AnimeCons.com is your best resource for news and information about the world of Japanese animation conventions. There are hundreds of anime conventions held around the world each year and AnimeCons TV is your window into that world. AnimeCons TV features convention reports, cosplay help, advice about attending and staffing conventions, lists of upcoming cons, and answers to your questions about fan conventions.
Otakon 2024 took place in Washington, DC this past August. Doug returned for his 24th Otakon and Elizabeth returned for the first time since 2012. They share their perspectives and insights into Otakon's 30th year celebration.
Anime NYC 2023 took place in New York City and we sent Doug Wilder and Tom Aznable to check out the panels, dealers room, Crunchyroll area, and report back on what worked and what didn't. Hear what they think about the date change for the 2024 convention.
Otakon 2023 returned to Washington, DC and Doug returned to see Macross, go to panels, check out the maker space, and see how lines have improved.
Actor Beau Billingslea, best known as Jet Black in Cowboy Bebop, shares his thoughts on being recognized for his voice, interacting with fans, and making a difference in lives through the characters he plays.
Actor Beau Billingslea, best known as Jet Black in Cowboy Bebop, shares his thoughts on being recognized for his voice, interacting with fans, and making a difference in lives through the characters he plays.
Otakon 2022 was held in Washington, DC and Doug returned to learn how they dealt with the pandemic, check out the maker space, watch some sake tasting, and play some video games.
Otakon 2022 was held in Washington, DC and Doug returned to learn how they dealt with the pandemic, check out the maker space, watch some sake tasting, and play some video games.
Voice actor Anne Yatco sat down with Doug at Otakon 2021 to talk about attending her first convention as a fan as well as some work experience.
Voice actor Anne Yatco sat down with Doug at Otakon 2021 to talk about attending her first convention as a fan as well as some work experience.
Anime Boston's chair, Kristen Leiding, returns to AnimeCons TV to talk about bringing back the convention after a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19.
Host of the Convention Confessional podcast, Katy Hunt, gets the podcasting table flipped and is a guest on AnimeCons TV after all our hosts have been on her podcast.
We review predictions for 2021 as vaccination rates were on the rise. Then we make new predictions for 2022.
At the end of 2021, the hosts got together virtually to discuss the smoldering remains of the 2021 convention season and what may lay ahead.
AnimEigo founder Robert Woodhead sat down with Doug to talk conventions, fans, and how things have changed over the years.
We talk with Suzie Yeung about her first guest appearance at a convention. She is known for her roles as Yuffie Kisaragi in Final Fantasy VII Remake, Eula in Genshin Impact, Warhammer Titan in Attack on Titan, and Lena in 86.
Making his first in-person convention visit since late 2019, Doug masks up and visits Otakon 2021 in Washington, DC.
John-Paul Natysin of Anime Lockdown talks about conventions during a pandemic, great parts of virtual cons, and virtual con fatigue.
Vaccinations are out, people are getting their shots, infection rates are down, and conventions are coming back. Doug and Patrick talk about how they're coming back and what conventions may look like in the near future as we recover.
Otakon has communicated rather dire circumstances for the future of the convention. They need to "make a decision to continue planning for Otakon 2021, or potentially close our doors forever." Lauren and John from Gunpla101 join Doug to discuss this unexpected news.
Anime News Network's Lynzee Loveridge joins our own Doug Wilder to talk about how the pandemic has changed the anime industry and what effect it may have on conventions.
In our last episode of 2020, the hosts get together virtually to discuss the bad, the worse, and the ugly of the abbreviated 2020 convention season.
It's time to review predictions for 2020, the year nobody saw coming, and make new predictions for 2021.
Daryl Surat from Anime World Order returns to talk with Doug Wilder about online conventions, what works, what doesn't, and if virtual conventions work as a substitute for the real thing.
On April 27, 2020, Otakon joined the long list of conventions that have been cancelled as a result of COVID-19. Doug conducted a Skype interview with the Otakorp President, Nick Avgerinos, and Otakon 2020 Convention Chair, Andrew Zerrlaut, to talk about what lead to the cancelation, reaction to the news, and what they've been doing now that they don't need to plan and run a convention this year.
