Panels - Comics Convention in Minneapolis

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Main Events Panel Room 1 Panel Room 2 Panel Room 3 Panel Room 4 Autographs Meetups

Friday Saturday Sunday

Kevin Connolly Greg Ayres Samurai Dan and Jillian Live Entertainment Death Do Us Part Podcast Jade SarahSweetie Matt Silverberg (MarimbaMatt) Official Event Pokemon Greggo Traci Gray Whitney Rodgers Gareth West Oscar Seung Quinton Flynn Olivia Swasey Lane O’Brien Tristan Sites Kakegurui Nicholas' Magical Mercantile Jo Jo's Bizarre Adventure Cosplay Department Razana Chris Ryan Jay Hickman Legend of Zelda Nazia Chaudhry OddlyCosplay KB Cosplay Link O’Brien Heaven's Official Blessing Izzy A. Mess Cosplay Rebel and Cleric LunaSlender Forbidden Fandom Dames WHEREDAWAIFU Dante Kaiba Jarvis Kaiba Zion Burger Disabled Kitty KayBaeXV Shoal Zee Tinygoldfishcos JayKayQue TinnieBroNika Spy x Family Dainte Kaiba Link V is for Villains Genshin Impact Mike Ericson Five Night's at Freddy's Arcane Girl's Mom Danganronpa Phoenix Nightingale Marvel DC Lissa Kasey Dr. Stein Disney Sailor Moon Rae Dante Kaibe Aeonica Cosplay Kassy

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Friday

Opening Ceremonies Recommended

Friday: 2:00pm - 2:50pm • Main Events

Welcome to Opening Ceremonies, where we introduce you to the fabulous world of this weekend's convention! The wait is finally over, it's party time! Let's get the convention started! Join us as we introduce you to some of the convention's amazing guests, do a little housekeeping with rules and safety, and learn about all the fun events that will be taking place over the weekend!

Pokemon

Friday: 3:00pm - 3:50pm • Meetups

Greggo's Game Shows: Blockbusters

Friday: 3:00pm - 4:20pm • Panel Room 1

This is a high-speed, high-strategy trivia game where a solo player competes against a family pair to prove whether two heads are really better than one! The winning side wins a nice prize and moves on to our Gold Run bonus game for a shot at additional prizes! There is a tryout for this game; be sure to check the schedule!

Switch Party Games!

Friday: 3:00pm - 3:50pm • Panel Room 3

Always aching to play party games but don't have anyone to play with? Friends annoyed that you keep pestering them to play Jackbox Games, 12 Switch, Just Dance, or others? Come play with us!

Staff Plays Jackbox

Friday: 3:00pm - 3:50pm • Panel Room 4

Join the AnimeCon.Org staff in playing Jackbox party packs. Attendees can join the audience and watch as everything goes wrong and help us pick what games to play

Trust the Process w/ Whitney Rodgers Recommended

Friday: 3:30pm - 4:20pm • Panel Room 2

Ever wonder what it's like learning a new song or lines as a working voice actor? Special guest Whitney Rodgers will be giving a behind the scence peak of her process form start to finish!

Gareth West, Oscar Seung, Quinton Flynn, Olivia Swasey

Friday: 4:00pm - 4:50pm • Autographs

Animecon.org's Fabulous Date Auction (15+)

Friday: 4:00pm - 5:20pm • Main Events

Are you looking for a date to the dance? A new friend to attend panels with? Or just looking to help raise money for good causes? A longstanding staple event for our conventions, the Fabulous Date Auction is a fun, interactive event where cosplayers are sold to the highest bidder - auctioned off by our Live Entertainment department! Meet new friends and help raise funds for charity in the process! We're auctioning dates to the formal ball dance that starts shortly after the date auction ends. Rules apply.

Kakegurui

Friday: 4:00pm - 4:50pm • Meetups

Conquer the Unknown: A D&D Introduction for Beginners

Friday: 4:00pm - 4:50pm • Panel Room 4

Embark on an unforgettable journey into the realms of tabletop role-playing games at our captivating con panel event! Designed specifically for those eager to learn and play Dungeons and Dragons (DnD) or other TTRPGs, this introductory experience is a haven for both the inexperienced and the uncertain. Led by a seasoned professional Dungeon Master boasting over 1500 hours of immersive storytelling, our creator, writer, artist, and entertainer extraordinaire, this unique event promises to educate, inform, and inspire all who yearn to delve into the magical world of DnD. Unlock your inner adventurer, conquer your fears, and prepare to unleash your imagination like never before in this enchanting exploration of collaborative storytelling and epic adventures!

