In September 2009, former Universal Studios executive Michael Lattanzio was hired as the SPJA's new CEO. From 1,750 attendees in 1992, Anime Expo's size has increased to over 90,500 in 2015, which makes Anime Expo the largest anime and manga convention in North America.Īs of March 2009, Chief Executive Officer Trulee Karahashi, who had been a part of Anime Expo and the SPJA in various capacities for 11 years, left the organization. It currently holds the title of North America's largest anime convention, a title which it has consistently held every year except 2003 in which its attendance was slightly edged out by east coast convention Otakon. The convention continues to thrive due to the growing popularity of anime and Japanese popular culture and maintains a strong draw due to the many notable Japanese guests it has been known for.
In 1994, Anime Expo made a strategic relocation to Southern California and has resided there since. Many of its original staff came from Anime Con, an anime convention held in San Jose, California in 1991, and later absorbed by the SPJA in 1992. Convention history HistoryĪnime Expo began as an anime and manga convention in Northern California. This exhibit hall also features an artist alley where attendees can purchase fan-created art work, as well as other varieties of crafts such as wigs, pins, and cosplay material. Much like other conventions, Anime Expo also features a large scale exhibit hall where attendees can purchase a variety of products from a wide range of exhibitors. Finally, there are also a number of film and video rooms presenting anime screenings that run all day and night.
Anime Expo also has a large variety of focus panels, workshops, and events, some of which are fan or industry sponsored. In addition, Anime Expo hosts a multitude of industry Guests of Honor (GoH), including notable music artists who often hold large concerts at AX. Top attractions include events such as the Masquerade cosplay contest, the Anime Music Video (AMV) competition, Battle of the Bands, and SPJA’s Charity Auction. Anime Expo features many events and activities during the convention for attendees to take part in such as guest panels, table top gaming, competitions, an arcade, and concerts.