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Zenkaikon

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Coordinates: 40°2′15″N 76°18′17″W / 40.03750°N 76.30472°W / 40.03750; -76.30472
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Zenkaikon
StatusActive
GenreMulti-genre including Anime, Manga, Science Fiction, and popular culture[1][2][3]
VenueLancaster County Convention Center
Holiday Inn Lancaster[4]
Location(s)Lancaster, Pennsylvania
CountryUnited States
Inaugurated2006
Attendance5,364 in 2018[5]
Organized byZenkaikon Entertainment, Inc.[6]
Filing status501(c)(3)[6]
Websitehttp://www.zenkaikon.com/

Zenkaikon is a multi-genre convention held during March at the Lancaster County Convention Center and Holiday Inn Lancaster in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.[4] The convention was formerly based around King of Prussia, Pennsylvania (a Philadelphia suburb). Zenkaikon's name is a portmanteau of Zentrancon (science-fiction convention) and Kosaikon (anime convention), created when they merged in 2006.[7][8] The convention has an all-volunteer staff.[9]

Programming

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The convention typically offers anime and live action screenings, AMV's, artist alley, concerts, cosplay masquerade, costume competitions, dances, dealers room, formal costume ball, game shows, iron cosplay, karaoke, LARP, live bands, maid cafe, manga library, panels, swap meet, tabletop gaming, vendors, video gaming, and workshops.[1][2][10][11][12][13][14]

In 2015, the charity auction benefited the Lymphoma Research Foundation and raised over $1,800.[15] The foundation was chosen due to the death of guest CJ Henderson from Lymphoma.[16][17] In 2017, the charity auction benefited Ocean Conservancy.[13] In 2018, the charity auction benefited The AbleGamers Foundation.[18] 2019's charity was the Arch Street Center.[19]

History

[edit]

Zenkaikon was formed in 2006 by the merger of two Philadelphia-area events, Zentrancon and Kosaikon.[7][8] In 2008, Zenkaikon became a two-day convention.[20] In 2009 due to significant attendance growth, Zenkaikon moved to the larger Valley Forge Radisson Hotel (same complex as its former location the Scanticon) and capped attendance at 1,500 attendees per day.[21][22] In 2010, Zenkaikon announced it would become a three-day convention, move to a spring date (skipping 2010), and increase convention space by using both the Valley Forge Convention Center and Scanticon Hotel and Conference Center (same complex).[23] The changes were made to improve weather, allow for better preparation, and increase staff. During the convention in 2011, Zenkaikon and its attendees raised $3750 for the American Red Cross Japanese Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Relief Fund.[11][24] Due to construction of the Valley Forge Casino Resort at the Valley Forge Convention Center, Zenkaikon 2012 was held at a new location, The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks, and reduced to two days.[1][25][26]

Zenkaikon moved to the Lancaster County Convention Center for 2013 and returned to being a three-day event.[2] The convention returned to the Lancaster County Convention Center in 2014 and occupied every (four) floor.[3] Zenkaikon returned to the convention center in 2015, and 2016 for its 10th anniversary.[15][12][27] In 2017, the convention used Tellus360's Temple Room for additional space.[13] Zenkaikon 2020 was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[28][29][30] The convention held virtual programming on what was to be the Saturday of the event.[31] Zenkaikon 2021 was also cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with an online event announced in its place.[32][33] The convention's 2022 COVID-19 policies required masks and vaccination.[9] Zenkaikon for the first time used both floors of Tellus360 for events.

