AlmaCon Features Anime, Pop Culture Panels, Artists, Games
The Alma College Otaku Gamers (ACOG) will once again host visitors from across the state for AlmaCon, the student organization’s annual anime and pop culture convention with panels, artists, dealers, games and dancing.
Festivities will run from Friday, Jan. 27 through Sunday, Jan 29 on the Alma College campus. Hours are 5 p.m. Friday to 1 a.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. Saturday to 1 a.m. Sunday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $10 and will be available at the registration table located in the first-floor lobby of Swanson Academic Center.
AlmaCon attendance in recent years has ranged from 750 to 1,200. This year, more than 300 have pre-registered for the convention —a sharp increase in pre-registrations from past years.
Several artists and dealers will be present. Potential articles available for purchase include artistic prints, statues, plush dolls, pins, clothing, props, toys, notebooks and much more.
Also scheduled are panel discussions with guests, attendees and staff members. Well-known guests include Valerie Arem, Cup of Squirrel, Bryce Papenbrook, Tony Oliver, Jàd Saxton, Comfort Love and Adam Withers.
Several rooms will be dedicated to anime, video and tabletop games. Cosplay will be another big event throughout the weekend.
Friday evening activities include a rave, and on Saturday evening there will be a masquerade ball. Admission to each of these events is $7 for singles and $10 for couples.
All AlmaCon proceeds go toward ACOG’s Relay for Life team donation to the American Cancer Society. These proceeds include admission fees and the earnings made from a charity auction where willing artists and dealers donate goods to be auctioned off. Last year’s donation to the American Cancer Society was around $7,500.