Anime Banzai 2024 Panels

A Beginner's Guide to Artist Alley

Are you an artist/crafter/writer interested in getting a table at a convention? This is a Q & A panel for those who are looking to make money at conventions.

Saturday Noon, Stratus 7

AMV Contest

It's AMVs! It's a contest! Come watch the best anime music videos Banzai has to offer! Winners will be announced at closing ceremonies.

Saturday 2PM, Grand Ballroom

AMVs for Beginners
Our long-time head of AMVs shares a how-to of making your own anime music videos.

Saturday 10AM, Stratus 8

AMVs Through the Years

Watch videos of our past AMV submissions and winners.

Sunday 10AM, Grand Ballroom

Ascendant Animation

Ever wonder what it's like to dub an anime? Come join some of the staff from Ascendant Animation for behind the scenes perspectives on the dubbing industry.

Saturday 4:30PM, Stratus 8

Are You Plus Ultra?

Compete in a trivia contest to see who at Banzai has what it takes to be the #1 hero this year! Everyone will have a chance to join a team and answer questions about the anime My Hero Academia. From heroes to villains, we want to know what you've got! Prizes are at stake, so come have fun with some future pro-heroes from UA High. Think you've got what it takes to go beyond? Plus Ultra!

Friday 3PM, Stratus 8

Auditioning for a Gig – Dos and Don'ts

Thinking about auditioning for a role? No experience necessary. Come get direct feedback from the people who handle casting.

Friday 10AM, Stratus 8

Becoming a Voice Actor

Whether you're just starting out or looking to go further in voice acting, this panel is designed to provide insights, tips, and resources to help you navigate your journey.

The panel covers a range of topics, including:

• Categories of         Voice Acting
          
• Acting Skills
          
• Equipment
          
• Technical Skills
          
• Marketing
          
• Auditioning
          
• The Cycle of Rejection and Acceptance
          
• The Odds of Success
  

No matter where you want to take your voice, we hope that this panel will equip you with extra knowledge and confidence to take the next steps in your voice acting journey.

Join Jim Bradley for an engaging discussion about getting your voice out there.

Friday 8PM, Stratus 7

Bentley Recommends

Our long-time viewing room director and anime connoisseur has put together a list of must-see anime titles.

Friday 4PM, Stratus 7

Building a Portfolio for Animation

Held by artist Steve Crowe, who has worked in both animation and illustration.

Saturday 11:30AM, Stratus 8

Character Design

Held by artist Steve Crowe, who has worked in both animation and illustration.

Friday 6PM, Stratus 8

Content Creation and Growing a Community

A lot of people say Content Creation sounds easy. A lot of people don't know where to start or give up. But how can you share your passion? How can you use that to grow a community of like minded people? Let's talk about it. From finding your voice, to making a schedule, and how to connect with the people.

Saturday 3PM, Stratus 7

Cosplay Contest
It’s the cosplay contest! Come see a display of amazing costumes and craftsmanship!

Saturday 6:30pm, Grand Ballroom

Creating Likable Characters

How to create characters that engage the reader in both fanfiction and original stories.

Sunday 11:30AM, Stratus 7

“Fantastic” Fanfiction Reading

Chris reads notoriously bad or funny fanfics with audience participation.

Saturday 7:30PM, Stratus 8

Finish That Story!

Tips to develop good writing habits, avoiding writer's block, and getting past that pesky first draft.

Friday 1PM, Stratus 7

Formal Ball

Dance the night away at our formal event where we will crown king and queen of the ball. Dress code is required for entry. ALL outfits must be formal in nature, including dresses, pants, skirts, tops, and shoes. The dress code can be modified to suit disability or external circumstances if needed, please let a staff member know.

Friday 5:30-8:30, Grand Ballroom

Ghost Stories

Bring your favorite ghost stories and Japanese urban legends to tell at the Thursday Night PJ party. VIP and Pre-Reg only event.

Thursday 7:30, Stratus 8

Goodbye Anime Banzai
Closing ceremonies for our final convention. Thank you, everyone!

Sunday 3PM, Grand Ballroom

Iron Fanart

The judge picks the topic, you have an hour to complete your task. Ready, set, DRAW!

