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 Convention Center complex 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 at the Valley Forge Scanticon Hotel and Conference Center. 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].
On October 17 and October 18, 2008, Zenkaikon returned to the Scanticon for its third year. There were 1,352 paid attendees. Guests included Bill Rogers, Charles Batschelet, CJ Henderson, IkuZo! Studios, Jessi Bavolack, Laura Robinson, Matt Pascal, Michele Knotz, Raqs Otaku, The Slants, Ultraball, Uncle Yo, and Will Robinson [6]
On November 17, 2008, Zenkaikon announced that it would be moving to the larger location of the Valley Forge Radisson Hotel for 2009. It set its dates as November 7 to November 8, 2009. Announced guests include Robert Axelrod and Kevin McKeever (Robotech Convention Tour) [7]

[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.