Dating Advice from Yuri On Ice Voice Actor, Oscar Seung! Recommended

Friday: 4:30pm - 5:20pm • Panel Room 3

Who's ready for real talk? Relationships, dating, and marriage, OH MY. Let's de-mystify relationships together!

Jo Jo's Bizarre Adventure

Friday: 5:00pm - 5:50pm • Meetups

SSSSGregman Recommended

Friday: 5:00pm - 5:50pm • Panel Room 1

Come join Greg Ayres as he answers question about all projects old and new. You can be sure he’ll be talking about New project like Haikyuu, Dragon Ball Super, Gangsta, Dramatical Murder, and Danganronpa as well as talking about DJ’ing and con life as himself. A fan boy till the end, whether voicing “pointy haired boys” during the day, or shooting zombies at night (at least on his PS4) you can be sure he’s having fun. There may even be a hint or two about some new projects yet to be announced, so don't miss it.

The Ultimate Guide to Cosplay Competitions

Friday: 5:00pm - 5:50pm • Panel Room 2

New to the world of cosplay competitions? Let our head of cosplay KB walk you through everything you need to know about taking your cosplay to a competitive level. With experience competing, judging, and organizing cosplay competitions, we are hear to answer any questions you have!

K-pop Random SPEED Dance

Friday: 5:00pm - 5:50pm • Panel Room 4

It's K-pop Random Play Dance but with a TWIST! The songs being played will slow down or speed up at random times and it's up to you to catch up with the music. Come join us and have a good time! ***Prizes will be given out!

Kevin Connolly, Chris Ryan, Jay Hickman

Friday: 5:30pm - 6:20pm • Autographs

Formal Dance Lessons Recommended

Friday: 5:30pm - 6:20pm • Main Events

You’ve got the dress, you’ve got the shoes, you’ve even got the date! (Or, maybe you've got the tie!) What else could you need? Yes! You now need the dance moves. Our professional dance instructors will teach you the art of social dancing so you can both meet new people and dance at the same time. No partner or previous experience required; just come ready to have a good time!

Legend of Zelda

Friday: 6:00pm - 6:50pm • Meetups

Keeping up with the Q Man Recommended

Friday: 6:00pm - 6:50pm • Panel Room 3

Keeping up with the Q Man! What's Quinton Flynn been working on lately? What makes the man tick? Come to a great panel with the fun and friendly Quinton Flynn.

Whitney Rodgers, Nazia Chaudhry, Greg Ayres

Friday: 6:30pm - 7:20pm • Autographs

The Fantasy Ball Recommended

Friday: 6:30pm - 7:50pm • Main Events

The dapper gentlemen, the graceful women, the flowing gowns and the majestic music. What could be more magnificent than an exquisite fantasy ball! Come to join the beautifully dressed up cosplayers showing off their most regal outfits and elegant moves in a delightful evening of music and fun. Formal dress is required, so dress to impress. The minimum level of dresscode is business casual. We would like if you avoid jeans, open-toe shoes or sandals, shorts, tank tops, etc. This is a classy event.

Greggo's Game Shows: Press Your Luck

Friday: 6:30pm - 7:20pm • Panel Room 1

Get ready, it’s time for the game show with lots of Whammies and lots of Big Bucks! Three players will answer questions to earn spins on our big board which is loaded with goodies, prizes and cash to spend in our prize coffers, but be careful! There are also some Whammies that would love to take everything away! Only the player with the most bucks at the end of the game gets to keep it all and maybe come back next year and do it again!

Let’s Talk Video Games!

Friday: 6:30pm - 7:20pm • Panel Room 2

Do you enjoy video games? RPGs? J-RPGs? Adventure, Visual Novels, or Simulations? Have theories about the lore of a series? Something completely different? Come talk to the Live Entertainment panelists about your favorite video games!

Samurai Sword Class Recommended

Friday: 6:30pm - 7:20pm • Panel Room 4

Actual Samurai battlefield techniques, taught by professional swordsman. Weapons (bokken) provided.

Heaven's Official Blessing

Friday: 7:00pm - 7:50pm • Meetups

Kevin Connolly's Voice Over 101 Recommended

Friday: 7:00pm - 7:50pm • Panel Room 3

An hour long introduction to the world of voice over and what it takes to be a voice over artist, to dispell some of the “myths” and “beliefs” of what being a voice over artist is, and offer resources and inspiration for self-education in pursuing this creative craft.

Oscar Seung, Career Nerd: From Bullied to Funimation/Netflix Actor Recommended

Friday: 7:30pm - 8:20pm • Panel Room 2

How did a loud, overweight, flamboyant, LGBT, Asian-American immigrant go from being bullied in school, to being a voice actor at Crunchyroll and a film actor on Netflix and Hulu? It all came down to three simple words: I. AM. ENOUGH. Come find out what he means and ask Oscar anything at his panel!