Changes in 2023 included the convention printing no program booklet, the video game room being upgraded, and the addition of a cosplay repair room.[14] The convention expanded to the Holiday Inn Lancaster in 2024 and moved the gaming programming there.[4] A shuttle bus was provided to travel between the venues. Thursday evening programming was available to attendees who pre-registered. The Holiday Inn had to be evacuated on Saturday due to public disturbances occurring at the Lancaster Public Library.[34][35][36]

Event history

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Dates Location Atten. Guests
October 28, 2006 Valley Forge Scanticon Hotel and Conference Center
King of Prussia, Pennsylvania		450Peter Fernandez, Corinne Orr, Prism, and Alex Strang.[37]
October 13, 2007 Valley Forge Scanticon Hotel and Conference Center
King of Prussia, Pennsylvania		570D-Chan, Hsu-nami, and Uncle Yo.[38]
October 17–18, 2008 Valley Forge Scanticon Hotel and Conference Center
King of Prussia, Pennsylvania		1,429Charles Batschelet, Jessi Bavolack, Michael Gans, CJ Henderson, Ikuzo! Studios, Michele Knotz, Matt Pascal, Raqs Attaq!, Laura Robinson, Will Robinson, Bill Rogers, The Slants, Rose Thompson, Ultraball, and Uncle Yo.[39]
November 7–8, 2009 Radisson Valley Forge Hotel
King of Prussia, Pennsylvania		1,988Robert Axelrod, Johnny Yong Bosch, Stephanie Celeste, C. J. Collins, Eden Star, Eyeshine, Geek Comedy Tour, Gerry Giovinco, CJ Henderson, Hi5, Chris Kalnick, Mike Leeke, Kevin McKeever, Reni Mimura, Trina Nishimura, Jessi Pascal, Matt Pascal, Rich Rankin, Laura Robinson, Will Robinson, Bill Spangler, Uncle Yo, Neil Vokes, Tommy Yune, and [geist].[40]
March 18–20, 2011 Valley Forge Convention Center and
Scanticon Hotel and Conference Center[23]
King of Prussia, Pennsylvania		3,422Kevin Bolk, Gelatine, Todd Haberkorn, James Harknell, Onezumi Hartstein, CJ Henderson, DJ Luminal, Sarah Martinez, Vic Mignogna, Rose Noire, Uncle Yo, and Greg Wicker.[41]
May 11–12, 2012 Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks
Oaks, Pennsylvania		2,822The Asterplace, Jillian Coglan, Samurai Dan Coglan, CJ Henderson, Hi5, Michele Knotz, DJ Kurono, KyoDaiko, Pennsylvania Jedi, Platform One, Sonny Strait, Uncle Yo,[42] and Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia.[6]
March 22–24, 2013 Lancaster County Convention Center
Lancaster, Pennsylvania		3,376T. Campbell, John de Lancie, Eien Strife, Richard Epcar, Phil Kahn, DJ Midget, The Slants, Ellyn Stern, and Greg Wicker.[43]
