In this issue, there’s an ad for Anime Expo 1993 at the Oakland Convention Center. For people who first went to AX in the 2000s like me, AX was not just in the LA area. My favorite location was when AX was held in Anaheim. Having the hotels connected to immense Anaheim convention center made the large con feel more close and interactive. My first AX was 2003 so that’s my point of reference.
In 1993, the con was still a 3-day convention. A 3-day pass was $40. Today in 2012 a 4-day pass ranges from $45 to $75 depending on time of purchase. That is still a bargain based on nearly 20 years of inflation. I wish hotel rates were in the same range – 1993 price for a double room was $69.
The core of convention programming has stayed very much the same in the past 20 years for anime cons. Panel programming, dealers room, autograph sessions, meet the guest reception, gaming, masquerade, art show, art auction, video tracks and karaoke. Main programming concerts and AMV contests have yet to become a mainstay in programming.
Take a look at the Guest of Honors and American Guests – all important and influential in spreading the anime lifestyle to North America and beyond.
Bonus guest was PIXAR before they were PIXAR.
Bubblegum Crisis is on the cover for this issue.
First Appearance Ads: TARA Releasing
Leave a Reply