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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!
games and coloring
Do you have little cosplayers joining your party who are looking for something engaging to do? Step into Kanpai-Con's Easter-themed activity room - a relaxing and kid-friendly environment where you and your little ones can enjoy simple snacks, board and card games, and anime or easter-themed coloring activities throughout the weekend!
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!
Vocaloid, Project Sekai, Love Live!
This panel is about one of the most underrated Idol animes of all time and explains that if Lucasfilm was an anime studio, they would have produced this.
Erica Muse, Dorothy Fahn, Tom Fahn
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).
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!
Getting Into the Biz: An Agent’s Perspective w/ Brianna Roberts
Recommended
Are you wanting to get into the entertainment industry as a represented actor? What is it talent agencies are looking for? Brianna has worked at a prominent south central region talent agency for many years in film, TV and commercials. She can share an insider’s perspective on the do’s and don’ts when pursuing an agent. Bring your questions for a Q&A!
We’ve had pretty long careers... you may have questions! Come ask us those burning queries about how we started out, roles we’ve played, or anything else within reason!
Finding Your Voice: Audition Tips from Erica Muse
Recommended
Dreaming of becoming a voice actor but not sure where to start? Join special guest voice actress Erica Muse for an inside look at the audition process! From choosing the right scripts to delivering a standout performance, Erica will share industry tips, common pitfalls to avoid, and what casting directors are really looking for. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this panel will help you take your first steps toward a career behind the mic. Bring your questions—this is your chance to learn from a pro!
Oscar Seung, Career Nerd: From Bullied to Funimation/Netflix Actor
Recommended
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!
Animecon.org's Fabulous Date Auction (15+)
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.
Love Live Random Dance
Come show off your Love Live dance skills!! Whether you're a new fan or an old fan, we've got something for everyone!! Including songs from every generation of Love Live!!
Greggo's Game Shows: Wipeout
No, it's not the crazy Japanese game show...but it is a game show and it can get pretty crazy! Can you pick the correct answers spread out among a bunch of LIES? If you can, you can make it to the Challenge Round where you can wipe your opponent out on your way to a bonus prize!
Cosplaying For Beginners!
So you’ve gone to your first couple cons and are in awe of the amazing cosplays? Now you want in on the fun right? But you just don’t know where to start! Don’t worry, we were all there once! Stop on in for some tips and tricks, as well as some how tos from cosplay veterans!
Cosplay Prom Prep Rally
If you’re looking for a great way to make new friends while getting hyped up for the Cosplay Prom, look no further than our Pre-Prom Prep Rally, hosted by our Live Entertainment Department! We’ll practice dancing, play fun games, and enjoy some time to get to know one another before the big dance!
Spend some time in our themed Cosplay Prom to listen to great music, meet new people, take some fun photos, and dance the night away! (Prom wear is encouraged, but not required! Earplugs will be available for those sensitive to sound!)
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!
Epic: Odysseus and a Winion play games
Odysseus and a Winion for Epic the musical, play games like trivia, have decision and hope to bring laughs.
AnimeCon.org's Fabulous Dating Advice (18+)
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)!
How to Write Better Erotica (18+)
Struggling to get your favorite ship's chemistry down on paper? Trying to write romance from scratch with original characters? It's not easy! Here's a few tips and tricks from an Ao3 veteran. We'll discuss the mechanics behind a compelling character dynamic, how to write effective metaphors and descriptions, and more.
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
games and coloring
Do you have little cosplayers joining your party who are looking for something engaging to do? Step into Kanpai-Con's Easter-themed activity room - a relaxing and kid-friendly environment where you and your little ones can enjoy simple snacks, board and card games, and anime or easter-themed coloring activities throughout the weekend!
Greggo Presents: Jackbox
It's Greggo and a bevy of guests (we won't know who will show up until they're there!) to play a good old-fashioned round of your favorite Jackbox games! Some of the games will include audience participation!
My Hero Academia
Saturday: 10:00am - 10:50am •
Meetups
What is Therapy? a Q and A
This is an interactive question-and-answer panel that discusses what therapy is, how it works, reducing the stigma about getting help for mental health issues, and addressing any other questions related to mental health therapy. The panel is led by a provisionally licensed counselor who practices in the local area. Audience questions and feedback are highly encouraged.
Cons Across America: Stories of the Con Experience Across the U.S.
Many types of cons are held all across the United States, and almost every major city in the U.S. plays host to at least one fan convention. Listen to a longtime convention attendee and staffer who has attended and traveled to cons around the U.S. for 10+ years, and who has staffed anime conventions for 8 years, discuss how cons are equally similar and different across America.
Spy x Family
Saturday: 11:00am - 11:50am •
Meetups
Samurai; the ancient, majestic warrior class of Japan's 12th-19th centuries. In this main stage event the majestic, mystic, and poetic swordsmanship of Japan’s mighty warriors are brought to life with style and power. This authentic display includes an abundance of precision, skill, and of all things, humor. This fast-paced show mixes comedy and combat in a dizzying trip to 16th century Japan.
