Anime Expo is the next major convention to bow out from holding a physical show this year.

Revealed today, Anime Expo Lite will return for another virtual gathering during the July 4th weekend. People who choose to roll over their tickets to 2021’s installment will have them rolled over to next year’s event.

2021 is the 30th anniversary of Anime Expo, which began as AnimeCon in San Jose, California. Leading up to the convention, staff members will be sharing stories and photos with the hashtag #AnimeExpo30th. You can check out the entire statement below.

With the continued uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, it is apparent that we will not be able to safely hold a physical show this July for Anime Expo 2021.

We will miss gearing up for a full weekend of parading around the LACC and reuniting with friends just as much as you will, but we take comfort in knowing this separation is only temporary and that it’s the right thing to do. While we’re not able to meet in-person, we still want to celebrate 2021 in honor of our 30th anniversary, and we will continue to share stories, photos, and memories with #AnimeExpo30th!

As previously announced, all attendee badge holders and Artist Alley table packages have been refunded as part of our transition to a new registration system. If you opted to roll over, don’t worry! You’ll still get priority access when registration is available in the future. Exhibitors who opted to rebook from 2020 to 2021 will receive more information via email.

And yes, Anime Expo Lite will return on July 4th weekend! While we know that nothing can ever fully replicate the magic of in-person events, we recognize that online communities have long been an integral part of Anime Expo’s culture. Anime Expo has been streamed since 2017 and will continue to be part of the experience. As always, we’re seeking fresh, engaging content for you to enjoy, and we hope you’ll join us! Be sure to sign up for email updates to learn more.

We continue to strive towards bringing you new, exciting things and can’t wait to share them with all of you in the future!

We thank each and every one of you for being a part of our wonderful community. Anime Expo will be back again in the future thanks to all your love and support.

 

Be safe and stay well,

Ray Chiang

CEO

The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation