Tekko 2025 transformed the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, PA into an interstellar fandom playground. The con opened on Thursday, July 17, but I wasn’t able to make it to the con until Friday morning. This was my first Tekko, but also, my first time visiting Pittsburgh! I didn’t have time to explore Pittsburgh, but the convention center had lots of big windows, balcony/patio spaces, and a big rooftop with amazing views of the city.
First impressions: Tekko is a really unique con. What stood out the most to me was the obsession with ribbons! I haven’t seen so many ribbons before all in one place. In addition to the ribbon games and ribbon collecting, many attendees also traded bracelets and trinkets. I was surprised whenever I complimented someone, and they gave me a bracelet or trinket or ribbon! I didn’t bring anything to trade or giveaway, so I ended up giving away most of the bracelets and trinkets that I received from others. A cycle of regifting! If I return to Tekko, I definitely need to prepare for this unique part of their con culture.
On Friday morning, I went to rehearsal and fitting for the Fashion Show. I haven’t modeled in a fashion show in a while, so I was super excited to be part of this show. I modeled for Sweet Mildred — one of my favorite designers! The rehearsal and fitting were very well-organized and I was impressed by the professionalism of the fashion show staff.
After fittings, I went back to my hotel to change into cosplay and then returned to the con. The con is connected to the Westin hotel, but there are many hotels in walking distance too. I ended up staying at the Drury (and it was my first time at a Drury property). I was surprised that the Drury has free breakfast AND free dinner! Definitely a plus!
Back at the con, I visited the exhibition hall. The vendors, artist alley, and areas for guest autographs were in the same large room. There was a specific area for fashion vendors too! All the fashion show designers were in the same area so it was really fun to check out items from the designers’ collections. For new collection items, they were not on display until after the fashion show — so the fashion show on Saturday night was truly a debut!
After visiting the exhibition hall, I checked out the photoshoot area. There were a variety of mini sets and ring lights for attendees to take photos. This area was also conveniently located by the glass elevators and near the skywalk.
After taking some photos with my roommates, we went back to our hotel to change to casual clothes and eat dinner. After dinner, I went back to the con and checked out the Gaming Hall. There were free play arcade games, VR game zones, tabletop games, card games, computer / PC games, and more! So many games were set up for attendees to play. I played a bit of DDR and then checked out the vendor tables around the outskirts of the Gaming Hall. The Gaming Hall was open until midnight, so if you want to check out late night shopping, the vendors were still open here. I ended up buying a Pokemon cooling fabric here!
After midnight, there are late night panels available. Be sure to have your IDs on you if you check out an 18+ panel! I attended the fanfiction one and it was hilarious! I left early since I wanted to get sleep but it was well worth the 2 readings I listened to.
On Saturday, my first stop at the con was Cosplay Repair! My shoes broke so I got some carpet tape as a quick fix. I also had to repair my hair accessories. There were lots of tools available for use as well as volunteers helping out at Cosplay Repair. There was an area for sewing, an area for hot glue, an area with mirrors and hairspray and Bobby pins for makeup & hair, and plenty of tables and chairs to find a seat at. Honestly this was the best Cosplay Repair room I’ve seen at a con. They even had fashion tape!
Outside of cosplay repair, there was a booth with a professional photography setup, complete with lighting equipment and a backdrop. Cosplayers could get photos taken for free and pick 1 to receive after the con and buy more if desired.
For activities, attendees could also enter the Tekko official 50/50 raffle, or visit the manga library. There’s also a “chibi” area for children! This is definitely a family friendly con if you have kids and they have lots of programming available.
Saturday evening was the fashion show! I modeled for Sweet Mildred during this show so I wasn’t able to watch it, but I can share my experience as a model. There was a designated fitting room and masks were required in the fitting room. They provided masks for any models, makeup artists, and designers who did not bring one. The only time we took off our masks was to do makeup or to drink water. The fashion show started a little bit late, but once it started, everything ran smoothly! The first designer was Enchanted Dream Couture, and then Sweet Mildred was second. After all the designers finished their sets, the designers and models went back on stage for a final walk. Models were not required to stay for the final walk, so a lot of people left early to grab food or for other convention obligations. I didn’t have any plans post-fashion show so I stayed until the end!
After the fashion show, I was super hungry so I went to a local pizza spot called Pizza Parma to grab a pie. Con attendees also got free sodas here if they show their Tekko badge! There were a bunch of local spots participating in this promo which was a great way to encourage con-goers to explore Pittsburgh.
On Saturday night, there was an electronic music concert that I checked out for a bit. A lot of cosplayers were there dancing and I was impressed by the people who were still full-out cosplays from head-to-toe! After the fashion show, I just changed to casual clothes. There were a few others like me in casual wear too, or in J-fashion and other alt-styles. They had several water stations too so concert-goers could stay hydrated. One thing I wish I brought was a clear bag though; they allowed clear bags into the concert. Since I didn’t have a clear bag, I only wore my badge and held my phone in my hand.
I left the concert early since my roommates and I wanted to get some sleep. As we left the con, we saw a lot of cosplayers still hanging out in the con halls. There’s late-night programming available too if you want to attend late panels or screenings.
Sunday was the last day! I had a flight out early Sunday afternoon so I couldn’t stay long (but my flight got super delayed so technically I could have, but oh well!). On Sunday, I did some shopping. I couldn’t resist visiting the Atelier Pierrot booth! And also walked up and down the fashion alley again, admiring all the designers’ works. I went on my obligatory quest for Daiya no Ace merch. Unfortunately, did not find anything. The last thing I did before leaving the con was stop by the Gloomy Bear booth for the Gloomy Bear appearance! Someone dressed up as Gloomy Bear came and attendees could get photos with them. So cute!
I was sad to leave Tekko 2025, but I hope I can visit this con again in the future. Whether you’re a die‑hard anime fan, a passionate cosplayer, or a J-fashionista (or all of the above!), Tekko would be a great con for you to check out in 2026.
