Community spotlight: BAC picks! Must attend MN cons and cosplay events!

Welcome to our Quirky Anime Universe!

Hey there, fellow anime enthusiasts! Buckle up your seatbelts and get ready for a rollercoaster ride through the wacky world of our anime club website. We promise to serve you a piping hot cup of blog goodness either weekly or bi-weekly (depending on how much coffee our writers have had).

Conventions Galore!

Get ready to dive into the craziest conventions this side of the galaxy!
From cosplay calamities to merch madness, we've got you covered.
Remember, it's not about how many pocky sticks you can eat in one minute, but how many you can fit in your bag for later.

Tips & Tricks for Conquerors

First-timers, fear not! We'll guide you through the maze of convention chaos.
Seasoned pros, we've got some fresh hacks to level up your con game (hint: bring spare batteries for your camera, those cosplay pics are gold).

So, grab your plushies, adjust your cat ears, and let's embark on this epic quest together.

Former member posing for photos with congoer at Anime fusion 2019

Anime Detour

Anime Detour, run by Anime Twin Cities, is the longest-running anime convention in the state, founded in 2004. It is a 3-day extravaganza for all enthusiasts of Japanese culture. Our group had a meetup for the first time at this con this year, but it's been a member favorite for years. This con normally takes place in March or April at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Minneapolis, and tickets normally range from $25 to $75.

Our members appreciate the vast size of this convention, featuring numerous talented artists, engaging panels, excellent networking opportunities, top-notch cosplays, fantastic room parties, and impressive special guests.

Member testimonial: "I was amazed at how big it was compared to the previous cons I have been to"

Here are some tips our members have for first time attendees:

*Make sure to arrive well in advance in order to collect your badge and reach your destination, as it tends to get very crowded.

*If you want to stay in a hotel close to the convention, make sure to book well in advance as they tend to fill up quickly.

*Be mentally prepared for big crowds and make sure to take breaks as needed, they do have quiet areas

*Pick up your tickets and wristbands right away the day before the con starts to avoid long lines

The next Anime Detour will be March 28th-30th 2025

You can buy your tickets here: https://animedetour.com/registration/

Vice president of BAC posing with two other MHA cosplayers at Anime Detour 2022

AniMinneapolis

AniMinneapolis is a three-day cosplay celebration of music, anime, and video games. This Anime.org convention was founded in 2011 and has been hosted every spring/summer at the Hyatt Regency in Downtown Minneapolis since then.

Our members recommend this convention because of its affordability, the ability to make friends or meet people with similar interests, the chill environment, the ease of getting a hotel room there, good hotel room deals through the con, and creative cosplays. Our group has attended this con twice now.

Member testimony: "It's a really fun con, and I get to meet a lot of people who have the same hobbies as me"

Here are some tips our members have for first time attendees:

*Don't forget to eat and to drink water!

*Don't be afraid to go up to people and say hi especially if you like their cosplay, just remember to respect personal space and cosplay is NOT consent!

*Be careful with your money! Its easy to splurge on all the cool stuff, but also be weary of scams, same as you should at any con

*A lot of the panels there are underrated, make sure you check some out!

*The special guests will talk to you and sign stuff usually for free, as exciting as this can be please respect their personal boundaries and do not photograph or take videos without permission. They are human too!

The next AniMinneapolis will be May 9th-11th 2025

You can buy your tickets here at: https://animinneapolis.com/register

Members of Burnsville anime club taking a group selfie before going out onto the con floor at AniMinneapolis 2023

MAGE

MAGE, previously known as Meta Con, stands for Minnesota Anime and Gaming Event and is another Animecon.org convention. This has been a popular summer/fall con since its founding in 2012! Described as 'An awesome way to enjoy the anime fandom,' this con also resides at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Minneapolis. Our group has attended and will most likely be attending this con for the 3rd time this fall.

Our attendees appreciate this convention for its laid-back atmosphere, providing a relaxing experience for those who usually feel stressed by large gatherings, thanks to the numerous peaceful areas available.

Member testimony: "A nice con for beginners with good list of special guests and really fun panels!"

Some tips our members have for first time attendees of this con are:

*Map out the area in advance to easily locate items when needed.

*Run a panel, its a great experience

*If you're looking for friends, sign up for the date auction by going on the first day early

The next MAGE will be November 22nd-24th 2024

You can buy tickets here at: https://magemsp.com/register

Members posing with cafe maid at MAGE 2022 after winning tickets to maid cafe from date auction

Twin cities con

In 2021, a new convention named "Twin cities con" emerged in the fan community, founded by Ben Penrod. This fan-run event at the Minneapolis convention center takes place annually in the fall and offers diverse programming, fostering a sense of camaraderie and excitement among attendees. With a focus on fan interests, the convention has become a beloved tradition, connecting fans of all ages and interests.

This convention is adored by our members for featuring the most exceptional guests in the state, offering a wide range of events and activities, showcasing the most unique cosplays, providing a plethora of things to see, and boasting a diverse selection of vendors. We will be running a table for our 4th year now and take a group trip for our 3rd year now.

Member testimony: "The artists alley is always so cool there!"