On March 14, 2020, Anime Boston announced that their convention would be cancelled as a result of COVID-19. Doug conducted a Skype interview with the Anime Boston 2020 convention chair, Kristen Leiding, to talk about events leading up to the cancellation announcement, the decision to cancel rather than postpone, attendee reaction, and other things facing conventions during this pandemic.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) has caused weeks and weeks of convention cancellations and postponements. Doug talks about why some conventions take time to announce cancellations. Learn how you can still support artists and vendors from those conventions. Doug also shares some ideas on how to keep busy during this strange time.
In our last episode of 2019, the hosts are together again to discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly of 2019 conventions.
In the news, we talk about some of the latest headlines and share our ranking of who made the most anime convention guest appearances of 2019. We also respond to some of your comments and feedback.
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Anime NYC is currently North America's second-largest anime convention. Doug reports back on the programming, guests, and crowds.
If you've been to a panel at a convention, you've likely endured some terrible questions during a Q&A. Here are some recommendations for staff, moderators, panelists, and audience members on how to avoid suffering through bad questions and get some good, straightforward questions.
Toru Furuya is a Japanese voice actor known for his roles of Amuro Ray in Mobile Suit Gundam, Yamcha in Dragon Ball, and Tuxedo Mask in Sailor Moon. Doug got a chance to sit down with him at Otakon 2019.
In the news, voice actor Vic Mignogna is currently 0-for-12 in his lawsuits with just 5 decisions remaining. We also respond to some of your comments and feedback.
If you would like to read a court-provided transcript of the full September 6th court proceedings, you can find it here.
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Dragon Con has been a Labor Day destination for Shiva and Sketch since 2009, but this is the first time that AnimeCons TV has reported on the convention. See what it's all about and why it's so popular.
At AnimeNEXT 2019 in Atlantic City, Doug went to a lot of panels and reports back on some of his favorites.
SacAnime Summer is traditionally held on Labor Day weekend, but Patrick has already attended and has a full report. Jump into our time machine and find out how it was possible in this episode.
Otakon 2019 was the convention's 25th year. Doug discusses panels at the con and shares footage.
In the news, AnimeNEXT finally addresses harassment complaints. We also respond to some of your comments and feedback.
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Add details to your costume using appliques. Shiva shows you how simple it is with a demonstration.
Anime Boston 2019 was the convention's 16th year. Shiva shares footage from the con including some masquerade entrants.
Does your convention have a privacy policy published on its web site? Patrick explains why you need one, what it should cover, how CalOPPA and GDPR laws affect privacy requirements, and what you can do to quickly and easily get your convention covered.
From The Phantom Menace to The Rise of Skywalker, the official Star Wars convention, Star Wars Celebration, lives up to its name as a celebration of Star Wars fandom.
We're adding news back to our podcast as part of feedback episodes and focusing on the current top story. This episode's news topic is the controversy with Vic Mignogna. We also respond to some of your comments and questions.
Leave us your feedback on our voice mail line at (762) ADEQUATE, that's (762) 233-7828.
Find us in the Unlocked app.
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What is a Cricut? What can it do? How does it work? Learn how a Cricut machine can help improve your cosplay.
Find the Cricut Explore Air 2 on Amazon.
East Bay Comic Con is a small con on the east side of San Francisco Bay with a packed house. Patrick pays a visit and reports on his experience.
Shiva returned to Katsucon once again to be greeted by something that needed work, but also found many improvements.
Sacramento's SacAnime happens twice a year. Melissa and Liz report on this year's winter edition.
For the start of our 11th year, Patrick explains why AnimeCons.com will not be publishing a list of the largest anime conventions of 2018.
In this episode, we share why we think small conventions are underrated and talk about some of the advantages they have over the large, crowded conventions.
Finally, Patrick talks about some changes to AnimeCons TV. The podcast will cut back to 24 episodes per year and release them weekly during various periods of 2019. Subscribe so you don't miss any episodes!
In our last episode of 2018, the hosts assemble to discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly of 2018 conventions.
Elizabeth looks back at some of her old costumes to critique her own work and explain how she would improve on them if she were to re-make them.
