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'''OMGcon''' (''sometimes stylized as OMG!con'') is a three-day anime convention held during June at the Owensboro Convention Center in [[Owensboro, Kentucky]]. The convention was previously held in [[Paducah, Kentucky]]. The name of the convention comes from the common abbreviation of [[SMS language|Oh My God]].<ref name="padsun09">{{cite news | url = http://www.paducahsun.com/news/OMGcon-organizers-hope-tournaments--actors-draw-anime--gaming-fans-to-convention-center | first = Adam | last = Shull | title = OMGcon organizers hope tournaments, actors draw anime, gaming fans to convention center | work = Paducah Sun | date = 2009-06-05}}</ref> OMGcon is run by volunteers.<ref name="ot06092023">{{cite news |last1=Kirkpatrick |first1=John |title=OMG!con returns to Owensboro with anime, gaming, and pop culture exhibits |url=https://www.owensborotimes.com/news/2023/06/omgcon-returns-to-owensboro-with-anime-gaming-and-pop-culture-exhibits/ |access-date=13 July 2023 |work=The Owensboro Times |date=9 June 2023}}</ref>
'''OMGcon''' (''sometimes stylized as OMG!con'') is a three-day anime convention held during June at the Owensboro Convention Center in [[Owensboro, Kentucky]]. The convention was previously held in [[Paducah, Kentucky]]. The name of the convention comes from the common abbreviation of [[SMS language|Oh My God]].<ref name="padsun09">{{cite news | url = http://www.paducahsun.com/news/OMGcon-organizers-hope-tournaments--actors-draw-anime--gaming-fans-to-convention-center | first = Adam | last = Shull | title = OMGcon organizers hope tournaments, actors draw anime, gaming fans to convention center | work = Paducah Sun | date = 2009-06-05 | access-date = 2016-06-25 | archive-date = 2016-08-12 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160812155605/http://www.paducahsun.com/news/OMGcon-organizers-hope-tournaments--actors-draw-anime--gaming-fans-to-convention-center | url-status = dead }}</ref> OMGcon is run by volunteers.<ref name="ot06092023">{{cite news |last1=Kirkpatrick |first1=John |title=OMG!con returns to Owensboro with anime, gaming, and pop culture exhibits |url=https://www.owensborotimes.com/news/2023/06/omgcon-returns-to-owensboro-with-anime-gaming-and-pop-culture-exhibits/ |access-date=13 July 2023 |work=The Owensboro Times |date=9 June 2023}}</ref>


