Check out the fantastical events happening at Anime Banzai this year!
18+ Anime Life: Friday 9:30pm Amari’s Activity Room (Stratus 5/6)
Come find what kind of Life you would have led in an anime. The more the merrier. 18+ version. The board game of Anime Life as imagined by PawP creations. 18+ Wristband Required
18+ Casino: Saturday 11:00pm Mochi’s Lounge (Stratus 7)
Here at the Casino, we pride ourselves on being a no-money-exchanged, just-for-the-fun-of-it casino. Join us at one of our tables for a game of Roulette, Blackjack, or Craps. It’s all for the love of the game. 18+ wristband required
18+ Dirtiest Minds in Anime: Friday 9:30pm Mochi’s Lounge (Stratus 7)
How dirty is your mind? Is it the dirtiest one at Anime Banzai? Come to compete against and with others for the title of Dirtiest Mind. Teams will be given prompts to provide a response to and the dirtiest one earns a letter. Can your team spell “DIRTY” before any of the others? 18+ Wristband Required
18+ Epic Fail’s Whose Line is it Anime: Friday 11:30pm Starlight Lounge (Twilight 1/2)
Do you like improv comedy shows? Then you’ll tolerate Whose Line Is It Anime?! A semi-unprofessional show filled with anime-themed improv games, laughter, an obvious lack of sleep, and other tidbits an 18+ event can’t put in the description. 18+ Wristband Required
18+ Blacklight Tag: Saturday 9:00pm Starlight Lounge (Twilight 1/2)
Do you think you have what it takes to prove you’re a skilled hunter? Come pit yourself against others to prove your stealth and skills in Banzai’s Blacklight Maze. 18+ Wristband Required
18+ Informal Dance: Saturday 11:00pm Main Events (Meridian Grand Ballroom)
Are you drawn to the lights and the beat of the music? Then join us for this year’s informal dance! 18+ Wristband Required
18+ World Premiere of: Masque of the Red Death Animatic Screening: Sunday 10:30am Main Events (Meridian Grand Ballroom)
Host: Wendy Pini
“Masque of the Red Death” first appeared as an animated webcomic in 2007. In 2011 Wendy formed a relationship with award-winning theatrical composer Gregory Nabours, to turn the adult-oriented Edgar Allan Poe-based graphic novel into a musical thriller for the stage. After years in development, the musical score is complete and vocals have been recorded. Wendy has created a two-hour animatic (a limited-animation representation of what the complete show could look like) designed mainly to showcase Nabours’ thrilling music. “Masque of the Red Death – A Musical Thriller” is appropriate for age 16 and up. There is brief PG-rated nudity, as well as elements of horror, blood and gore. The story is a powerful boys-love romance. 18+ Wristband Required
18+ Murder Mashup: Saturday 11:30pm Amari’s Activity Room (Stratus 5/6)
Are you a gumshoe, well this event is for you! Choose from your favorite array of deduction games to see if you are the gumshoe you think you are. 18+ Wristband Required
18+ Notice Me Senpai: Saturday 9:30pm Amari’s Activity Room (Stratus 5/6)
Can you be the Senpai to notice Sai in the different worlds of Anime? 18+ Wristband Required
18+ Open Mic: Friday 9:00pm Starlight Lounge (Twilight 1/2)
Do you fancy yourself a singer, a stand-up comic or even a poet? Come show off your talents at our open mic event. 18+ Wristband Required
18+ One Hell of a Slumber Party Friday 11:00pm Mochi’s Lounge (Stratus 7)
Did you ever want to have a slumber party with Maids and Butlers? While here is your chance, we hope to welcome you home master! 18+ Wristband Required
18+ Otome Live Saturday 10:00pm Nuki’s Play Room (Stratus 8)
Eligible single creatures like Elegant Elven princes to big, strong Orcish women abound in this quaint fantasy town. Can you snag yourself a date in this interactive dating simulator? 18+ Wristband Required
18+ Trials of Titania: Saturday 11:30pm Starlight Lounge (Twilight 1/2)
The Queen of the Fairies has issued a challenge to all of you. If you accept, there will be many trials from the 6 fairies in the enchanted forest. Will you be tricked by fairies, or will you be successful and win the grand prize? 18+ Wristband Required
18+ Warky After Dark: Saturday 11:30pm Nuki’s Play Room (Stratus 8)
Come see Warky Unplucked in this meet and greet, question and answer panel where anything and everything goes! ^^ 18+ Wristband Required
18+ Who am I?: Friday 11:30pm Nuki’s Play Room (Stratus 8)
Ever tried to play 20 Questions with anime characters? Well, now you can! Make statements that may be true or false to narrow down the list. You may just find out “Who Am I?” 18+ Wristband Required
Astrology Exam: Saturday 9:00am Nuki’s Play Room (Stratus 8)
Come visit the illustrious Academy of Raya Lucaria. Use your knowledge of alchemy and astrology to overcome your rivals. Come see if you have what it takes to become a Glintstone Sorcerer!
