After two years, Anime Expo will finally resume in-person activities. Like many conventions, Anime Expo took some time off during the pandemic. With the advent of various countermeasures, it's now time for a roaring return to the conventions we all love and enjoy. It's time for this time-skip arc to end. Anime Expo will be held this year at the Los Angeles Convention Center during July 1 through 4th.
Fans may have noticed that Anime Expo has not announced many guests as of now, but that's not out of the ordinary for the convention. As the weeks tick onward, our usual onslaught of more and more guests will surely come too.
Due to pandemic difficulties, it's very possible that we won't be seeing a lot of foreign guests. Rumors abound with things like AX focusing on domestic guests and that the Microsoft Theater, a mainstay of Anime Expo's headliner concerts, will not be utilized. It's entirely possible that The Novo, a location that has been used for Aquors (from Love Live! Sunshine), Wagakkiband, and many others, may be the venue of choice. This entirely depends on whether or not AX contracts with a Japanese band for an overseas performance. Failing that, the Los Angeles Convention Center's Hall B is the next logical choice. This hall has been used for some of Anime Expo's larger events such as the Masqerade, various premier events, and other large panels.
Nevertheless, Anime Expo announced its first guest, Mika Akitaka, just a few days ago. Akitaka is known for his work on various Mobile Suit Gundam series and is in fact the character designer for Anime Expo's long-time mascot, MAX. Akitaka has been involved with Anime Expo for more than a decade in various capacities so he's no stranger to the convention.
Akitaka will be on site for meet and greet autograph sessions and likely a panel or two. He will also design new merchandise that will only be available at the convention.
Stay tuned for additional news on Anime Expo.
Tickets are available at https://www.anime-expo.org/register/. A four-day badge is currently $140. One day badges are between $50 and $70, depending on the day. If you're able to swing it, there is also the vaunted Premier Fan badge at $549, which allows you benefits like skipping lines, a dedicated entry just for Premier Fans (and certain other groups), and exclusive opportunities. There are certain events (such as concerts) that will require an additional, optional purchase. If at all possible, I recommend going for as many days as you can, especially if it's your first time going. There's way too much to see in just one day and many events are unique to each day of the convention.
COVID information: for the sake of attendees, I will briefly list protocols here. As of now (4/14/22), AX has announced that proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID test from within 24 hours will be required for all attendees (including staff, guests, exhibitors, press, and otherwise). Masks will be required at all times unless outdoors or if drinking/eating.