Anime Central

Anime Central (Acen for short) is an anime convention that is held yearly in Rosemont, Illinois, in the United States. It is one of the fastest growing anime conventions in the U.S. and is ranked as the 5th most popular convention for the year of 2004. The convention is not unlike any other anime convention; it runs 24 hours a day and lasts 3 days. The Anime Central staff brings in guests from America and Japan that have worked in the anime industry. There are also thousands of cosplayers that walk around showing off their costumes.

History

ACen was first held in April 1998 at the Holiday Inn International O'Hare hotel in Rosemont, IL. Its attendance was a little over 1,000 people. In its more recent years the convention has moved to May and is held at the Hyatt Regency O' Hare also in Rosemont, IL. The attendance for the convention rises around a 1,000 people a year. The last convention, held in 2004, had 7,406 attendees.

Fanbase

The convention draws attendance primarily from the Midwest, especially the Chicago area. A vibrant fan culture has emerged, with attendees coordinating through the Internet and developing a set of traditions, such as Sailor Bubba, an middle-aged over weight male who dresses up as a Sailor Senshi every year. Anime Central has also spawned fan sites that cover the convention yearly, posting up pictures and other peoples experiences at the convention.

External link

• Official website