==Programming==
==Programming==
The convention typically offers an artist alley, card tournaments, cosplay events, dance/rave, dealers, formal dance, [[Live action role-playing game|LARPing]], special guests, tabletop gaming, video game tournaments, and workshops.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.helloky.com/june-5-7-omgcon-2009/ |title=OMG!Con 2009 Hello Kentucky|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222051812/http://www.helloky.com/june-5-7-omgcon-2009/|archive-date=February 22, 2014}}</ref><ref name="wpsd13">{{cite web | url = http://www.wpsdlocal6.com/home/ticker/Annual-OMGCon-set-to-begin-in-Paducah-211526511.html | title = Annual OMGCon set to begin in Paducah | publisher = WPSD | access-date = 2013-06-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222011058/http://www.wpsdlocal6.com/home/ticker/Annual-OMGCon-set-to-begin-in-Paducah-211526511.html|archive-date=February 22, 2014}}</ref><ref name="padsun10">{{cite news|last1=Shull|first1=Adam|title=More than just gaming: Fifth annual OMGcon likes anime, comic books too|url=http://www.paducahsun.com/news/More-than-just-gaming-|access-date=25 June 2016|work=Paducah Sun|date=June 11, 2010}}</ref><ref name="pfam2013">{{cite news|last1=Gericke|first1=Robin|title=OMG! The OMG!con is Coming to Paducah!|url=http://www.purchasefamilymag.com/omg-the-omgcon-is-coming-to-paducah/|access-date=25 June 2016|work=Purchase Family Area Magazine|date=May 10, 2013}}{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref name="omi06112016">{{cite news|last1=Ramsey|first1=Austin|title=OMG!con starts downtown|url=http://www.messenger-inquirer.com/news/local/omg-con-starts-downtown/article_cdf54461-e2bb-502e-94d8-4a81a5ec6ac2.html|access-date=25 June 2016|work=Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer|date=June 11, 2016}}</ref><ref name="ot05282019">{{cite news |last1=Sorce |first1=Ashley |title=OMG!Con prepares for fifth event in Owensboro |url=https://www.owensborotimes.com/entertainment/events/2019/05/omgcon-prepares-for-fifth-event-in-owensboro/ |access-date=19 November 2019 |work=The Owensboro Times |date=28 May 2019}}</ref>
The convention typically offers an artist alley, card tournaments, cosplay events, dance/rave, dealers, formal dance, [[Live action role-playing game|LARPing]], special guests, tabletop gaming, video game tournaments, and workshops.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.helloky.com/june-5-7-omgcon-2009/ |title=OMG!Con 2009 Hello Kentucky|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222051812/http://www.helloky.com/june-5-7-omgcon-2009/|archive-date=February 22, 2014}}</ref><ref name="wpsd13">{{cite web | url = http://www.wpsdlocal6.com/home/ticker/Annual-OMGCon-set-to-begin-in-Paducah-211526511.html | title = Annual OMGCon set to begin in Paducah | publisher = WPSD | access-date = 2013-06-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222011058/http://www.wpsdlocal6.com/home/ticker/Annual-OMGCon-set-to-begin-in-Paducah-211526511.html|archive-date=February 22, 2014}}</ref><ref name="padsun10">{{cite news|last1=Shull|first1=Adam|title=More than just gaming: Fifth annual OMGcon likes anime, comic books too|url=http://www.paducahsun.com/news/More-than-just-gaming-|access-date=25 June 2016|work=Paducah Sun|date=June 11, 2010|archive-date=12 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160812154057/http://www.paducahsun.com/news/More-than-just-gaming-|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="pfam2013">{{cite news|last1=Gericke|first1=Robin|title=OMG! The OMG!con is Coming to Paducah!|url=http://www.purchasefamilymag.com/omg-the-omgcon-is-coming-to-paducah/|access-date=25 June 2016|work=Purchase Family Area Magazine|date=May 10, 2013}}{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref name="omi06112016">{{cite news|last1=Ramsey|first1=Austin|title=OMG!con starts downtown|url=http://www.messenger-inquirer.com/news/local/omg-con-starts-downtown/article_cdf54461-e2bb-502e-94d8-4a81a5ec6ac2.html|access-date=25 June 2016|work=Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer|date=June 11, 2016}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref name="ot05282019">{{cite news |last1=Sorce |first1=Ashley |title=OMG!Con prepares for fifth event in Owensboro |url=https://www.owensborotimes.com/entertainment/events/2019/05/omgcon-prepares-for-fifth-event-in-owensboro/ |access-date=19 November 2019 |work=The Owensboro Times |date=28 May 2019}}</ref>