April 25–27, 2014 Lancaster County Convention Center
Lancaster, Pennsylvania		4,422Gina Biggs, Cosplay Burlesque, Jim Cummings, The Extraordinary Contraptions, CJ Henderson, Greg Houser, Kuniko Kanawa, Lolita Dark, Jonathan Maberry, Brina Palencia, Bill Rogers, Marc Swint, Trifecta, Uncle Yo, Doug Walker, and Greg Wicker.[44]
March 27–29, 2015 Lancaster County Convention Center
Lancaster, Pennsylvania		5,079Cosplay Burlesque, Richard Horvitz, Kuniko Kanawa, Lauren Landa, Matthew Mercer, Trina Nishimura, Kambrea Pratt, Thom Pratt, The Ricecookers, Rikki Simons, Uncle Yo, Doug Walker, Rob Walker, and Greg Wicker.[45]
April 1–3, 2016 Lancaster County Convention Center
Lancaster, Pennsylvania		5,755Dante Basco, Kevin Bolk, Cosplay Burlesque, Eien Strife, Richard Epcar, Sarah Martinez, Vic Mignogna, Ellyn Stern, Alex Strang, Uncle Yo, Greg Wicker, and Lex Winter.[46]
April 28-30, 2017 Lancaster County Convention Center
Lancaster, Pennsylvania		5,569Steve Blum, Cosplay Burlesque, Cosplay Pro-Wrestling, Keith R. A. DeCandido, Kuniko Kanawa, John Patrick Lowrie, Mary Elizabeth McGlynn, Ellen McLain, The Slants, Uncle Yo, Greg Wicker, and Lex Winter.[47]
May 4-6, 2018 Lancaster County Convention Center
Lancaster, Pennsylvania		5,364Jessica Calvello, Cosplay Burlesque, Quinton Flynn, Kiba, Phil LaMarr, Jonathan Maberry, Jad Saxton, The Triforce Quartet, Greg Wicker, Sarah Wiedenheft, and Lex Winter.[5]
March 22-24, 2019 Lancaster County Convention Center
Lancaster, Pennsylvania		Cosplay Burlesque, Cosplay Pro-Wrestling, Michaela Dietz, Todd Haberkorn, Kiba, The Manly Battleships, Monica Rial, Samantha Sawyer, Austin Tindle, Lex Winter, and The X-Hunters.[48]
March 19-21, 2021[33] Online convention
March 25-27, 2022 Lancaster County Convention Center
Tellus360[9]
Lancaster, Pennsylvania		Awesomus Prime, Beau Billingslea, Chalk Twins, Greg Cox, Debi Derryberry, The Manly Battleships, Uncle Yo, Kari Wahlgren, and Mick Wingert.[49]
March 24-26, 2023 Lancaster County Convention Center
Lancaster, Pennsylvania		Chalk Twins, Keith R. A. DeCandido, Emi Lo, The Manly Battleships, Zeno Robinson, John Swasey, and Uncle Yo.[50]
March 22-24, 2024 Lancaster County Convention Center
Holiday Inn Lancaster[4]
Lancaster, Pennsylvania		Dani Chambers, Richard Epcar, The Manly Battleships, David Sobolov, Ellyn Stern, Super Art Fight, Kirk Thornton, and Uncle Yo.[51]
March 20-23, 2025 Lancaster County Convention Center
Lancaster, Pennsylvania		SungWon Cho, Lizzie Freeman, Michael Kovach, Casey Mongillo, and Ashley Nichols.[52]

