Events/Panels
If partying isn’t the biggest draw, then there are other options. ACEN boasts hundreds of panels that continue well into the night for those wanting a late night gaming or an anime discussion fix. The fun truly never ends at this con and sometimes it can be hard to decide when to sleep! Every year this convention continues to become better at offering more options for con-goers. Sometimes it even becomes hard to choose what to do! The only option really is to clone oneself because ACEN is truly a con not to miss!
Special Guests
MINT NeKo:
“MINT, a designer of MINT NeKO was born in Shimane in 1984.
Fashion duet with the brand Sixh., MINT has created his own line called MINT NeKO. MINT NeKO uses oriental silhouette inspired by mode style with cat character graphics. There are actually more than 250 original kitty characters that are created and used in the garments.
MINT has created cat to collaborate into the world of fashion. MINT has collaborated with many Japanese artists and is becoming one of the leading young designer in Japan.” – via ACEN.org
Takahiro Baba:
“Takahiro Baba is the CEO of the Japanese anime, game, and visual novel maker VisualArt’s. VisualArt’s is well known for the production of ‘CLANNAD’ and ‘Angel Beats!’ as well as the distribution of I’ve Sound SAGA PLANETS. Since the founding of the company in March 1993, VisualArt’s continues to contribute to a sub-culture that produces creators that represent and influence this aspect of Japan. Baba is also a songwriter and creator. His hobbies include an interest in cooking, and he holds a rank of 2nd dan in kendo. – via ACEN.org
Na-Ga:
“Na-Ga is an illustrator for the Key brand under VisualArt’s. He originally began as a graphic designer with Key, and debuted as an illustrator with the ‘Little Busters!’ visual novel, which was later made into an anime series of the same name. Na-Ga works in primary support of Itaru Hinoue, the artist and illustrator, who was one of the founding members of Key. Aside from graphic design and illustration, Na-Ga has found a calling in original character design, his most famous work being for ‘Angel Beats!’. Most recently, he has contributed original character design to the ‘Charlotte’ anime series.” – via ACEN.org
Eir Aoi:
“Eir Aoi (born November 30) is a vocalist from Sapporo, Hokkaido in northern Japan. Since her major label debut in October 2011 with single ‘Memoria’, the hits know no end, with ‘Innocence’, ‘Sirius’, ‘Ignite’, and ‘Lapis Lazuli’ among her many popular tracks. Her three albums to date have all enjoyed chart debuts in the top ten on Oricon.
With looks of an unattainable beauty and a voice that packs a heckuva punch, she’s got what it takes as she makes sure that her songs are heard around the world.” – via ACEN.org
Shinji Orito:
“Shinji Orito is a composer for the Key brand under VisualArt’s. Aside from composing music for games and visual novels for Key, Orito is also a producer for the music label ‘Key Sounds Label’. He is also a singer-songwriter and a composer for several anime series. His most famous work is the opening theme of ‘AIR’, ‘Tori no Uta’. Among other titles, you can hear Orito’s music in ‘Kanon’, ‘AIR’, ‘CLANNAD’, ‘Tomoyo After’, ‘Little Busters!’, ‘Rewrite’, and ‘Harmonia’.” – via ACEN.org
Basic Information
| Place / location | Donald E. Stephens Convention Center Rosemont, IL | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length of event | May 20-22, 2016 | ||||||||||
| Cost | These were the price tiers for the 2016 convention for a 3-day badge:
Cost varies depending on the date of purchase. The cheapest way to get tickets is to buy early. Badge in Mail option available if purchased before a certain date, usually before April. Those that wish to attend the formal dance must pay an additional $10 at registration. |
What to Expect:
The best days to go are Friday and Saturday. Friday has the smallest amount in attendance because most people are still working or in school during the day, so this is the best day to hit up the dealer hall or get that commission requested in the artist alley. Saturday is quite crowded, but all the major events happen on this day such as the masquerade and the Soap Bubble. Sunday is a great day for deals in the dealer room since most vendors don’t want to pack up everything they brought with them. Haggling is well received and many times a bargain can be struck.
What to Bring:
Towels are also a must since most hotel staff quickly run out of extras. To avoid this problem, just bring a beach towel from home and you’ll never have to worry about drying off. The same can be said with pillows and blankets since these are also highly requested and will save time by just bringing them with.
One of the most important things to bring is CASH. While many of the vendors have begun utilizing the amazing Square app which allows them to use cards, the app isn’t foolproof and sometimes may not work. Some vendors also do not use Square due to the fees involved so it’s always good to carry a decent amount of cash in hand for an item that is an absolute must.
Cosplay Gallery
Author: Nikki Flores