The History of Dream Con: Then vs. Now (and What's Next)

Since its debut in 2018, Dream Con has grown from a small gathering of creators and fans in Waco, Texas, into one of the country’s fastest-growing pop culture conventions. Each new city Dream Con has been to has marked another chapter in its story, helping shape the event into what it is today. 

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Dream Con’s Humble Beginnings

It all started in RDCworld co-founder Mark Phillips’ and Affiong Harris’ hometown in Waco. The Waco Convention Center hosted the first two Dream Cons from 2018-2019, welcoming roughly 600 attendees during its inaugural year. The intimate setting allowed creators, artists, and fans to connect in a way that laid the foundation for the welcoming, diverse community Dream Con is known for today.

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In 2020, like countless other events around the world, Dream Con was forced to cancel the convention due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, rather than going a whole year without the Dream Con experience, the team decided to pivot and host its panels, gaming tournaments, and cosplay contest online, keeping Dreamers connected until they could safely gather in public spaces again.

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Growth Throughout Texas

In 2021, Dream Con returned in full force at Esports Stadium Arlington. The larger venue opened the door for more attendees, expanded programming, a growing Exhibit Hall, and robust All-Star gaming tournaments. Attendance climbed to 2,500 before more than doubling to 6,000 in 2022, proving that Dream Con had definitely outgrown its original home. 

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In 2023, the convention once again moved, this time to the Austin Convention Center, where attendance surpassed 20,000. The additional space allowed for a larger Gaming Hall and Exhibit Hall while welcoming even more talent and partners. Dream Con’s sheer size and scope by this time further established it as one of the nation’s fastest-growing anime and gaming conventions.

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Landing in Space City

In 2025, Dream Con officially arrived in Houston at the George R. Brown Convention Center. The move to Space City marked another major milestone, with attendance climbing to more than 33,000 and generating an estimated $19 million in economic impact for Houston. 

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That momentum continued in 2026, when Dream Con reached another historic milestone with more than 45,000 badges sold — marking the largest attendance in the convention’s history. The weekend hosted 124 artists, 86 vendors, 10 indie gaming studios, nine nonprofit organizations, and 58 partners. The event also received official recognitions from the City of Houston, the Mayor’s Office, and the U.S. House of Representatives for its continued cultural and community impact.

So What’s Next?

Over the last eight years, Dream Con has remained committed to creating a welcoming space where people can celebrate the things they love, discover new passions, and build lasting connections. So what’s next?

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We’re excited to officially announce that Dream Con is returning to Houston for a third consecutive year! After two fantastic years at the George R. Brown Convention Center, we’ll once again be bringing Dreamers back for another unforgettable weekend. This marks the first time in Dream Con history that the convention has remained in the same host city for more than two consecutive years — a testament to the relationship we’ve built with Houston that wouldn’t even be possible without the incredible support of the Dream Con community.

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We’re beyond excited for what year nine has in store, and we can’t wait to make even more history with you. Mark your calendars for Dream Con 2027 in Houston, TX, June 18-20!

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