FAQ

Retro Con Frequently Asked Questions

What is Retro Con?

Retro Con is a pop culture and memorabilia show catering to anything considered “retro”, especially the 80’s! Transformers, Star Wars, GI Joe, Ghostbusters, He-man, classic video games, etc.. We’ve got 275+ tables of collectibles and art for sale, special guests, video games, a costume contest, raffles, a trivia contest, panels, replica props, and much more! Keep watching the main page and facebook page for the latest updates!

When and where will the convention be held?

Our 2023 show will be held on September 9th & 10th at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA. Despite the name, the venue is actually well outside of Philadelphia, is easy to find, and has plenty of FREE parking available. The website for the expo center (featuring the full address and directions) can be found at http://www.phillyexpocenter.com/. The show will be held in Hall A this year, giving us 67,000 square feet of floor space!

What are the show hours?

Our show hours will be 10am to 5:30pm on Saturday and 9am to 4pm on Sunday. But Preregistrants will be allowed into Retro Con on 9am on Saturday!

How much are general admission tickets for the show?

Ticket price at the door is set at $20 on Saturday and $18 on Sunday. This includes a door prize raffle ticket good for the day of purchase. Kids 12 and under get in for FREE if accompanied by paying adult! This will be a cash-only event, but ATMs are located in the show lobby.

Can I pre-buy my ticket to the show?

Yes, but we only pre-sell for both days together. Preregistrant price for the weekend is $30 and you can purchase your ticket here:

https://retrocons.com/purchase-retro-con-tickets/

Are there Covid rules for the show this year?

We are not planning to institute any covid restrictions this year. But please, if you are feeling covid-type symptoms in the week/days leading up to the show, we ask that you stay home. Some our of guests may also have signs up at their tables asking that you mask up around them. We ask that you respect their wishes.

Is it acceptable to costume/cosplay at the show?

Costumes are not only acceptable at the show, they are highly encouraged!!

Is superhero cosplay acceptable at the show?

Absolutely! Nearly all popular superheroes have a significant connection to the past, so they are very much a part of our show.

How much are vendor spots, how big are the tables, and how can I purchase one or more spaces?

Vendor spots are $200 for one 8 foot wide table space for the weekend. Full info on how you can reserve a spot at the show can be found HERE!

Are vendor spots and artist spots the same thing?

Yes, and they can be bought at the same Vendor link posted above.

Will power be available at the vendor spots?

Let us know if you need power for your table space ahead of time so we can make sure you’re placed close to a power outlet. There will be no additional fees, but you will have to supply your own extension cords (20 foot recommended).

What can I sell at my vendor spot?

We are mainly aiming our show at fans of brands from the 70′s, 80s’, and 90′s, so it is recommended you bring merchandise from (or related to) those eras. But you are entitled to sell whatever you like at your table as long as it falls into the category of memorabilia and is family-friendly. If you have something you’re unsure you can/should sell at the show, feel free to run it by us first. Examples of items you may sell: Action figures, playsets, board games, puzzles, dolls, video games, DVDs/VHS, posters, comics, models, art and crafts, custom props, etc.. Basically if it’s considered “geeky”, you’re good!

Does the convention center have WiFi?

Yes, but it has to be rented through your mobile device.

Are there any nearby hotels?

Our official hotels are the Hilton Garden Inn and the Hampton Inn Oaks, which is located about a 1/3 of a mile from the convention center. We will have a convention rate in effect, full details can be found here.

What is parking like at the Expo Center?

The expo center has its own lot. Parking is plentiful, open, and FREE!

Is there an ATM on the premises?

Yes! There are 3 or more ATMs in the lobby of Hall A.

Where is there to eat in the area?

The convention center will have its own concession stand, but also nearby are restaurants such as Bob Evans, Oaks Pizzeria, Cheeburger Cheeburger, Buffalo Wild Wings, Pizzeria Uno, Wendy’s, Wawa, and Arnold’s Family Fun Center, and more.

What other attractions are in the area?

In close proximity are a Regal Cinemas movie theater, a Target department store, Arnold’s Family Fun Center (featuring go-karts, video games, bowling, mini golf, and laser tag), and more. We’re also a short drive to Valley Forge Casino resort, along with the King of Prussia Mall.

How do I enter the costume contest?

This year we will be hosting TWO costume contests! Saturday will be the Junior/Adult (14 and older) contest, and Sunday will be the kids (13 and under) contest. More info on the costume contest can be found HERE.

Do you have a weapons policy at the show?

No real guns or live steel (knives, swords, throwing stars, etc.) are allowed at the show! Costumers/cosplayers may carry prop weapons and unloaded airsoft guns as long as they are carried responsibly (and not used in a threatening manner). Use common sense and you should be fine. Please e-mail us with any clarifications.

THE PLACE
The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center (Hall A)
100 Station Avenue
Oaks, PA 19456

DATE
Saturday and Sunday, September 9th & 10th, 2023

TIME
Saturday: 10am To 5:30pm

Sunday: 9am to 4pm

CONTACT US!
Email: screamers85@gmail.com

Find Us On Facebook!
http://www.facebook.com/RetroCons

  1. scatbannana
    August 23, 2012 at 9:02 pm

    If you have consoles set up would visitors be allowed to bring their own games to use on the consoles?

    • September 6, 2012 at 4:03 am

      We’d rather not, as it could get confusing as to who owns which cart.

    • October 7, 2012 at 11:48 pm

      Good question, depending on what it is, but we will have a wide selection 🙂

  2. January 15, 2013 at 6:14 pm

    Will there be any shows in the Republic of Ireland ?

  3. August 23, 2013 at 12:14 am

    if for some unknown last min reason. i am unable to go, in or in case i paid for 2 tickets. other person could not, what is the refund rules? i don’t see any thing listed. never sure about my friends. he talked about otakon all year round then the day before say no going.

    • August 27, 2013 at 6:51 am

      You have until September 1st to request a refund. After that date refunds will not be possible.

  4. September 3, 2013 at 9:54 pm

    3pm to 8pm.

  5. tony
    April 8, 2014 at 2:56 am

    I would like to get a table for selling my starwars collection. Do you have a floor plan so I can choose my spot?

    • April 8, 2014 at 6:15 pm

      We usually assign the spots ourselves, but requests can be put in. If you’re buying more than one spot, you will generally be put at a corner.

  6. Rosemarie LaMaida
    August 6, 2014 at 9:59 pm

    what is the taxi / public transportation situation there for those of us who do not drive?

  7. Frank
    September 6, 2014 at 12:42 am

    Hi, I have my elderly father with me, any place for him to sit at the Expo Center, inside? I’m coming from NYC. Thanks

    • September 6, 2014 at 2:37 am

      Hello Frank,

      There will be chairs in the panel area, and one of those can definitely be placed somewhere for your father to sit.

  8. Josh
    September 17, 2014 at 5:19 pm

    I am definitely looking forward to spending my birthday with you folks next Saturday!

  9. Nicole W
    June 14, 2016 at 12:30 pm

    Would costumes related to 80s music (bands, musicians) fit in or be out of place? We are debating on group costume options but don’t want to stand out in a bad way (we’ve never been to a retro con). Thanks.

    • June 16, 2016 at 2:42 am

      80’s band costumes would most certainly fit in! 🙂

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