Spaghetti, Towel Man, autographs, and more topics are covered by Katy in our final feedback episode of 2018.
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Multi-day conventions often involve a hotel stay. Elizabeth shares some tips and advice on booking your hotel room and making the best of your stay.
Patrick walks you through some of the lesser-known features of the redesigned FanCons.com site.
Doug discusses some helpful tips for convention staff when organizing guest autograph sessions.
Comments on the final Kraken Con, viewer autograph advice, and people are apparently binge-watching our archives. Shiva and Sketch respond to this month's viewer feedback.
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Santa Clara's City Library put on a comic con and Patrick, Svetlana, and Kaiden checked it out and share how you can get one in your town.
Attendees at the last ever Kraken Con reflect on the convention with Shannon Morse.
Watch the entire Kraken Con 2018 Masquerade in our AnimeCons TV Extras feed.
Many people attend conventions to meet guests. Shiva and Patrick share some tips for the best times, places, and methods to get to meet guests. They also share what not to do.
Comments on SacAnime, Crunchyroll Expo, and public transportation to conventions. Doug responds to this month's viewer feedback.
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You're headed to a convention to get an autograph? Doug helps guide you through some of the common issues at conventions and shares some great tips.
Crunchyroll Expo is back for a second year. It's bigger, but is it better? Patrick and Svetlana report on the convention.
Sacramento's SacAnime happens twice a year. Patrick and Svetlana report on this year's summer edition.
Theories about 21+ cons, the cancellation of Izumicon, the success of Otakon, and the welcoming nature of a furry con are among the comments and questions Patrick responds to in this month's feedback episode.
Leave us your feedback on our voice mail line at (762) ADEQUATE, that's (762) 233-7828.
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It's Doug's 18th Otakon and Otakon's 2nd year in DC. Hear about Shoji Kawamori, Lego, Kanetake Ebikawa, Korean bootlegs, DragonBall, and more in this con report.
After going to a lot of conventions, you might start to get bored or feel some degree of con burnout. Doug has some suggestions on how to keep conventions interesting.
Cosplaying as a group can be a lot of fun, but working as a group can be hard. Shiva and Elizabeth recommend some ways to make working as a group productive, easy, and fun!
A voice actor comments on Doug's AnimeNEXT report, a convention has trouble changing its dress code, and we reach a major milestone! All that and more in this month's feedback episode!
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You can use a wood burning tool to carve designs into foam. You can also use a heat gun to emphasize cuts. Elizabeth shows you how!
Tools used in this episode:* Chicago Electric Hobby Woodburner * Wagner Furno 300 Heat Gun * 3M Paint Spray Respirator * 3M Organic Vapor/Acid Gas Cartridge/Filter * Safety Glasses * Retractable Razor Knives
Bienvenue au Canada! Welcome to Canada! Doug crosses the border to visit Montreal Comiccon in Quebec. How is this French Canadian convention different than its American cousins? Are there Tim Hortons doughnuts and hockey players at the con too? Watch and find out!
The web has changed drastically in the last couple years and it's about time your convention's web site was brought up to speed.
Links mentioned in the episode: * AnimeCons TV Episode 807: Staff Talk: Social Media for Conventions for the episode on social media for conventions * Getting Your Convention on Social Media to get your convention on social media * RealFaviconGenerator.net to generate tab and bookmark icons * On your Wordpress site, you can get to Permalink settings under /wp-admin/options-permalink.php * Let's Encrypt for free SSL certificates * Privacy Policies are Mandatory by Law * TermsFeed to generate a privacy policy for your convention's web site * Google Analytics for stats on your web site traffic * Google Webmasters for controlling what appears in a Google search and how it looks
A report on Animazement, concerns about Providence Anime Conference, and a question about our first time staffing a con. It's our latest feedback episode with Elizabeth!
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We've got reviews of panels, the dealers' room, video gaming, the Gundam Versus tournament, and more in Doug's report from AnimeNEXT 2018 in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Learn how to read sewing patterns to figure out sizing, calculate the amount if fabric you need, layout the patterns properly, mark the fabric, cut the proper shapes, and understanding directions to sew the pieces together. Elizabeth also recommends some easy starting patterns that can be used to learn the basics.
