After my successful participation at New York Comic Con in October 2025, I was eagerly anticipating the Philadelphia Gaming Area Expo in January 2026. I was convinced my artwork would resonate with the gaming tribe gathering for the four day event.

I booked my hotel, drove from Brooklyn to Philadelphia, set up my table on Thursday morning, and was ready before the doors opened.

And then I sat.
And sat.
And sat.
For four days.

It turned out to be the slowest convention I have done so far. The layout was strange and essentially cut off the vendors’ area from the natural flow of attendees coming in to play. I spoke with other vendors who were there to promote their products and RPG games, and no one was having a strong show. It was simply very slow for all of us.

I felt beaten up. I had invested in the hotel, per diems, gas, and all the small expenses that add up. I was basically losing money.