Anime Bingo: Friday 5:00pm, Saturday 9:00am, Sunday 2:00pm Amari’s Activity Room (Stratus 5/6)
Bingo, but with an anime twist!
Anime Life: Friday 3:00pm Amari’s Activity Room (Stratus 5/6)
Come find what kind of Life you would have led in an anime. The more the merrier. The board game of Anime Life as imagined by PawP creations.
Anime Matchmaking: Sunday 4:00pm Sai’s Hangout (Meridian D)
The red string of fate has picked these Anime Character to be together but if you were them could you find your soulmate?
Anything Goes Trivia: Friday 6:00pm Nuki’s Play Room (Stratus 8)
Come test your knowledge about Anime. If you cant answer the question there is a chance for a challenge to try and redeem yourself. But anything can happen in the game. Hosted by PawP creations.
Are You Smarter Than a Myth Grader: Friday 11:30am Nuki’s Play Room (Stratus 8)
Test your knowledge on ancient mythology in an adaptation of the family friendly game show “Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader.”*
*Fifth graders not included.
Banzai Village: Friday 3:30pm, Saturday 3:30pm, Sunday 10:30am Nuki’s Play Room (Stratus 8)
Survive this group-based survival game where the host tries to kill you all and even recruits some of the group to betray the rest.
Classic Anime Trivia: Sunday 11:30am Mochi’s Lounge (Stratus 7)
There is no school like Old School! Take a blast to the past and test your team’s knowledge of classic Animes from years gone by. Teams of three or four players each recommended.
D&D Anime Style: Friday 7:00pm, Saturday 7:00pm, Sunday 4:00 pm Amari’s Activity Room (Stratus 5/6) Saturday there is a bonus room 7:00pm Mochi’s Lounge (Stratus 7)
Do you Like Adventure, rolling dice, and dream of playing your favorite anime character? Join our Banzai Events Game Masters for a simplified Dungeons and Dragons game with your favorite anime characters.
Epic Fail’s Anime Feud Network: Sunday 1:00pm Nuki’s Play Room (Stratus 8)
Score all the great things about game shows at Anime Feud Network! Prizes, trivia, treats, and outwitting the host galore! Come play popular game shows with an anime twist hosted by Epic Fail Cosplay. You’re invited to this hectic and unaffiliated with the Game Show Network event.
Epic Fail’s Hunt For My Jam: Saturday 1:30pm Nuki’s Play Room (Stratus 8)
Bring the Epic to our Fail in a group karaoke event. Play a Choose Your Own Adventure game with songs, literary danger, treats, and plenty of prizes. Are the treats and prizes a bribe? Come and find out!
Epic Fail’s Rollies!: Sunday 9:30am Mochi’s Lounge (Stratus 7)
Join Epic Fail Cosplay in an event where the d20 dice gods are in charge of the subject, activities, and treats. Bring your own d20 for a special prize!
Escape the Fae: Saturday 5:30pm, Sunday 2:00pm Starlight Lounge (Twilight 1/2)
Enter the enchanted forest at your own risk! The ever-changing forest is a mysterious place and the fae have been known to play tricks. Can you and your party escape this dangerous place?
Fact or Fantasy Trivia: Friday 3:30pm Mochi’s Lounge (Stratus 7)
Real historical figures appear throughout a multitude of animes but is the anime always right on the facts? Can you wade through the fantasy about these Historical figures and win a prize?
Isshoni Challenge: Saturday 1:30pm Mochi’s Lounge (Stratus 7)
Come compete in a pub-like anime trivia game! Work together with your team to answer trivia, solve riddles, and use your memory. Isshoni!
JoJo’s Bizarre Advent: Saturday 9:00am Mochi’s Lounge (Stratus 7)
Do you love JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, then you’ll for sure love this advent. We will be playing two separate games themed around JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure.
Karuta: Saturday 3:30pm Mochi’s Lounge (Stratus 7)
This fast-paced, memory-based card game has been played in Japan since the Edo period. Traditionally utilizing 100 waka poems, Anime Banzai now presents Karuta with anime characters! From classic to contemporary, if you think you know anime and you like to compete, this is the game for you!
Laser Tag: Friday 9:00am Starlight Lounge (Twilight 1/2)
Do you have what it takes? Come test your strength and prowess with weaponry and prove you’re ready! Games start every 10-15 minutes.
