A couple press releases from AX hit the air today: First off, they announced the 3rd annual SPJA Industry Conference with inclusive key notes and panels, at which we'll see reps from SPJA, Japan External Trade Organization, FUNimation, and Crunchy Roll. Among the keynote speakers/panelists: Trulee Karahashi (CEO SPJA), Shigeru Kimura (Chiefe Executive Director JETO), Gen Fukunaga (CEO FUNimation), and Vu Nguyen (VP of Business-Development Crunchy Roll).

 

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The industry panels will cover a wide range of topics such as "Anime in the U.S.: Fansubs-The Death of Anime," “Manga in the U.S.: Ultimate Publisher Showdown 2008,"  “Technology, Entertainment, and Licensing,” and “The Future of Anime in Movies, Television, Video Games, Online, and Cable.” The panels will be moderated by journalists and editors from publications including LA Times, Anime News Network, and Otaku U.S.A., among others.

 

In the second announcement, AX has made available on their website a few videos that'll give you a sneak peek into this year's con. One is a "welcome" video, the second is a preview on the Masquerade/AX Idol events and the last piece quickly introduces the 2008 Guests of Honor.