Anime Expo Signs on for Five Years at Los Angeles Convention Center

June 29, 2015

Launched in 1992, Anime Expo, which promotes Japanese Pop Culture and the arts related to Japanese Animation, recently signed on to be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center through 2019.

The show, on tap July 2-5 and owned by the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation, the show is billed as the largest anime convention in North America, with 100,000 attendees expected at this year’s event.

In 2014, the show attracted 80,000 attendees, and in 2013, the show drew 61,000 attendees.

 “2015 marks Anime Expo’s 24th year and we are excited for another successful event in Los Angeles; the show has consistently grown in all aspects over the years and we’ve found a very welcoming and supportive home in Los Angeles,” said Marc Perez, CEO of The Society for SPJA.

With all of the attendees, Anime Expo has a significant economic impact on the city of Los Angeles.

“Los Angeles is excited to welcome Anime Expo back to the L.A. Convention Center for the next five years," Mayor Eric Garcetti said. 

He added, "L.A. is the creative capital of the world and a perfect home for North America's largest anime and manga convention.  We value our partnership with The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation and the Anime Expo (SPJA), which generates $55 million for our local economy every year." 

According to the Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board, downtown Los Angeles has experienced exponential growth, especially with new hotels

“Los Angeles is booming right now, especially the Downtown L.A. area. In recent years, heavy investment in the area has led to an upswing of businesses and developments, as well as to the consistent addition of hotels surrounding the Convention Center,” said Ernest Wooden Jr., president and CEO of LATCB.

AEG Facilities oversees the LACC and the entire facility will be utilized for Anime Expo.

“We’re very pleased that Anime Expo has selected the LACC for its upcoming events, including next year’s milestone 25th anniversary,  which is a great achievement for our Center and for the City alike,” said Brad Gessner, AEG Facilities senior vice president and general manager for LACC. 

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