The first D23 Expo, Disney’s official fan event featuring exclusive merchandise, was held in 2009.
D23 Expo was created by Disney’s official fan club, D23, as a large convention celebrating the company’s films, television productions, theme parks, and consumer products. The inaugural event took place at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California, close to Disneyland.
Merchandise became a major part of the event. Visitors could buy convention exclusives, limited-edition collectibles, apparel, toys, pins, and products tied to Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars. The event also used exhibits, presentations, previews, and celebrity appearances to connect merchandise with the wider Disney entertainment universe.
D23 Expo is sometimes confused with D23’s founding year or with later conventions held under the D23 brand. The fan club was announced before the first Expo, but 2009 is the year of the inaugural convention itself.