Here are the tips our members have for first time attendees:

-Stay at the Hilton across the street, its the closest hotel and not bad price

-Plan ahead for parking

-Be nice to the community tables

-Spin all the wheels, take the opportunity to slow down and talk to the people helping making this con great!

Additionally, the con also has tips for first time attendees that you can find here: https://www.twincitiescon.com/_files/ugd/5af678_2bd59af71c4a4038b3a48f7a56d67462.pdf

The next Twin cities con is coming up November 8th-10th 2024

You can buy tickets here at: https://nerdstreetusa.com/twincitiestix/

Member getting ready to guest host panel sponsored by Burnsville anime club at TCC 2022

Quad con

This convention, known for its intimate atmosphere, is a popular event held across various malls in the upper Midwest region. Despite its smaller scale, it offers a diverse range of activities and attractions for attendees to enjoy. From engaging panel discussions to interactive workshops, there is something for everyone at this con. One of the standout features of this event is its accessibility, with either free or very affordable admission prices, making it a great option for fans on a budget.

With each edition held multiple times a year in Minnesota, this con manages to draw in a loyal following of enthusiasts who eagerly anticipate its return. The rotating locations within the state provide attendees with a fresh experience each time, ensuring that there is always something new to discover. Whether you're a seasoned con-goer or a first-time visitor, this event promises a memorable and enjoyable time for all who partake in its festivities.

Our members like it's affordability and it's more down to earth vibe it has to it, great first con for kids.

The only tip our members had for this con is to be prepared for a lot of photos especially if you have a recognizable cosplay and you are shopping in store as the mall itself is still open to the general public.

Member testimony: "I appreciate how family friendly this con was and how nice they were to my niece during the contest"

The next Quad con is scheduled to be October 5th and 6th at the St Cloud Crossroads center.

Check here for all their dates and locations: https://quadcitycon.com/

BAC president and her niece after winning Quad con cosplay contest as Ichigo mew and Blues clues

Geek craft expo

Geek pride is more than just a slogan for this outstanding craft expo that resonates with fans nationwide. With a goal to honor all things geeky, this budget-friendly event founded in 2016 by comic book writer Daniel Way has established itself as a must-attend occasion for many. From comic book aficionados to technology buffs, visitors can anticipate a wide array of vendors that cater to every aspect of geek culture. As the expo travels across the country, it unites individuals who are passionate about creativity and innovation. Whether you're a seasoned geek or just beginning to explore your interests, this expo provides an inclusive environment to discover, learn, and connect with fellow geeks who proudly embrace their identity.

Members appreciate attending this convention for the vast array of merchandise available from a diverse selection of vendors. The event offers a unique opportunity for attendees to explore a wide range of products, from collectibles and memorabilia to handcrafted items and exclusive merchandise. With numerous vendors showcasing their offerings, visitors can immerse themselves in a bustling marketplace filled with unique and hard-to-find items. This diversity in merchandise not only caters to different tastes and preferences but also creates a vibrant and dynamic shopping experience for all participants. The convention's commitment to offering a broad selection of goods ensures that there is something for everyone, making it a must-visit event for enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Member testimony: "I found a lot of cool stuff there!"

Tips our members have for first time attendees of this con are:

*Save up for it, there is a lot you'll want to buy

*Bring cash, some vendors have fees for card or will give discounts to those paying cash, plus its easier to keep track of spending

Dates for the next MN event for this expo have not been released yet, but head here to check out all the current dates and locations on their tour: https://www.geekcraftexpo.com/

Members posing for a photo after attending Geek craft expo 2022 with the group.

Pokecon

For all Pokémon enthusiasts out there, this event is ideal! Consisting of two parts, Pokecon Day in February and Pokecon World in August, it is a delightful convention typically held in Roseville, MN, focusing solely on everything related to Pokémon. This tradition dates back to 2012.

Attendees adore this convention primarily for the fantastic café at Gamezenter, the venue where the event typically takes place, the abundance of Pokemon merchandise available for purchase, and, above all, the Pikasoul! We will have a table at their con for the second time coming up this summer.

Member testimony: "I love Pokemon so this con was perfect for me"

Tips our members have for first time attendees are:

*Wear a mask, its required not in the building itself but in the con area

*Dont wear a cosplay that takes up a lot of space, because there is not a lot of space on the con floor.

*Make sure to take a picture with the Pika Soul! You wont regret it!

Pokecon World is coming up on Saturday, August 17th 9AM-7PM

You can get your tickets here at: https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/G65MJ5B4PDZUA

Members posing with the beloved Pika Soul after helping out at the BAC table at Pokecon Mini 2024

The final verdict

Minnesota has something for all types of nerds, regardless of age or interests, with a variety of enjoyable events. We hope this article has given you valuable information about these events and we encourage you to learn more or try new ones. You are welcome to join our Discord page to stay informed about our events or visit the link on our page to apply for membership and participate in exclusive events with us, such as convention trips.

Note: You must be 14 or older to join our group

Link to our Discord page: https://discord.gg/FHCUu7rBrF

Link to apply for group membership: https://forms.gle/bDHtZm1kerU6R2gk7