Celebrate geek culture by attending these 11 biggest geek conventions in the US. The rise of different trends because of technology and other forms of media have created this separate world of enthusiasts. These people include fans of different popular worlds like anime, comics, video games, tabletop games, technology, science fiction, etc. It’s amazing how the growing number of people involved in these things created a global community. One of the countries that have profoundly embraced this culture is the US. So much that a lot of the conventions listed here happen annually and have consistent if not increasing turnout.
The biggest reason why geek conventions have become very popular is that they’ve really connected with intellectuals. Even companies that are involved in these types of media support these conventions and are often present in them. Geek conventions seem to be the most popular place to get the latest products, events, and announcements from some of the biggest names in geek culture. TV Shows, movie productions, video game companies, you’ll find almost every name you can think of. It’s noticeable how the more educated a country is, the more present and profound geek culture is in their society. This is something you’ll notice if you visit The 34 Smartest Countries in the World.
Can you think of a big geek convention that’s hosted in the US? You may or may not have heard of these names yet. Let’s find out as we start this list:
11. FanimeCon
One of the most popular conventions for cosplayers (especially Anime cosplayers), FanimeCon has been slowly receiving a good amount of popularity in recent years. The convention is focused on fans as their slogan denotes. This convention in San Jose has hosted big names in Japanese pop culture, anime, video and tabletop gaming.
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10. Wondercon
A comic convention that’s a bit smaller in size compared to the other popular comic conventions in the US. Wondercon still hosts a lot of big names in comics, movies and TV shows. One of the best features of the convention is the chance to buy limited and rare comics from different collectors around the country.
9. Emerald City Comic Con
The Emerald City Comic Con is known as the biggest comic convention in the Pacific Northwest. The event has known to attract a lot of celebrities and big names in geek culture, ranging from actors, to producers, even internet celebrities. The convention is usually sold out a month before so you’d better get tickets as soon as they’re available.
8. Dragoncon
While others focus on the most popular geek culture genres like Anime, comics and gaming, you might say Dragoncon focuses on other genres. It is known as the biggest gathering for science fiction, fantasy and even horror enthusiasts. One of the more popular events in the convention is the opportunity to parade through downtown Atlanta in your best costume.
7. PAX East
With the popularity of the PAX Prime convention, organizers decided to set up an annual event on the east coast as well. The event hosts a few of the largest video gaming tournaments in the country. It is also home to one of the largest libraries of tabletop gaming. You’ll often find big names in gaming set up here.
6. New York Comic Con
It’s no surprise that one of the most populated and most popular US cities would get their own comic book convention. Enthusiasts really find the event exciting as the city itself is a good representation of a lot of cities in comic book lore. The New York Comic Con, however, is not only limited to comics and you’ll find a lot of other genres in the convention.
The biggest events are still to be mentioned in the rest of this list of 11 biggest geek conventions in the US.
5. Gen Con
Gen Con is one of the longest running conventions in North America. This convention is known to be the largest gathering of tabletop gamers and gaming companies in the country. You’ll find here the latest products and a surprisingly large number of events. The convention has expanded into computer gaming in recent years.
4. Anime Expo
The largest and biggest anime convention in the US; fans from all around the world visit this expo. It’s known to be one of the most active conventions especially for participants.
3. San Diego Comic-Con International
SDCC has become one of the most well-known names in geek conventions. It attracts geeks from all over the world and hosts the biggest names in different genres of pop culture.
2. PAX Prime
PAX was born out of a webcomic about gamer life. After this humble beginning PAX Prime has become one of the largest geek conventions in the country. The event is so popular that tickets are known to sell out in 30 minutes. If you’re looking for a variety of gaming events, sights and experiences, then the Penny Arcade Expo is definitely the place to check.
1. Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3)
When it comes to size and production value, E3 is definitely on the top. It is known as the largest gaming convention in the US and hosts all of the biggest names in gaming from around the world. It’s very hard to get in as most of the people that are invited to the event are gaming industry professionals.
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That has been the list of the 11 biggest geek conventions in the US. Be sure to try one at least once in your life.
