Like most cons, Anime Expo offers the basics such as a showroom/dealers’ room, an artist alley, and space for panels, but the sheer size of it all may be overwhelming for those who have never experienced such a large convention before. The showroom itself is almost the size of an entire convention in other places and it’s filled to the brim with amazing vendors bringing exclusive merchandise just for the event. This year Good Smile Company had a line out the door and around the building and they weren’t the only ones. Viz, FUNimation, Sentai Filmworks, Bandai Namco, Voltage, and many other big names within the anime industry make it a point to come to Anime Expo in order to show off their newest products/shows. Many even have their own industry panels complete with voice actors and new trailers to create hype for their goods. Anime Expo is truly the E3 for the anime industry.

While exclusive merch, as well as new announcements certainly, attract many, there is so much more to this convention than most. Anime Expo has one of the largest Artist Alleys in the country, attracting artists from around the country and globe. Some people even spend the entire convention shopping for art! Many of these artists even take commissions allowing fangirls and guys wildest dreams to come true.

Shopping is one of the most popular activities at the convention, but what about those who have limited budgets? Well, there are a variety of activities for those who wish to be a little more interactive. Throughout the weekend there are video game tournaments, TCG tournaments, cosplay photoshoots, and anime karaoke competitions. There are even good old fashion panels with amazing guests from Japan who love to meet the fans as well as sign autographs. The convention even has its own cosplay photoshoot area where stages are set for cosplayers to pose and create realistic photographs.

First and foremost, be sure to bring plenty of cash. While many of the vendors use Square and do take cards, there are a lot of people in one place and many times the systems can go down plus many of the food trucks and parking lots only take cash as well. Cash is just good to have on hand in general.

In addition, bring a small backpack and fill it with food and water. It’s a large show floor and it can be difficult to navigate to the nearest area for food and water, plus it can save some money in the long run. Food at conventions is notorious for being marked up to unreasonable prices and this con is no different. Be sure to keep yourself hydrated!
For the hotel room, bring extra pillows, blankets, and towels. Since many of the rooms have guests sleeping on the floor, the hotel runs out of these extras really fast, so save the stress by bringing your own. It is also wise to bring surge protector strip in order to expand the number of available outlets in the room so there doesn’t have to be a fight over charging space.