Monokuma’s Debate Class: Saturday 8:00pm Tent
Monokuma wants to continue playing his death games. He found a new way to get people to get people heated up. Think you can debate your opinions well enough to impress the killer teddy bear? Win the debate and escape, lose and die a horrible death.
Murder Mystery: Friday 5:00pm Mochi’s Lounge (Stratus 7)
Once again Banzai’s Anime Convention isn’t safe. There has been another series of murders. Think you have the sleuthing skills to solve who done it.
Name That Tune: Friday 8:00pm Nuki’s Play Room (Stratus 8)
Are you the kind of person who can remember every anime opening and ending they’ve ever heard? Do you like trivia or music? Then come on in and play this sound-based trivia game. Bonus points if you can “Name that Tune”!
Path of the Samurai: Saturday 5:00pm Mochi’s Lounge (Stratus 7)
Do you have what it takes to follow the path of the Samurai.
Pokè Trainer challenge: Friday 2:00pm, Saturday 2:00pm, Sunday 9:00am Starlight Lounge (Twilight 1/2)
Welcome, trainers new and old, to the Banzai region. This year the professor needs your help catching all the Pokémon discovered and undiscovered for his research. Throughout this challenge, you’ll battle trainers all the way up to the champion of the Banzai region. Do you have what it takes to battle each day and see what new Pokémon you can find?
So, You Want to be Isekai’ed: Saturday 12:00pm noon Mochi’s Lounge (Stratus 7)
If you have ever wondered what would happen if you were Isekai’ed; then come find out how it would unfold in your new world! May truck-kun be kind and giving in your new life. Hosted by PawP creations.
Speed Friendships: Saturday 5:00pm, Sunday 1:00pm Tent
Have a hard time opening up and making friends? Not to worry we have got you covered, have a seat at one of our fandom tables and see who else likes the fandom. Don’t see a fandom you like? Not to worry! We also have some blank placement cards for you to put your own fandoms down too. We encourage cosplay meet ups, photo opps, and making great new con friends!
Weapons of Anime: Saturday 10:30am Nuki’s Play Room (Stratus 8)
What’s better than fighting evil and slaying monsters? The weapons you get along the way of course! But like the forgettable side characters you run into, it’s hard to tell them apart. Stop on by and test your knowledge on the many sharp stabbies and pew pews of fantasy.
AMV Contest: Saturday 12:30pm Main Events (Meridian Grand Ballroom)
Do you enjoy anime clips composed to popular music? If so come attend our AMV contest where there are plenty of these types of clips. So come see the best of this years submitted AMVs and see what other anime and music lovers put together for a good laugh and sometimes a good cry.
Cosplay Contest: Saturday 6:30pm Main Events (Meridian Grand Ballroom)
Be transported to the worlds of your favorite anime, manga, and video games through the live performances of our amazing cosplay community. Laugh, cry, and be dazzled by the incredible workmanship and creativity on display!
“Git” Knighted: Friday 2:00pm, Friday 8:00pm Mochi’s Lounge (Stratus 7). Saturday 1:00pm Amari’s Activity Room (Stratus 5/6). Sunday 1:00pm Mochi’s Lounge (Stratus 7).
Will you and 4 teammates be victorious in this 3-day event to test your skills to get knighted?
*If you do not have a team, a team can be provided
Idol Competition: Saturday 4:30pm Main Events (Meridian Grand Ballroom)
Anime Banzai is hosting an Idol Competition but what better way to find the Next Banzai Idol than to have our attendees pick them! Come enjoy Anime Banzai for a Legendary event!
Iron Fan Art: Friday 11:00 am, Saturday 11:00 am, Sunday 12:00pm Amari’s Activity Room (Stratus 5/6)
Iron Fan Art is a fast-paced drawing contest for all ages, with lots of cool prizes to win.
Rules of the contest: The theme is given out right before you start. No references allowed (this means no phones out while drawing). Keep it PG-13. There will be a kids’ division for people ages 13 and under. You are only allowed to use the supplies we provide.
Lip Sync for Your Cosplay With Jez Roth: Friday 3:30 Main Events (Meridian Grand Ballroom)
Do you get your life from performing? That rush of getting on-stage and being fierce? Then you’d better WERK! Lip Sync for Your Cosplay is the high-energy, heads-up dance battle competition where you show us what you’re made of! Two individuals are chosen from the audience to slay it out onstage to a preset playlist of songs. Voguing, death drops, and slaying encouraged!
