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What is ACen?

Anime Central (ACen) is Chicago’s and the Midwest’s largest anime, manga and Japanese popular culture convention. The convention is currently held in Rosemont, IL, less than 30 minutes from downtown Chicago.

As part of its mission, ACen brings fans together with guests from the Japanese and US sectors of the anime and manga industry, as well as gaming, cinema, and Asian culture personalities. The event includes a huge exhibit hall, a massive video game room, concerts, dances, educational panels and workshops, premiere screenings, autograph sessions, 24-hour video rooms, tabletop gaming and much, much more!

For more details see the Location page.

Latest News

Special Needs / ADA Compliance

Posted Sat, 01/21/2012 - 21:17 by frzndaqiri

Welcome to Anime Central 2012.

We’ve got an exciting convention planned for you this year, and for those who may have a mobility issue, a medical condition that could become a hindrance over the weekend or any similar circumstance, we have an entire department dedicated to making sure that you won’t have to miss a single minute of the fun. Simply stop by one of our conveniently located Special Needs Help Desks, and we’ll fill you in on all of the different ways we’ve removed the barriers.Read more

Press Badge Rules and Application

Posted Mon, 01/16/2012 - 00:00 by admin

Welcome to another exciting year at Anime Central Press!!!

Press registration is now open. Please click to read the full details and rules before applying.Read more

Hotel Information

Posted Sat, 10/01/2011 - 12:23 by frzndaqiri

Hotel Update

Announcement: Hilton, Aloft, and Comfort Inn room blocks are AVAILABLE. Hyatt and Doubletree are ALMOST FULL- only a handful of King rooms available! Embassy Suites is FULL!
Read more

ACen 2012 Masquerade

Posted Mon, 01/09/2012 - 11:23 by frzndaqiri

The Masquerade is here!

Interested in showing off your costume on the big stage or entertaining your fellow con-goers?

Interested in participating?Read more

2012 Cosplay Gatherings

Posted Thu, 01/05/2012 - 17:55 by frzndaqiri

Have a costume that you want to show off? Looking for related cosplayers to hang out with in one easy to find location for the paparazzi to photograph you? Then look no further than the Cosplay submissions form for 2012!Read more