The Evolution of MomoCon: From Free Event to Southeast's Premier Paid Anime Convention
- Ash Brown
- 33 minutes ago
- 3 min read
MomoCon’s journey from a small, free gathering to one of the largest paid anime conventions in the Southeast is a story of growth, adaptation, and passion. What began as a modest fan event has transformed into a massive celebration of anime, gaming, and pop culture, drawing tens of thousands of attendees each year. This post explores how MomoCon evolved, the challenges it faced, and how it became a must-attend event for fans across North America.
Early Growth and Free Event Success
MomoCon started as a free event, attracting a growing number of fans from the Southeast. Its popularity surged quickly, with attendance increasing by over 50% for several consecutive years. By 2011, the convention had reached more than 10,000 attendees, earning recognition as the 10th largest anime convention in North America according to AnimeCons.com.
This rapid growth reflected the strong community support and enthusiasm for anime and related fandoms in the region. Fans appreciated the accessibility of a free event, which allowed many to experience the convention without financial barriers. However, this success also brought challenges.
Challenges of Growth and Rising Costs
As MomoCon expanded, the costs of hosting the event increased significantly. Venue fees, equipment rentals, guest appearances, and other expenses began to outpace the limited income generated from donations and sponsorships. The convention was originally held across several buildings on Georgia Tech’s campus, but the space became insufficient to accommodate the growing crowd.
The leadership faced a difficult decision: continue offering MomoCon for free and risk financial instability, or introduce paid admission to sustain and improve the event. Choosing the latter opened new possibilities but also required careful planning to maintain the community spirit that made MomoCon special.
Transition to a Paid Convention in 2012
Switching to a paid model in 2012 marked a turning point for MomoCon. Charging admission allowed the organizers to invest in the convention’s quality and scale. This change enabled several key improvements:
Extended Convention Days
MomoCon expanded from two days to three, and eventually four days, giving attendees more time to enjoy programming and events.
High-Profile Guests
The convention began inviting well-known celebrities from anime, gaming, and other fandoms, enhancing the experience for fans.
Diverse Programming
New event types were introduced, including raves, martial arts demonstrations, and expanded gaming tournaments, broadening the appeal.
Venue Upgrade
Moving downtown to Atlanta allowed MomoCon to use hotels and eventually the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC), one of the largest convention centers in the U.S. This centralized location replaced the scattered campus venues, improving convenience and atmosphere.
These changes helped MomoCon grow sustainably while offering a richer experience to attendees.
The Impact of the Georgia World Congress Center
The move to the Georgia World Congress Center was a game-changer. The GWCC’s vast space allowed MomoCon to consolidate all activities under one roof, making navigation easier and creating a more immersive environment. The venue’s size supported larger crowds and more elaborate setups for panels, artist alleys, and gaming zones.
This upgrade also attracted more vendors and sponsors, contributing to the convention’s financial health and variety. Fans could explore a wider range of merchandise, participate in bigger contests, and enjoy improved amenities.
Record-Breaking Attendance and Future Prospects
MomoCon’s growth continued steadily, culminating in over 59,000 attendees at the 2025 event. This milestone reflects the convention’s strong reputation and the dedication of its community. Organizers expect even higher numbers for 2026, signaling ongoing enthusiasm and expansion.
The convention’s success shows how adapting to challenges with thoughtful changes can create lasting value. MomoCon now stands as a premier event in the Southeast, offering fans a unique blend of entertainment, culture, and connection.
What Makes MomoCon Special Today
Several factors contribute to MomoCon’s appeal:
Community Focus
Despite becoming a paid event, MomoCon maintains a welcoming atmosphere where fans feel connected.
Variety of Content
The convention covers anime, gaming, comics, cosplay, martial arts, and music, catering to diverse interests.
Quality Guests and Events
Celebrity panels, workshops, and unique programming keep the lineup fresh and exciting.
Accessibility and Location
Hosting the event in downtown Atlanta makes it accessible by public transit and close to hotels and restaurants.
Looking Ahead
MomoCon’s story is a reminder that growth often requires change. By embracing a paid model, the convention unlocked new opportunities to serve its fans better and build a sustainable future. For attendees, this means more days to explore, bigger events to enjoy, and a vibrant community to join.
If you’re a fan of anime, gaming, or pop culture, MomoCon offers an experience worth planning for. Keep an eye on upcoming announcements and consider joining the thousands who make this event a highlight of their year.