Poké Trainer Challenge: Champion Edition: Sunday 3:30pm Mochi’s Lounge (Stratus 7)
Do you think you have what it takes to be the very best of the Banzai region? Come the the Pokémon Trainer Challenge: Champion Edition and bring your best team of Pokémon and battle against others to claim the top spot and to get the proud title of Banzai Champion 2023
18+ Informal Dance: Saturday 11:00pm Main Events (Meridian Grand Ballroom)
Are you drawn to the lights and the beat of the music? Then join us for this year’s informal dance! 18+ Wristband Required
Karaoke: Friday 9:00am, Saturday 6:00pm, Nuki’s Play Room (Stratus 8)
From anime openings to showstopper showtunes, this is where you’re meant to be! Belt out the beat to your adoring fans. Grab that mic and let everyone one hear you sing – This is Me!
Mythological Formal Ball, Formal Attire Required: Friday 9:30pm Main Events (Meridian Grand Ballroom)
From Valhalla to Elysium to the Field of Reeds, summon your strength and come dance the night away. Who will be lauded and go down in legend as Banzai’s royalty? Make sure to check out the formal ball rules!
Vintage Dance Lessons with Clockwork and Gears Vintage Dancing: Friday 5:30pm Starlight Lounge (Twilight 1/2)
Clockworks and Gears Vintage Dancing started with a basic waltz and a hat-full of interest. At SteamFest in 2013 with a few acquaintances who quickly became like a crazy family, it was decided that they wanted to continue learning these “old time dances”(1500AD-1950AD). Since then, the repertoire has grown to include dances barely heard of to iconic dances from movies like Pride and Prejudice. Members have been finding, teaching, and preforming these period pieces for audiences at Anime Banzai, SteamFest, Winter Faire, and Utah Renaissance Faire, to name a few.
Warky The Chocobo Keyboard Concert: Saturday 3:00pm Main Events (Meridian Grand Ballroom)
Follow the Chocobo with his mighty tunes of Video Games Awesomeness!
Craft Corner Anime Stained Glass and Ghibli Stitch Card: Sunday 1:00pm Banzai Corner (Atrium)
Learn a creative way to make a stained glass anime image or make a greeting card that has a personal touch of ghibli!
Limited to the first 100 People!
Craft Corner Anime Stockings: Friday 9:30pm Banzai Corner (Atrium)
Some say it is never too early to start preparing for the holiday season. So come make Ghibli or Video Game inspired stockings with us.
Limited to the first 100 People!
Craft Corner Crowns and Sorcerer Hats: Friday 7:30pm Banzai Corner (Atrium)
Top your cosplay off with a crown for the Formal Ball or crowns not your thing? Bring out the Fantasy vibe of the con with one of our Mini Sorcerer Hats.
Limited to the first 100 People!
Craft Corner Fantasy Bracelets: Saturday 5:30pm Banzai Corner (Atrium)
This year the theme of Anime Banzai is Fantasy, to commemorate that come make a bracelet with us.
Limited to the first 100 People!
Craft Corner Norse Divinity Pouch: Saturday 7:30pm Banzai Corner (Atrium)
Odin gave his eye to forecast the future… we made it simpler. Come get your craft supplies to make your runes and pouch so that you too can be a seer.
Limited to the first 100 People!
Craft Corner Pokèdex Folder: Friday 5:30pm Banzai Corner (Atrium)
Have you been having fun at the Poketrainer Challenge? Want a place to store your cards? Look no further all you have to do is come and craft your own Pokèdex!
Limited to the first 100 People!
Craft Corner Rimuru Stuffy: Saturday 9:30pm Banzai Corner (Atrium)
When watching “That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime” how many times have you thought I wish I could have my own Rimuru Slime? While now you can! Make your own fantastical slime buddy that will keep you company all con long!
Limited to the first 100 People!
Make and Take Kitty & Bunny Ears: Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10:30am Banzai Corner (Atrium)
This year, your favorite kitty ear crafting event brings you an added bonus – bunny ears! It’s the Year of the Rabbit, so show your love with your very own pair of bunny ears!
Charity Table
Anime Banzai gives all of us so much, so let’s show how we are ready and willing to pay it forward. There is a silent auction for nerdy quilts and book pillows at this table. All proceeds benefit Hope for Utah. There will also be barrels to donate nonperishable food to the Utah Food Bank. Remember to turn in your pop tabs (from soda and soup cans) at the booth to help us in Anime Banzai’s efforts to help Primary Children’s Hospital buy medical equipment.
Cosplay Contest Check-In: Friday, Saturday 9:00am Hallway
We all know as a cosplayer at a con, your schedule is packed! So, to simplify your life, you only need to stop by the Cosplay Table to sign in for the Cosplay Contest at a time most convenient to you! At-con signups for the Contest will be at the Cosplay Table on Friday, too. But spots go fast!
Formal Ball Photos: Friday 9:00pm Photobooth
Get dressed up in your fanciest attire and get a special free photo taken at the photobooth to commemorate your night.
