Hal-Con has grown from a small convention attracting a few thousand attendees to a multi-million dollar economic boom for Halifax

The 2019 edition of Hal-Con is expected to have welcomed over 20,000 guests over the three day event. (Matthew Moore/HalifaxToday)

1 / 1 The 2019 edition of Hal-Con is expected to have welcomed over 20,000 guests over the three day event. (Matthew Moore/HalifaxToday)

An event that started with humble beginnings in Halifax has now grown into a premier event in the city, attracting several thousand visitors during the weekend convention.

For this year, officials expect attendance numbers around 15,000 before you factor in vendors, volunteers and special guests.

Jennifer Lambe, Executive director of Hal-Con says it's expected that Hal-Con brings it at least a 3-million-dollar footprint to Halifax

She adds several people attending the convention are from out of town

"Roughly 40% are from outside HRM and about 15-20% are from outside the province," Lambe says.

A number of convention-goers visit the 200 vendors, selling everything from video games to custom art to cosplaying costumes and fashion.

Some cosplayers had put upwards of 8 months into creating, fine-tuning and crafting their character.

"This is a place to celebrate what makes you different and brings everyone together," said Lambe. "We're just delighted that people can come together and enjoy the space together and enjoy it in a really positive way."

In terms of events in Halifax, Lambe says The Nova Centre doesn't host other events with as many people as Hal-Con, making it among the largest in the region.

Celebrating its tenth year, Lambe says it's exciting to see how Hal-Con grew from a small event at the Lord Nelson Hotel with approximately 1,500 guests, to a national attraction drawing thousands to the region.

"I remember being part of the group that started the first one, we never thought we'd make it past two or three years; in itself, Hal-Con existing is an incredible achievement."