GalaxyCon and its sister convention, “Animate!” announced a renewed commitment to the Raleigh Convention Center on Thursday.
GalaxyCon organizers said the convention has contracted the flagship event at the convention center through 2031, and “Animate!” will be at the convention center through 2030.
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"We are thrilled to extend our partnership with the Raleigh Convention Center and the City of Raleigh," said GalaxyCon founder and president Mike Broder. "Raleigh has been an incredible host city, and we look forward to continuing to bring unforgettable experiences to fans here. The city's commitment to growth and innovation aligns perfectly with our vision for the future of GalaxyCon and Animate!."
Organizers also announced the following dates for each convention through the end of the decade.
GalaxyCon
- 2025: July 24-27
- 2026: July 23-26
- 2027: July 29-August 1
- 2028: July 27-30
- 2029: July 26-29
- 2030: July 25-28
- 2031: July 24-27
Animate!
- 2025: January 3-5
- 2026: January 9-11
- 2027: January 8-10
- 2028: January 7-9
- 2029: January 5-7
- 2030: January 11-13
GalaxyCon has been expanding its reach across the United States. Some of its new markets include Philadelphia, Cleveland, Orlando, Oklahoma City, Savannah, San Jose and Chicago – bringing the magic of GalaxyCon to larger audiences and establishing it as a national leader in pop culture events.
GalaxyCon and “Animate!” contribute more than $8 million and $3 million annually, and organizers said the long-term commitment will significantly impact the city.
GalaxyCon creators started “Animate!” after the success the former had in various cities across the country. When the convention was in Raleigh in January, Broder said Raleigh had become a second home for GalaxyCon faithful. Dana Snyder, one of the voice actors in attendance during the convention, said it will feel like a specialty hotel for fans of the summer convention.
"If GalaxyCon is like the big Hilton, Animate! is like the boutique hotel," Snyder said.
Emily Foster, an N.C. State alum who will be at GalaxyCon Raleigh for the first time as a vendor, said she enjoys the conventions because it allows people to see her products and hold them in person.
"It's a great way to connect to buyers," she said. "I've had industry PR and conventions reach out ot me after seeing my creations and asking me to bring my setup to their shows."
In August 2023, the city of Raleigh approved $387 million in funding to expand the convention center and relocate Red Hat Amphitheater. The proposal to move Red Hat, however, has faced challenges as city leaders decide where to move it.
GalaxyCon organizers said the expansion will enhance the city's capacity to host large-scale events and accommodate the growing number of visitors, further establishing Raleigh as a premier destination for major conventions and cultural events.
“Raleigh's event is a standout success largely because our celebrity guests genuinely love coming here. It's incredibly easy to book talent because they know they'll be welcomed by amazing fans, enjoy fantastic local restaurants, and explore rich cultural attractions. The enthusiasm of the Raleigh community truly makes GalaxyCon a special experience for everyone involved," GalaxyCon’s Sr. Vice President of Talent Samantha Veilleux said.
Additionally, Broder was appointed to the Raleigh Convention Center’s Client Advisory Board of industry experts to solicit feedback to influence and shape the future of the convention center’s expansion.
“GalaxyCon and Animate! have become cornerstone events for our city, driving significant economic benefits and enhancing Raleigh's reputation as a top-tier event destination. We are excited to see these conventions grow alongside our city’s developments and contribute to Raleigh's bright future.”
Thursday is the first day of the convention, which lasts until Sunday, July 28.