UlasanAnime.com – The author recounts their experience attending both Animethon and Anirevo 2024 over a single weekend, a decision influenced by a strong guest lineup for Animethon and logistical considerations for travel from Vancouver to Edmonton.
The journey began on a Monday with a severe rainstorm in the US Northeast, impacting travel plans. The author flew American Airlines from EWR to Vancouver on a Thursday night, facing significant delays due to equipment issues. A planned one-hour layover at DFW dwindled to mere minutes, requiring a rushed transfer between terminals. Fortunately, the subsequent flight to Vancouver (YVR) was also delayed due to mechanical problems, allowing the author to make their connection. However, this resulted in a late arrival in Vancouver, with only about two hours of sleep before a 6 AM flight to Edmonton (YEG) on Friday.
The author analyzed the schedules of both conventions, noting that Anirevo’s Friday schedule appeared lighter, featuring the opening ceremony, an Oshi no Ko panel, and an autograph session with Igoma. In contrast, Animethon in Edmonton boasted a concert by Sally Amaki, a panel and autograph session with Konomi Suzuki, and an autograph session with KIHOW. The author also pointed out that all guests would be present at the Animethon opening ceremony, presenting an opportunity to meet more people and experience Edmonton for the first time.
The flight from Vancouver to Edmonton was with Flair Airlines, a Canadian low-cost carrier. While the flight itself was uneventful, the author noted the airline’s poor communication regarding delays. Customers without carry-on baggage were required to check in at the desk, leading to an earlier arrival at the airport than necessary. The flight was eventually delayed by an hour due to crew timeout, a fact learned only two hours before departure, meaning more sleep could have been obtained. Attempts to catch up on sleep at the gate were met with varying success.
Flair Airlines’ service schedule between YVR and YEG primarily consisted of early morning, late-night, and one daytime flight. This schedule might suit day-trippers to conventions but means limited airport services during off-peak hours. Upon arrival in downtown Edmonton, the author was able to pick up their badge at Animethon quickly and attend the opening ceremony.
Animethon implemented an online autograph lottery system for the first time. Attendees needed to purchase a badge online to receive a personalized link for reserving autograph sessions. This system generally worked well, though the author suggested improvements, such as closer monitoring of line progression. Autograph lines for Konomi Suzuki and KIHOW on Friday moved very quickly, and it was uncertain if all standby attendees were able to secure autographs.
Animethon saw approximately 16,000 attendees this year. The author observed that Edmonton, lacking significant youth-oriented activities or nightlife, seems to be leveraging the convention as a way to engage with young people. This approach aligns with similar efforts by other local governments to support younger demographics through events like anime conventions. The opening ceremony included local politicians echoing this sentiment, and it was suggested that this increased support might contribute to Animethon’s significantly expanded guest list in 2024.
Operating on minimal sleep (2-3 hours) negatively impacted the author’s convention experience. Their departure flight at 10:20 PM necessitated leaving the convention around 8 PM. This allowed them to attend Sally Amaki’s concert and even participate in a group photo, noting that Sally’s performances always bring a smile. The author reflected that the cost of this trip, involving a low-cost carrier flight and rideshare services between two geographically distant Canadian cities, was reasonable. They considered it a worthwhile side trip.
Anirevo on Saturday and Sunday proved to be more demanding, with a heavier emphasis on lines. The author had no early morning commitments, allowing for badge pickup and breakfast along the Vancouver downtown waterfront. The Oshi no Ko live recording panel was described as intense, recreating the afureko (dubbing) environment to the point of feeling like work or somewhat tedious. While the acting was enjoyable, lengthy discussions about edits and directions for demo cuts became tiresome, and the overlapping directions made it challenging to follow.
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Anirevo’s autograph system mirrored the previous year, with premium badges offering priority lines and capped sessions. Badge checking was more rigorously enforced to prevent line-hopping, with suspicions that some offenders from the previous year were present in Edmonton. This year marks the last time Anirevo will offer this premium badge perk. For the three Oshi no Ko voice actors, attendees could obtain shikishi or have their badges/programs signed. Merchandise could be signed for ZAQ and TRUE. The author generally had a positive experience.
Due to the cost incurred by attending Animethon, the author had to prioritize Igoma’s autograph on Sunday, which meant missing TRUE’s panel and autograph session. Nevertheless, they were able to attend ZAQ’s panel on Sunday and obtain autographs from ZAQ, Rumi, Igoma, and Megumi Han. The author noted that they last saw Megumi Han at Animazement 2013 and expressed admiration for her rapid rise to prominence as a major voice actress in Japan, considering her to be in the top 10% or higher of the industry.
The main event at Anirevo was the Saturday Night Concert, featuring the Animusix brand. ZAQ and TRUE performed, though the author and their friends found the performance “okay, if good,” but not as exhilarating as TRUE’s Calgary set or a typical ZAQ performance. The author felt the cover songs, including ZAQ’s rendition of “Tutti” and “Guitar to Kodoku to Aoi Hoshi,” were particularly noteworthy.
Overall, aside from fatigue and the financial outlay, attending two conventions in one weekend presented no major drawbacks. The author estimated spending approximately $100 USD on convention badges, including a VIP badge for Sally and a 3-day badge, plus another $200 on flights and rideshares. The anxiety of potentially missing their DFW connection was the most stressful aspect, leading to a lesson learned about potentially working at the airport during future layovers.
Regarding dining in Vancouver, the author mentioned visiting FIFTYLAN and enjoying a Shanghainese dinner on Sunday. On Saturday, they dined at a seafood restaurant, not influenced by guests who visited the same place in 2023. The author noted an interesting bear statue and appreciated the restaurant’s location in a tourist-friendly, walkable area with bay/riverside views. The late-night happy hour, starting at 9 PM, was deemed ideal for post-event gatherings.
On Saturday, the author visited Japadogs near Waterfront station and encountered Anirevo staff purchasing food for guests, causing a significant wait. They also patronized an expensive but pleasant cafe down the street, which was full of foxes.
On Friday, the author had a relaxing and uncrowded lunch at Animethon with a friend. The meal was expensive, exceeding the cost of Sally Amaki’s VIP event, but enjoyable. The restaurant had a history of a famous steakhouse that went bankrupt. Most importantly, the author felt significantly better after the meal, emphasizing the importance of self-care during travel.
