Anaheim Convention Center – Major Events

Looking at the expansive Anaheim Convention Center today, it’s shocking to think that when it first opened its doors in 1967, it only consisted of a domed arena, exhibit hall, and meeting space. After going through numerous expansions and renovations, the Anaheim Convention Center is now an impressive 1,600,000 square feet, making it the largest venue for exhibits on the West Coast.

Throughout the years, the Anaheim Convention Center has hosted thousands of events and welcomed millions of guests. There are some events that stand out above the rest, however. Here are the venue’s biggest changes and most well-known events.

 

Expansions and Renovations

The Anaheim Convention Center has continued to be one of the most popular venue spaces on the West Coast due to its continuous renovations and expansions. There have been seven expansions in total. Five of the expansions added additional exhibit hall and meeting room space.

The Grand Plaza was constructed during the sixth expansion, which added 100,000 square feet of space outside for outdoor gatherings in the sunny California weather. This area is very versatile as planners can host dining events, concerts, receptions, exhibits, or meetings.

More flexible space was added in the final expansion, which was completed in 2017. A former car park was turned into 200,000 square feet of space that can be used as meeting rooms, exhibit space, or a ballroom. Even though they changed a parking structure into more space, they didn’t get rid of all the parking. There is still a parking structure with 1,400 parking spaces available.

Cosmetics have also been an important aspect of the Anaheim Convention Center. Since California has beautiful weather year-round, it makes sense to take advantage of that sunshine. This is why many of the walls of the Anaheim Convention Center are now glass, allowing the natural sunlight to come inside and illuminate the facility.

 

The Anaheim Resort

The Anaheim Resort is a 1,100-acre space that was developed by Disney and the Anaheim and Orange County Visitor and Convention Bureau. The space includes both Disney parks, the Anaheim Convention Center, and numerous hotels, but newer renovations to this area have made it extremely tourist-friendly.

To stay as up-to-date as the Anaheim Convention Center itself, the Anaheim Resort was renovated to accommodate its thousands of annual guests better. In this area, changes have been made to make it upscale and welcoming to guests. This includes new signage, updated infrastructure, pedestrian avenues, and gardens.

Guests don’t have to stress about navigating the area with clearer signs directing them to the venue, Disney parks, and hotels. It’s easy to get around now by both car or foot with fixed infrastructure and pedestrian only walkways.

 

Disney D23 Expo

The Disney D23 Expo was first hosted at the Anaheim Convention Center in 2009, and it has been hosted at the Anaheim Convention Center since then. This is a biannual event that runs over the course of three days. This is the ultimate Disney experience for superfans of any and all things Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars.

What can you expect at a Disney D23 Expo? Well, first off, be ready to see a ton of cosplay, which is when fans dress up in elaborate costumes as their favorite characters from movies, games, or books. People who attend this event and passionate and love to show off creative and cool costumes of favorite Disney characters. If you don’t want to go all out with a costume, you can buy Disney merchandise at one of the many stores or partner retailers set up.

As for the event itself, you’ll be able to visit panels and view presentations about what’s new and upcoming for anything Disney. You might even see some Disney legends and unforgettable performances by various musicians, voice actors, or Broadway stars.

 

VidCon

VidCon started as an annual event in 2010, and it has been held at the Anaheim Convention Center since 2012. This event was brought about by Hank and John Green, the creators of the Vlogbrothers YouTube channel, but it is now run by Viacom.

Each year, thousands of viewers, creators, and representatives of various online video platforms gather at the Anaheim Convention Center to share their ideas and passion. For creators, it is an event to grow your channel, meet others on the platform, and make a break into the online industry. If you’re just a part of the community, this is a way for you to meet some of your favorite creators and have a ton of fun.

During VidCon, you can attend meet and greets, go to a concert, attend live panels, take part in games and giveaways, watch a movie on movie night, or party at VidCon Prom.

 

BlizzCon

Blizzard Entertainment is a major video game developer and publisher. You’ve probably heard of them from hits like World of Warcraft, Overwatch, the Diablo series, and Hearthstone. BlizzCon first arrived at the Anaheim Convention Center in 2005 and has booked the venue ever since.