OMGcon's 2016 raffle benefited the charity Cliff Hagan Boys and Girls Club, and raised around $4,000.<ref name="omi06102016">{{cite news|last1=Hayse|first1=Bobbie|title=OMG !CON|url=http://www.messenger-inquirer.com/features/venue/omg-con/article_60be5e5b-a543-5ab0-a4ee-d54f54ad6362.html|access-date=25 June 2016|work=Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer|date=June 10, 2016}}</ref><ref name="omi06092017">{{cite news|last1=Hayse|first1=Bobbie|title= 12th annual OMG!con headed for downtown|url=http://www.messenger-inquirer.com/features/venue/th-annual-omg-con-headed-for-downtown/article_359e2d4e-6409-50f8-ad6e-24d317e1b841.html|access-date=28 June 2017|work=Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer|date=June 9, 2017}}</ref>
OMGcon's 2016 raffle benefited the charity Cliff Hagan Boys and Girls Club, and raised around $4,000.<ref name="omi06102016">{{cite news|last1=Hayse|first1=Bobbie|title=OMG !CON|url=http://www.messenger-inquirer.com/features/venue/omg-con/article_60be5e5b-a543-5ab0-a4ee-d54f54ad6362.html|access-date=25 June 2016|work=Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer|date=June 10, 2016|archive-date=12 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160612050408/http://www.messenger-inquirer.com/features/venue/omg-con/article_60be5e5b-a543-5ab0-a4ee-d54f54ad6362.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="omi06092017">{{cite news|last1=Hayse|first1=Bobbie|title=12th annual OMG!con headed for downtown|url=http://www.messenger-inquirer.com/features/venue/th-annual-omg-con-headed-for-downtown/article_359e2d4e-6409-50f8-ad6e-24d317e1b841.html|access-date=28 June 2017|work=Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer|date=June 9, 2017|archive-date=9 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170609063813/http://www.messenger-inquirer.com/features/venue/th-annual-omg-con-headed-for-downtown/article_359e2d4e-6409-50f8-ad6e-24d317e1b841.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
OMGcon was started because of the long travel time needed to attend other conventions.<ref name="padsun13">{{cite news|last1=Reside|first1=Nicholas|title=OMGcon returns to Paducah|url=http://www.paducahsun.com/news/OMGcon-returns-to-Paducah|access-date=25 June 2016|work=Paducah Sun|date=June 16, 2013}}</ref> The convention moved to the Owensboro Convention Center in [[Owensboro, Kentucky]] for 2014 onwards. The decision was made to allow for the convention's growth.<ref name="surfky2013">{{cite news | work = Surfky.com | title = OMG! Con Signs Two-Year Agreement With Owensboro Convention Center | date = 2013-06-29 | last = Beard | first = Dennis | url = http://surfky.com/index.php/news/local/daviess/33745-omg-con-signs-two-year-agreement-with-owensboro-convention-center | access-date = 2013-07-05 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402101525/http://surfky.com/index.php/news/local/daviess/33745-omg-con-signs-two-year-agreement-with-owensboro-convention-center|archive-date=April 2, 2015}}</ref> The Owenboro Convention Center had to be evacuated during the 2015 convention due to a bomb threat.<ref name="wbkr06132015">{{cite news|last1=Grant|first1=Erin|title=Owensboro Convention Center Briefly Evacuated After Bomb Threat|url=http://wbkr.com/owensboro-convention-center-briefly-evacuated-after-bomb-threat/|access-date=28 June 2017|work=WBKR|date=June 13, 2015}}</ref> In 2016, the convention began using space in the Holiday Inn for workshops.<ref name="omi06102016"/> OMGcon also used all available space in the convention center, with its attendees and other events occupying every hotel room in Owensboro, Kentucky.<ref name="omi06132016">{{cite news|last1=Hayse|first1=Bobbie|title=OMG!con 2016 labeled a success|url=http://www.messenger-inquirer.com/news/local/omg-con-labeled-a-success/article_1d0dc594-02e0-53fe-8681-5ad6804e588e.html|access-date=25 June 2016|work=Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer|date=June 13, 2016}}</ref> In 2017, OMGcon again used the entire convention center, and all of Owensboro 1,369 hotel rooms were occupied.<ref name="omi06092017"/><ref name="tsh06092017">{{cite news|title=OMGcon Hits Owensboro|url=http://www.tristatehomepage.com/news/local-news/omgcon-hits-owensboro/737024167|access-date=29 June 2017|work=Tri State Homepage.|date=June 9, 2017}}</ref>
OMGcon was started because of the long travel time needed to attend other conventions.<ref name="padsun13">{{cite news|last1=Reside|first1=Nicholas|title=OMGcon returns to Paducah|url=http://www.paducahsun.com/news/OMGcon-returns-to-Paducah|access-date=25 June 2016|work=Paducah Sun|date=June 16, 2013|archive-date=12 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160812162617/http://www.paducahsun.com/news/OMGcon-returns-to-Paducah|url-status=dead}}</ref> The convention moved to the Owensboro Convention Center in [[Owensboro, Kentucky]] for 2014 onwards. The decision was made to allow for the convention's growth.<ref name="surfky2013">{{cite news | work = Surfky.com | title = OMG! Con Signs Two-Year Agreement With Owensboro Convention Center | date = 2013-06-29 | last = Beard | first = Dennis | url = http://surfky.com/index.php/news/local/daviess/33745-omg-con-signs-two-year-agreement-with-owensboro-convention-center | access-date = 2013-07-05 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402101525/http://surfky.com/index.php/news/local/daviess/33745-omg-con-signs-two-year-agreement-with-owensboro-convention-center|archive-date=April 2, 2015}}</ref> The Owenboro Convention Center had to be evacuated during the 2015 convention due to a bomb threat.<ref name="wbkr06132015">{{cite news|last1=Grant|first1=Erin|title=Owensboro Convention Center Briefly Evacuated After Bomb Threat|url=http://wbkr.com/owensboro-convention-center-briefly-evacuated-after-bomb-threat/|access-date=28 June 2017|work=WBKR|date=June 13, 2015}}</ref> In 2016, the convention began using space in the Holiday Inn for workshops.<ref name="omi06102016"/> OMGcon also used all available space in the convention center, with its attendees and other events occupying every hotel room in Owensboro, Kentucky.<ref name="omi06132016">{{cite news|last1=Hayse|first1=Bobbie|title=OMG!con 2016 labeled a success|url=http://www.messenger-inquirer.com/news/local/omg-con-labeled-a-success/article_1d0dc594-02e0-53fe-8681-5ad6804e588e.html|access-date=25 June 2016|work=Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer|date=June 13, 2016}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In 2017, OMGcon again used the entire convention center, and all of Owensboro 1,369 hotel rooms were occupied.<ref name="omi06092017"/><ref name="tsh06092017">{{cite news|title=OMGcon Hits Owensboro|url=http://www.tristatehomepage.com/news/local-news/omgcon-hits-owensboro/737024167|access-date=29 June 2017|work=Tri State Homepage.|date=June 9, 2017}}</ref>


