AnimeNEXT Is Back: Convention Activities Explained Posted Apr 4, 2023
After a hiatus, the largest independent anime convention near New York is back! Hosted in Edison, New Jersey this year, AnimeNEXT is only a hop away from cities like New York City, Philadelphia, and Atlantic City. Run by fans, for fans, AnimeNEXT is at the NJ Convention and Exposition Center on Friday, June 16th to Sunday, June 18th, 2023. Below are just some of the activities that will be available there. A Wide Variety Of Games
AnimeNEXT hosts a wide variety of games for its attendees, from TCG tournaments to LARPing contests. They also have anime-themed takes on old game show classics, with everything from Family Feud, the Dating Game, Name That Tune, Cosplay Chess, and Jeopardy. Outside of the con, visitors will also be able to access a bonus that works in NJ. Since AnimeNEXT is in New Jersey, which is a hub for iGaming, users in the state can get free spins from some of the biggest establishments like PlayStar, BetMGM, and FanDuel Casino. This means the games don't have to stop when you get back to the hotel.
The Attendee Panels
The fans are what make any con special. With over 10,000 people attending every year, the attendee panels are the main highlight of the weekend. Every year, there are 120+ panels running with around 150+ hours of content presented, across 7 dedicated rooms. Through these panels, the convention floor is the perfect place to meet fans that share your interests.
Since panels and workshops are hosted by fans, you too can apply to host one. The AnimeNEXT site has more information about the application process and guidelines on how to ensure quality in all slides and pre-recorded content.
The Cosplay Contest & Masquerade
Found on the 4th floor of the convention center, the event’s AnimeNEXT Hall Cosplay Contest is where fans and designers can battle their costuming skills against one another. Being organized by fans, great care will be taken to group entrants with those of similar experience, so the competition will be fairer across skill divisions. That means the average fan won’t be matched with the best cosplayers in the world.
Along with the contest, there is also the masquerade. This is where entrants try to entertain judges and the audience. It is essentially a talent show in cosplay, so you can do comedy, sing, dance, or show off other skills.
Buy & Sell Merch
Between the Dealers Room, Artist Alley, and the Charity Auction, there are plenty of opportunities for attendees to buy or sell merchandise and fan-made arts and crafts. If you would be interested in selling at AnimeNEXT, you should make sure to apply!
As for the auction, this is where fans bid on special art and merch. The proceeds go to causes that are agreed upon by the staff and the wider community. The 2021 (all online) AnimeNEXT raised over $13,000 for Asians Fighting Injustice and they have helped the Community Food Bank of New Jersey and UNICEF in the past.
Those are the main activities that are available at AnimeNEXT 2023. Make no mistake, there will be much more available when the big weekend arrives!