Hall Cosplay Contest: all weekend in Hallways
Cosplay is hard work, and Anime Banzai wants to recognize your efforts! Our talented and sneaky undercover judges will be wandering the convention awarding ribbons to those who have gone the extra mile to bring our favorite characters to life. No entry necessary.
Idol Competition Check-In: Friday 6:00pm Hallway
Are you signed up for the Idol Competition? Be sure to check in at the Table located across the hall from the Repair Station on Friday evening!
Photobooth: Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10:00am Photobooth
Come and commemorate your weekend with a photo with your choice of backgrounds. This service is FREE! You can send yourself a copy of your photo by email at our sharing station, so you will have a special memory to share or keep for a lifetime.
Repair Station: Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10:00am Repair Station (Hallway)
If you are in need of a quick costume fix, visit our Repair Station over in the hallway near the Atrium. This service is free. Our experts can help you with most minor repairs or even a wig makeover.
Last Chance Scavenger Hunt: Sunday 10:00am Amari’s Activity Room (Stratus 5/6)
Have you been searching all con for that last Scavenger Hunt Member, but you just can’t seem to find them? Have no fear! You have one last chance to earn it … by performing different tasks you can earn that last elusive charm!
Scavenger Hunt Award Ceremony: Sunday 1:30pm Main Events (Meridian Grand Ballroom)
Did you find our Scavenger Hunt characters and collect their charms? If you did, come to this event and win prizes! Whether you found five charms or all of them, you can win prizes from a small trinket to the grand prize. Which prizes you can win depends on how many charms you found. To be eligible for the grand prize, you must have all the charms found at con plus the Scavenger Hunt Picnic Charm and the Pre-Registration Charm.
Scavenger Hunt Charm Count Station: Sunday 11:00am Hallway
Been collecting the Scavenger Hunt charms all weekend? Do you want to win prizes for collecting the charms but hate waiting in that line before the Award Ceremony? Come get your charms counted before the Award Ceremony and just skip to getting your tickets!
Scavenger Hunt Kick off: Friday 2:00pm Main Events (Meridian Grand Ballroom)
You will be tasked to find as many Inuyasha characters as you can. For each character you find, you will get a special item unique to each character. The Scavenger Hunt will not begin until 3:00 pm on Friday after Opening Ceremony has ended and all characters have had a chance to disperse.
Banzai Activity Lounge: Friday, Saturday 8:00am Sunday 8:30am all Located in Banzai Corner (Atrium)
Come hang out and play random games, puzzles and mind teasers. Join in for a few minutes or stay the whole time. Hosted by PawP creations.
The Taiyō Maid Café: Friday, Saturday 11:00 am Tent
We welcome The Taiyo Maid Café to our convention this year! We are the Taiyō maid cafe from Boise, Idaho. We love to provide fun memories for our guests. Card games are our specialty, so come and challenge a maid to a game!
Closing Ceremony: Sunday 6:00pm Main Events (Meridian Grand Ballroom)
Unhappily, all good things must come to an end. But join us for one last hoorah. We’ll be announcing the winners of the anime quilts.
Coloring: Friday 11:30am Mochi’s Lounge (Stratus 7), Friday 5:30pm Tent
Come destress from the hustle and bustle of con for a few minutes and come color with us. Hosted by PawP creations.
Epic Fail’s Whose Line is it Anime: Friday 1:30pm Nuki’s Play Room (Stratus 8)
Whose Line is it Anime? is an improv show brought to you by Epic Fail cosplay. Improv and anime fusion dance into this chaotic B-rated show. “Fun” for the “whole” family!
Feedback Panel: Sunday 9:00am Main Events (Meridian Grand Ballroom)
Something amazing happen this weekend? Something not so awesome? Got some advice, or tips to make things better? We want to hear it all! Come tell the Anime Banzai Volunteer Staff Members what’s on your mind.
Holy Waifu Wars: Saturday 10:00am Starlight Lounge (Twilight 1/2)
Ladies, Gentlemen, Non-Binaries, and Furries everywhere! The time has come once again to answer the single most important question ever asked: Who Is Best Girl? Come and join in this special tournament where the audience decides the winner. Only you can defend the honor of your waifu. Let the battle begin!
Kids Corner: Friday 1:30pm, Saturday 1:30pm, Sunday 4:00pm Banzai Corner (Atrium)
Come all wee ones and enjoy your imagination to draw, color and play. Friday we will be pretending to be knights and princesses. Saturday we will be flying our imaginations as high as they can go as fairies and dragons. Sunday we are making a splash as mermaids and pirates.
Opening Ceremony: Friday 2:00pm Main Events (Meridian Grand Ballroom)
Come to Anime Banzai’s Opening Ceremony to hear what fun this year’s convention holds, and to kick off the con-wide Scavenger Hunt!