Karaoke with the Guests! Recommended

Friday: 8:00pm - 8:50pm • Panel Room 1

Join some of the convention's incredibly talented voice actors for a Karaoke sing-a-long panel. We'll sing some of our favorite songs, talk about some of our favorite music, and get the audience singing along with us!

RECESS HOUR FUNTIME GAMES

Friday: 8:00pm - 8:50pm • Panel Room 4

Remember all those playground games you played when you were younger? This is that - but indoors, late at night, with teenagers and adults who have nothing better to do. Come join the Live Entertainment Department for some wholesome recess fun!

Rebel and Cleric Concert Recommended

Friday: 8:30pm - 9:20pm • Main Events

PUNK INVADES ANIME! Rebel And Cleric is a Punk/Midwest Emo band that currently has 2 active members: Sai Sake, Lead Singer/Drummer and Tattoo Artist, and James Jarvey, Guitarist/Scream Vocalist. They started busking at conventions in 2019 and are now joining the stage as THE Punk band of Anime Cons! Their genres range from Punk, Emo, Indie, and of course the essential Anime/Show Openings! They know many con-goers are die-hard fans of bands like: “My Chemical Romance”, “Panic! At The Disco”, “Fall Out Boy” to even more niche-fitting Midwest Emo bands such as “American Football”, “Cap’n Jazz”, and the oh-so fitting band called “Guitar Fight From Fooly Cooly”. Their mission is to bring the spirit of Punk and Emo right at every Anime Con’s doorstep, starting with the Midwest! They have a rotating cosplay theme for their performances at each con. This year’s theme is the ever-so loved video game “Animal Crossing”! Join your favorite guitar playing dog “K.K. Slider” and everyone’s favorite goth chameleon “Flick” in their Midwest Anime Con Music Tour! Come to their show and party like it’s Animal Village!

Smash or Pass VS. Round 2

Friday: 8:30pm - 9:20pm • Panel Room 3

Back again with Smash or Pass with round two. More video game characters, more rounds, and more laughs. Come and see if your favorite character will be the winner.

A Link to the Panel - Let’s Talk Zelda!

Friday: 9:00pm - 9:50pm • Panel Room 2

If you like Legend of Zelda, this is the place for you! Come join the Live Entertainment staff to talk all things Zelda - theories, timelines, and more!

A Very Spicy K-Pop Random Dance Panel (18+)

Friday: 9:00pm - 9:50pm • Panel Room 4

Do you like random dance panels but just want to spice it up a bit? Then this is the panel for you!

Hypnosis Show with Gareth West Recommended

Friday: 10:00pm - 10:50pm • Main Events

Come join Gareth as he mesmerizes and hypnotizes for a good cause! This is a fundraiser for The Houston Methodist Transplant Center.

Cards Against Humanity With Samurai Dan and Jillian (18+) Recommended

Friday: 10:00pm - 10:50pm • Panel Room 1

Join Samurai Dan and Lady Jillian in a game of adults-only Cards Against Humanity. Try to guess what card they will pick... Will it be funny? Ironic? Overly true? Good luck!

WHERE DA WAIFU WARS 18+

Friday: 10:00pm - 10:50pm • Panel Room 3

Do you think you have what it takes to be crowned Meta Con’s WAIFU CHAMPION? How far are you willing to go to defend your waifu’s honor? How about your husbando’s? Hosted by WHEREDAWAIFU, join us for a battle of true wit and moxie as you test your mettle against other waifu warriors to see who has the best waifus of them all! There can be only ONE, WAIFU CHAMPION! #wheredawaifu

Let’s Strip! A Cosplay Burlesque Workshop (18+)

Friday: 10:30pm - 11:20pm • Panel Room 4

Ever wanted to learn how to dance burlesque? Now’s your chance to learn! No dance experience required, just come ready and willing to explore a new side of yourself

AnimeCon.org's Fabulous Dating Advice (18+)

Friday: 11:00pm - 12:20am • Panel Room 1

Do you find yourself faltering with the ladies? Do you just not know how to whoo that special person? Our trained experts will show you how it's done! Dante will answer all your dating questions (among other ones)!

Is it Hentai, Yaoi or Fake Kahoot! (18+)

Friday: 11:00pm - 11:50pm • Panel Room 2

Insert poor plot description then decide is it hentai, yoai or fake?! Top three degenerates/winners get prizes!