Friday 3PM & 8PM, Saturday 2PM & 8PM, Sunday 10AM, Stratus 6

Kingdom Hearts: Battle of the Worlds

A competition to see which is the best Kingdom Hearts world according to the audience.

Sunday 11:30AM, Stratus 8

Lip Sync Battle:

You choose the song. (Must be family friendly.) And get ready to lip sync FOR YOUR LIFE.

Friday 4PM, Zephyr

Make and Take Kitty Ears

Take home your own pair of kitty ears. Each session will be capped at 50 participants so make sure you come early to get your spot.

Friday 10AM, Saturday 10AM & 4:30PM, Sunday 1PM, Stratus 6

Making Improbable Cosplays Possible

A crash course in making improbable props like intricate/large wings, large foam weapons, and more. This panel aims to be a great starting point to try out new mediums in cosplay and hopefully inspire you on making your next improbable cosplay/prop achievable and convention safe.

Friday 11:30AM, Stratus 8

Oldtaku

Reminisce about being an anime fan 'back in the day.'

Saturday 5PM, Stratus 7

Opening Ceremonies
Banzai!

Friday 2PM, Grand Ballroom

Secondhand Sale

One otaku's trash is another otaku's treasure. Find gently used merchandise at a reasonable price.

Friday 10 AM-1PM, Grand Ballroom

Sintra Armor and Prop Making

Come learn from a master rank cosplayer about Sintra; Armor and prop making. We will cover basic patterning, design, shaping, and finishes; like chrome or weathered. Even if you aren't into armor, Sintra is an amazing tool in your cosplay tool belt for so many things. Come learn all about it!

Friday 1PM, Stratus 8

Smash Bros. Tournament

Contestants can sign up for the tournament in the video gaming room any time before the competition.

Saturday 3PM, Meridian D/H

Tales of Con Horror

What happens at con stays at con? Nonsense! Listen to the horror stories of cons past.

Saturday 9PM, Stratus 8

The History of Anime Banzai

Learn about the history of this convention from year one to its final year.

Sunday 1PM, Stratus 7

Thursday Night Raffle

For VIP and Pre Reg attendees only. Hold onto your ticket and win prizes!

Thursday 9PM, Courtyard

TMNT 40th Anniversary

Come draw ninja turtles with us while we talk about the history of this iconic 40-year franchise, including the completely unhinged OVA released only in Japan in 1996.

Saturday 7PM, Stratus 7

Twisted Wonderland

A fan panel talking about the series and explaining the world.

Saturday 6PM, Stratus 8

Voice Acting 101 – Set up a Home Studio

Useful links, tools and Q&A with Chris Escalante on how to set up your first at-home studio.

Sunday 10AM, Stratus 8

Voice Actor Q&A

Ask all your questions to Warky, Chris, Shane and Sean.

Sunday 1PM, Grand Ballroom

Wark After Dark (16+)

Late night Warky shenanigans.

Friday 9PM, Stratus 8

Warky In Concert

Wark! Wark! Come see your favorite musical chocobo in concert!

Saturday 10AM, Grand Ballroom

Werewolves

Everybody has an agenda: as a villager, hunt down the werewolves; as a werewolf, convince the other villagers that you are innocent, while secretly attacking those same villagers each night! Come roleplay, have fun, and help your team win!

Thursday 7:30PM, Atrium *VIP and Pre-Reg only event

Friday 1:30PM, Zephyr

Who Wants to Be A Gillionaire?

Test your Final Fantasy knowledge with this trivia game.

Sunday 1PM, Stratus 7

Writing Dialog

How to write fun, fresh and snappy dialog to enhance the flavor of your story and characters.

Saturday 1:30PM, Stratus 7

Writing Relationships

Learn how to write all kinds of relationships-not just the romance-in a believable and engaging way.

Friday 6PM, Stratus 7

World Building

Whether you're writing a story, developing a video game or putting together a D&D campaign, world building is a must. We'll discuss the basics of world building and how to bring a rich, believable environment to any project.

Saturday 3PM, Stratus 7