News:

  • Principal Speaker Announced: JONATHAN MABERRY, a New York Times bestselling author,
  • Rob Carlos selected as Philcon 2023 Artist Guest of Honor
  • Kelley Armstrong named as Philcon 2023 Special Guest
  • The 2023 COVID-19 Vaccination and Mask Policy has been posted, see below or the policies page.
  • We now have a Fashion Show on Friday night at 8:30 PM, see Villainous Fashion Show for more details.
  • The Masquerade page was updated with information and entrant forms for Philcon 2023.
  • The Young Writers Conference for students in grades 5-12 is back again this year, and closes October 7, 2023. Get your stories written and submitted so you can win the prize money! See Young Writers Contest for more details.
  • Registration is now open: Buy your membership now!
  • Hotel registration is open for both the regular (non-hospitality) and party (hospitality) blocks. Our room rate remains at $125.00 plus tax per night. See the hotel page to reserve your room.
  • Thank you for attending Philcon 2022. If you still need content from the Philcon 2022 site, please visit https://2022.philcon.org.

Principal Speaker

JONATHAN MABERRY, Principal Speaker

Jonathan Maberry 

Artist Guest of Honor

Rob Carlos, Philcon 2023 Artist Guest of Honor

Rob Carlos

Special Guest

Kelley Armstrong Philcon 2023 Special Guest

Kelley Armstrong


In person at the Doubletree by Hilton, Cherry Hill, NJ

Currently, it is our intention to host an in-person Philcon at the Doubletree by Hilton, Cherry Hill, NJ.

Join us for the 86th anniversary of the world’s first and longest-running conference on science fiction, fantasy, and horror! Philcon 2023 will take place on November 17-19, 2023.

Started in 1936, Philcon features cutting-edge programming about literature, art, television, film, anime, comics, science, gaming, costuming and cosplay, music, and other topics of interest to fans of sci-fi, fantasy, and horror. We will also have many other attractions, such as our awesome Art Show and Auction; a Vendors Room full of unique merchandise; a full-featured Tabletop Gaming room; our Writer’s Workshop (featuring professional authors and editors); Concerts; Dances, our Masquerade/Costume Competition, and more!

Vaccination and Mask Policy

1. Vaccination Against COVID-19 or a Negative PCR COVID-19 Test is Required

Everyone who is attending Philcon, in any capacity, must have had a COVID-19 booster vaccination or a full initial vaccination set on or after September 1, 2022 and before November 2, 2023.

As an alternative Philcon will accept proof of a negative PCR COVID-19 test administered within 72 hours of picking up your badge at registration at the convention.

We acknowledge, with sadness, that individuals who are not vaccinated or do not supply proof of a negative PCR COVID-19 test, as specified above, will not be permitted to attend Philcon 2023.

For further information on being vaccinated and which are the approved vaccines, see: Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines on the CDC website.

2. Proof of Vaccination or Negative PCR COVID-19 Test

For those who are vaccinated: everyone, including committee and staff, must present proof of vaccination either as the official form (as per their country) or a copy of the same. (This proof may be a picture of the original form on an electronic device.)

For those who are providing a negative PCR COVID-19 test: present a lab-issued proof of the negative result showing the lab name and the date administered. (This proof may be a picture of the original document on an electronic device.)

All persons age 18 and over must show official photo identification matching the name shown on the proof.

3. Mask Wearing is Strongly Recommended

Philcon strongly encourages everyone to wear an appropriate mask, such as KN-95 or better.

When you wear a mask remember that the mask must cover both the nose and the mouth.

4. Handwashing is Requested

We recommend that you thoroughly wash your hands several times a day.

5. Policy for People Who Previously Purchased Memberships

Notice of the vaccination and mask policy was posted on the Philcon website’s home, registration and policies pages on July 11, 2023. If you purchased your Philcon 2023 membership before that date, we will, upon written request, defer your membership(s) to a subsequent year or provide a refund.