Much like the Disney D23 Expo, if you attend BlizzCon, expect a lot of people cosplaying. This is an event that brings the most passionate of fans together and forges a stronger community. You’ll be able to attend panels and get sneak peeks at all the new Blizzard games and developments happening. Get your tickets and prepare to geek out!

 

WonderCon

Can’t get enough events to nerd out over? Then attend WonderCon! WonderCon is the annual Comic-Con event in Anaheim, California. It is a perfect convention for those who love comics and science-fiction. The Anaheim Convention Center has held this event almost every year since 2012.

There really is something for any comic fan to take part in throughout this multi-day event, such as exhibits, workshops, panels, and photo ops. You can attend workshops like costuming and props or set decoration. If you’re a teacher, you could stop by workshops that discuss how to engage students in STEM with comic books and graphic novels. Love a specific author or comic series? You might be able to find a panel with the author. With three action-packed days in comic book heaven, you’re bound to find something that piques your interest.

 

MineCon

There haven’t been many games that have swept the nation and acquired as much of a massive following as Minecraft. Thanks to its popularity, Minecraft sparked its own MineCon, a convention dedicated to streaming gameplay of Minecraft and informing its attendees about updates to the game.

This event has taken place at various venues throughout the year, but in 2016, it was held at the Anaheim Convention Center. Over 12,000 guests attended the event to hear about updates and watch gameplay.

Like BlizzCon, MineCon is a place for those in the gaming community to come together and share passions and interests. If you enjoy playing Minecraft, keep an eye out for when this convention returns to the Anaheim Convention Center.

 

Star Wars Celebration

The Star Wars franchise has some of the most dedicated fans out there. To honor the franchise throughout the years, the Star Wars Celebration was created. The celebration first came to the Anaheim Convention Center in 2015 when Episode VII: The Force Awakens was launched. It returns to Anaheim again in 2020.

Similar to some of the other conventions on our list, guests are in cosplay at the Star Wars Celebration. Costumes are over-the-top and intricate, so take pictures with these dressed up and devoted fans and geek out over your favorite characters and scenes. If you decide to cosplay for the event, you can take place in the Cosplay Competition on stage too.

While you’re there exploring the huge exhibit hall, don’t miss out on exclusive panels and signings with the cast of the films. There are so many unforgettable experiences, such as concerts, panels, interviews, and guest appearances. If you love the Star Wars franchise, don’t miss out on this multi-day celebration.

 

NAMM Show

Every January, the National Association of Music Merchants, or “NAMM,” Show is held at the Anaheim Convention Center. This is one of the largest music product trade shows worldwide.

The NAMM Show is for professionals in the music industry to find the newest innovations in music, technology, and performance equipment from lighting to sound. If you’re a professional musician, buyer, distributor, or retailer in the music industry, this is an event that gives you the opportunity to educate yourself on best practices and how to market your brand.

Being able to promote the importance of music is a major focus of the NAMM Show. In addition to taking in the information on the exhibit floor, make sure you attend workshops that teach you how to market your brand.

 

Orange County Ultimate Women’s Expo

For over 30 years, the Ultimate Women’s Expos have been producing shows all over the United States. In Orange County, you can find the Orange County Ultimate Women’s Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center.

This is the largest expo for women to find high-quality products, services, and resources for their home, family, and business. Whether you’re looking to shop till you drop at various boutiques, pick up some new beauty products and tips, or discover new fashion, the Orange County Women’s Expo has you covered.

The event isn’t just about looking good on the outside either. Head over to the Fitness Pavilion to feel better as you participate in Pilates. Afterward, indulge in a complimentary massage to relax and refresh.

If you’re looking to improve on or learn a new skill, pop into a do-it-yourself workshop or baking workshops with experts. Looking for some inspiration and motivation? You can find a seminar or keynote on various topics that give you the push you need to start making beneficial changes. The subjects of these seminars include finance, career development, entrepreneurship, personal growth, motherhood, beauty, and more.