Comments on our Providence Anime Conference and Anime Boston episodes and an update on Doug's AnimeCons TV panel at AnimeNEXT.
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Doug is hosting an AnimeCons TV Live panel at AnimeNEXT and shares some details of what he has planned.
Learn what was planned for Providence Anime Conference, what went wrong, and learn the legacy of the first 21+ anime convention ten years later.
Looking to compete in a convention's cosplay masquerade? Shiva and Elizabeth have some helpful advice.
Terriermon, a table, and we get "pranked" as we respond to your comments in this latest feedback episode.
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When you have a great costume, you'll want some great photos. Shiva talks about how to set up a photoshoot with a photographer and what to expect.
If you need to hem a costume and don't want to see a line of stitching at the bottom, try a blind hem stitch. Elizabeth shows you how.
We've got cosplay, Sailor Moon, video gaming, and more in Sketch, Shiva, and Elizabeth's report from Anime Boston, the northeast's largest anime convention.
Svetlana replies to comments left for AnimeCons TV in this edition of our monthly feedback episodes.
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Selecting the right presser foot for your machine can make sewing a costume a lot easier. Elizabeth shows off her collection of presser feet and explains each one.
Do you think your panel title and description is clever? It may be working against you. Doug offers some suggestions.
The Doctor has regenerated and thousands of Doctor Who fans returned to Gallifrey One to celebrate the series. Patrick and Svet report on the con.
We received a lot of response to some of our recent episodes. Doug sorts through it all in this month's feedback episode.
The article mentioned by Erica Friedman can be found on http://okazu.yuricon.com/.
The GoFundMe to support Nerd & Tie can be found at gofund.me/nerdandtie.
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Leave us your feedback on our voice mail line at (762) ADEQUATE, that's (762) 233-7828.
No con is perfect. Elizabeth shares four things conventions can do to improve and provide a better experience.
Shannon Morse joins us to discuss her experience with infosec and hacker conventions and their efforts to implement a Code of Conduct and why it's something that anime cons, comic cons, and any other fan conventions should also implement.
Additional Resources:
Conference Code of Conduct
Codes of Conduct 101 + FAQ
LumaCon is a small con organized by local libraries in Petaluma, California. Svet shares her experiences of the day.
We catch up on our viewer mail for the last few months and respond to comments and feedback from viewers like you.
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Do you have old convention T-shirts or other geeky T-shirts that you're not going to wear anymore but don't want to throw away? Learn to make wall art, pillows, or quilts out of them. Elizabeth shows you how.
If you're teaming up with other people to run a panel, Doug has some advice on how to coordinate.
We rank the largest North American anime conventions by size and see which ones have grown and which have lost attendees in our annual look at the largest anime cons in the United States and Canada for the past year.
Read our Largest North American Anime Conventions of 2017 article on AnimeCons.com.
In our last episode of 2017, the hosts assemble to discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly of 2017.
We've compiled our con reports, bloopers, and other special moments into one episode that tells the tale of our con experiences for 2017.
The first Anime NYC was held in New York City (obviously) and Doug was there to kick it off with their first panel and check out all the Gundam Thunderbolt goodness.
Is there another little cosplayer on the way? Shiva returns to share her experiences cosplaying while pregnant.
Overwatch, Hearthstone, World of Warcraft, Heroes of the Storm, Starcraft, and Diablo fans unite for Blizzard Entertainment's annual convention, BlizzCon.
Doug responds to viewer questions and comments in our final feedback episode of 2017.
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Some episode ideas didn't turn out to be long enough to be their own episode...so we combined them into one!
Learn to use a rotary tool (like a Dremel) to cut, sand, and shape plastic or wood for your cosplay props.
Use stencils to make painting your costume fabric easier by using freezer paper. Elizabeth shows you how!
Viewer comments on Otakon, Crunchyroll Expo, Plastic City Comic Con, and more from Viga in this month's feedback.
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Viga, creator of "The Idols of Anime" and Otakon panelist, sits down to talk conventions and panels with AnimeCons TV's Doug Wilder.
We headed to Boston Comic Con to see their first year in a new venue and under new management.