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 vaccination set on or after September 1, 2022 and before November 2, 2023. This can be any form of COVID-19 vaccine including the original vaccines or any of the follow-on boosters.
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 cannot meet one of the two requirements below:
- Vaccinated as required by this policy.
- Supply proof of a negative PCR COVID-19 test, as specified above.
will not be able 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. This proof may be any of the following:
- A hard copy of proof, such as a vaccine card, a receipt from the vaccination site or pharmacy, filled prescription for the vaccine, a record from your health department or other government office, etc.) or a picture of any proof or app on your electronic device (including pharmacy prescription records).
- A copy of any of the above, which may be a photocopy or a picture on an electronic device.
- An app on your electronic device which shows proof of the vaccination, such as from a government agency, pharmacy, or Clear.
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 photocopy of the original document, a picture of the original document on your electronic device or proof from the lab’s application.)
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.