A Chaotic Neutral BG3 Panel (18+)

Friday: 11:00pm - 11:50pm • Panel Room 3

Have you spent the past month glued to your computer playing DnD the videogame aka Baldur's Gate 3? Need to talk about your emotionally unavailible vampire boyfriend or ways to get this dang parasite out of your head?? Well you've come to the right place! Join us in a fun discussion of all things BG3! (18+ for language and adult content)

Late Night Anime Dance Recommended

Friday: 11:30pm - 2:50am • Main Events

Get your energy out and work up a sweat in this heart-healthy epic dance party! Join AnimeCon.org's resident DJ Greg Ayres and many incredible guest performers as they help you waste the night away with an electric mix of hard-hitting and fun dance music. Experience the bass from the subwoofers as your face melts off thanks to such sick beats. We promise an experience filled with epic music, incredible sounds, and a great light show to boot. No bags allowed in. Strobe lights may be used.

Saturday

Ghosts, Ghouls, and Gays: Queer Paranormal Fiction

Saturday: 9:30am - 10:20am • Panel Room 2

The Babadook isn't the only queer icon these days. Join us as we discuss our favorite LGBTQ works of paranormal fiction including but not limited to Heaven Official's Blessing, Supernatural, Jennifer's Body, Monster Prom, and The Adventure Zone. Panelists are world-class experts in the LGBTQ and the spooky.

HOUSE OF WAIFU (PG13)

Saturday: 9:30am - 10:20am • Panel Room 4

House of Waifu (PG13) Do you have a confession you want to make about a waifu or husbando? Do you need to explain why you have so many different waifus? Have you been waiting for a chance to tell your real life husbando about your favorite full-time 2D boy? Is there something you got to get off your chest? A roast or otherwise? Join WHEREDAWAIFU on a journey through waifu and husbando appreciation at the HOUSE OF WAIFU. Brought to you by #wheredawaifu

Anime Jeopardy

Saturday: 10:00am - 10:50am • Panel Room 3

Think you know all about anime? Then come on down to Anime Jeopardy where some of our lucky audience members will play for a chance to win fun prizes! (16+)

Spy x Family

Saturday: 11:00am - 11:50am • Meetups

Cosplay Contest: Pre Judging (CONTESTANTS ONLY)

Saturday: 11:00am - 2:20pm • Panel Room 1

This is only for entrants of the main stage cosplay contest. You MUST have been signed up for the masquerade and assigned a timeslot for judging. All participants have to sign up well in advance.

Critical Role Jeopardy!

Saturday: 11:00am - 11:50am • Panel Room 2

The adventure begins in a friendly game of jeopardy! Think you know the most about the adventurers themselves? Or just want to watch chaos rein with fellow Critters? Make your way to Critical Role Jeopardy! (Participation is not required)

Music Trivia w/ Chris Ryan! Recommended

Saturday: 11:00am - 11:50am • Panel Room 4

Join special guest Voice Actor Chris Ryan for a round of Music Trivia!

Whose Line is it Anime? (13+)

Saturday: 11:30am - 12:50pm • Main Events

Don't you love that wacky show "Whose line?" well come meet our expert improv actors! They'll make you roll on the floor, holding your sides in this silly interactive panel that is 100% true improv, no written scripts here!

Women in Anime, TV, Film, and Beyond Recommended

Saturday: 11:30am - 12:20pm • Panel Room 3

Get ready for an engaging Q&A session featuring a stellar lineup of accomplished female stars, directors, and producers from the world of anime, television, and beyond. Join us as we dive into a lively discussion about their latest and favorite works, explore emerging trends in the industry, and delve into any other intriguing topics you'd like to hear about. These remarkable women, including Jennie Kwan, Cynthia Cranz, Diana Garnet, and others, have left their indelible mark on the entertainment landscape, shaping narratives, pushing boundaries, and captivating audiences with their talent and vision. From the vibrant world of anime to the realm of television and beyond, they have brought characters to life, crafted compelling stories, and contributed to the ever-evolving landscape of the industry. This promises to be an engaging and enlightening conversation that will leave you inspired and eager to explore the fascinating realm of anime, television, and beyond.

Oscar Seung, Jay Hickman, Quinton Flynn

Saturday: 12:00pm - 12:50pm • Autographs

Demon Slayer

Saturday: 12:00pm - 12:50pm • Meetups

Inspired Artist Inspired Life Recommended

Saturday: 12:00pm - 12:50pm • Panel Room 4

An hour long open discussion about a personal journey to voice acting, and discovering the power of intention and positive thoughts to a successful creative life, and allowing others to share their success in believing in their creativity as a profitable career path.

Meet the Villains Recommended

Saturday: 12:30pm - 1:20pm • Panel Room 2

Led by the mysterious Mr. Agitator, these villains have banded together to fight against a corrupt system and also to play some serious ASS KICKING ROCK MUSIC! V Is For Villains is a new breed of entertainment that mixes the visual styles of Steampunk, Carnival and Noir, with the musical taste of Nine Inch Nails, The Prodigy, and your favorite film score. Come learn about the band and how you can become a Villain yourself.

