Anime Expo® 2008 Continues Exceeding Expectations
Over 34,000 Attendees Registered So Far on 2nd Day of Nation's Largest Anime and Manga Event
Los Angeles, California (July 5, 2008) — Rave reviews of the convention performance continues with high praises of the successful registration system, programming, events and panels. Anime Expo® 2008 is being held now till July 6, 2008 at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, CA. More information can be found on the website <www.anime-expo.org> .
The 2nd day of activities included a key note speech for charismatic FUNimation CEO and President Gen Fukunaga followed by the industry conference panel covering “Technology, Entertainment and Licensing” with executive participants from major industry companies such as Bandai Entertainment, Crunchyroll, DC Comics, Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation and the Anime News Network.
Highlighted events included the Jyukai concert and the highly popular AX Idol held at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live facility. One lucky winner also won a free vacation trip to Japan courtesy of Intermixi Travel.
The 3rd day of activities to look forward to is a key note speech by Crunchyroll Vice President Vu Nguyen followed with the industry conference panel covering “The Future of Anime in Movies, Television, Video Games, Online and Cable”. In addition, the highly anticipated Shokotan Concert and ever so popular evening event, the Masquerade, will be held at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live facility. In addition, the convention will continue to have screenings, premieres of the highly anticipated BATMAN: GOTHAM KNIGHT prior to its street date and the talented team that develops the Cartoon Network favorite-ROBOT CHICKEN.
AXBackstage offers visitors an insider's look at the hottest anime/manga titles, exclusive interviews with Guests attending this year's hottest convention, video coverage of convention activities, attendee and convention photos/images, news and related peripherals. In addition, visitors can download up to date information and change/corrections in scheduled events, activities and much more. AXBackstage has launched on the world wide web at www.axbackstage.org.
The full list of official Anime Expo® 2008 Guests of Honor include up and coming director Masahiro Andō, legendary American voice actor David Hayter, famed POKEMON director Masamitsu Hidaka, the dynamic duo known as Jyukai, renowned animator Hiromi Kato, celebrated veteran voice actor Toshihiko Seki, the new Japanese “It-Girl” Shokotan and the legendary character designer Takada Akemi.
Attendees that have pre-registered can also update their information and add on orders for main event tickets via the Anime Expo® 2008 Online Registration Area at <www.anime-expo.org> .
Free shuttle services for all hotel attendees will be provided. Regular non-hotel attendees will have access to utilize the free shuttle services during designated hours as well. All schedules and routes will be posted in the lobby of each shuttle hotel. Frequency of service is pending local traffic, road conditions and can change without notice. Also, no shuttle service provided to the Holiday Inn City Center and the Figueroa Hotel (both are within walking distance of the Los Angeles Convention Center).
Attendees, Press and Industry Members are also encouraged to view the video coverage site of the 2007 convention at <www.AXBackstage.org> .
This year's Red & Black Sponsors are FUNimation and ImaginAsian Television. Platinum Sponsor is IMAGI Studios. Gold Sponsor is Digital Manga Publishing. Silver Sponsor is Gaia Online. Patron Sponsors are Central Park Media and COPIC Markers.
About Anime Expo®
Located in Los Angeles, California - Anime Expo®, the nation's largest
anime/manga convention, serves to foster trade, commerce and the interests
of the general public and animation/ comics industry. This event serves as
a key meeting place for the general public to express their interest and
explore various aspects of anime/manga, as well as for members of the
industry to conduct business. AX 2008 will be held July 3 – July 6, 2008 at
the Los Angeles Convention Center in Southern California. More information
can be found at its website (www.anime-expo.org).
About Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation
The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) is a non-profit
organization with a mission to popularize and educate the American public
about anime and manga, as well as provide a forum to facilitate
communication between professionals and fans. This organization is more
popularly known by its entertainment property – Anime Expo®. More
information can be found at its website (<www.spja.org>
).
The statements made in this press release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. The Company cautions readers of this press release that a number of important factors could cause Anime Expo®/SPJA's actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in any such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, without limitation, product delays, industry competition, rapid changes in technology and industry standards, protection of proprietary rights, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, vendors and third-party developers, international economic and political conditions. The Company may change its intention, belief or expectation, at any time and without notice, based upon any changes in such factors, in the Company's assumptions or otherwise. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.