PortConMaine is Maine’s first, longest running, and largest convention celebrating the hobbies that enrich our lives. Join us for a celebration of geek culture interests including anime, gaming, science fiction, costuming, fantasy, video gaming, boffer combat, comics, pop culture, steampunk, and more! Come to enjoy your current favorite fandom and learn something new about another! Meet old and new friends and join the community– let’s celebrate the interests we enjoy together!
We are a four day event- so join us for four days of awesome starting Thursday and going until Sunday with plenty of events, guests, and vendors to enjoy! We also have several events within walking distance to enjoy at the same time as the convention- with contests and more occurring at the mall across the street! PortConMaine: Maine’s Geek Culture Celebration!
Where is PortConMaine?
We’re at the Double Tree by Hilton and the Maine Mall Games Arena in South Portland, Maine! Click here for more location information.
Mascot Information
Our mascots are named Moxie (main character) and Mochi (the dragon!).
Helpful Convention Guides & Policies:
- Convention Rules & Policies
- Access Policies
- Service Animal Policies
- Tech Policies
- Weapon & Prop Policies
- Parent Guide
- #SafeCon Guide
- Anxiety Guide
- Outdoor Adventure Guide
More Information:
- Charity Work
- Other events hosted by PortConMaine
- Convention History & Event Statistics
- Prior Reviews & Press
- Photo Galleries
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the convention? Southern Maine. The hotel? The DoubleTree by Hilton hotel by the mall (formally known as the Sheraton and the Wyndham)!
When? See the website header for this year’s date!
Parking? Yes! Tons of free parking at the hotel and around the area within walking distance. The mall is across the street!
How much does it cost? A badge has variable costs and the hotel costs something else as well. All events in the convention are free to attend with events that require “goods”, such as the draft, costing as much as it costs to do the event. (Drafts cost $10 for cards, for example) All other events are free. Events that charge will be clearly described.
Is the hotel included? No, the hotel is not included. You will need to purchase your hotel/lodging separate from the convention badge cost.
What is your motto? Our motto is for the fans, by the fans. Our convention is a community of fans from different hobbies getting together every year to celebrate their fandom and maybe find something new to enjoy. We try to keep things fun and entertaining. We are a small, down to earth, and friendly 2,000 plus convention community. We’re trying to have fun and meet other people with our interests, which include anime, gaming, and more!
A small convention? Huh? A small convention means we’re around 4,000 people. We’re not tiny, as in 200, anymore, but we’re certainly not 10,000. Maine has no convention facilities available for such events, so if you’re looking for something mega-sized we suggest you go to Boston and visit Anime Boston.
We’re limited in space but not in friendlieness, creativity, and wacky events. If you’re looking for a good event to relax, have fun, see some wacky stuff and laugh at, we’re the con for you. If you’re looking for a convention with ten or more huge name guests, events that fit more than 1,000 people, and hallways that take literally 10 minutes to transverse, we’re NOT what you’re looking for.
What can I expect from PortCon? You can expect to see a lot of people crammed together in one hotel for a weekend of events and crazieness. There will be filled rooms, laughter, noise, screaming fan girls, signs, a vendors room stuffed FULL of goodies, more events than you can attend, and more. There will be times you have too much to do and times you don’t have anything. Thursday is a day for pre-registered people to mingle and meet earlier than everyone else. Friday is a great lead in to an explosive Saturday and a slowing down Sunday. Expect to meet people, talk to staffers, spend time with guests, and enjoy yourselves.
Can you buy badges at the door? Yes! You can! It just costs more.
What does a badge give you? A badge allows you entrance the convention and free entry to any of the events, including the dealer’s room. Without a badge security will ask you to leave the convention area.
If I lose my badge during the convention do you replace lost badges? NO. Please keep your badge on you AT ALL TIMES. We can not replace lost or stolen badges for many reasons so please don’t expect to get one if it’s lost. You will have to pay for a replacement, regardless of your previous purchase. It’s part of the con rules and policies and thus please don’t try to explain to the registration staff in hopes of weaseling this rule. It’s annoying, we know. But it’s policy, so please bear this in mind when pinning your registration badge to various body parts other than the safety of ye old upper shirt.
Do I get free stuff? A free give away bag yes. Not free food, unfortunately. ^_~
I just registered, when will I get my badge? You can pick up your badge at the convention, we do not mail them out. Don’t worry, we’ll have everything ready for when you arrive- we promise. ^_^
How much does getting a room with PortConMaine save me? Getting a room at the PortConMaine convention center will save you not only around $30 from the average rate in town, but also a lot of time and frustration with getting around Maine!
Will someone be watching my child/children? No. When you leave your children you leave them in full trust of their ability to make good decisions. If they choose to misbehave they will be given consequences up to being asked to leave the convention. Please read the attendee agreement for more information.We will be asking children for their chaperones if they are too young. If they misbehave, we will be escorting them out of the convention facility. Also, if they can’t get their chaperone we might ask them to leave.
I’m coming with my child/children but I won’t participate. Do I still need to pay for a badge? Yes. In order to attend the convention you still need to pay for a badge. But go you for staying with your child/children! It’s a good time and there’s a hot tub! ^_~ We’re also still pretty affordable. One day at PortCon is a lot less than one day at Funtown or Disney!
There is 18+ programming. What does that mean? 18+ programming is adult oriented programming with language and content not suitable for minors. All 18+ programming requires valid photo ID for entrance. At no point will all programming be 18+: there will always be alternative programming for the younger community.
Do you have a weapon/prop policy? Yes. Please Click here!
What is your mailing address? PortConMaine / 492 Main Street / Westbrook, ME 04092
Cross Convention Promotion: When more space is available, we will also start to accommodate cross convention tables so other organizations can promote their events at PortCon as well. At this time, we do not have the space for other events to have tables at our event. We would love to hand out fliers or put your convention information in our registration book. Contact us today for more information.
More questions? Email us! We’ll respond as soon as possible with an answer and if needed update our FAQ.