Arriving at its newest location, Animé Los Angeles 17 will land at the Long Beach Convention Center on Thursday, January 6th through Sunday the 9th. Like many other pop culture events, this convention took a year’s hiatus due to the pandemic. Now it’s time to welcome anime enthusiasts back in a much larger space and with plenty of programming.
Animé Los Angeles Guests
Returning for its 17th year, ALA is known for its great lineup of special guests. This year, attendees can look forward to appearances from legendary voice actors like Richard Epcard, Ellyn Stern, Chris Tergliafera, and Jason Charles Miller. Not to mention a long list of writers, cosplayers, musical guests, and more. Attendees will have several opportunities to see these special guests during panels, autograph signings, and photo opportunities.
You can check out the full guest lineup on their website.
Animé Los Angeles Programming
The programming at ALA is extensive and probably too long to list all in one spot. You can expect to find an entertainment hall that features e-gaming, tabletop gaming, an arcane maid café, a community stage, karaoke, game shows, and more.
This con delivers everything from a cosplay masquerade and fashion show to dancing, parties, and plenty of photo opportunities. All of these things are in celebration of Anime and the many forms Anime takes. Anime Los Angeles has a reputation for having an abundant cosplay community and for being very cosplay friendly. There are several areas dedicated to cosplay gatherings, photo studios, and cosplay games.
Vendors and Exhibits
If you’re interested in doing some shopping, then the exhibit hall at ALA will feature vendor tables, fan tables, and an artist alley. It is the perfect place to find merchandise, clothing, cosplay, and art inspired by Anime.
On-site Badges are still available
According to a recent Twitter post from ALA, the convention is no longer registering people for the event online. However, on-site badge sales will be available. “At this time, Pre-Registration has ended! But if you still plan on attending, you can buy your badge on site! Be sure to have your negative Covid test (Home tests not accepted) or your proof of vaccination before arrival!”
At this time, Pre-Registration has ended! But if you still plan on attending, you can buy your badge on site!
Be sure to have your negative Covid test (Home tests not accepted) or your proof of vaccination before arrival! pic.twitter.com/tr6tsp4jLp
— 🕹 Animé Los Angeles 19 🎮 (@AnimeLosAngeles) January 5, 2022
What to know about the Covid-19 policies
Posted on the ALA website are their Covid-19 policies. As stated on the website, you will find that attendees (including guests, vendors, artists, etc.) must provide proof of full vaccinated status or a negative COVID-19 test within one day for an antigen test and two days for a PCR test before the event start time. On-site testing will be available (for a fee).
As of January 4th, the threshold for Indoor Mega Events for the city of Long Beach was lowered to 500 attendees and Outdoor Mega Events to 5,000 attendees. That is supposed to exclude meeting places. We don’t see that being an issue for the Long Beach Convention Center, since it is considered a meeting place. It would be a good idea to follow ALA on social media (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook) and check their posts regularly in case anything changes. Keep an eye on your email for incoming important information or changes.
Guides to make your convention experience more enjoyable
If you are someone who likes to have their convention weekend planned out, then ALA has an app to help you do that.
Things cosplayers should consider as conventions open up again
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