Toronto ComiCon 2014 will soon descend once again upon the city's unwashed masses. Whether you're a veteran con-goer, have never been to a convention in your life, or just need a weekend-long respite from the horrible weather, here's your primer for what to expect at this year's event.

GUESTS

Anyone for a live-reading of a 6Teen script, featuring the show's cast and creators? How about special guest appearances by Morena Baccarin, Giancarlo Esposito, Eliza Dushku, and Jon Heder? If that doesn't wet your whistle, Hobbystar's called in a slew of artists, from Marco Rudy and Chris Sprouse to Meaghan Carter and Leo Leibelman. Master cosplayer Lee Scion, Panty and Stocking voice actresses Jamie Marchi and Monica Rial, and authors like Stephen B Pearl and Jen Frankel are all expected to be present, unless someone were to "accidentally" tamper with their GPS' or reroute their flights (I'm looking at you, Craig).

Don't believe me? Check the link.

UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE ...STAND?

Maybe you don't want to meet a person. Maybe what you're looking for are people, communities, or geeky secret societies. Con-goers can expect entire sections of the showroom floor to be taken over by the likes of the Ontario Ghostbusters, The 501st Legion, the Horror Writers Association, and the Doctor Who Society of Canada. I personally will try and arrange a Nerf-fight between The Toronto Steampunk Society and the Toronto Browncoats.

Other leagues of extraordinary gentlemen (and ladies) will include representatives from Rue Morgue, the Animation Nation Army, and Ad-Astra, and we can expect to see the return of The Epic Nerd Show and Illusionoid.

THE CONSTELLATION AWARDS

This year, the Toronto ComiCon will be hosting the nominations' announcements for the 2014 Constellation Awards. The Constellation Awards are the Canadian awards ceremony for all things pertaining to excellent sci-fi in television and film. Now in its seventh year, the Constellation Nominations will be presided over by several special guests and, if this page is to be believed, attendees are expected to "take home some hardware." Whether that relates to swag-bags or the chance of winning your own ED-209 has yet to be revealed.

(WORK)SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP

As always, Toronto ComiCon will be the place where vendors and artists will congregate to sell their goods. However, the real joy is the ability to attend Q&A sessions, have your portfolio reviewed, or see any number of workshops and seminars about geek culture topics and themes, industry insight, and how-to guides for cosplay and illustration, or professional and amateur sketch duels. Check the Attractions page for more details, and watch this space for the official schedule.

The Toronto ComiCon runs from March 7th to March 9th. The hours of operation on the 7th are from 4-9pm, and the convention will be open from 10am to 6pm on Saturday and from 10am to 5 pm on Sunday. For ticket prices and information, please check the website.

Lead photo: Mahou Shoujo and Madoka Madoka by Brett R on flickr