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Baltimore's Universal FanCon Postponed Indefinitely 1 Week Before Opening

The official Twitter account for Universal Fancon announced on Friday that the event has been postponed until further notice. According the the announcement, the staff are "taking steps to reschedule the convention."

The convention was scheduled to have its inaugural event in Baltimore at the Baltimore Convention Center from April 27-29.

The convention's website later posted a notice providing more details on Saturday. The staff said the reason for the cancellation was that the convention was in a financial deficit that wouldn't allow the staff to "operate the convention within budget." The notice stated that the convention isn't cancelled, and is instead postponed, although staff said regarding a new date, "once we are able to fully assess our options, we will make an announcement."

The convention staff said while those who purchased tickets cannot get a refund, the staff will "honor your tickets for the next FanCon event." Convention staff have also separately contacted vendors, exhibitors, and guests.

For those who can't cancel plans and will still be in Baltimore for the weekend, the notice said, "We're currently working with multiple organizations to see what alternate plans can be created for that weekend. We will have an answer for you by April 25th."

Voice actress Yuriko Yamaguchi and composers Saori Kobayashi and Teddyloid were announced as guests for the convention. While many of the other planned guests were still listed on the website's guest list until Friday, the Japanese guests were removed at some point beforehand.

Update: Yamaguchi's agency stated on Saturday in a comment regarding the con's postponement, "Despite multiple attempts, we had lost contact with the event organizers." The company added that Yamaguchi was excited to meet fans overseas, but that the company hopes "there will be another opportunity for her to participate in an overseas convention in the future." Thanks to crosswithyou for the tip.