Advice for Aspiring Voice Actors w/ Tom and Dorothy Fahn
Recommended
Let’s talk about VO! How we got here, how you can get started – and be ready for some volunteer audience participation on the mic! Volunteers will receive a little thank-you gift!
This Artistry of Kpop panel provides an overview and sampling of up and coming kpop artists as well as some established acts that new comers should know.
Fursuit
Saturday: 12:00pm - 12:50pm •
Meetups
Tip of the Spear
Come join us for fun light hearted discussion about nerd culture in the military. From anime to table top and card games, this panel would be about all the various nerd cultures past and present that exist in the U.S. military and veteran community. We would also discuss the differences between military portrayals in the media and real life and the bond through common interests.
Due to language or themes (war, cussing, etc) , this panel would not be appropriate for all audiences/ages
Anime Improv LIVE! (13+)
Join our expert improv actors for a unique blend of rapid-fire comedy and anime-themed scenarios. Completely unscripted and interactive, this panel promises a rollercoaster of laughter and surprises, where anime characters and plots come alive in the most unexpected and amusing ways! (Formally Whose Line is it Anime?)
Demon Slayer
Saturday: 1:00pm - 1:50pm •
Meetups
Katsumi's Teaching Kitchen
Katsumi's Teaching Kitchen is a Japanese cooking school located in Indianapolis, Indiana. We teach you about how to use your chopsticks properly and do cooking classes for Sushi, Fresh Spring Rolls, and Yakisoba. For the workshop we will work on proper Japanese table manners and how to use chopsticks.
Interested in voice acting? Full-time film, tv, and voice actor, Oscar Seung, spills ALL the tea. Zero gatekeeping in this panel. From breaking down a script, to audition tips and tricks, Oscar reveals his process on how to book and stay booked as an actor
Genshin Impact
Saturday: 2:00pm - 2:50pm •
Meetups
Brianna has voiced a plethora of moms in anime! In this fun panel, Bri will share a powerpoint presentation with various moms she has voiced and see if anyone can guess what show she is from and (bonus!) is she dead or alive! She’ll share about her experience in those shows and any others people want to chat about.
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.
Step into the world of cosplay craftsmanship with voice actor and seasoned cosplayer Erica Muse! In this interactive panel, Erica will share her expertise on building stunning cosplay armor, from choosing the right materials to achieving professional finishes. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, you'll learn tips, tricks, and techniques to bring your armored cosplay dreams to life. Don’t miss this chance to level up your craft with insights from a pro!
Attack on Titan
Saturday: 3:00pm - 3:50pm •
Meetups
Furrys: A Q and A
Just come on in and ask us furries furry related questions.
Erica Muse, Brianna Roberts
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.
Jujutsu Kaisen
Saturday: 4:00pm - 4:50pm •
Meetups
All Things Samurai: Samurai Dan takes the stage, willing to leave no stone unturned. The people managing our zen rock garden are really mad that he keeps turning their stones, please tell him to stop. Ask anything (SFW) and brace yourselves, the answers are coming fast and furious as a sword stroke!
Kpop Random Dance
Come dance to your fav Kpop songs with other Kpop fans! While waiting for a song you can dance to, trade freebies and photocards!
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.
Discussion of Mental Health Coping Skills
An interactive educational discussion of common mental health coping skills for Depression, Anxiety, Anger, Panic Attacks, Self-esteem, Self-harm, Grief, and many others led by a provisionally licensed mental health counselor. Audience participation is encouraged and feedback is always welcomed.
One Piece
Saturday: 6:00pm - 6:50pm •
Meetups
Ita Bag Meetup
Love ita bags? This is the panel for you! Show off your own ita bag, tell the story of how you snagged your merch holy grails, and share resources for ita bag procurement and design.
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!
Hazbin Hotel/Helluva Boss
Saturday: 7:00pm - 7:50pm •
Meetups
Dating Advice from Yuri On Ice Voice Actor, Oscar Seung!
Recommended
Who's ready for real talk? Relationships, dating, and marriage, OH MY. Let's de-mystify relationships together!
Danganronpa Mafia ((NOT SPOILER FREE))
You ever wanted to be apart of a real class trial? Do you like murder mystery? Well join us in a good old classic game of Mafia with a "Despairing" twist
What's better than a sword? Is it a shield? A hammer? No, how about TWO SWORDS! Come learn the methods of two sword fighting, made famous by Miyamoto Musashi, the greatest samurai of them all! Class taught by one of the only swordsmen skilled in samurai dual-wielding.
Persona, Frieran
Saturday: 8:00pm - 8:50pm •
Meetups
Genshin Impact Trivia Night
Think you know Genshin Impact? Wanna prove it? Test your knowledge with the ultimate Genshin trivia quiz! Questions will be about everything from basic gameplay to deep lore - answer correctly to prove your skills. Top scorers will win prizes! (Please bring a device with internet connection to participate.)
