A Geeky Global Treks deep dive into the rise, stall, and future of North America’s longest‑running anime convention.
Project A‑Kon — later shortened simply to A‑Kon — didn’t just help build anime fandom in the U.S.; it defined it. And yet, after more than three decades of continuous operation, the con suddenly vanished from the calendar. What happened? Where did it go? And is it ever coming back?
Let’s break it down.
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🌟 A Brief History of Project A‑Kon
A‑Kon began in 1990, making it the longest‑running anime convention in North America. Its name was a playful nod to the classic anime Project A‑Ko.
📍 Early Years & Location Changes
A‑Kon moved frequently in its early decades as it grew:
- 1990 – Richardson, TX — The very first event, just 380 attendees.
- 1991–1994 – Dallas hotels — Rapid growth, expanding programming, and rising guest lists.
- Mid‑1990s – Addison, TX — Continued expansion with larger hotel venues.
- Late 1990s–2010s – Dallas/Fort Worth region — A‑Kon became a Texas institution, eventually drawing 15,000+ by 2008 and nearly 35,000 by 2018.
- 2019 – Ownership change — Purchased by Frank Powell during a period of financial strain; moved to Fair Park in Dallas.
- 2020–2021 – Pandemic cancellations — COVID‑19 halted operations for two consecutive years.
- 2022–2023 – Return attempts — The con resumed but struggled with stability.
By 2024, A‑Kon was still a beloved brand — but behind the scenes, trouble was brewing.
💥 Why Did Project A‑Kon Suddenly Disappear?
1. Financial Problems (Pre‑ and Post‑Pandemic)
A‑Kon openly acknowledged “unique challenges” that existed even before COVID‑19. The pandemic only magnified them.
2. Ownership & Investor Issues
After the 2019 acquisition, A‑Kon relied on a board of investors to stay afloat. By 2024, those investors faced funding delays, leaving the con without the capital needed to run its next event.
3. State of Texas Forfeiture Status
In early 2024, A‑Kon LLC was briefly listed as “in forfeiture” for failing to file franchise tax reports — meaning it legally couldn’t conduct business in Texas. This was later resolved, but it signaled serious organizational instability.
4. Government Subsidies Didn’t Arrive
A‑Kon had been counting on state support that never materialized, further straining finances.
5. 2024 Event Canceled, 2025 Abandoned
A‑Kon 33 (originally planned for 2024) was officially postponed, then fully canceled. Refunds began in 2025, and organizers confirmed no event would take place in 2025.
In short: A‑Kon didn’t disappear because of a single crisis — it was a perfect storm of financial missteps, pandemic fallout, investor issues, and administrative problems.
🔮 Is Project A‑Kon Coming Back?
Yes — at least, that’s the plan.
According to A‑Kon’s official 2025 update:
- Refunds for A‑Kon 33 are being processed.
- The team is actively planning a return.
- The earliest possible comeback is 2026, with 2027 also on the table.
Organizers emphasize they want to return “the right way,” with the creativity and community spirit that defined A‑Kon’s legacy.
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🎭 What This Means for Fans
A‑Kon’s disappearance left a huge gap in the Texas anime scene — especially for longtime attendees who grew up with the con. But the brand isn’t dead. It’s in hibernation, rebuilding, and (hopefully) preparing for a comeback worthy of its legacy.
For now, the best move is to:
- Follow A‑Kon’s official channels for updates
- Keep an eye on 2026–2027 announcements
- Support local Texas anime cons to keep the community thriving
🧭 Final Take
Project A‑Kon didn’t vanish overnight — it slowly unraveled under financial strain, pandemic disruption, and organizational challenges. But its legacy is too big, too beloved, and too foundational to anime fandom to disappear forever.
A‑Kon’s story isn’t over. It’s just between chapters.
Could this have become a memory like E3?
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