Photo byRick Drew/ Flicker

Anime-zing! is back for 2024, promising an unforgettable weekend filled with anime, cosplay, gaming, and a multitude of fandom experiences. Whether you’re a die-hard anime aficionado, a casual gamer, or simply curious about the world of Japanese pop culture, Anime-zing! 2024 has something for everyone. Held from August 9-11, 2024, at the Holiday Inn in Rock Island, Illinois, this three-day convention offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant and diverse community of anime enthusiasts.

What is Anime-zing!?

Anime-zing! is an annual convention dedicated to celebrating Japanese anime and the various fandoms and communities that surround it. It’s not just about anime, though; the convention also embraces a wide range of interests, including comics, science fiction, and video games. With over a thousand fans expected to attend, Anime-zing! provides a platform for people to come together, share their passions, and create lasting memories.

A Glimpse of the Events

The convention features a plethora of activities, ensuring there’s never a dull moment. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect:

Panels and Workshops

Anime-zing! offers a diverse array of panels and workshops that cater to various interests within the fandom. From discussions on the latest anime trends to hands-on workshops on cosplay crafting, there's something for everyone. Panels often feature special guests, including voice actors, industry professionals, and popular cosplayers, who share their insights and experiences with attendees. Topics range from voice acting and anime production to cosplay techniques and fandom culture.

Autograph Sessions

One of the highlights of Anime-zing! is the chance to meet your favorite voice actors and get their autographs. Special guests are available throughout the weekend for autograph sessions. Bring your own merchandise or purchase items in the dealer's room to have them signed. Remember to arrive early, as lines can be long and time is limited. These sessions provide a unique opportunity to interact with the people behind your favorite characters.

Concerts and Performances

Anime-zing! hosts several live performances, including concerts by popular J-pop and anime song artists. These concerts are a fantastic way to experience the energy and excitement of anime music live. Additionally, there are dance events like the Formal Fantasy Ball and the high-energy rave dance, offering attendees a chance to let loose and have fun. Other performances may include martial arts demonstrations, comedy shows, and skits by talented cosplayers.

Anime Screenings

Throughout the weekend, Anime-zing! features dozens of anime screenings, showcasing both classic favorites and new releases. This is a great opportunity to discover new shows or rewatch beloved series with fellow fans. Screenings are scheduled all weekend long, so you can always find something interesting to watch. Some screenings may also include special previews and discussions led by experts or voice actors.

Cosplay Contests and Meetups

Cosplay is a major part of Anime-zing!, with over half of the attendees dressing up as their favorite characters. The convention supports this creative expression through various cosplay contests, including a mainstage competition with categories for craftsmanship and performance. There are also numerous photoshoots and meetups for specific fandoms, providing perfect opportunities to show off your costume and connect with other cosplayers. Additionally, informal gatherings and themed photoshoots allow cosplayers to celebrate their favorite series together.

Photo byRick Drew/ Flicker

Gaming Rooms

For gamers, Anime-zing! offers a dedicated video game room with a variety of consoles and games. Whether you're into fighting games, rhythm games, or classic titles, there's something for you. The convention also hosts tabletop gaming sessions, including popular games like Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and Settlers of Catan. It's a great way to relax and make new friends between panels and events. Tournaments and casual play sessions are organized to ensure everyone has a chance to join in the fun.

Social Events and Meetups

Make new friends at themed meetups, photoshoots, and social events. Whether you’re into ball-jointed dolls, Lolita fashion, or a specific anime series, there’s a group for you. These gatherings provide a relaxed environment to share your interests and connect with like-minded fans. Special events like trivia contests, karaoke sessions, and fan meetups add to the community experience.

The ConSweet

One of the unique features of Anime-zing! is the ConSweet, a special hotel suite offering unlimited soda, ramen noodles, rice, chips, and snacks all weekend long. Open to all attendees and completely free, the ConSweet is an excellent spot to recharge throughout the weekend. However, it’s important to remember to eat regular, nutritious meals as well, which can be purchased from the hotel or nearby restaurants.

Special Guests

Anime-zing! 2024 boasts an impressive lineup of special guests, including:

Greg Ayres

Greg Ayres is a veteran voice actor known for his roles in popular series such as "My Hero Academia," "Haikyu!!," and "Dragon Ball Super." He has a wide range of characters under his belt and brings his extensive experience to the convention. Attendees can look forward to hearing his insights on voice acting, participating in Q&A sessions, and getting autographs from one of their favorite voice actors.

Samurai Dan and Jillian

Samurai Dan and Jillian are martial arts experts and performers who bring the ancient ways of the samurai to life. Their demonstrations and workshops cover traditional samurai techniques, including swordsmanship and self-defense. They also provide historical context, making their sessions both educational and entertaining. Fans can watch live demonstrations and even participate in hands-on workshops to learn some basic martial arts skills.

CosplayHooray

CosplayHooray is a talented cosplayer known for their intricate costume designs and engaging panels on cosplay crafting. They have a knack for creating detailed and accurate costumes from various anime, manga, and video game series. At Anime-zing!, they will share their knowledge on costume design, fabrication techniques, and tips for bringing characters to life. Attendees can also meet CosplayHooray during autograph sessions and at cosplay meetups.

DawnStar Cosplays

DawnStar Cosplays is an experienced cosplayer who loves to share their knowledge and passion for the hobby. With years of experience in the cosplay community, they offer valuable insights into character portrayal, costume construction, and performance. DawnStar Cosplays will be hosting panels, participating in cosplay contests, and available for autographs throughout the weekend.

