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Friday
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!
Ranting, Raving, and Rolling Thunder - An hour with Greg Ayres
Recommended
Come spend an hour with voice actor Greg Ayres as he answers questions about all projects, old and new. You can be sure he’ll be talking about New projects like Saiyuki Reload Zeroin, Dark Gathering, Haikyu, Alice in Borderland, GetterRobo Arc, as well as any your favorites titles as well. After spending over two decades working in an industry that he used to be a fan of, he has been able to watch some amazing changes take place.. A fan boy till the end, he’ll also talk about the fact that while everything around him maybe changing - some things will always remain the same (for him).
More Than Meets the Eye: A Gen One Transformers Panel
The world of the Transformers franchise is incredibly broad and varied, but it all began with the animated shows of the mid 1980s. Come on down as we dissect the one that started it all with our favorite robots in disguise, the Generation One show of Transformers.
Attack on Titan, Sk8 The Infinity
Greggo’s Game Shows: Anime Press Your Luck
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!
RECESS HOUR FUNTIME GAMES
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!
Legend of Zelda, Final Fantasy
An Ode to Brainrot: A Silly Anime Panel
There are many anime which challenge our humanity and make us realize the power of the visual medium. This panel is not about those anime. From Azumanga Daioh, to Nichijou, to Nokotan, we talk about the anime that are as cute as they are hilarious. Come on down and get ready to laugh.
Get Your Hands Off Me! Self Defense w/ Samurai Dan
Recommended
Join Samurai Dan and Jillian as they teach you all about the art of self defense!
Jo Jo's Bizarre Adventure
Beyond MSQ: Exploring All Corners of Eorzea
Whether you're farming BiS gear or building a nightclub from scratch, FFXIV has something for everyone. This panel brings together players from all walks of Eorzean life—raiders, venue owners, crafters, GPosers, and more—to talk about the vibrant communities and niche experiences that make this MMO truly unique.
Two rival warrior cultures, each rich in history and shrouded in mystery and myth. Samurai Dan highlights each, and offers a tell-all quiz to attendees. Come see which warrior resides inside you!
Naruto, Delicious in Dungeon
Greggo's Game Shows: Concentration
Two contestants compete to try to solve a rebus puzzle hidden behind 25 numbered squares. In order to see the puzzle, they must eliminate the squares by matching hidden prizes behind them. Solving the puzzle earns the contestant all the prizes they matched along the way and earns them a shot at the bonus round where they can win a bonus prize!
Cosplay Pajama Party!
Get cozy and join us for a fun-filled cosplay pajama party! Whether you're rocking character-inspired sleepwear, a comfy onesie, or just want to chill in your favorite loungewear, this is the perfect place to relax and connect with fellow cosplayers. Enjoy games, music, and casual cosplay fun in a laid-back setting. Bring your friends, show off your creative pajama-inspired looks, and make some unforgettable memories. It's the ultimate slumber party vibe—cosplay style!
When good dubs go bad! (18+) w/ Jay Hickman
Recommended
When good dubs go bad!
Gotta Go Fast: A Very Bad Sonic Fanfic Panel (18+)
The Sonic fandom is known for its god-awful fan creations. Come on down as we dissect the worst of the worst of the world of the electric hedgehog.
Saturday
My Hero Academia
Saturday: 10:00am - 10:50am •
Meetups
Kaijumania: A Japanese Monster Movie Panel
One of Japan’s greatest creations is undoubtedly the Japanese monster movie, also known as Kaiju. Come on down as we explore the greatest hits of this undeniable strange and funny genre, from Godzilla, to Ghidorah, to Mothra, and everything in between.
Spy x Family, One Piece
Saturday: 11:00am - 11:50am •
Meetups
Greggo Presents: Wheel of Fortune
America’s most popular game show done fandom style! Everything from the television show is here…fun puzzles, a beautiful letter turner, and of course the big wheel itself! Spin the wheel, buy a vowel, solve the puzzle!
Dandadan, Fate
Saturday: 12:00pm - 12:50pm •
Meetups
The katana is famous for being a long range fighting weapon on the battlefield. In the right hands, it can be a devastating weapon up close, also.
Demon Slayer, Alien Stage
Saturday: 1:00pm - 1:50pm •
Meetups
Akame ga Parasyte Wars Academia - Voiceover Q&A with Jay Hickman
Recommended
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.
Let’s Talk Video Games!
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!
Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail
Saturday: 2:00pm - 2:50pm •
Meetups
Greggo's Gameshows: Chain Reaction
It’s the fun and challenging game show where one word leads to another! You and two celebrity partners 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! The guests choose the contestants that get to play, so make sure you’re attending their panels and autograph sessions and being a good fan, and you may be chosen!
It Gets Better - Anime Con Edition with Greg Ayres
Recommended
The "It Gets Better" project was created in response to a string of teen suicides in 2010 by kids who were bullied because they were perceived to be LGBTQ+. 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 own fandom. So let's talk about our experiences, look for ways to resolve these conflicts, and find resources that will allow us to help and support each other, and try to find the light at the end of the tunnel.
Identity V, Frieren
Saturday: 3:00pm - 3:50pm •
Meetups
Make Vtubing for you!
Vtubers are content creators who use a digital avatars to broadcast to audiences from all over the world. Vtubing has it's roots in anime and both mediums have seen a large rise in pop culture and corporate branding over the last decade. With this growth in popularity let Mii3 give you a tour into the basics of the medium, mechanics of the software and cultures of this growing community.
