AnimeFest: Anime Convention in Dallas
It’s just about time for one of our favorite events of the year: AnimeFest. This anime convention is a fun opportunity for fans of manga, anime, games, and pop culture to get together, make friends, and share the love we have for all things anime.
Even if you’re just starting to explore the world of anime, manga, and gaming, this is the perfect place for you to submerge yourself into this awesome culture.
AnimeFest is held in Dallas, Texas in mid-August at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel. The convention happens over the course of four days and features plenty of celebrity guests. Usually, you can expect to see Japanese and English voice actors, directors, and animators of your favorite anime and manga series.
There’s so much to experience at any anime convention, but we want to tell you more about what’s unique about AnimeFest. So, read on to hear more about what makes AnimeFest so special.
What Makes AnimeFest Different?
AnimeFest is run by a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity. While these kinds of non-profit charities can have different purposes, the charity that runs AnimeFest seeks to educate the public on different aspects of world pop culture.
One way the non-profit is able to make this convention happen is through the help of volunteers. People who have day jobs just like you either take time off of work or use their spare time to come together and make this event possible every year.
Having run this convention since the early ‘90s, AnimeFest has been able to improve its procedures and policies each year so that all you have to worry about is having a memorable time.
One of the procedures that came as a result of that evolution is mailed badges. This event is something that people look forward to months in advance, and AnimeFest knows that no one wants to be caught up in the logistics of badges and all that when you get there. You want to be able to walk right in and enjoy all the fun and activities.
That’s where mailed badges come in. When you register early for the convention, you have the option for AnimeFest to mail your badge directly to you. This makes it more convenient for you by saving you time when you arrive.
The last thing that makes AnimeFest stand apart from other conventions is the advanced technology they use to make sure you have all the information you need. This includes everything from a mobile-friendly website and mobile app to NFC badges, self-registration kiosks, and more.
Activities: Cosplay, Autographs, and More
Every single day of AnimeFest has loads of events for you to enjoy, including art shows, industry panels, cosplay contests, and more.
Art Show
The art show is a place for you to check out different kinds of art from creators of all kinds. You’ll be able to see anime artwork, sculptures, jewelry, and more from both local and international artisans.
This won’t just be a chance for you to see these pieces — you’ll be able to purchase them, too. Soon, you’ll have a unique new addition to your home decor or jewelry collection.
Industry Panels and Autographs
One of the events to look forward to most is the chance to see and hear from some well-known professionals in the anime and manga industries. The people on these panels will include producers, directors, artists, voice actors, and streamers.
Hearing from people in the industry will give you the inside scoop on what all goes into the creation and production of your favorite anime, manga, and games.
There will even be several opportunities every day for you to receive an autograph from different celebrities. There’s nothing like having someone in the industry whose work you love sign something you get to take home and keep as a reminder of the memories you made at this convention.
Cosplay
Cosplay is a chance for you to take a step away from everyday life and submerge yourself into a different world by dressing up as a character. To encourage cosplay at the convention, AnimeFest has events where attendees can sign up to flaunt their costumes and even perform skits.
You can choose any character from an anime, manga, or game and recreate everything from their outfits to their hair, makeup, and personalities. While some of their attendees do this just for fun, it can get competitive, too, as judges will be giving away prizes to some of the most impressive costumes and acts.
Theaters and Library
With all this excitement, you’ll eventually want to sit down and chill. Lucky for you, there are a couple of options for you to sit back, relax, and enjoy even more of what AnimeFest has to offer.
Video theaters will be running for 23 hours every day. You’ll get a chance to enjoy some of your favorite anime or check out some new titles you might come to love. You and your friends will love to see it all on the big screen.
Then, there’s the library if you’d rather sit down and read. Just imagine an entire library filled with manga. Using your badge, you can borrow any of the books in their collection and read with friends or by yourself when you need some quiet time.
More
There are so many more activities to enjoy, from fan panels to workshops, gaming, and a blood drive. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, so don’t forget to do your research and plan a fun itinerary ahead of time.
AnimeFest Guests
Let’s talk about some of the guests that will be making an appearance at this year’s AnimeFest. We have a feeling you’re going to be excited, to say the least.
Luxiem
If you keep up with NIJISANJI, then you might be most excited to hear that this five-member VTuber group is going to be in attendance. Though they only made their debut in December of last year, the VTuber unit has been exploding in popularity ever since.
In case you have yet to hear about them, here’s the inside scoop. Each of the male members comes from different time periods but now finds themselves in the present time. Luca Kaneshiro led a gang, Vox Akuma is the strongest demon in existence, Shu Yamino is a sorcerer, Mysta Rias is a detective, and Ike Eveland is a novelist.
This seemingly unlikely grouping makes for a sensation the online community has been loving. In fact, their debut song “Hope in the Dark” has over 12 million views. They’ll be having a live panel where they’re going to answer questions submitted online beforehand.
Voice Actors
Now for the voice actors. You’ll get to see actors that have worked on your favorite video games and anime alike:
- Marissa Lenti - Known mostly for her role as Moze in Borderlands 3, Lenti has voice acted for anime, including Pokémon Evolutions, Dragon Ball Super, Fairy Tail, and so much more.
- Molly Searcy - Currently working as a voice actor for Sound Cadence, Sentai Filmworks, and FUNimation, Searcy is known for her roles in GATE andother popular shows.
- Ry Mckeand - Both a voice actor and Twitch streamer, you can find his voice on shows like One Piece.
Other Guests
There will also be a handful of other guests you’re bound to enjoy, from voice directors to parody groups. If you want the full list, click here.
AnimeFest Dallas
We only scratched the surface to describe the experience attendees are going to have at AnimeFest this year. It’s going to be an event you won’t forget and will want to come back to every year. Don’t forget to grab an awesome anime-inspired look from MoeFlavor to rock at AnimeFest this year, and always dress to impress!
Sources:
Cosplay 101: Everything You Need To Know About it | Who
Luxiem - Hope in the dark (Official Music Video) | NIJISANJI EN | YouTube