
Ron Wimberly
Aminder Dhaliwal
Molly Ostertag
Ellen Forney
Rina Ayuyang
Ben Passmore
Anders Nilsen
David Small
Matthew Thurber
Fiona Smyth
Joshua Cotter
Lawrence Lindell
Nate Powell
Kelly Kwang
Kat Fajardo
Jason Lutes

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Small Press Expo SPX
Average rating:  
 16 reviews
 by Daniel C.
Independent con

If you appreciate everything comic books can be, you attend SPX.

 by Patrick C.
Ended up being great

Everyone was so nice and helpful, the attendees were fun and everyone had a great time and it really showed.

 by Delmar A.
Worth the flight

I appreciate the work that goes into making this show personable, accessible, diverse, and educational.

 by AJ N.
Something for everyone

Great atmosphere, and variety. I strongly believe this is one of the D.C. Metro Area's best kept secrets!

 by Enzo G.
Amazing atmosphere

First time tabling and it was perfect. Gripes about minimal things can't take away from the experience and all around amazing atmosphere.

 by Tara M.
Well done!

The diversity of the artists as well as the attendees was completely stellar.

 by Melanie S.
A little too small

I've tabled at HeroesCon in the past and SPX was great to see indie cartoonists. However, I feel the space is too small to accommodate a growing number of fans and professionals/hobbyists- I felt there was barely any room to talk with the creators during peak times.

 by Emily B.
Have benefits for attendees

If you're a vendor, take prints, as that is mostly what sells. It would be nice if they had the big name people spread out through the room so there's more traffic flow

 by Giancarlo D.
Amazing

All my friends and heroes meet under the banner of comics. Not the kind of con that cosplayers dominate, but just a celebration of the work and art of cartoons, and small independent publishing. Going to this literally has changed my life.

 by Brian O.
Wonderful con

A wonderful convention, both for those well into the alternative/indie comics scene and those who are interested or just getting into it. Excellently run with a variety of impressive guests and vendors.

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