Anime Expo 2014: Convention Report and Cosplay

A convention report from Anime Expo 2014, held July 3-6 in Los Angeles, covered the event’s scale, its cosplay community, and its shortcomings. The Los Angeles Convention Center hosted the show, with the report describing peak hours as densely packed with cosplayers, photographers, and fans; a photo gallery of attendee cosplay accompanied the piece.

The report noted difficulties navigating the dealer’s hall due to crowding, inconsistent communication from convention staff about badge pickup, and a lack of nearby restaurants or convenience stores, with the closest store described as roughly nine blocks from the hotels closest to the venue. It also raised concerns about instances of public shaming and harassment directed at cosplayers over their size or appearance, and called for other attendees to intervene when they witnessed it.

On the guest side, the report described meeting Puella Magi Madoka Magica writer Gen Urobuchi and Mega Man creator Keiji Inafune at the convention, with interviews from both said to be forthcoming. Overall, the report characterized Anime Expo 2014 as well-organized for its size, with guest and press relations described as accommodating throughout the event.