OMGcon 2020 was cancelled due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref name="omi04252020">{{cite news |last1=Lawrence |first1=Keith |title=OMG!CON postpones convention until 2021 |url=https://www.messenger-inquirer.com/news/omg-con-postpones-convention-until-2021/article_08369d65-e0be-58ba-81a6-fee1346828e2.html |access-date=6 May 2021 |work=Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer |date=April 25, 2020 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="AC-2020">{{cite web | url = https://animecons.com/events/info/14001/omgcon-2020 | title = OMGcon 2020 Information | publisher = AnimeCons.com | access-date = 2020-04-23}}</ref> OMGcon 2021 was also cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref name="omi03252021">{{cite news |last1=Lawrence |first1=Keith |title=OMG!con will return, but not in June |url=https://www.messenger-inquirer.com/news/omg-con-will-return-but-not-in-june/article_fb4c7069-035f-5191-8fc8-9f48352b2770.html |access-date=6 May 2021 |work=Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer |date=March 25, 2021 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="AC-2021">{{cite web | url = http://animecons.com/events/info/15535/omgcon-2021 | title = OMGcon 2021 Information | publisher = AnimeCons.com | access-date = 2021-05-06}}</ref> Online conventions were held in 2020 and 2021.<ref name="ot06232022">{{cite news |last1=Kelly |first1=Josh |title=OMG!Con returns to Owensboro for first in-person convention since 2019 |url=https://www.owensborotimes.com/entertainment/events/2022/06/omgcon-returns-to-owensboro-for-first-in-person-convention-since-2019/ |access-date=6 July 2022 |work=The Owensboro Times |date=23 June 2022}}</ref> OMGcon held HallOMGween over Halloween weekend 2021 at the Owensboro Convention Center and Towneplace Suites.<ref name="ot10152021">{{cite news |last1=Kelly |first1=Josh |title=OMG!Con hosting Halloween-themed mini-con |url=https://www.owensborotimes.com/entertainment/events/2021/10/omgcon-hosting-halloween-themed-mini-con/ |access-date=6 July 2022 |work=The Owensboro Times |date=5 October 2021}}</ref><ref name="tne10202021">{{cite news |last1=Lawrence |first1=Keith |title=OMG!con planning Halloween party in Owensboro |url=https://www.thenewsenterprise.com/news/local/omg-con-planning-halloween-party-in-owensboro/article_97f43a00-7116-5527-89a5-e38918cf4bd1.html |access-date=6 July 2022 |work=The News-Enterprise |agency=Messenger-Inquirer |date=October 20, 2021 |language=en}}</ref> The convention in 2022 had a mask policy.<ref name="omi06242022"/>
OMGcon 2020 was cancelled due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref name="omi04252020">{{cite news |last1=Lawrence |first1=Keith |title=OMG!CON postpones convention until 2021 |url=https://www.messenger-inquirer.com/news/omg-con-postpones-convention-until-2021/article_08369d65-e0be-58ba-81a6-fee1346828e2.html |access-date=6 May 2021 |work=Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer |date=April 25, 2020 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="AC-2020">{{cite web | url = https://animecons.com/events/info/14001/omgcon-2020 | title = OMGcon 2020 Information | publisher = AnimeCons.com | access-date = 2020-04-23}}</ref> OMGcon 2021 was also cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref name="omi03252021">{{cite news |last1=Lawrence |first1=Keith |title=OMG!con will return, but not in June |url=https://www.messenger-inquirer.com/news/omg-con-will-return-but-not-in-june/article_fb4c7069-035f-5191-8fc8-9f48352b2770.html |access-date=6 May 2021 |work=Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer |date=March 25, 2021 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="AC-2021">{{cite web | url = http://animecons.com/events/info/15535/omgcon-2021 | title = OMGcon 2021 Information | publisher = AnimeCons.com | access-date = 2021-05-06}}</ref> Online conventions were held in 2020 and 2021.<ref name="ot06232022">{{cite news |last1=Kelly |first1=Josh |title=OMG!Con returns to Owensboro for first in-person convention since 2019 |url=https://www.owensborotimes.com/entertainment/events/2022/06/omgcon-returns-to-owensboro-for-first-in-person-convention-since-2019/ |access-date=6 July 2022 |work=The Owensboro Times |date=23 June 2022}}</ref> OMGcon held HallOMGween over Halloween weekend 2021 at the Owensboro Convention Center and Towneplace Suites.<ref name="ot10152021">{{cite news |last1=Kelly |first1=Josh |title=OMG!Con hosting Halloween-themed mini-con |url=https://www.owensborotimes.com/entertainment/events/2021/10/omgcon-hosting-halloween-themed-mini-con/ |access-date=6 July 2022 |work=The Owensboro Times |date=5 October 2021}}</ref><ref name="tne10202021">{{cite news |last1=Lawrence |first1=Keith |title=OMG!con planning Halloween party in Owensboro |url=https://www.thenewsenterprise.com/news/local/omg-con-planning-halloween-party-in-owensboro/article_97f43a00-7116-5527-89a5-e38918cf4bd1.html |access-date=6 July 2022 |work=The News-Enterprise |agency=Messenger-Inquirer |date=October 20, 2021 |language=en}}</ref> The convention in 2022 had a mask policy.<ref name="omi06242022"/>
