Dream Con is an annual three-day multi-genre convention held during July at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas. The convention was founded by Mark Phillips and RDCWorld (Real Dreamers Change the World), a YouTube channel and minority owned business.
Programming The convention's programming includes an artist alley, cosplay contest, exhibitors, gaming tournaments, music concert, panels, and various sports events. Dream Con in 2024 added over $15 million to the Austin, Texas economy. In 2025, Dream Con brought $19.2 million to the Houston, Texas economy.
History RDCWorld started Dream Con after the group had issues working with other conventions. Dream Con 2020 was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The convention, due to growth, moved to Esports Stadium Arlington in 2021 and was sold-out of tickets. It remained at the Esports Stadium for 2022 and attendance was limited to 6,000. The convention's 2022 COVID-19 policies required vaccination or testing to attend.
Dream Con moved in 2023 to the Austin Convention Center and was sold-out of tickets in February. For 2025, the convention moved to the George R. Brown Convention Center due to expected construction at the Austin Convention Center that would make it unavailable for several years. Megan Thee Stallion appeared as a guest, in cosplay, and had a cosplay contest she judged. During a panel she announced an animated series in development with Amazon Prime Video. Prior to the event, the convention apologized for liking controversial posts on Instagram regarding her.
Event history Dates Location Atten. Guests
References
Other Related News Articles Dream Con founders look to create inclusive space in world of gaming, anime and comic conventions WFAA, Retrieved 31 March 2026 WEEKEND: Dream Con makes its first appearance in H-town with 'The Boondocks' actors Cedric Yarbrough and Gary Anthony Williams FOX 26, Retrieved 31 March 2026 WEEKEND: Dream Con brings thousands to the city of Houston to kick off summer events FOX 26, Retrieved 31 March 2026 What To Know About The Multimillion-Dollar Business Of Black Nerd Culture Forbes, Retrieved 7 August 2026 Dream Con brought Black nerd culture to Texas, but to keep it, founders say support is needed The Texas Tribune, Retrieved 7 August 2026
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