Happy party Funtime hour
Happy Party Funtime Hour is a nostalgia-filled panel where we bring back classic childhood games!
Join us for a fun filled time as we play favorites like musical chairs, duck duck goose, and more, all with a fun twist. Compete for awesome prizes, make new friends, and relive the best parts of being a kid. Whether you're here to play or just to watch the madness unfold, it's all about fun!
Don't miss out on the Happy Party Funtime Hour!
Anime Improv LIVE! Adult Version (18+)
Join our expert improv actors for a unique blend of rapid-fire comedy and anime-themed scenarios, but with an 18+ twist! Completely unscripted and interactive, this panel promises a rollercoaster of laughter and surprises, where anime characters and plots come alive in the most unexpected and amusing ways! (Formally Whose Line is it Anime? 18+)
Five Night's at Freddy's
Saturday: 9:00pm - 9:50pm •
Meetups
Danmei games with the heavenly officials
An interactive panel where the audience can ask questions to the heavenly officials, give us dares, and join in on games! Test your danmei knowledge for candy prizes, play "what/who is more likely to..." and other fun games!
Hentai Anatomy: What’s Happening Here? (18+)
Surely we’re not the only ones who have looked at some ‘adult’ anime and gone WTF ?! How does your spine BEND like that?! Well now we can discuss the anatomy of various hentai characters together, and come to the conclusion of — ‘there’s no way all of your bones are NOT broken right now.’
Myriad Colors Phantom World
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.
Sunday
games and coloring
Join us Sunday in the Kids Activity Room for a fun-filled day of organized activities and games for the little ones!
An Anime and EDM Music Recorder Concert
Watch a professional recorder player as he performs anime themes, EDM melodies, and popular fan music, all on his recorder. A Q+A session will follow after the performance, where he will discuss how he adapts music onto the recorder for performance.
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! First reading will be at 10:35am, the doors will be closed to ensure a quiet environment, then doors will open for a second reading at 10:45am.
Egg Hunt (5 and under)
A small-scale traditional Easter Egg Hunt for our littlest friends to enjoy! Our Live Entertainment staff will help supervise and guide the younger kiddos - no one will leave empty handed!
Marvel, DC
Sunday: 11:00am - 11:50am •
Meetups
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.
Greggo Presents: 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!
Celebrate the Easter holiday weekend with Kanpai-Con! Anime fans of all ages are invited to bring your phones and cameras, and to join us Sunday morning for commemorative photos with the Easter Bunny! Seasonal Accessories will be available for those who do not feel up to wearing costumes- or, those who would enjoy adding a little festivity to their cosplays!
Coloring Contest
Show off your coloring skills with a combination of anime and easter-themed coloring sheets! Prizes will be awarded for participation, so just have fun!
Pokemon
Sunday: 12:00pm - 12:50pm •
Meetups
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.
Come hang out and chat with Bri! Share those burning questions you’ve always wanted to ask her! Anything from “How’d you get into voice acting” to “what’s the name of your pet fish” and all the fun things in between!
Join us to participate in a real sword class, utilizing the tactics and techniques of Japan's most infamous warriors, taught by a professional swordsman. Bokken provided. Sorry, but you can't bring your own sword.
Giant Jenga
Enjoy a few rounds of a fun, exciting twist on this classic game with our Live Entertainment staff! Featuring our 3 foot tall Jenga Tower with large blocks - so even the smallest friends can play along!
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.
Getting Started in Commercial Acting with Erica Muse
Recommended
Voice acting isn’t just for anime and video games—commercials are a huge part of the industry! Join voice actress Erica Muse as she breaks down the essentials of commercial voiceover, from mastering the art of natural reads to understanding what makes an ad script pop. Learn how commercial work differs from character acting, how to market yourself, and what casting directors want to hear. Whether you're looking to expand your skills or break into the industry, this panel will give you the tools to make your mark in commercial voice acting!
Oscar Seung, Brianna Roberts
Everyone knows you can't have an Easter Celebration without an Egg Hunt - and Kanpai-Con is prepared to deliver! Our hidden eggs will contain a variety of super exciting prizes - including candy, toys, and a few extra special surprizes!
Anime Idol
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!
Let's Talk About Hobo Con and Hobo Culture
Hobo Con, aka the National Hobo Convention, is an annual convention held during the second weekend in August in the town of Britt, Iowa, by the Tourist Union No. 63 (the national union of hoboes), and the Britt Hobo Days Association. This convention promotes and preserves the history of hobo culture, serves as a gathering place for hoboes, and hosts the annual election of Hobo royalty. Meet a longtime attendee and staff member of Hobo Con as they talk about the annual celebration known as Hobo Con and related hobo culture, alongside video recordings of stories about Hobo Con from various hoboes.
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!
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!
