Feb 01 2009
Convention Profile: Anime Express XI
Not everyone loves the scale and intensity of a convention with 20,000+ attendees. Sometimes you want a low key convention where you can hang out with friends, watch some cool new anime, and maybe attend a cosplay contest before heading home. Well, if you’re in central Florida, you’re in luck. Anime Express is a smaller anime convention held in Daytona Beach Florida, on Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s campus (specifically the Willie Miller Instructional Center). It will be happening March 13 - 15, 2009.
Although smaller than the likes of Megacon or JACON, Anime Express isn’t some new kid on the block. According to its organizers, Anime Express is Florida’s oldest anime convention, dating back to 1997.
There is a small list of guests attending this con, and they include: Ashley Clarke (webcomic/webnovel artist), aniRAGE (improv group), MEGA RAN (musical artist), Meredith Placko (Radio Sci Fi), and Aaron Pabon (comedian).
Tickets for this convention are pretty cheap, especially if you’re willing to forgo the t-shirt that comes with certain ticket packages. Prices are as follows:
Badge Rates:
Friday: $10
Saturday: $15
Sunday: $10
Weekend: $25
Discount Packages:
Weekend con badge and T-shirt: $35 (save $5)
Weekend con badge and Weekend Artist’s Alley Badge: $40 (save $5)
Weekend con badge, Weekend Artist’s Alley Badge, and T-shirt: $50 (save $10)
Extra T-shirts $15
As for programming, there will be an artist alley, an anime music video (AMV) contest, an art contest, anime viewing rooms, a cosplay contest, and panel discussions.
One important thing to note: this convention does have a much stricter dress code and weapon policy, compared to other conventions I’ve seen. You should definitely read their rules before planning a cosplay, especially if it involves a skimpy costume or a weapon. Additionally, all those under 18 must be off the premises by 11:00 pm.
On a personal note, I’ve actually attended Anime Express once (I was covering it a “press” for a magazine I used to work for). This is a small convention, and there isn’t the same level of programming that bigger cons typically offer. However, everyone was friendly, and it had a nice relaxed atmosphere. It makes for a great day trip, and won’t break the bank. I definitely recommend checking it out!
“No skimpy costumes or swords? What kind of anime convention IS this?! ”
LOL you beat me to it!
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It includes:
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Your dates for Ad #1 are: 14, 15, 16
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It’s past the deadline to submit anymore amvs to the amv contest. I would like to know if ‘Demonic Mermaids’, submitted by Rolfyboy8, is submitted. I want to know the list amvs that have been submitted into the contest.