Genshin Impact

Saturday: 1:00pm - 1:50pm • Meetups

Breathing life into your storytelling with Samurai Dan Recommended

Saturday: 1:00pm - 1:50pm • Panel Room 3

Samurai Dan goes through the process of storytelling, beginning to end, hitting all points in between, from character creation to editing.

Olivia Swasey, Kevin Connolly, Chris Ryan, Whitney Rodgers

Saturday: 1:30pm - 2:20pm • Autographs

Greggo's Game Shows: Chain Reaction

Saturday: 1:30pm - 2:50pm • Main Events

It’s the fun and challenging game show where one word leads to another! Teams of three try to solve a chain of words! If your team pulls through, you get to play for some nice bonus prizes in the “Instant Reaction” round!

Living with Mental Illness

Saturday: 1:30pm - 2:20pm • Panel Room 2

Let's talk about mental illness. These panelists will share their stories of living with mental illness. They'll talk about how it was growing up and how it carries into adulthood; the challenges, successes, and skills for coping. This panel will be open and honest. If you are struggling yourself, or just want to learn, you will find there is something you can take away from this experience. CW: Depression, self-harm, suicide.

Akame ga Parasyte Wars Academia - Voiceover Q&A with Jay Hickman Recommended

Saturday: 1:30pm - 2:20pm • Panel Room 4

Jay began his career in anime in the 1990s, when he landed his first role at ADV Films in Master of Mosquiton. Since then, he has appeared in more than 100 titles with studios including ADV Films, Funimation, Sentai Filmworks, Switchblade Pictures, Okratron 5000, and others. As a character actor, Jay has been able to voice a broad variety of colorful roles, with the occasional romantic lead thrown in for good measure. His notable credits over the past two decades are Mechazawa in Cromartie High School, Spitfire in Air Gear, Sho Zama in Aura Battler Dunbine, Shiryu in Saint Seiya, Chuu and Hammond in One Piece, Kagetane Hiruko in Black Bullet, Chief Kurama in Elfen Lied, Koji in Generator Gawl, Toru Watanabe in Excel Saga, The Fool in Kaleido Star, Crusty in Log Horizon, SSS in Madlax, Dera Mochimazzi in Tamako Market, Sanetoshi Watase in Penguindrum, Prince Mytho in Princess Tutu, and Giraffe in Revue Starlight, among many others. Jay’s voice has also been featured in the live action features Dark Water, Synesthesia, Conduct Zero, The Fuccons, Touching Wild Horses, Gamera – Attack of Legion, as well as in the video game Unlimited Saga. Jay had his Toonami debut playing Dr. Stylish in Akame ga KILL!, followed by Shiro Kuramori in Parasyte – the maxim, Joichiro Yukihira in Food Wars!, and most recently, Taneo Tokuda in My Hero Academia.

Five Night's at Freddy's

Saturday: 2:00pm - 2:50pm • Meetups

Nazia Chaudhry, Gareth West, Greg Ayres

Saturday: 2:30pm - 3:20pm • Autographs

Fursuit and Cosplay Show and Tell

Saturday: 2:30pm - 3:20pm • Panel Room 1

Calling all costume creators of every skill level!! It's your time to shine! Join us to show-off your custom creations and take center stage for your few minutes of fame! Walk the runway and share a few words about why you love your character and why it's special to you. We want to celebrate your creativity and expression! Let's have a costume fashion show! All ages welcome, family friendly costumes only please!!

Final Metal Gear Fantasy Hearts - Voiceover Q&A with Quinton Flynn Recommended

Saturday: 2:30pm - 3:20pm • Panel Room 3

Quinton Flynn has done numerous anime and video game voices. Some of his most prominent voice roles include Reno, Axel, Raiden, and Doctor Riddles. Quinton’s voice has been burning up film and television since he first arrived in Los Angeles from his native Cleveland. He is an A-list voice actor, having played such famous animated characters as Jonny Quest, Spiderman, Speed Racer, The Human Torch, Timon, Snowbell in Stuart Little, just to name a few. His television and film appearances include Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, King of Queens, Animaniacs, Woody Woodpecker, Robot Chicken, and many more. His best known roles in video game franchises have been his work providing the english voices of Raiden in the Metal Gear Solid series, Axel in Kingdom Hearts II, and Reno in Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children the motion picture. If you’re hip to the anime scene you’ll know him as Iruka-sensei and Deidara in Naruto and Naruto Shippuden, Marcus Damon in Digimon Data Squad, and Carl in Blood+, to name a few.

