On April 17, 2020, the SPJA announced that it was cancelling Anime Expo 2020, citing "health and safety" concerns. In the months leading to the 2020 event, a global coronavirus outbreak created concerns related to large gatherings, such as Anime Expo. Finals, and premieres.Īs the convention's attendance has grown, it's seen long lines for entry into the convention hall, which organizers said was due to safety and security concerns. On June 30, 2017, the first Pre-Show Night was added to the Anime Expo, which included the Neon District, hosting the World Cosplay Summit U.S. In April 2016, Marc Perez left the company, with Ray Chiang becoming acting CEO of SPJA. The convention continued to be located at the LACC through 2019. Additionally, Takayuki Karahashi has been elected as Chairman of the Board of Directors. The article also stated that one of the creditors, IDG World Expo, will be taking over several aspects of the organization, with guest selection and programming remaining under SPJA control. The 2011 convention saw a $100,000 profit and reduced the outstanding debt to $700,000. In early 2012, Anime News Network reported that Anime Expo suffered a $1.2 million loss in 2010. Then SPJA Chairman of the Board Marc Perez became acting CEO In August 2011 he stepped down from the Board of Directors to take over as a full-time CEO (as required by the SPJA bylaws). In September 2010, Lattanzio was released from his CEO position. Additionally, two other personnel had already left for other reasons, leaving only the vice-chair and two others as returning members of the previous year's team. One significant point of contention was Lattanzio's decision to refocus and restructure the SPJA's marketing efforts, starting with the dismissal of a PR and marketing contractor that the organization had a close working relationship with since 2004. In January 2010, eight members of Anime Expo's upper management team (ConCom) publicly resigned because of disagreements over the organization's new direction set forth by Lattanzio. In September, former Universal Studios executive Michael Lattanzio was later hired as the SPJA's new CEO. In March 2009, Chief Executive Officer Trulee Karahashi, who had been a part of Anime Expo and SPJA in various capacities for 11 years, left the organization. From 1,750 attendees in 1992, Anime Expo's size has increased to over 107,658 in 2017, making Anime Expo the largest anime and manga convention in North America. It currently holds the title of North America's largest anime convention, a title which it has consistently held every year except in 2003, in which its attendance was slightly edged out by the east coast anime convention Otakon. The convention continues to thrive due to the growing popularity of anime and Japanese popular culture and maintains a strong draw due to the many notable Japanese guests it hosts. In 1994, Anime Expo made a strategic relocation to the Southern California area and all subsequent conventions have taken place there since. Many of its original staff came from Anime Con, an anime convention held in San Jose in 1991, and later absorbed by the SPJA in 1992. The first Anime Expo was held from July 3–6, 1992 at the Red Lion Hotel in San Jose, California. This exhibit hall also features an artist alley where attendees can purchase fan-created artwork, as well as other varieties of crafts such as wigs, pins, and cosplay material.Ĭonvention history History Much like other conventions, Anime Expo also features a large-scale exhibit hall where attendees can purchase a variety of products from a wide range of exhibitors. Numerous film and video rooms also show anime screenings that run all day and night. Anime Expo holds a large variety of focus panels, workshops, and events, some of which are fan or industry-sponsored. Anime Expo hosts a multitude of industry Guests of Honor (GoH), including notable music artists who often hold large concerts at Anime Expo. Top attractions include the Masquerade cosplay contest, Anime Music Video (AMV) competition, Battle of the Bands, and Charity Auction. ( October 2021) ( Learn how and when to remove this template message)Īnime Expo features many events and activities during the convention for attendees to take part in such as guest panels, tabletop gaming, competitions, an arcade, and concerts. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources.
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