Second-Hand Sale: Friday 10:00am Main Events (Meridian Grand Ballroom)
Come to the Second-Hand Sale! We have stuff! We have bargains! We have deals! You know you want all of these!
The Armory: Saturday 4:30pm Amari’s Activity Room (Stratus 5/6)
Come to the armory to create greatness. Make a figure, weapon, armor or whatever else you can think of with our scrapes of crafting materials. Your imagination is the limit. Hosted by PawP creations.
Tournament of Husbandos: Friday 7:00pm Starlight Lounge (Twilight 1/2)
Ladies, Gentlemen, Non-Binaries, and Furries everywhere! The time has come once again to answer the single most important question ever asked, not just for us, but for posterity: Who is the best husbando in all of anime? Come and join in this special tournament where you, the audience, will vote on the winner, eliminating nominees one by one until the greatest husbando is crowned.
18+ World Premiere of: Masque of the Red Death Animatic Screening: Sunday 10:30am Main Events (Meridian Grand Ballroom)
Host: Wendy Pini
“Masque of the Red Death” first appeared as an animated webcomic in 2007. In 2011 Wendy formed a relationship with award-winning theatrical composer Gregory Nabours, to turn the adult-oriented Edgar Allan Poe-based graphic novel into a musical thriller for the stage. After years in development, the musical score is complete and vocals have been recorded. Wendy has created a two-hour animatic (a limited-animation representation of what the complete show could look like) designed mainly to showcase Nabours’ thrilling music. “Masque of the Red Death – A Musical Thriller” is appropriate for age 16 and up. There is brief PG-rated nudity, as well as elements of horror, blood and gore. The story is a powerful boys-love romance. 18+ Wristband Required
18+ Voice Actors After Dark: Saturday 9:30pm Sai’s Hangout (Meridian D)
host: Marissa Lenti, Ry McKeand, Aaron Campbell
There’s just some questions you can’t ask your favorite anime voice actors until it’s after dark. Come and hang out with Marissa Lenti, Ry McKeand and Aaron Campbell as they entertain you totally unfiltered! But be warned– if you lose a coin flip before you ask your Q, the panelists may ask a Q of you! 18+ Wristband Required
18+ Warky After Dark: Saturday 11:30pm Nuki’s Play Room (Stratus 8)
host: Warky
Come see Warky Unplucked in this meet and greet, question and answer panel where anything and everything goes! ^^ 18+ Wristband Required
Adventures in Dubbing: Saturday 3:00pm Sai’s Hangout (Meridian D)
host: Les and Mary Claypool
Join Les and Mary Claypool for a panel packed with over two decades of their personal behind-the-scenes stories. A few of the “too many to list” adventures include: the start of Steve Blum’s VO career, the ridiculous Mel Gibson Christmas Card story, Mary chasing Brayn Cranston out of her office (twice!), “Booth Stories” which include “locking” a claustrophobic actor into a tiny recording booth to get crazed Zoanoid performances in Guyver, Mike Forrest (Star Trek’s Apollo!) and his Orguss 02 “Corn Nuts Incident”, director Kevin Seymour being on the receiving end of one of dubbing’s funniest paybacks and a slew of other unique and entertaining tales that came from dubbing some anime’s most notable titles.
Autographs: Friday, Saturday, Sunday 12:00pm Starlight Lounge (Twilight 1/2)
Join Anime Banzai guests for a FREE autograph. We will be having a Guest signing each day. These are limited to one per day and no Funko Pops.
The Business of Writing: Sunday 5:00pm Mochi’s Lounge (Stratus 7)
host: Keith DeCandido
How you’re responsible for your own career! Learn all the aspects of a writing career that don’t involve actually WRITING.
Creating Fun & Interesting D&D Characters: Friday 9:00am Sai’s Hangout (Meridian D)
host: Sam Sawyer
There’s so much that goes into a D&D character, so where do you start?! Sam Sawyer will walk you through adding creative touches to your characters to make them as awesome as you are in real life.
ElfQuest: America’s First Manga: Friday 6:30pm Main Events (Meridian Grand Ballroom)
host: Wendy Pini
The purpose of the panel will be to demonstrate to anime fans, who possibly have never even heard of it before, ElfQuest’s deep rooted influences from early manga and anime. Among the many visuals will be examples of work by Osamu Tezuka and other well-known manga-ka, as well as the works of Erte and other classic fairy tale illustrators. ElfQuest is unique among fantasy (indeed all) graphic novels and this presentation with show why. Anyone who loves the type of storytelling in anime and manga will love ElfQuest.
