Pacific Media Expo 2018

Glendale, California (October 27-28, 2018) - Pacific Media Expo is a Japanese American anime convention where it was known for years as a Lolita convention among the cosplay community. PMX started out at the Airport Hilton before moving to the Pasadena Convention Center for two years. During 2017, it took a small hiatus and recently came back this year with a new concept at a smaller venue in Glendale, California. Those who attended reminisced about seeing the Lolita community flock to the convention to the way it was prior to the hiatus of the convention. However, most of the Lolita brand names dealers, and events were gone or could be seen throughout the convention in small moments. It still included Asian culture in its events and guests for the attendees.

However, Pacific Media Expo has always been known for its inclusiveness with the honored guests and its attendees. It didn’t lose its free concert, the last of the California Convention to still continue this tradition, and also how the environment of being able to meet their idols without the massive crowds as seen in other conventions.

This year, the convention was able to still draw attendees to their Masquerade, their concerts featuring Haru (j-rock soloist and Bleach anime song artist) and Cali Crisis, and panels, including the Asian American Culture Con, which brought guests from shows like We Bare Bears, Steven Universe, and Teen Titans animated movies. The space in general at the venue was the ideal space for the amount of attendees there.

This year was enjoyable for con goers who attended the convention after a late start but due to the low attendance, most attendees were sitting around or finding a space in the lobby to chill. Hopefully if the convention stays at its new venue, it can gain a new fan-base of attendees and keep the convention going strong for years to come.