Anthrocon returns to Pittsburgh for its 20th year

Anthrocon is celebrating its 20th year in Pittsburgh, with organizers expecting more than 18,000 attendees at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Jerad Bachar, president and CEO of VisitPITTSBURGH, says the event has left a lasting impact over the years. “I can’t imagine, or I don’t imagine Doctor Conway or anyone could have predicted just how much and or, and the city of Pittsburgh would evolve over the following 20 years,” Bachar said. This year’s theme, “Critters, Cryptids, and Curses,” will benefit J and J Farms Animal Sanctuary, which cares for injured, abandoned and abused farm animals. The convention also has broader economic effects on the city, according to Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor. “The more we can bring conventions like this, and they tell other conventions about why Pittsburgh is such a great place and special place, then you start building your convention base, and the more tourism we have, the more it supports our local businesses, our hotels. And it’s just a big economic boom for us,” O’Connor said. With a heat wave expected this week, organizers say attendees are taking steps to make sure they stay safe. “A lot of them wear cooling vests. They know how to temper themselves and stay hydrated and stay cool. And we’re going to have a lot of cooling areas during the convention,” said Chris Mays, deputy director of public relations for Anthrocon. Mays added that organizers will monitor the weather closely and adjust events as needed. Anthrocon kicks off Thursday and runs through Sunday.

PITTSBURGH —

Anthrocon is celebrating its 20th year in Pittsburgh, with organizers expecting more than 18,000 attendees at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

Jerad Bachar, president and CEO of VisitPITTSBURGH, says the event has left a lasting impact over the years.

“I can’t imagine, or I don’t imagine Doctor Conway or anyone could have predicted just how much and or, and the city of Pittsburgh would evolve over the following 20 years,” Bachar said.

This year’s theme, “Critters, Cryptids, and Curses,” will benefit J and J Farms Animal Sanctuary, which cares for injured, abandoned and abused farm animals.

The convention also has broader economic effects on the city, according to Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor.

“The more we can bring conventions like this, and they tell other conventions about why Pittsburgh is such a great place and special place, then you start building your convention base, and the more tourism we have, the more it supports our local businesses, our hotels. And it’s just a big economic boom for us,” O’Connor said.

With a heat wave expected this week, organizers say attendees are taking steps to make sure they stay safe.

“A lot of them wear cooling vests. They know how to temper themselves and stay hydrated and stay cool. And we’re going to have a lot of cooling areas during the convention,” said Chris Mays, deputy director of public relations for Anthrocon.

Mays added that organizers will monitor the weather closely and adjust events as needed.

Anthrocon kicks off Thursday and runs through Sunday.