Danganronpa

Saturday: 3:00pm - 3:50pm • Meetups

Living with Hyper-Modile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Saturday: 3:00pm - 3:50pm • Panel Room 2

You may have heard of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, or EDS, but maybe not. In this panel, Phoenix will share their story and challenges of living with hyper-mobile EDS. If you are struggling yourself, or just want to learn, you will find there is something you can take away from this experience.

Modeling 101 w/ Whitney Rodgers Recommended

Saturday: 3:00pm - 3:50pm • Panel Room 4

Want to take your posing and modeling to the next level? Special Guest Whitney Rodgers is here to help! With experience in photography, modeling, and runway, Whitney's ready to share all her tips for being a better model and getting those awesome cosplay shots!

It Gets Better - Anime Con Edition with Greg Ayres Recommended

Saturday: 4:00pm - 5:20pm • Panel Room 1

The "It Gets Better" project was created in response to a string of teen suicides by kids who were bullied because they were perceived to be gay. Sadly bullying is something that happens to one in four teens. In the past few years we've even seen an increase in bullying within our fandom. Join us as we share our stories, and talk about ways we can all help and Support each other and find the light at the end of the tunnel. It really does get better.

Kevin Connolly's Improv Fun! Recommended

Saturday: 4:00pm - 4:50pm • Panel Room 2

Using traditional games as well as games the hit “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” TV show, this gives attendees an idea what it takes to think on their feet in creating characters that is a vital tool in the actor's tool box.

Acting and Anime: A Voice Actor QnA Recommended

Saturday: 4:00pm - 4:50pm • Panel Room 3

Join special guest voice actors Chris Ryan, Nazia Chaudhry, Whitney Rodgers as they aswer all your questions on Anime Voice acting!

The Bold and Loyal Japanese Akita Dog Recommended

Saturday: 4:30pm - 5:20pm • Panel Room 4

How do you say "bark" in Japanese? Well you might get an answer here. Samurai Dan and his Japanese Akita dogs will teach you all to know about this incredible breed. The Akita is muscular and heavy dogs of ancient Japanese lineage famous for dignity, courage, and loyalty. They are venerated as family protectors and symbols of good health, happiness, and long life.

The Grand Cosplay Contest Recommended

Saturday: 5:00pm - 6:20pm • Main Events

The Grand Cosplay Contest is our mainstage costume and cosplay competition, featuring some of the most spectacular costumes around. Have an amazing cosplay? Think it's worthy of a prize or medal? Come and show it off in our mainstage costume and cosplay competition! Contestants are judged on workmanship and performance (complete rules can be found online or at the cosplay table) as they battle for the chance to qualify for the Cosplay World Crown and a free trip to Japan! Come watch some of the coolest cosplays and performances of the weekend grace the mainstage! Advanced registration is required if you want to compete.

Marvel, DC

Saturday: 6:00pm - 6:50pm • Meetups

Greggo's Game Shows: Strikeout!

Saturday: 6:00pm - 7:20pm • Panel Room 1

Four teams of three play a game similar to Family Feud. Surveys taken before the con result in a game board with twelve possible answers. The object of the game is to find the top seven answers among the possible ones…finding one earns the team money. Finding one of the five “strikeout” answers costs the team a member! The surviving team advances to the next round and has a shot to win big!

Let's Play! with Gareth West Recommended

Saturday: 6:00pm - 6:50pm • Panel Room 3

Join one of the newest voices in the anime world while he plays Nonorelia, an exciting new visual novel and puzzle game!

Magical Mercantile: A D&D Interactive Adventure

Saturday: 6:00pm - 7:50pm • Panel Room 4

Step into the extraordinary realm of tabletop role-playing games at our captivating con panel event! Tailored for those intrigued by the universe of fantasy collaboration and audience-interactive tabletop experiences, this immersive journey is for the roleplayer as well as the audience participant. Guided by a seasoned professional Dungeon Master, boasting an impressive 1500+ hours of skill across creation, writing, artistry, and entertainment, this occasion promises an unparalleled learning opportunity. Prepare to immerse yourself in an enchanting exploration of collaborative storytelling and shared escapades, where you, the audience, play a pivotal role in weaving the unfolding narrative. Unleash your dormant adventurer, conquer hesitations, and embark on an imaginative expedition like never before!

