News Summary
MomoCon, one of the Southeast’s largest fan conventions, is celebrating its 20th anniversary at the Georgia World Congress Center. This year’s event is expected to attract over 60,000 attendees, showcasing a variety of gaming, anime, and pop culture programming. The convention has significantly grown from its humble beginnings with only 750 attendees, and it continues to contribute over $42 million to the local economy. As fans gather to celebrate their passions, MomoCon promises a vibrant community atmosphere and opportunities for creative engagement.
Atlanta is buzzing with excitement as MomoCon, one of the Southeast’s largest fan conventions, celebrates its 20th anniversary this weekend at the Georgia World Congress Center. The event is set to attract more than 60,000 attendees, marking a record for attendance at this annual gathering that has grown substantially since its inception.
Running from Thursday, May 22, to Sunday, May 25, 2025, MomoCon offers a packed schedule of programming that includes panels, performances, cosplay contests, gaming tournaments, and showcases by artists and vendors. The event has become a staple for fans of anime, gaming, and pop culture, creating a vibrant sense of community that encourages attendees to return year after year. Those planning to attend can download the MomoCon app for schedules and updates on programming.
The substantial growth of MomoCon from its beginnings in 2005 as a small, student-run gathering at Georgia Tech, with about 750 attendees, highlights its evolution into a major cultural event. In 2024, the convention drew approximately 50,000 attendees, showcasing a trajectory that has consistently attracted more fans each year.
Aside from its impressive attendance numbers, MomoCon is also expected to have a significant local economic impact, estimated to exceed $42 million. This boost is felt across local hotels, restaurants, and transportation services that benefit from the influx of visitors. MomoCon has established relationships with local hotels, including the Omni Hotel and Hotel Signia Downtown, to accommodate the anticipated crowd.
The Georgia World Congress Center is uniquely positioned to host the event, thanks to its accessibility via public transit, enabling attendees to navigate the area with ease and making the convention accessible to a diverse audience.
Momo, which translates to “peach” in Japanese, draws its name from an anime and gaming club originally at Georgia Tech. The convention’s co-founders, Jess Merriman and Chris Stuckey, expressed pride in the growth and transformation of MomoCon over the years, and they highlight the importance of creating a welcoming atmosphere for fans to connect and celebrate their shared interests.
Throughout its 20-year history, MomoCon has maintained its mission to foster a sense of community and creative expression among fans. With four days packed with activities and opportunities for engagement, attendees can expect an immersive experience filled with creativity, talent, and camaraderie. The diverse programming, including live music performances and competitive gaming, caters to a wide array of interests and passions found within the fan community.
As MomoCon continues to grow, the impact it creates extends beyond just entertainment; it contributes to the local economy by attracting visitors from across the region and beyond. This year’s anniversary is not just a celebration of the past but also a look forward to the bright future of MomoCon and its role in Atlanta’s cultural landscape.
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Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First: MomoCon Celebrates Its 20th Year
- Wikipedia: Main Page
- WSB TV: Atlanta Comic and Gaming Convention
- Google Search: MomoCon 2025
- 11 Alive: MomoCon 2025 Attendee Guide
- Google Scholar: MomoCon
- AJC: MomoCon’s 20th Year Brings New Cosplay Twist
- Encyclopedia Britannica: MomoCon
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
ATLANTA STAFF WRITER The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
