Anime expo is starting from tomorrow (5th

 

July, 2018) and will go on for 4 days...

 

 

It’s the 27th year of anime expo and lovers of anime, manga as well as cosplay will be gathering from all around the world.  Downtown in LA will be witnessing some serious crowd for the next 4 days…

 

If you are attending the anime expo tomorrow, you need to be prepared for it whether it’s your first time or fifteenth time.

 

We have tried to collect all the useful information, tips & resources here in this post so you can be best prepared for the biggest cosplay convention.

 

We have divided this post into four parts for your ease:

 

  1. Picking up mandatory stuff for entrance/participation
  2. Planning ahead to make the most of your time at the expo
  3. What to bring along?
  4. Other important information

 

To skim the whole blog here is an essential Infographic to go through but dont forget to read the full blog for full details..

 

        

 

 

1. Picking up the mandatory stuff for entrance/participation

 

You’ll need to pick up your badge for entrance. If you want to pick up the badge through will-call, it will be available at the Registration area located in Gilbert Lindsay Plaza.

 

Anime expo highly recommends coming early to pick up your badge so that you can make the most of your time at the convention.

 

Lanyard/Bag/Program Guide

 

After you have picked up your badge, you need to head towards the “Swag Bag Pick-up” area to collect your lanyards, bags and program guide.

The “Swag bag Pick-up” area is located by South Hall, off Figueroa St.

 

 

Registration/Badge Pick-up/Swag Bag Pick-up Hours of Operation:

 

  • Day 0 (July 4)                                                          8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Day 1 (July 5)                                                          8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Day 2 (July 6)                                                          8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Day 3 (July 7)                                                          8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Day 4 (July 8)                                                          8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

 

  • Today is 4th July which is Day 0. If you lost your badge in the mail or you didn’t pick it up yesterday (Day -1) then it is highly recommended to pick it up today if you can.  Day 1 can have a crazy rush at the Registration/badge pickup area and you could miss some of the important events at the expo while waiting at the registration area.

 

 

Tickets for participating in events

 

Once you have got your badge, bag, lanyards and program guide, you will need to pick up your ticket for any of the events you want to participate in.

The tickets will be available at the Ticketing Booth located at the top of Main Stairs to West Hall off Chick Hearn Ct.

 

You’ll need to bring along your Anime Expo (AX) badge, confirmation email from Showclix (either printed or via mobile device) and a valid photo ID which has your DOB info on it.

 

It’s recommended by AX to pick up your ticket at least 3 hours prior to the start of the event so that you have enough time to take note of prohibited items, store your personal belongings/purchases in your car or bagcheck or get in line and go through security check at the doors to the event venue.

 

The Ticket booth will be operating during the following hours:

 

  • Day 0 (July 4)                                                          8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Day 1 (July 5)                                                          8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Day 2 (July 6)                                                          8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Day 3 (July 7)                                                          8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Day 4 (July 8)                                                          8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

 

2. Planning ahead to make the most of your time at the expo

 

Set your budget

 

It’s very important to set your budget for all the days you’ll be at the expo. If you haven’t planned on how much you are willing to spend, then you might be left with almost no cash at the end of your attendance.

 

It can get way too expensive between foods and shopping.

 

Therefore, even if you have already saved for the expo, it’s still wise to set your budget so that you spend the right amount at right place.


No regrets later…

 

If you want to go economical, $100-$200 would be fine for 4 days but if economy is not much of an issue, carry additional $100-$200 to get some exclusive items or a highly priced autograph from a voice actor.

 

You can use the AX Budget Worksheet to better estimate the costs associated with the convention.

 

Plan which event you want to attend

 

There is tons of stuff to do at The Anime Expo and you certainly can’t attend all of them. Wisely choose the ones depending upon your interests and budget such as the matsuri or one-piece puzzle hunt. You can found the list of all the ticketed events on their site on this page.

 

Check out the guidelines if you are cosplaying

 

If you are cosplaying you’ll need to check the guidelines which can be as simple as wearing shoes even though invisible.

 

Be thorough with all the guidelines to avoid unnecessary hassles.

 

You can find the guidelines here on the anime expo website.

 

Check other policies

 

It’s also a good idea to be aware of all other policies beforehand for an interruption free time at the convention. There are different policies of AX from alcohol to youth to Weapons. You can find complete information on all the policies here.

 

3. What to bring along?

 

You’ll need to carry the following items for convenience and comfort.

 

Refillable bottle of water

 

Yes, you’ll need water and lots of water. The temperature in Los Angeles average around 70-80 ® and can even go above 100® during the month of July. You will need enough water to stay hydrated throughout the day walking miles and actively participating at the expo. There would be water fountains next to rest rooms so you can fill your bottle after each finish.

 

Sunscreen (and a cap too)

As the sun will be scorching over you, sunscreen is something you can’ forget. You can also bring a cap for added protection from sun. Most lines are located outside the building and you may have to spend quite a few hours standing in line outside to get your badge or the panel.

 

Packed Food and snacks

 

You may find the convention center food to be expensive. The on-site options like the maid and butler café can also cost up to $30-$40.

 

You can also check out some restaurants in the area if you would like to

 

There will also be food trucks lots around the convention center.

 

But if you mind eating stuff from food trucks and don’t even want to spend much on restaurants and on-site options, packing your own food is the beast and healthiest option.

 

You can pack foods rich in complex carbs and proteins to keep you active throughout the day. You can also add some greens and fruits to stay hydrated.

 

You can also carry snacks like trail mix and yogurt parfait to munch in between the events.

 

Additionally, try to avoid sugary and oily food as it might be tempting but is not the best choice.

 

Anime Expo App in your mobile device

 

Download the anime expo app in your mobile device and carry it along with you. You can get all the required information just at the swipe of your fingers. It consists of everything needed from schedule to maps to info on Artist Alley.

 

It’ll be your friend and guide throughout the convention.

 

 

4. Other important Information

  • Have your badge along with you when you enter the security line. This will help to avoid delays in the process of security check.
  • If you are carrying a prop for cosplay, make sure that you visit the Weapons Check Booth for inspection and tag. Weapons Check booths are located outside of the South and West Halls 

 

We sincerely hope that this information will come useful to all the lovely cosplayers who are attending anime expo from tomorrow onwards. It is an effort from our side to contribute to the cosplay community.

 

So, have fun and have a nice time at Anime Expo tomorrow onwards.

 

We would also like to know your thoughts about this post… Do comment below your thoughts and opinions.

 

Please share the post if you feel it can help someone going to the Anime Expo.