V is for Villains Live Concert Recommended

Saturday: 7:00pm - 7:50pm • Main Events

An epic musical experience with amazing sound. A new breed of entertainment. The intimate story. Epic visual stylings. That’s what you’re about to experience when getting ready for a V is for Villains concert. V is for Villains is a new breed of entertainment. Mixing the visual styles of Steampunk, Carnival and Noir, with the musical taste of Nine Inch Nails, Prodigy, and your favorite film score; V is for Villains will take you on a journey through the imagination that your mother couldn’t prepare you for. Most groups often say that they intend for “world domination”… V is for Villains might actually mean it…

BL Self Publishing

Saturday: 8:00pm - 8:50pm • Panel Room 2

I have published over 40 BL (gay mm romance novels) and made over a quarter of a million dollars self publishing. I would love to give tips to new BL writers on how to start, how to save money, and how to navigate publishing which is filled with a lot of predatory practices to sell their books.

Red Rising: A Power Rangers Fan Film Screening and Q&A w/ Gareth West Recommended

Saturday: 8:30pm - 9:50pm • Panel Room 1

Join Gareth West in a commentary showing of his independent fan Film "Red Rising"!

extreme anime study session to the death (13+)

Saturday: 8:30pm - 9:20pm • Panel Room 4

This is the ultimate test of anime knowledge. you and a team of your fellow students will compete in a no holds barred study session that will test every aspect of your anime knowledge. Come and prove yourself, IF YOU DARE!

Forbidden Fandom Dames: A Nerdlesque Adventure (18+) Recommended

Saturday: 9:00pm - 9:50pm • Main Events

Forbidden Fandom Dames invites you on a teasingly sexy Nerdlesque journey through Anime and Pop Culture.

Dating Advice from Yuri On Ice Voice Actor, Oscar Seung! (18+) Recommended

Saturday: 9:00pm - 9:50pm • Panel Room 3

Who's ready for real talk? Relationships, dating, and marriage, OH MY. Let's de-mystify relationships together! (18+ version)

When good dubs go bad! (18+) w/ Jay Hickman Recommended

Saturday: 10:00pm - 11:50pm • Panel Room 2

When good dubs go bad!

Mr. Agitator does Erotic Reading (18+) Recommended

Saturday: 10:00pm - 10:50pm • Panel Room 4

Mr. Agitator will read passages from 50 shades of grey and other adult material. The panel is intended to be humorous and outrageously fun!

K.K. Slider Concert! (18+) Recommended

Saturday: 10:30pm - 11:20pm • Panel Room 1

Introducing every animal village's favorite guitar playing dog: K.K. Slider! He's coming to town to perform right here at your favorite anime convention! Catch him playing his best hits (K.K. Bubblegum, K.K. Cruisin, and K.K. Metal) and covering songs from your favorite shows such as: Naruto, Angry Video Game Nerd, Spongebob, and more! We encourage the crowd to sing along with K.K.! This panel cast involves the local Chicago band "Rebel And Cleric" who will also be playing their own originals as a live mixtape!

Let's Talk About Monster****ing (18+)

Saturday: 10:30pm - 11:20pm • Panel Room 3

Is that bear thing in Baulder's Gate 3 driving you wild? How about the minotaur in FF16? Do vampires and werewolves set your heart ablaze? Does Mothman make you hot under the collar? Are all of your friends tired of hearing you rant about how elves don't count? Come discuss with like-minded people, RESPECTFULLY. We'll start with some more video game examples and see where the whirlwind takes us

Saturday Thunderstorm Dance Recommended

Saturday: 11:00pm - 2:50am • Main Events

Join us for an incredible and fun Saturday night dance party as our DJs pump up the dance floor with epic electronic beats! AnimeCon.org's regular DJ Greg Ayres and a host of other talented entertainers will pack the house and bring down the roof with some great music to dance to. No bags allowed in. Strobe lights may be used.

Staff Plays Jackbox (18+)

Saturday: 11:00pm - 11:50pm • Panel Room 4

Join the AnimeCon.Org staff in playing Jackbox party packs. Attendees can join the audience and watch as everything goes wrong and help us pick what games to play (18+ version)

Sunday

Get Your Hands Off Me! Self Defense w/ Samurai Dan Recommended

Sunday: 11:30am - 12:20pm • Main Events

Join Samurai Dan and Jillian as they teach you all about the art of self defense!

Olivia Swasey QnA Recommended

Sunday: 11:30am - 12:20pm • Panel Room 2

Olivia Swasey started working in anime when she was just a kid doing bit parts and walla. In 2018 she graduated into larger roles such as: 3D Kanojo Real Girl (Ishino); Release the Spyce (Katrina); Revue Starlight (Maya Tendo); and 7Seeds (Ran). She has also appeared in BanG Dream! (Yukina Minato), Bloom Into You (Midori Igarashi), Land of the Lustrous (Morga), and To Love-ru (Aya). She loves doing yoga and making brownies. She is always looking forward to her next project!