Line 65: Line 65:
| location = Paducah, Kentucky
| location = Paducah, Kentucky
| attendance = 1,220<ref name="AC-2010"/>
| attendance = 1,220<ref name="AC-2010"/>
| guests = Christopher Ayres, Greg Ayres, Emily DeJesus, Robert DeJesus, [[Jessie James Grelle]], [[Rosearik Rikki Simons|Rikki Simons]], and Tavisha Wolfgarth-Simons.<ref name="AC-2010">{{cite web | url = https://animecons.com/events/info/1986/omgcon-2010 | title = OMGcon 2010 Information | publisher = AnimeCons.com | access-date = 2019-11-21}}</ref>
| guests = Christopher Ayres, Greg Ayres, Emily DeJesus, Robert DeJesus, [[Jessie James Grelle]], [[Rikki Simons]], and Tavisha Wolfgarth-Simons.<ref name="AC-2010">{{cite web | url = https://animecons.com/events/info/1986/omgcon-2010 | title = OMGcon 2010 Information | publisher = AnimeCons.com | access-date = 2019-11-21}}</ref>
}}
}}
{{Convention list
{{Convention list
Line 107: Line 107:
| location = Owensboro, Kentucky
| location = Owensboro, Kentucky
| attendance = 3,137<ref name="AC-2016"/>
| attendance = 3,137<ref name="AC-2016"/>
| guests = [[Felecia Angelle]], Greg Ayres, [[Erika Harlacher]], Allyssa Lewis, Xander Mobus, NateWantsToBattle, [[Robert J. Schwalb]], Rikki Simons, Sarah Anne Williams, and Tavisha Wolfgarth-Simons.<ref name="AC-2016">{{cite web | url = https://animecons.com/events/info/6212/omgcon-2016 | title = OMGcon 2016 Information | publisher = AnimeCons.com | access-date = 2016-06-25}}</ref>
| guests = [[Felecia Angelle]], Greg Ayres, [[Erika Harlacher]], Allyssa Lewis, Xander Mobus, NateWantsToBattle, [[Robert J. Schwalb]], Rikki Simons, [[Sarah Anne Williams]], and Tavisha Wolfgarth-Simons.<ref name="AC-2016">{{cite web | url = https://animecons.com/events/info/6212/omgcon-2016 | title = OMGcon 2016 Information | publisher = AnimeCons.com | access-date = 2016-06-25}}</ref>
}}
}}
{{Convention list
{{Convention list
Line 121: Line 121:
| location = Owensboro, Kentucky
| location = Owensboro, Kentucky
| attendance =
| attendance =
| guests = Greg Ayres, Andrea Caprotti, Emily DeJesus, Robert DeJesus, Rachelle Heger, Caleb Hyles, Comfort Love, Marianne Miller, Carli Mosier, Bill Rogers, and Adam Withers.<ref name="AC-2018">{{cite web | url = https://animecons.com/events/info/9452/omgcon-2018 | title = OMGcon 2018 Information | publisher = AnimeCons.com | access-date = 2018-06-05}}</ref>
| guests = Greg Ayres, Andrea Caprotti, Emily DeJesus, Robert DeJesus, Rachelle Heger, Caleb Hyles, Comfort Love, Marin M. Miller, Carli Mosier, Bill Rogers, and Adam Withers.<ref name="AC-2018">{{cite web | url = https://animecons.com/events/info/9452/omgcon-2018 | title = OMGcon 2018 Information | publisher = AnimeCons.com | access-date = 2018-06-05}}</ref>
}}
}}
{{Convention list
{{Convention list
Line 149: Line 149:
| location = Owensboro, Kentucky
| location = Owensboro, Kentucky
| attendance =
| attendance =
| guests = Greg Ayres, [[Jennifer Cihi]], Caleb Hyles, Rikki Simons, and Tavisha Wolfgarth-Simons.<ref name="AC-2023">{{cite web | url = http://animecons.com/events/info/21434/omgcon-2023 | title = OMGcon 2023 Information | publisher = AnimeCons.com | access-date = 2023-05-24}}</ref>
| guests = Greg Ayres, [[Jennifer Cihi]], Colossal Senpai, Caleb Hyles, Rikki Simons, and Tavisha Wolfgarth-Simons.<ref name="AC-2023">{{cite web | url = http://animecons.com/events/info/21434/omgcon-2023 | title = OMGcon 2023 Information | publisher = AnimeCons.com | access-date = 2024-07-15}}</ref>
}}
{{Convention list
| date = June 14-16, 2024
| venue = Owensboro Convention Center
| location = Owensboro, Kentucky
| attendance =
| guests = Greg Ayres, Martin Billany, Caleb Hyles, Marin M. Miller, and Michael Sinterniklaas.<ref name="AC-2024">{{cite web | url = http://animecons.com/events/info/21913/omgcon-2024 | title = OMGcon 2024 Information | publisher = AnimeCons.com | access-date = 2024-06-25}}</ref>
}}
}}
|}
|}