Foundations of Worldbuilding: Past Political Tensions and Turmoil: Friday 1:00pm Amari’s Activity Room (Stratus 5/6)
host: Keith DeCandido
How does the history between the countries in your story shape the present of your world? When was the last time anyone declared war, and why? Are those old conflicts truly healed, or do the wounds still fester
From Fan-Fiction to Fan-Reality With Marissa Lenti: Sunday 2:30pm Sai’s Hangout (Meridian D)
host: Marissa Lenti
Do you dream of being a part of the anime industry? Are you a fan artist, fanfiction writer, AMV editor, or anyone else who produces fandom content? You may feel like those things could come back to haunt you, but you couldn’t be further from the truth! There are some things you should know, though. Come talk with Marissa Lenti about how producing fan content can help you in the long run, how to transition into professional work, and how fanwork played a part in her journey to the anime industry.
From Fan to Professional: How to Become a Voice Actor: Saturday 3:00pm Amari’s Hangout
host: Ry McKeand
Join guest Ry McKeand as he tells his journey from fan to professional voice actor. Get your pens ready for all the tips and tricks to make the same journey yourself!
How to Do Conventions Full Time: Saturday 8:30pm Nuki’s Play Room (Stratus 8)
host: Sam Sawyer
Join Sam Sawyer as she gives tips and tricks on how to turn your awesome content into cash by working at conventions full time.
How to Create Your Own Tarot Deck: Friday 10:30pm Sai’s Hangout (Meridian D)
host: Sam Sawyer
A tarot deck is full of imagery, symbolism, and meaning. Sam Sawyer will show you how to take each of those and put your own unique spin on them.
Hypnotism with Gabriel Holmes: Friday 5:00pm Main Events (Meridian Grand Ballroom)
host: Gabrial Holmes
Performed for Nike, Best Buy, Ohio State, Columbia University, University of Minnesota & hundreds of high schools and fundraisers. Gabriel has performed over 1600 shows to date all over North America over the last 17 years. He received his undergraduate from Bucknell University and his hypnosis training in Boston. Gabriel’s high energy and fabulous imagination creates an unforgettable show that audience members will truly love.
It Gets Better with Warky: Saturday 4:30pm Ban’s Fantasy Land (Stratus 9)
host: Warky
LGBTQ-centric affirmations, coping, and topical conversations.
Karaoke with the Guests: Sunday 4:00pm Main Events (Meridian Grand Ballroom)
host: Bonnie Gordon
Sing karaoke with the guests!
Kenshin Taiko Drummers: Friday 7:30pm Tent
host: Kenshin Taiko
We welcome Kenshin Taiko to our convention this year! Kenshin Taiko is a Salt Lake City based group of drummers who help to keep the spirit of Japanese culture and drumming alive.
Let’s Battle! Versus Marissa Lenti: Friday 4:00pm – 7:00pm Video Gaming
host: Marissa Lenti
Come and take on Marissa Lenti in a Pokémon battle! Watch others compete and try to win against one of three monotype Gym Leader teams based on ones previously run by Marissa at the PAX Pokémon League. Winners will be gifted a badge while supplies last. Previous champions seeking a rematch can request a team to battle in order to collect all the badges by showing their previously won badge! (A Switch and a copy of Pokémon Sword or Shield are needed to compete. This panel is NOT affiliated in any way with official Pokémon Company battle events—just for fun!)
Lip Sync for Your Cosplay With Jez Roth: Friday 3:30pm Main Events (Meridian Grand Ballroom)
host: Jez Roth
Do you get your life from performing? That rush of getting on-stage and being fierce? Then you’d better WERK! Lip Sync for Your Cosplay is the high-energy, heads-up dance battle competition where you show us what you’re made of! Two individuals are chosen from the audience to slay it out onstage to a preset playlist of songs. Voguing, death drops, and slaying encouraged!
Magnitude 8 Post: The Technology Behind Our Decades of Dubs: Sunday 9:00Am Sai’s Hangout (Meridian D)
host: Les Claypool
From the humble beginnings of a hard rock guitar player maxing out credit cards to cluelessly buy semi-recording gear for his funky garage “studio”, to eventually owning multiple, fully outfitted, post-production recording studios that specialized in dubbing anime and games was quite an amusing technological journey. Join Les Claypool for a panel packed full of behind-the-scenes photos, scans and stories documenting the whole wild ride. This occasionally random, sometimes ridiculous, and always expensive trip includes: using a little 8-track analog take deck (with original track sheet scans) showing how crazy it was attempting to find track space for all of the actors in those early episodes, coming up with the first “high tech” helmet voice process, having to buy a new profit killing digital tape deck for Ghost in the Shell, the first (less than reliable) computer based systems, numerous studio photos, the insane amount of gear that ended up in e-waste, and how the last project of the studio before closing ended up being about as low-tech as possible to achieve the highest quality end result!
