Zenkaikon

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] 2025's charity was the Lancaster Public Library.^[4]

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.^[34] 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.^[35][36][37] The convention continued to be split between the Lancaster County Convention Center and Holiday Inn in 2025, along with having Thursday programming.^[4] Artists Alley and the guest list were also expanded.

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.^[55]

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.^[60]

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.^[62] 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.^[63] Zenkaikon hosted a Cosplay Fashion Show in Fairmount Park during Sakura Sunday at the 2012 Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia.^[64]