Status Active Location(s) Rosemont, Illinois Inaugurated 2011 | Venue Hyatt Regency O'Hare Country United States | |
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Genre Anime, Japanese Culture, Video Gaming | ||
Anime Midwest is an annual three-day anime convention held during July at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare in Rosemont, Illinois. The convention is held in the same location as Anime Central. The convention has invited guests from Japan and including Japanese animation studios and Lolita fashion designers, and has been featured on ABC News Chicago.
Contents
Programming
The convention typically offers anime screenings, an artist alley, concerts, cosplay masquerade contest, date auction, dealers room, fan panels, formal dance, guest autographs, karaoke, Maid Cafe, rave dances, video game tournaments, and workshops. The convention hosts a free ConSweet with free ramen noodles, rice, oatmeal, and soda for attendees.
ConSweet
Anime Midwest offers a ConSweet similar to the "ConSuite" held at DragonCon and CONvergence. Midwest's ConSweet is not held in a hotel suite, hence the name change from ConSuite to ConSweet. Instead Anime Midwest's ConSweet is put in the conference wing of the Hyatt Regency O'Hare. For all three days of the convention attendees can obtain Mt. Dew and Maruchan cup ramen noodles.
Maid Cafe
Anime Midwest's maid cafe is called the Fleur Royale Maid Cafe, and includes maids that work exclusively for Anime Midwest's maid cafe. The maids wear matching uniforms, and perform a scripted performance for all customers. The cafe's menu includes cakes supplied by the hotel and drinks including soda and tea.
Concerts
Anime Midwest features concerts each year, with their first concert featuring Otaku band LeetStreet Boys. The past two year's concerts have been headlined by Steam Powered Giraffe. Performers often include Nerdcore rappers or bands related to Otaku culture.
History
Anime Midwest moved to the Hyatt Regency O'Hare in Rosemont, Illinois for 2013. The convention in 2015 had long registration line waits.
Collaborations
In 2012 Anime Midwest sponsored a cosplay prom.