Astros_here

Astros_here is a cosplayer and advocate for inclusivity in the cosplay community, especially for those with chronic illnesses and disabilities. Their work emphasizes the importance of making cosplay accessible and enjoyable for everyone. At Anime-zing!, Astros_here will be leading discussions on inclusivity, offering support and advice to cosplayers facing similar challenges, and participating in panels and meetups.

Participation in Events

These special guests will be actively involved throughout the convention. They will be:

• Hosting Panels: Each guest will lead or participate in panels that delve into their areas of expertise. Whether it’s voice acting, martial arts, or cosplay crafting, attendees will gain valuable knowledge and insights.
• Autograph Sessions: Fans will have multiple opportunities to get autographs from their favorite guests. Be sure to check the schedule and arrive early, as these sessions are highly popular.
• Special Events: In addition to panels and autographs, special guests may participate in unique events such as live performances, workshops, and cosplay contests. These events provide additional chances for fans to interact with the guests and learn from their experiences.

Photo byRick Drew/ Flicker

Dealers Room and Artist Alley

The dealers room at Anime-zing! is a treasure trove of anime merchandise, offering a wide variety of items for fans to purchase. Here, you can find:

• DVDs and Blu-rays: A selection of anime series and movies to add to your collection.
• Posters: Art and promotional posters featuring characters and scenes from popular anime.
• Plushies: Soft, collectible plush toys of your favorite characters.
• Figures and Statues: Detailed figures and statues that are perfect for display.
• Japanese Candies and Snacks: A range of delicious treats imported from Japan.
• Clothing and Accessories: T-shirts, hoodies, hats, and other apparel featuring anime designs.

The dealers room is open during the day and afternoon throughout the weekend, giving attendees plenty of time to browse and shop. It's the perfect place to find unique items and memorabilia from your favorite series.

Artist Alley

The artist alley at Anime-zing! showcases talented local artists selling handmade items and original works. Here, you can find:

• Original Art: Drawings, paintings, and prints of original characters and fan art.
• Handmade Crafts: Unique, handcrafted items such as jewelry, keychains, and accessories.
• Commissions: Artists often take commissions for custom pieces, allowing you to request specific characters or scenes.
• Sketches and Prints: A variety of sketches and high-quality prints available for purchase.

Supporting independent creators is a highlight of the artist alley experience. Each artist has a dedicated space with a table and chairs, and artist alley tables include one free convention badge, allowing up to two artists per table to display and sell their work. This setup fosters a community atmosphere where fans can interact directly with the creators and purchase one-of-a-kind pieces.

Charity and Community Support

Anime-zing! has a strong commitment to supporting the local community. The convention offers free admission to underprivileged youth, community members, and local teachers, contributing over $10,000 in free admission and support to date. The organizers are always looking for new ways to collaborate with charities and community organizations, making Anime-zing! not only a fun event but also a force for good in the community.

Hotel Information

The convention takes place at the Holiday Inn in Rock Island, Illinois. The venue provides excellent spaces for a fun convention experience, with plenty of rooms for panels, events, and programming. Hotel rooms at the convention cost $109 per night, and most rooms come with two beds, making it easy to share with friends or family.

Ticket Information

Anime-zing! offers various ticket options to suit different needs:

• Weekend Pass: Gain access to all three days of the convention.
• Single Day Pass: Ideal for those who can only attend for one day.
• VIP Pass: Enjoy additional perks, such as early entry to events and exclusive merchandise.

To make the most of your Anime-zing! experience, it's highly recommended to purchase your tickets online early. Early bird tickets come with several perks, including discounted prices and exclusive access to certain events. By securing your tickets in advance, you can save money and ensure you don't miss out on any of the exciting activities planned for the weekend.

Photo byRick Drew/ Flicker

Tips for Attendees

Attending Anime-zing! is an exciting experience filled with activities, panels, and opportunities to connect with fellow fans. Here are some practical tips to help you make the most of your time at the convention:

1. Plan Ahead: Review the schedule and plan which panels, screenings, and events you want to attend. Having a plan will help you prioritize your activities and ensure you don't miss out on any must-see events.

2. Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: With so much going on, it's easy to forget to drink water and eat regular meals. Keep a water bottle and snacks with you to stay energized throughout the day.

3. Comfortable Footwear: You'll be doing a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes. This will help prevent fatigue and keep you moving easily between different areas of the convention.

4. Respect Cosplayers: Cosplayers put a lot of effort into their costumes. Always ask for permission before taking photos and be respectful of their personal space. A little courtesy goes a long way.

5. Bring Cash: While many vendors accept credit and debit cards, it's always good to have cash on hand for smaller purchases or in case of technical issues. This can save time and ensure you can buy the items you want.

6. Follow the Rules: Respect the convention's policies and guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. Familiarize yourself with any specific rules regarding photography, behavior, and prohibited items.

By keeping these tips in mind, you'll be well-prepared to enjoy everything Anime-zing! has to offer.

Why Attend Anime-zing! 2024?

Anime-zing! 2024 promises to be a weekend filled with fun, excitement, and a sense of community. Whether you're passionate about anime, video games, cosplay, or just looking to meet new friends, this convention has something for you. The diverse range of events, special guests, and activities ensure that there's never a dull moment. Don't miss out on this incredible celebration of Japanese pop culture and fandom. Grab your tickets online now and get ready for a weekend of wonder at Anime-zing! 2024. See you there!