Zenkaikon was created in 2006 through the merging of two Philadelphia-area events -- Kosaikon, an anime convention held at Villanova University, and Zentrancon, an anime and science fiction convention held on the University of Pennsylvania campus. In 2006, Zenkaikon held its first event at the Valley Forge Scanticon Hotel and Conference Center in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Approximately 450 fa
ns attended to attend educational panels, watch anime and science fiction screenings, meet celebrity guests, and participate in video gaming. Having outgrown their previous venue, the staff decided to expand into the Radisson Hotel Valley Forge in 2009. In 2011, the convention grew again, using the combined spaces of both the Valley Forge Convention Center and Scanticon Hotel and Conference Center. In 2012, due to construction at the Valley Forge Convention Center Complex, Zenkaikon held its annual convention at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center complex. In 2013, Zenkaikon moved to the Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Zenkaikon held its 10th anniversary convention on April 1-3, 2016 at the Lancaster County Convention Center, welcoming over 5000 members. In 2011, Zenkaikon Entertainment, Inc. became a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization. From its founding, the convention and the organization have always been run "by fans, for fans" with an all-volunteer staff.