Kosaikon Anifest

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Kosaikon was an anime convention held from 2003 to 2005 on the campus of Villanova University.[8] The convention featured anime screenings, artists' alley, an artist's gallery, cosplay contest, and video gaming with tournaments.[53]

Event history

[edit]
Dates Location Atten. Guests
May 31, 2003 Villanova University
Villanova, Pennsylvania		73[54]
February 21, 2004 Villanova University
Villanova, Pennsylvania		103[55]
October 9, 2004 Villanova University, Bartley Hall
Villanova, Pennsylvania		110[56]
March 26, 2005 Villanova University, Bartley Hall
Villanova, Pennsylvania		380[57]

Zentrancon

[edit]

Zentrancon was an anime and science fiction convention held on October 16, 2005 at The Rotunda, University of Pennsylvania. It was created by members of the Delaware Anime Society.[8] The convention featured autograph sessions, costume contests, dealers, film screenings, raffles, tabletop gaming, and video game tournaments.[58]

Event history

[edit]
Dates Location Atten. Guests
October 16, 2005 The Rotunda
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania		365Eric Bresler, D-Chan, and Corinne Orr.[59]

Collaborations

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Zenkaikon staff provided anime and Asian content to America's Video Games Expo 2008 (VGXPO) at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on November 21–23, 2008.[60] Content included screenings, panels, gaming tournaments, and karaoke. Zenkaikon returned to VGXPO 2009 on October 9–11, 2009 and provided two screening rooms for anime.[61] Zenkaikon hosted a Cosplay Fashion Show in Fairmount Park during Sakura Sunday at the 2012 Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia.[62]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c Dyroff, Denny (2012-05-11). "Convention in Oaks celebrates Japanese animation and pop culture". Daily Local News. Retrieved 2012-12-27.
  2. ^ a b c Harris, Bernard (2013-03-24). "Zenkaikon a chance to see and be seen". Lancaster Online. Retrieved 2013-03-26.
  3. ^ a b Wright, Mary Ellen (2014-04-24). "Fans of anime, sci-fi, fantasy, gaming and more converge at Zenkaikon this weekend in Lancaster". Lancaster Online. Retrieved 2014-05-06.
  4. ^ a b c d Miller, Mickayla (21 March 2024). "Zenkaikon 2024: Your guide for downtown Lancaster's multi-genre pop culture convention". LancasterOnline. Retrieved 31 March 2024.
  5. ^ a b "Zenkaikon 2018 Information". FanCons.com. Retrieved 2020-03-02.
  6. ^ a b c "Zenkaikon 2012 Press Kit" (PDF). Zenkaikon. Retrieved 2012-05-26.
  7. ^ a b "Kosaikon and Zentrancon announce plans to merge". Anime News Network. Retrieved 2010-05-24.
  8. ^ a b c d Hartstein, Onezumi (2011-02-18). "How to start your own anime convention". New Jersey On-Line. Retrieved 2012-02-19.
  9. ^ a b c Miller, Mickayla (March 23, 2022). "Zenkaikon 2022: A full guide to Lancaster's yearly downtown anime convention". Lancaster Online. Retrieved 3 May 2022.
  10. ^ "Zenkaikon: Anime and more at Lancaster County Convention Center April 25–27". Lancaster Online. 2014-01-27. Retrieved 2014-02-02.
  11. ^ a b "Zenkaikon Announces 2011 Attendance and Japan Relief Effort Donation". Anime News Network. Retrieved 2012-02-19.
  12. ^ a b Basile, Nancy (March 19, 2016). "Lancaster's Zenkaikon: Sci-fi and anime fans unite". FlipSidePA. Retrieved 12 April 2016.
  13. ^ a b c Wright, Mary Ellen (April 27, 2017). "Zenkaikon brings costumed sci-fi, anime, gaming and comic fans back to Lancaster this weekend". Lancaster Online. Retrieved 28 May 2017.
  14. ^ a b Miller, Mickayla (March 24, 2023). "Zenkaikon 2023: Your complete guide to this year's convention that celebrates all things nerdy". Lancaster Online. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
  15. ^ a b Simmers, Sean (March 29, 2015). "Zenkaikon 2015 review: Attendance records broken, Dracula officially slain". Penn Live. Retrieved 12 April 2015.
  16. ^ Wright, Mary Ellen (March 25, 2015). "Zenkaikon to draw costumed throng ready for sci-fi, fantasy, anime weekend". Lancaster Online. Retrieved 12 April 2015.
  17. ^ "Inside the 'Zenkaikon Anime' Convention in Lancaster". WGAL. March 27, 2015. Retrieved 12 April 2015.
  18. ^ Wright, Mary Ellen (May 3, 2018). "Here's what's new at Zenkaikon this weekend at the Lancaster County Convention Center". Lancaster Online. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
  19. ^ Wright, Mary Ellen (March 21, 2019). "Zenkaikon is back Friday for its 'lucky' 13th cosplay convention in Lancaster". Lancaster Online. Retrieved 11 April 2019.