MHA – Plus Ultra Trivia: Sunday 3:00pm Nuki’s Play Room (Stratus 8)
host: Aaron Campbell
Think you know everything about My Hero Academia? Are you the go-to person in your friend group for MHA trivia? Test your knowledge and challenge your friends in this team-based trivia game hosted by Aaron Campbell, the voice actor for Pro Hero Majestic and Kotaro Shimura.
The Dawn of Anime In the US: Sunday 9:00 am Nuki’s Play Room (Stratus 8)
Host: Bryan Young
Listen to our panel of guests discuss the beginnings of anime’s popularity in the US, from Robotech and Ranma 1/2 to Ninja Scroll, Akira, and beyond. Learn what it was like the dark ages of VHS and rental stores and how things have changed.
The One Piece is Reeeeeeeeal: Saturday 10:00am Main Events (Meridian Grand Ballroom)
host: Aaron Campbell
Calling all avid One Piece fans! Whether you follow the manga religiously, enjoy the anime, or simply love the world of One Piece, this panel is tailor-made for you. Join Aaron Campbell, the voice actor behind the Big Mom pirates’ Charlotte Perospero and Napoleon, as we dive deep into the One Piece universe and vibe together like a true crew.
Q&A – Anything Goes: Friday 10:30am Ban’s Fantasy Land (Stratus 9)
host: Aaron Campbell
Do you have burning questions about anime, acting, or even fan theories? Get ready for an hour of anonymous and in-person Q&A, commentary, and all-around eccentricity with anime voice actor Aaron Campbell. No topic is off-limits, and anything goes!
Q&A With Ry McKeand: Friday 3:30pm Ban’s Fantasy Land (Stratus 9)
host: Ry McKeand
Known for his roles in AMAIM Warrior at the Borderline, Mobile Suit Gundam: the Witch from Mercury, The Prince of Tennis, and Black Clover, join guest Ry McKeand as he answers all your questions!
Star Wars and It’s Japanese Influences – From Hidden Fortress to Star Wars Visions : Saturday 10:30am Mochi’s Lounge (Stratus 7)
host: Bryan Young
George Lucas made no secret of his love of anime and Japanese cinema over his years of making Star Wars, and all of his proteges have done the same. Star Wars expert Bryan Young pulls back the curtain and shows you just how influential Japanese cinema and anime can be on one of the biggest pop culture forces in the world.
Vintage Dance Lessons with Clockwork and Gears Vintage Dancing: Friday 5:30pm Starlight Lounge (Twilight 1/2)
host: Clockworks and Gears Vintage Dancing
Clockworks and Gears Vintage Dancing started with a basic waltz and a hat-full of interest. At SteamFest in 2013 with a few acquaintances who quickly became like a crazy family, it was decided that they wanted to continue learning these “old time dances”(1500AD-1950AD). Since then, the repertoire has grown to include dances barely heard of to iconic dances from movies like Pride and Prejudice. Members have been finding, teaching, and preforming these period pieces for audiences at Anime Banzai, SteamFest, Winter Faire, and Utah Renaissance Faire, to name a few.
Voice Acting 101: Friday 8:30pm Ban’s Fantasy Land (Stratus 9)
host: Aaron Campbell
Are you intrigued by voice acting but unsure where to begin? Join Aaron Campbell, an anime voice actor, as he guides you through the ins and outs of this rapidly growing and ever-evolving industry.
Warky The Chocobo Keyboard Concert: Saturday 3:00pm Main Events (Meridian Grand Ballroom)
host: Warky
Follow the Chocobo with his mighty tunes of Video Games Awesomeness!
Watching Movies to Make You a Better Writer: Saturday 1:00pm Sai’s Hangout (Meridian D)
host: Bryan Young
We all watch movies, but decoding, analyzing, and understanding movies can help us become better storytellers, no matter what medium we tell our stories in. In this class, Bryan Young will show you techniques used in the cinema and how you can adapt them to your writing style to make it more effective and keep you learning for your entire life.
What is BattleTech?: Saturday 12:00pm Nuki’s Play Room (Stratus 8)
host: Bryan Young
BattleTech is a tabletop game and video game series (under the name MechWarrior) that has roots in Japanese animation (learn how!) and has been around for more than 40 years. It’s experiencing a renaissance right now. Come learn about the world and the game from an author of current books.
Writing Tie-In Fiction: Friday 9:00am Amari’s Activity Room (Stratus 5/6)
Host: Bryan Young
Writing fiction in major franchises can be a lot of fun. Join us to talk with tie-in writers who have worked in universes ranging from BattleTech, Doctor Who, and Robotech to Star Trek, World of Warcraft, and Star Wars.
