Five Pop Culture Conventions That Should Relocate

Five Pop Culture Conventions That Should Relocate — And Where They Should Go Next

A Geeky Global Treks editorial exploring how a change of scenery could level up fan experiences

Some conventions thrive exactly where they are. Others have clearly outgrown their home base, clash with local infrastructure, or simply deserve a city that better matches their scale and personality. Today, we’re spotlighting five major pop culture conventions that would genuinely benefit from relocating — and the cities that would elevate them.

Each recommendation is grounded in logistics, crowd flow, hotel capacity, cultural synergy, and long-term sustainability.

⭐ 1. Anime Expo

Current Home: Los Angeles, CA  

Recommended New Home: Las Vegas, NV

Why It Should Move

Anime Expo’s attendance has exploded, and the Los Angeles Convention Center can’t keep up. Overcrowding, multi-hour lines, and limited walkable food options have become part of the AX “tradition” — but not in a good way.

Why Las Vegas

- Massive hotel capacity within walking distance  

- A convention center built for mega-events  

- 24/7 entertainment that matches AX’s nightlife energy  

- Infrastructure that absorbs crowds instead of collapsing under them  

Anime Expo in Vegas would feel like an anime city that never sleeps.

⭐ 2. Dragon Con

Current Home: Atlanta, GA  

Recommended New Home: Orlando, FL

Why It Should Move

Dragon Con’s charm is its multi-hotel sprawl, but Atlanta’s heat, humidity, and unpredictable storms make Labor Day weekend rough for cosplayers and parade-goers. Accessibility across multiple hotels is also a challenge.

Why Orlando

- The Orange County Convention Center offers enormous, flexible space  

- Walkable hotel connections reduce chaotic street crossings  

- Orlando’s tourism infrastructure is built for themed mega-events  

- Weather is still hot, but more predictable and manageable  

Orlando would preserve Dragon Con’s vibe while improving comfort and flow.

⭐ 3. PAX West

Current Home: Seattle, WA  

Recommended New Home: Denver, CO

Why It Should Move

PAX West’s charm is its downtown Seattle footprint, but the event has outgrown the Washington State Convention Center. Hotel prices are steep, and the multi-building layout creates bottlenecks.

Why Denver

- The Colorado Convention Center is spacious and modern  

- Denver’s gaming and tech communities are booming  

- Walkable downtown with more affordable lodging  

- A central U.S. location makes travel easier for fans nationwide  

Denver would give PAX West room to breathe and evolve.

⭐ 4. WonderCon

Current Home: Anaheim, CA  

Recommended New Home: San Diego, CA

Why It Should Move

WonderCon is a fantastic mid-sized con, but Anaheim’s identity is dominated by Disneyland. The convention often feels overshadowed, and the venue layout limits growth.

Why San Diego

- The San Diego Convention Center is built for pop culture events  

- The city already embraces fandom culture thanks to SDCC  

- Waterfront, Gaslamp Quarter, and hotel options enhance the experience  

- WonderCon could become a true “SDCC-lite” with room to expand  

San Diego would give WonderCon the spotlight it deserves.

⭐ 5. D23 Expo

Current Home: Anaheim, CA  

Recommended New Home: Orlando, FL

Why It Should Move

D23 is Disney’s crown jewel convention — but Anaheim’s infrastructure strains under its size. Hotels sell out instantly, traffic becomes a nightmare, and the Anaheim Convention Center is bursting at the seams. Disney’s biggest announcements deserve a venue that can scale with the brand’s global fandom.

Why Orlando

- Proximity to Walt Disney World, which offers more space, more resorts, and more themed synergy  

- The Orange County Convention Center is significantly larger and more flexible  

- Orlando’s hotel capacity dwarfs Anaheim’s, easing the pressure on attendees  

- The city is already built for massive themed events and fan tourism  

D23 in Orlando would feel like a true Disney World takeover — immersive, expansive, and future-proof.

---

Final Thoughts

Relocating a convention isn’t just about space — it’s about identity, accessibility, affordability, and fan experience. These five events have the potential to evolve dramatically with a new home base that matches their scale and spirit.