Anime Midwest Returns to Chicago with Cosplay, Concerts and Fan Favorites

CHICAGO, Ill., June 28, 2017 — Anime Midwest, the fast-growing annual convention that has become a must-attend event for anime fans, is coming to the Hyatt Regency O’Hare July 7-9, 2017. This year’s event features fan favorites like voice-over icon Billy West of Futurama fame, groundbreaking anime studios MAPPA and TRIGGER, popular musical groups Steam Powered Giraffe and Deadlift Lolita, comedic legend Yakov Smirnoff as well as other special guests and performers and more than 100 panels and workshops.

An all-inclusive event, Anime Midwest provides family-friendly fun for attendees by day and non-stop action every evening, starting with a formal fantasy cosplay ball on Friday and followed by a rave dances each night. The masquerade costume contest will give attendees the opportunity to show off their skills. The exhibitors’ hall will be packed with vendors selling all things anime, from costumes to DVDs. Special anime screenings, Dance Dance Revolution machines and much more will offer something for everyone.

While most anime conventions have long lines and charge attendees extra for autographs and access, Anime Midwest is all-inclusive and surprisingly affordable. Three-day event passes are $60, day passes are $40, and the price includes access to all events, special guests, contests and exhibitors. Attendees can fuel up for the fun with unlimited free rice, ramen and soda all weekend at the ConSweet area. Event planners keep lines short, with a typical wait time of 15-30 minutes, despite rapid growth in convention attendance.

“Anime Midwest is like an all-inclusive vacation — a Disney World for anime fans of all ages,” said Ryan Kopf, President of AnimeCon.org. “We’ve got an incredible lineup of guests, events and exhibitors, all for one low price, with minimal waiting and no extra charges. But it’s the people who attend Anime Midwest who really make it special. It’s a celebration of anime culture, and fans go all out with amazing costumes, many homemade. It’s a great place to cosplay with friends and meet new people who share your interests.”

The venue for Anime Midwest, the Hyatt Regency O’Hare, is in Rosemont in the Chicago area. Rooms are $122 per night for Anime Midwest attendees. The hotel has a 30,000-plus square-foot grand ballroom, the site of the convention’s fantasy ball, which is free to attendees with badges. Professional dance lessons are available at no charge prior to the ball, and the Date Auction on Friday afternoon provides a fun way for attendees without dates to line up a partner for the evening’s ballroom festivities.

A highly anticipated conference for anime fans from around the globe, Anime Midwest has grown from approximately 5,000 to more than 15,000 expected attendees in just four years. To find out more, including information on tickets, guests, performers and events, please visit www.animemidwest.com.

About Anime Midwest

Organized by AnimeCon.org, Anime Midwest is a fast-growing, family-friendly anime convention created by fans for fans. It provides a venue where anime nerds can have fun, be themselves, cosplay with friends and meet new people. Bringing Japanese anime, video gaming, Japanese manga and authentic Japanese culture to life, Anime Midwest connects fans from around the world with high-energy events, special guests and performers, games and anime-themed merchandise. Learn more at www.animemidwest.com.