  20. ^ "Zenkaikon 2008 announces first round of guests" (Press release). AnimeCons.com. 2008-02-20. Retrieved 2018-10-16.
  21. ^ "Zenkaikon announces Reni Mimura, programming changes, attendance cap" (Press release). AnimeCons.com. 2009-10-27. Retrieved 2018-10-16.
  22. ^ "Zenkaikon announces 2009 convention dates" (Press release). AnimeCons.com. 2008-11-17. Retrieved 2018-10-16.
  23. ^ a b "Zenkaikon announces fifth convention" (Press release). AnimeCons.com. 2010-04-11. Retrieved 2018-10-16.
  24. ^ Ulaby, Neda (2011-03-21). "Japan Disaster Strikes Home Among Anime Fans". NPR. Retrieved 2012-02-22.
  25. ^ "Zenkaikon Announces 2012 Convention". Vidgle. Retrieved 2012-02-22.
  26. ^ Parmley, Suzette (2011-04-28). "Valley Forge casino expansion, financing plan approved". Philly.com. Archived from the original on September 23, 2015. Retrieved 2012-05-26.
  27. ^ Hatmaker, Julia (2014-04-26). "Zenkaikon invades Lancaster with more than 4,000 anime and sci-fi enthusiasts". Penn Live. Retrieved 2014-05-06.
  28. ^ "Zenkaikon 2020 Cancellation". Zenkaikon. 12 March 2020. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
  29. ^ Ahearn, Cale (March 13, 2020). "Zenkaikon 2020 in Lancaster County cancelled". FOX43. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
  30. ^ "Zenkaikon 2020 Information". FanCons.com. Retrieved 2020-03-15.
  31. ^ Stairiker, Kevin (March 20, 2020). "Zenkaikon announces abbreviated schedule of virtual panels for Saturday". LancasterOnline. Retrieved 31 May 2020.
  32. ^ "Zenkaikon 2021 cancelled". Facebook. Retrieved 4 January 2021.
  33. ^ a b "Zenkaikon 2021 Information". FanCons.com. Retrieved 2021-01-06.
  34. ^ "Lancaster city businesses' busy Saturday was disrupted by threats to library". LancasterOnline. 23 March 2024. Retrieved 31 March 2024.
  35. ^ Stuhldreher, Tim (27 March 2024). "Parsons, D'Agostino stand by drag story hour statements". One United Lancaster. Retrieved 31 March 2024.
  36. ^ Gish, Jere (29 March 2024). "Business owners concerned about bomb threat's impact on future tourism". WGAL. Retrieved 31 March 2024.
  37. ^ "Zenkaikon 2006 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2010-05-24.
  38. ^ "Zenkaikon 2007 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2010-05-24.
  39. ^ "Zenkaikon 2008 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2010-05-24.
  40. ^ "Zenkaikon 2009 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2010-05-24.
  41. ^ "Zenkaikon 2011 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2012-02-19.
  42. ^ "Zenkaikon 2012 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2014-06-06.
  43. ^ "Zenkaikon 2013 Information". FanCons.com. Retrieved 2018-10-16.
  44. ^ "Zenkaikon 2014 Information". FanCons.com. Retrieved 2018-10-16.
  45. ^ "Zenkaikon 2015 Information". FanCons.com. Retrieved 2018-10-16.
  46. ^ "Zenkaikon 2016 Information". FanCons.com. Retrieved 2018-10-16.
  47. ^ "Zenkaikon 2017 Information". FanCons.com. Retrieved 2018-10-16.
  48. ^ "Zenkaikon 2019 Information". FanCons.com. Retrieved 2019-04-11.
  49. ^ "Zenkaikon 2022 Information". FanCons.com. Retrieved 2022-03-18.
  50. ^ "Zenkaikon 2023 Information". FanCons.com. Retrieved 2023-03-22.
  51. ^ "Zenkaikon 2024 Information". FanCons.com. Retrieved 2024-03-20.
  52. ^ "Zenkaikon 2025 Information". FanCons.com. Retrieved 2024-10-31.
  53. ^ Davis, Hannah (2005-03-25). "Drawn to anime Fans find other aficionados along with video games, films, a costume contest and art show at KosaiKon". Philly.com. Archived from the original on October 18, 2015. Retrieved 2012-12-27.
  54. ^ "Kosaikon Anifest 2003 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2012-02-19.
  55. ^ "KosaiKon Winter AniFest 2004 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2012-12-26.
  56. ^ "KosaiKon Autumn AniFest 2004 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2012-12-26.
  57. ^ "KosaiKon Easter Anifest 2005 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2010-05-24.
  58. ^ Parks, Andrew (2005-10-13). "Con Men Animation Celebration". Philadelphia City Paper. Retrieved 2012-12-27.
  59. ^ "Zentrancon 2005 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2010-12-26.
  60. ^ "Zenkaikon to provide anime content at VGXPO 2008" (Press release). AnimeCons.com. 2008-10-16. Retrieved 2018-10-16.
  61. ^ "Meet Zenkaikon at Video Game Expo, GameX, & Video Games Live" (Press release). AnimeCons.com. 2008-09-16. Retrieved 2018-10-16.
  62. ^ "Photos: Sakura Sunday". Philadelphia Weekly. Retrieved 2012-04-24.
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40°2′15″N 76°18′17″W / 40.03750°N 76.30472°W / 40.03750; -76.30472

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