Latest revision as of 02:59, 5 August 2024

OMGcon
StatusActive
GenreAnime, video gaming[1][2]
VenueOwensboro Convention Center
Location(s)Owensboro, Kentucky
CountryUnited States
Inaugurated2006
Attendance2,506 in 2019[3]
Organized byTri-State Anime Promotional Society[2][4]
Filing status501(c)(3)[5]
Websitewww.omgcon.com

OMGcon (sometimes stylized as OMG!con) is a three-day anime convention held during June at the Owensboro Convention Center in Owensboro, Kentucky. The convention was previously held in Paducah, Kentucky. The name of the convention comes from the common abbreviation of Oh My God.[4] OMGcon is run by volunteers.[6]

Programming

[edit]

The convention typically offers an artist alley, card tournaments, cosplay events, dance/rave, dealers, formal dance, LARPing, special guests, tabletop gaming, video game tournaments, and workshops.[7][8][9][10][11][12]

OMGcon's 2016 raffle benefited the charity Cliff Hagan Boys and Girls Club, and raised around $4,000.[13][14]

History

[edit]

OMGcon was started because of the long travel time needed to attend other conventions.[15] The convention moved to the Owensboro Convention Center in Owensboro, Kentucky for 2014 onwards. The decision was made to allow for the convention's growth.[16] The Owenboro Convention Center had to be evacuated during the 2015 convention due to a bomb threat.[17] In 2016, the convention began using space in the Holiday Inn for workshops.[13] OMGcon also used all available space in the convention center, with its attendees and other events occupying every hotel room in Owensboro, Kentucky.[18] In 2017, OMGcon again used the entire convention center, and all of Owensboro 1,369 hotel rooms were occupied.[14][19]

OMGcon 2020 was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[20][21] OMGcon 2021 was also cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[22][23] Online conventions were held in 2020 and 2021.[24] OMGcon held HallOMGween over Halloween weekend 2021 at the Owensboro Convention Center and Towneplace Suites.[25][26] The convention in 2022 had a mask policy.[5]

