Let's Talk Anime Expo: How 2022 Went and My Hopes for 2023

Anime Expo 2022

Boy, oh freaking boy. Do I have some stuff to talk about regarding Anime Expo. (Anime Expo 2023 is basically a week away from when this post goes up...🫠)

Anime Expo will be referred to as "AX" from here on out.

Today, I'm going to focus on AX 2022 and my hopes for AX 2023. Then, in my post on July 23, 2023, I will focus on how AX 2023 actually went. ("Let's Talk Anime Expo: How 2023 Went" will be linked at the end of this post once it goes up next month.)

Anime Expo Logo

How did 2022 go, in a single phrase for an overall description? Not up to normal AX standards.
Why? While I enjoyed my time at AX 2022, there was still a good 10-20% of it that felt disorganized, ill-planned, and ill-executed. I have gone into detail about this in a video on my YouTube channel, which is linked below.

Here were some of my main issues with AX 2022:
  1. The "obligatory" mask mandate was not enforced, even though they said it would be.
    1. My mother, who's high-risk, and sister both caught Covid at and because of Anime Expo. With an event happening in an enclosed, indoor space, no matter how big, a mask mandate should be enforced.
  2. The crowds were absolutely insane.
    1. I've been going to AX since 2012. This will be my 10th year going. I know to expect crowds. Bu AX 2022's crowds were insane and not properly managed.
  3. Some of the panels - especially the ticketed ones - were not marketed very well as "ticketed."
    1. The AX app did make this easier, but there were a few panels I was interested in and went to check out, only to find out at the panel's doors that it was ticketed.
As I said, I did overall enjoy my time at AX 2022. However, that 10-20% that wasn't as good really was a lot in comparison to previous years.

Some Anime Expo 2022 Merchandise

Now that all that's out, what are some of my hopes for 2023? Here are a couple, with no explanation.
  1. Mask mandate that's actually enforced unless eating or drinking
  2. Better crowd management
  3. More advertisement for panels, with some sort of obvious note which panels are ticketed
  4. More places available to simply sit and rest
  5. Better organized Exhibit Hall and Artists' Alley
Anime Expo 2023

Let's Talk Anime Expo: How 2023 Actually Went (link to come)

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