Apothecary Diaries, Kaiju No. 8
Saturday: 4:00pm - 4:50pm •
Meetups
Samurai Dan explains and demonstrates the history and development of the primary weapons used on the battlefields of fuedal Japan. See some stunning visual aids (blades from 1400-1800) and take part in a question and answer session.
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.
Fursuit 101
Ever wonder about what it takes to build a fursuit? How people can see in those things? What's a handler? What makes a good character design for a fursuit? All those questions and more will be covered in this intro to fursuits and related cosplays, including an open Q&A. So come BEAR-ing your curiosity and let's discuss fancy wearable carpets!
Danganronpa, Persona
Saturday: 6:00pm - 6:50pm •
Meetups
Anime, Art & Mental Health
Do you sometimes struggle with your mental health? We do too! Join us for a discussion on how we incorporate Anime and Drawing into our Mental Health strategy. Stories told from those who struggle with mental health and how Anime & Art have helped them heal and navigate life's challenges. Discussion lead by Certified Peer & Mental Health Advocate.
The Ninja Clans want you! Come take part in the contest of the ages, where two teams of congoers compete for prizes, risking life and limb to show their ninja skills.
Fursuit, Vtubers
Saturday: 7:00pm - 7:50pm •
Meetups
Greggo's Game Shows: Survey Says!
Greggo hosts a lot of game shows, and many of them require surveys of at least 100 fans! In this panel, everyone will be taking a bunch of these fun anime and video game surveys for a future Greggo's Game Show! The surveys will all be provided via QR code so make sure you have your smartphones ready! And don't worry, there are no wrong answers. Test your knowledge and have fun! Door prizes for fans chosen at random!
Jujutsu Kaisen, Baldur's Gate
Saturday: 8:00pm - 8:50pm •
Meetups
Cards Against Humanity With Samurai Dan and Jillian (18+)
Recommended
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!
Join us for an incredible and fun Saturday night dance party. Hosted by Live Entertainment.
Be Gay - Do Crime (18+)
Join Charity, Jeanne, Arwen for a discussion about their favorite Yaoi/Yuri anime and manga. We will be discussing/debating our favorite couples, cringy scenes (with photos), and sharing our favorite gay couples in anime and manga.
Sunday
A Poké-Walk Down Memory Lane
This guided meditation will take you on a peaceful, rejuvenating walk through a small section of Pokémon's Kanto region. Embark on this relaxing visualization journey to replenish both your own and your Pokémon's energy before resuming the rest of your adventure!
Let's Talk DC Comics!
Do you enjoy DC Comics? Would you like to talk about those comic books with other people who like comic books? This Live Entertainment Panel is the place - we’ll talk about the DCU forever! Whether it’s the OG universe, the New 52s, Rebirth, the cinematic universe, or the DCAU, this is a great panel to meet other enthusiastic fans - or other begrudging ones, we don’t judge, here.
My Little Pony, Sailor Moon
Sunday: 10:00am - 10:50am •
Meetups
Greggo Presents: Three on a Match
In this game show from yesteryear, three contestants answer true or false questions to earn money on our giant matching board! If you can make a match, you win! The trivia questions are all 50/50, so anyone can have a chance to play!
Anime Bingo!
Join us for a thrilling round of Anime Bingo, hosted by the Live Entertainment department! Whether you're an anime superfan or just discovering the world of Japanese animation, this event promises fun for everyone.
Bring your friends, your luck, and your anime spirit—prizes await those who can claim victory!
Disney
Sunday: 11:00am - 11:50am •
Meetups
How to stay fursuit fit
Get ready to unleash your inner beast (or fursuit, we won't judge) with our 'How to Stay Fursuit Fit' panel! Are you tired of feeling sluggish after hours of dancing at the rave or struggling to keep up with your favorite cosplayers? Do you want to fuel your passion for fandom and take your fitness journey to the next level? Look no further! Our expert panelists will share top tips and tricks for staying fit, from delicious vitamin-packed drinks to protein-rich snacks that'll keep you going all convention long. Plus, be sure to stick around for our special offer of free samples and discounts on healthy goodies to get you started on your fitness journey. Come prepared to sweat, learn, and maybe even show off those fursuit skills - we can't wait to see you there!
Wig Basics for Beginners w/ RDK
This panel is intended to give you a foundational understanding of wigs and wig care as well as the terminology used. We will show you how to properly maintain your wig with a full demonstration including what products and brushing techniques work best both before and after wear, as well as a simple cutting tutorial that any beginner can do! We will also talk about the differences between short and long wigs, types of parts, tops, and bangs, and any other questions you might have.
Marvel, DC, Bungou Stray Dogs
Sunday: 12:00pm - 12:50pm •
Meetups
A large number of anime and gaming fans deal with depression on a daily basis, and two years of pandemic uncertainty just added more stress to that battle. Many of us have turned to video games, and online communities for comfort and cool down. From gamers kept company by “lets play” videos and content creators, to acting mayors of towns filled with cute talking animals - come discuss how gaming and fandom have helped you through the rough patches of your day to day adventures.
Want to be Friends?
Do you have trouble making friends? Do you wish you could figure out how to talk to people at the convention? Join the Not afraid to talk to anyone - friendly Charity & painfully shy Arwen in a workshop we think you will enjoy. We will help you learn how to approach someone, start a conversation, and how to meet people and make friends in a convention setting.
A Link to the Panel - Let’s Talk Zelda!
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! (edited)
[6:46 PM]
Con Swap Meet
Got old stuff? Want to trade it for other old stuff? Come to the swap meet and do just that.
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!