List by year

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Dates Location Atten. Guests
June 9–11, 2006 JR's Executive Inn Riverfront
Paducah, Kentucky		260[27]Greg Ayres[27]
May 25–27, 2007 JR's Executive Inn Riverfront
Paducah, Kentucky		380[28]Greg Ayres, Luci Christian, Emily DeJesus, and Robert DeJesus.[28]
June 6–8, 2008 JR's Executive Inn Riverfront
Paducah, Kentucky		660[29]Robert V. Aldrich, Christopher Ayres, Greg Ayres, Emily DeJesus, and Robert DeJesus.[29]
June 5–7, 2009 Julian Carrol Convention Center
Paducah, Kentucky		1,100[30]Christopher Ayres, Greg Ayres, Emily DeJesus, and Robert DeJesus.[30]
June 11–13, 2010 Julian Carrol Convention Center
Paducah, Kentucky		1,220[31]Christopher Ayres, Greg Ayres, Emily DeJesus, Robert DeJesus, Jessie James Grelle, Rikki Simons, and Tavisha Wolfgarth-Simons.[31]
June 3–5, 2011 Julian Carrol Convention Center
Paducah, Kentucky		1,275[32]Christopher Ayres, Greg Ayres, Emily DeJesus, Robert DeJesus, Rikki Simons, Eric Stuart, and Tavisha Wolfgarth-Simons.[32]
June 8–10, 2012 Julian Carrol Convention Center
Paducah, Kentucky		1,300[33]Christopher Ayres, Greg Ayres, Emily DeJesus, Robert DeJesus, Jessie James Grelle, Bill Rogers, Rikki Simons, and Tavisha Wolfgarth-Simons.[33]
June 14–16, 2013 Julian Carrol Convention Center
Paducah, Kentucky		1,380[34]Christopher Ayres, Greg Ayres, Emily DeJesus, Robert DeJesus, Tiffany Grant, Matt Greenfield, Steve Johnson, Rikki Simons, and Tavisha Wolfgarth-Simons.[34]
June 13–15, 2014 Owensboro Convention Center
Owensboro, Kentucky		1,739[35]Christopher Ayres, Greg Ayres, Emily DeJesus, Robert DeJesus, Jessie James Grelle, Darrel Guilbeau, Steve Johnson, Rikki Simons, St. Louis Osuwa Taiko, and Tavisha Wolfgarth-Simons.[35]
June 12–14, 2015 Owensboro Convention Center
Owensboro, Kentucky		2,500[36]Greg Ayres, Gavin Hammon, Melissa Hutchison, Steve Johnson, Xander Mobus, Carter Newton, Rikki Simons, and Tavisha Wolfgarth-Simons.[36]
June 10–12, 2016 Owensboro Convention Center
Owensboro, Kentucky		3,137[37]Felecia Angelle, Greg Ayres, Erika Harlacher, Allyssa Lewis, Xander Mobus, NateWantsToBattle, Robert J. Schwalb, Rikki Simons, Sarah Anne Williams, and Tavisha Wolfgarth-Simons.[37]
June 9–11, 2017 Owensboro Convention Center
Owensboro, Kentucky		3,740[38]Dino Andrade, Felecia Angelle, Greg Ayres, Martin Billany, Shirley Curry, Emily DeJesus, Fighting Dreamers Productions, Briana Lawrence, Xander Mobus, Carli Mosier, Rikki Simons, Jessica Walsh, Gareth West, and Tavisha Wolfgarth-Simons.[38]
June 8–10, 2018 Owensboro Convention Center
Owensboro, Kentucky		Greg Ayres, Andrea Caprotti, Emily DeJesus, Robert DeJesus, Rachelle Heger, Caleb Hyles, Comfort Love, Marin M. Miller, Carli Mosier, Bill Rogers, and Adam Withers.[39]
June 7–9, 2019 Owensboro Convention Center
Owensboro, Kentucky		2,506[3]Greg Ayres, Emily DeJesus, Robert DeJesus, Rikki Simons, Michael Sinterniklaas, and Tavisha Wolfgarth-Simons.[3]
October 30–31, 2021[25][26] Owensboro Convention Center
Towneplace Suites
Owensboro, Kentucky		500 (est.)[5]
June 24–26, 2022 Owensboro Convention Center
Owensboro, Kentucky		Greg Ayres, Dawn M. Bennett, Fighting Dreamers Productions, Xander Mobus, Michael Sinterniklaas,[40] Callon B, Robert DeJesus, Emily DeJesus, and Nintendrew.[5]
June 9-11, 2023 Owensboro Convention Center
Owensboro, Kentucky		Greg Ayres, Jennifer Cihi, Colossal Senpai, Caleb Hyles, Rikki Simons, and Tavisha Wolfgarth-Simons.[41]
June 14-16, 2024 Owensboro Convention Center
Owensboro, Kentucky		Greg Ayres, Martin Billany, Caleb Hyles, Marin M. Miller, and Michael Sinterniklaas.[42]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "OMG Con this weekend in Paducah". WPSD. Archived from the original on June 15, 2012. Retrieved 2012-09-21.
  2. ^ a b Mattingly, Kara (2013-06-29). "Popular convention headed to Owensboro in 2014/15". WFIE. Retrieved 2013-07-05.
  3. ^ a b c "OMGcon 2019 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2019-06-19.
  4. ^ a b Shull, Adam (2009-06-05). "OMGcon organizers hope tournaments, actors draw anime, gaming fans to convention center". Paducah Sun. Archived from the original on 2016-08-12. Retrieved 2016-06-25.
  5. ^ a b c d Bourne, Freddie (June 24, 2022). "OMG!con returns for full-scale event this weekend". Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer. Retrieved 5 July 2022.
  6. ^ Kirkpatrick, John (9 June 2023). "OMG!con returns to Owensboro with anime, gaming, and pop culture exhibits". The Owensboro Times. Retrieved 13 July 2023.