Meet Nazia Chaudhry Recommended

Sunday: 11:30am - 12:20pm • Panel Room 4

Nazia Chaudhry is a multi-award winning voiceover artist, on camera actor, producer, singer, and educator with a performance career spanning well over 25 years. From singing to selling, to the special way each story needs telling, Nazia is known for voicing many of your anime favorites, such as Ava’s Mom in Pokémon: Path to the Peak, Nyla Bertran in Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury, Shimoda in The Quintessential Quintuplets Movie and TV Series, Misaki Tanabe in Wonder Egg Priority, Lily’s Mom in Saint Cecilia & Pastor Lawrence, Nambia in Attack on Titan: The Final Season, Tohru’s Aunt in Fruits Basket, Miss Apsara in Rosario + Vampire Capu2, Mina in Black Butler, April in Darker Than Black, and so much more.

Jay Hickman

Sunday: 12:00pm - 12:50pm • Autographs

Disney

Sunday: 12:00pm - 12:50pm • Meetups

Quinton Flynn Q&A Panel Recommended

Sunday: 12:00pm - 12:50pm • Panel Room 3

Let's Talk Invisible Disabilities

Sunday: 12:30pm - 1:20pm • Panel Room 2

Panel to discuss invisible disabilities- ask questions or vent about daily issues. This is a safe place with someone who understands!

Olivia Swasey, Nazia Chaudhry, Greg Ayres

Sunday: 1:00pm - 1:50pm • Autographs

Crossroads: A live D&D Adventure

Sunday: 1:00pm - 2:20pm • Main Events

Follow along with our colorful cast of characters as they journey through all your favorite anime, comics, games, and more. You may even get a chance to help! Who knows? Your roll could change everything!

Sailor Moon

Sunday: 1:00pm - 1:50pm • Meetups

Voice Acting with Gareth West Recommended

Sunday: 1:00pm - 1:50pm • Panel Room 3

Join one of the newest voices in the anime world while he talks about his experiences in the booth! Known for such Anime roles as; Ittetsu Takeda in Haikyu, Seiya Takehaya in Tsurune, Kanichi Konishi in Food Wars, Haruka Shinozaki in My Girlfriend Is Shobitch, Gareth enjoys basically anything nerdy under the sun. So whatever it is you are into, chances are you can come up and geek out!

Greggo's Game Shows: Definition

Sunday: 1:30pm - 2:20pm • Panel Room 1

It’s the game of fun with a pun! Two teams attempt to solve punny word puzzles. In a team’s turn, they give the other team a letter they hope isn’t in the puzzle, and if successful take a letter that they hope is in the puzzle. Finding a letter gives that team a guess at the puzzle, and solving the puzzle wins the game. Win three games and your team wins a prize!

Gareth West, Quinton Flynn

Sunday: 2:00pm - 2:50pm • Autographs

Welcome to the Battleground of the Gods

Sunday: 2:00pm - 2:50pm • Panel Room 2

A panel all about SMITE! Let's talk about our favorite meme builds, which gods we hate going up against and about the new updates. There's food now?

JRPG Jam!

Sunday: 2:30pm - 3:20pm • Panel Room 4

Need a recommendation for your next journey? Want to tell everyone how amazing a game we haven’t played yet is? Wanna rag on all of those overused tropes? JRPG Jam is made for you! Reminisce in pure JRPG goodness, learn about games, and more!

Anime Idol

Sunday: 3:00pm - 4:50pm • Main Events

Come out and cheer on your favorite performer, or perhaps take the stage yourself! All genres are welcome, but anime, jpop and kpop are strongly encouraged! While there will be limited in-person signups the day of idol, preregistering at Animeidol.net is strongly encouraged!

Con Swap Meet

Sunday: 3:00pm - 5:00pm • Panel Room 1

Got old stuff? Want to trade it for other old stuff? Come to the swap meet and do just that.

Evenings with Isabelle Recommended

Sunday: 3:00pm - 4:20pm • Panel Room 3

"Evenings with Isabelle" Combating Anxiety and Depression with Animal Crossing and Fandom. A large number of anime and gaming fans deal with depression on a daily basis. In that daily struggle many of us have turned to gaming and online communities for comfort and cool down. From gamers kept company by “lets play” videos and online content creators, to acting mayors of towns filled with talking animals - come discuss how gaming and fandom have helped you through the rough patches of your day to day adventures.

Closing Ceremonies Recommended

Sunday: 5:00pm - 5:50pm • Main Events

You don't have to go home, but you can't stay here. It's that time when we say goodbye to the guests, artists, and new friends we've made over a fun filled convention weekend. Don't worry, there's always next year, but if you can't wait that long check out some of our other great conventions at www.animecon.org!