Zenkaikon

From Fan History Wiki

Zenkaikon is an anime convention that was formed by the merger of two Philadelphia-area events -- the anime and science fiction convention Zentrancon (2005), and the anime convention Kosaikon (2003-2005). Zenkaikon is typically held in the month of October at the Valley Forge Scanticon Hotel and Conference Center in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania (a Philadelphia suburb).

[edit] History

On February 28, 2006, Zentrancon and Kosaikon announced plans to merge to form Zenkaikon.[1].
On October 24, 2006, Zenkaikon and VGXPO 2006 announced reciprocal at the door admission to both events.[2].
On October 28, 2006, the convention held its first event. There were 450 paid attendees. Guests included Alex Strang, Corinne Orr, Peter Fernandez, and Prism [3].
On October 13, 2007, Zenkaikon returned to the Scanticon for its second year. There were 570 paid attendees. Guests included D-Chan, Hsu-Nami, and Uncle Yo.[4].
In 2008, Zenkaikon announced it would become a two-day convention, and set its dates as October 17 to October 18, 2008. Announced guests include Bill Rogers, Charles Batschelet, CJ Henderson, Jessi Bavolack, Laura Robinson, Le-Akt's Isora, Matt Pascal, Michele Knotz, Raqs Otaku, The Slants, Ultraball, Uncle Yo, and Will Robinson [5].

[edit] Programming

Zenkaikon typically features anime and live action video screenings, concerts, dances, special guests, fan-run panels, game shows, karaoke, cosplay contests, an anime music video (AMV) contest, a masquerade, video gaming, a dealers room, and an artist alley.