  7. ^ "OMG!Con 2009 Hello Kentucky". Archived from the original on February 22, 2014.
  8. ^ "Annual OMGCon set to begin in Paducah". WPSD. Archived from the original on February 22, 2014. Retrieved 2013-06-24.
  9. ^ Shull, Adam (June 11, 2010). "More than just gaming: Fifth annual OMGcon likes anime, comic books too". Paducah Sun. Archived from the original on 12 August 2016. Retrieved 25 June 2016.
  10. ^ Gericke, Robin (May 10, 2013). "OMG! The OMG!con is Coming to Paducah!". Purchase Family Area Magazine. Retrieved 25 June 2016.[permanent dead link]
  11. ^ Ramsey, Austin (June 11, 2016). "OMG!con starts downtown". Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer. Retrieved 25 June 2016.[permanent dead link]
  12. ^ Sorce, Ashley (28 May 2019). "OMG!Con prepares for fifth event in Owensboro". The Owensboro Times. Retrieved 19 November 2019.
  13. ^ a b Hayse, Bobbie (June 10, 2016). "OMG !CON". Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer. Archived from the original on 12 June 2016. Retrieved 25 June 2016.
  14. ^ a b Hayse, Bobbie (June 9, 2017). "12th annual OMG!con headed for downtown". Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer. Archived from the original on 9 June 2017. Retrieved 28 June 2017.
  15. ^ Reside, Nicholas (June 16, 2013). "OMGcon returns to Paducah". Paducah Sun. Archived from the original on 12 August 2016. Retrieved 25 June 2016.
  16. ^ Beard, Dennis (2013-06-29). "OMG! Con Signs Two-Year Agreement With Owensboro Convention Center". Surfky.com. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved 2013-07-05.
  17. ^ Grant, Erin (June 13, 2015). "Owensboro Convention Center Briefly Evacuated After Bomb Threat". WBKR. Retrieved 28 June 2017.
  18. ^ Hayse, Bobbie (June 13, 2016). "OMG!con 2016 labeled a success". Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer. Retrieved 25 June 2016.[permanent dead link]
  19. ^ "OMGcon Hits Owensboro". Tri State Homepage. June 9, 2017. Retrieved 29 June 2017.
  20. ^ Lawrence, Keith (April 25, 2020). "OMG!CON postpones convention until 2021". Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer. Retrieved 6 May 2021.
  21. ^ "OMGcon 2020 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2020-04-23.
  22. ^ Lawrence, Keith (March 25, 2021). "OMG!con will return, but not in June". Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer. Retrieved 6 May 2021.
  23. ^ "OMGcon 2021 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2021-05-06.
  24. ^ Kelly, Josh (23 June 2022). "OMG!Con returns to Owensboro for first in-person convention since 2019". The Owensboro Times. Retrieved 6 July 2022.
  25. ^ a b Kelly, Josh (5 October 2021). "OMG!Con hosting Halloween-themed mini-con". The Owensboro Times. Retrieved 6 July 2022.
  26. ^ a b Lawrence, Keith (October 20, 2021). "OMG!con planning Halloween party in Owensboro". The News-Enterprise. Messenger-Inquirer. Retrieved 6 July 2022.
  27. ^ a b "OMGcon 2006 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2010-05-05.
  28. ^ a b "OMGcon 2007 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2010-05-05.
  29. ^ a b "OMGcon 2008 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2010-05-05.
  30. ^ a b "OMGcon 2009 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2010-05-05.
  31. ^ a b "OMGcon 2010 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2019-11-21.
  32. ^ a b "OMGcon 2011 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2015-06-20.
  33. ^ a b "OMGcon 2012 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2015-06-20.
  34. ^ a b "OMGcon 2013 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2015-06-20.
  35. ^ a b "OMGcon 2014 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2015-06-20.
  36. ^ a b "OMGcon 2015 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2015-09-09.
  37. ^ a b "OMGcon 2016 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2016-06-25.
  38. ^ a b "OMGcon 2017 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2018-03-28.
  39. ^ "OMGcon 2018 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2018-06-05.
  40. ^ "OMGcon 2022 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2022-06-21.
  41. ^ "OMGcon 2023 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2024-07-15.
  42. ^ "OMGcon 2024 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2024-06-25.
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37°46′28.8″N 87°06′59.3″W / 37.774667°N 87.116472°W / 37.774667; -87.116472

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