Anime conventions are a wonderful way for fans of anime, manga, and Japanese culture to come together and celebrate their interests. In Iowa, anime conventions have become a staple for those looking to immerse themselves in this thriving community. The largest anime convention in Iowa, AnimeIowa, is a prime example of the passion and excitement that anime fans in the state bring to these events. Held annually in July, AnimeIowa attracts over 3000 attendees who are eager to participate in a range of activities and connect with like-minded individuals. Whether you’re an avid cosplayer, a seasoned gamer, or just a fan of anime, there is something for everyone at AnimeIowa.
While you are here, check out some of our best anime-inspired cosplay guides:
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| Convention | Dates | Location |
|---|---|---|
| AnimeIowa 2023 | July 28-30, 2023 | Hyatt Regency Coralville Hotel & Conference Center Coralville, IA |
AnimeIowa: What to Expect
AnimeIowa is the largest anime convention in Iowa, attracting over 3000 attendees each year. Held annually in July, this three-day event takes place at the Hyatt Coralville Hotel and Conference Center in Coralville, Iowa. This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a wide range of activities for attendees to enjoy.
Panels: The Heart of the Convention
The lifeblood of any convention is its panels, and AnimeIowa is no exception. At AnimeIowa, attendees have the opportunity to run most of the panels, allowing them to share their passion and knowledge with others. In past years, the panels have covered a range of topics, including Japanese tea ceremonies, weapons demonstrations, game shows, discussions with anime industry veterans, Japanese arts and crafts, model building, cosplay guides, formal dances, show and tells, swap meets, art jams, and discussions of popular shows and genres. There’s something for everyone at AnimeIowa!
Cosplay: Unleash Your Inner Anime Character
Cosplay is an integral part of any anime convention, and AnimeIowa is no exception. Cosplay, short for Costume Play, involves dressing up as characters from anime, manga, video games, comics, and even TV commercials. At AnimeIowa, attendees have the opportunity to showcase their creativity and bring their favorite characters to life. From simple to elaborate costumes, cosplayers can be found wandering the convention, posing for photoshoots, competing in the Masquerade and Hall Cosplay competitions, and much more.
Gaming: Something for Video and Non-Video Gamers Alike
AnimeIowa offers something for everyone, including gamers! The convention has a room dedicated to video games, where attendees can play single player or multiplayer games on various consoles, from vintage to the latest models. The Mindbridge Video Game Library provides a huge collection of games and consoles for attendees to enjoy. For those who prefer tabletop gaming, the Tabletop Gaming room has a variety of games to check out and play, including card games, board games, and tabletop RPGs. The Mindbridge Game Library provides hundreds of games to choose from, with different games being added all the time.
Video Rooms: A Non-Stop Anime Feast
For anime fans, the Video Rooms are a must-visit. Running non-stop anime for attendees’ viewing pleasure, these rooms offer a chance to discover new shows or enjoy classic anime. There’s even a room dedicated to AMV’s! Located on the 2nd floor of the Hyatt, the Video Rooms are open to everyone.
Shopping: An Anime Lover’s Dream
Looking to do some shopping? The Anime Marketplace is the perfect place to find anime and related merchandise, as well as created art from attending vendors and artists. With a huge selection of items on offer, shoppers are sure to find something they love.
Special Guests: Meet the Stars of the Anime World
This year’s AnimeIowa will feature special guests, including Lauren Walker, Melancholiaah, Derek Stephen Prince, Semetary Cosplay, and Strawberry Cosplay. These talented individuals will be available for meet and greets, panels, and other events, giving attendees the chance to interact with some of the biggest names in the anime world.