I attended Fan Expo Philadelphia 2022 just for one day on Saturday overall it was a generally good con. Here are my thoughts:

Pros:

Lots of great dealers and artists on the main floor.

Seriously there was a ton of them. It reminded me of the early 2000’s wizard world cons

The live band was ok

I didn’t stay long but it was mostly theme songs or songs related to fan activity.

Good selection of special guest interviews

I liked the fact that it was located in the same area as the exhibitors and pretty easy to get a good seat to see a special guest.

Artist alley and dealers are all located in one place so you don’t have to walk far.

Same as the above

A surprisingly large number of cosplayers attended. Much more than usual.

This was probably my favorite part. Tons of cosplayers in Philly. We don’t usually get this many at past conventions in this location. Also having an area dedicated to cosplayers to congregate, have cosplay meet-ups, and a cosplay red carpet (with great lighting was a nice touch. Other cons that do something similar keep you at a distance and unless you have a long lens you’re not getting many close-up shots.

Entering was very easy, with no long lines or wait times.

 Something other larger cons can learn from (*cough* AnimeNYC *cough*)

Cons:

Outside of the main exhibitor’s hall, not much content.

It has the same issue other past cons in Philly like Wizard World, and Keystone Comicon have, in that they tend to lean slightly more on the buyer’s con side. Other places like Otakon, and New York Comicon have much more variety and things to do.

Both Video and board gaming were really lacking.

You had one small section for gaming, and it was mostly shooters. I don’t mind those types of games but it needs more variety, more games, and a larger space. Maybe I’m just spoiled with Otakon’s gaming setup. Keystone Comicon also did a better job in their gaming section.

I know video rooms in conventions are kind of a dying breed nowadays, but I still like to see them. I think only one viewing room was available, and it was showing really old stuff (like Naruto’s first season and Gunsmith Cats)

Very few panels or at least interesting ones

I would like to see this improve as well

As of now, until Keystone Comicon comes back this is the only major fan convention in Philadelphia (how I wish an anime convention would happen in my area as well), so here’s hoping it grows and gets more things to do.