Event Listing
Well, what would a convention be without anything to do? Ai-Kon has a variety of panels, demonstrations and events planned to make sure you'll always have something new and interesting to pass the time. Whether you want to learn something new, spend some cash on merchandise you can't find elsewhere, chat with other fans about anime related topics, or just chill out and meet new people over a cup of tea, we'll do our best in forming an environment that has something for everyone.
Of course, we've got all of the mainstays on the convention menu. We're equipped with several viewing rooms to showcase both animated and live action entertainment from Asia, with a schedule set up with programs enjoyable for people new to the scene, as well as people who've already seen it all. Our Vendors' Room is stacked with all sorts of unique, imported good up for purchase, as well as the Artists' Gallery, which brings in talent from kilometers around. The games room is set up with gaming booths both state-of-the-art, as well as set up for the types of imported games that never make it to North America, and how would we be complete without a masquerade where attendees in costume can compare their hard work and be judged in front of a rowdy audience.
After the Cosplay Masquerade, Saturday night is wrapped up with a dance where you can groove to the rhythms of your selected tunes. Our DJ's equipped with all the house and dance music you'd expect, but don't be afraid to request your favorite anime or J-music songs. We wouldn't be an anime con if we weren't prepared for that!
Ai-Kon Opening Ceremonies
Come and meet our special guests and enjoy some local Asian-themed entertainment!
Ai-Kon Dance 2010
Get ready to party on Saturday night at the annual Ai-Kon dance! Our DJ will have an awesome line-up of anime, video game and J-tunes to get you moving. Be sure to bring your Ai-Kon badges and glow sticks!
Ai-Kon Rock Concert 2010
Featuring KLH & MODE 7!
See your favorite Anime songs performed by local Anime fans. Two bands will be performing a wide selection of songs from anime and video games.
Performing for the second time at Ai-Kon is ‘KLH’ with an acoustic show of some of their favorite Yoko Kanno English language songs, mainly from the Cowboy Bebop soundtrack.
New to Ai-kon is 'Mode 7', an instrumental rock band from Winnipeg that pays tribute to the music of video games. They are known for their fun stage presence, a mesmerizing barrage of leads & improv solos, and large repertoire of music from classic series such as Super Mario Bros., Legend of Zelda, Mega Man, F-Zero, Sonic the Hedgehog, Final Fantasy, and much much more.
Anime Music Video Contest
Ai-Kon will have another great lineup of music videos to show this year. And if you’ve created some anime music videos of your own, be sure to enter them for a chance to win some great prizes!
More info is available on our forums.
Anime LARP
No weapons. All you have to do is step into the shoes and stay in character as your favourite anime character as you lose yourself in fun and madness. The story will be directed by the story master who will dictate this mayhem!
Ball-Jointed Dolls
Just about ball-jointed dolls. A small presentation will introduce BJD to those new to the hobby -- learn what they're made of, the companies that make them, and how to care for them. Owners of BJD with expertise will be available to answer your questions. It will then be followed by a BJD meet. So please bring your resin beauties -- We'd love to meet them!
Cosplay Masquerade Ball
Cosplay your favourite anime characters in elegant gowns, dresswear and masks. Inspired by Final Fantasy VIII waltz scene, dance under the stars (aka. dimmed lights) with that special someone.
Designing Aiko
A discussion and Q&A panel on the design of the Ai-Kon mascot, Aiko. We will be touching on selection criteria and what we look for each year for the mascot contest!
Forum Meet & Greet
A chance for members of the Ai-Kon forum to be able to introduce themselves to everyone else and hangout. Make friends and have someone to hang out with! Forum prizes will also be given out.
Getting Involved with Ai-Kon
Learn ways you can help with Ai-Kon. An information, question and answer panel lead by the current committee.
Japanese Street Fashion 101
An informative overview of some of the different styles and fashion in Japan. Check out a video of the kinds of fashions trending the streets of Japan followed with a fashion show!
Let’s Dance! 
Anime Dance Tutorials
(check your showing schedule for times)
Tailor me Cosplay!
Tips and guides to making, planning cosplays, bit of tailoring, styling wigs, and cosplay etiquette. Will also discuss about what people think the do’s and don’ts of cosplay are and little cosplay photoshoot tips.
Ikebana: The Art of Flower Arranging
Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement. More than simply putting flowers in a container, Ikebana is a disciplined art form in which nature and humanity are brought together. Contrary to the idea of floral arrangement as a collection of particolored or multicolored arrangement of blooms, Ikebana often emphasizes other areas of the plant, such as its stems and leaves, and draws emphasis towards shape, line, form. Though ikebana is a creative expression, it has certain rules governing its form. Learn more about these rules during this demonstration.
Shodo: Japanese Calligraphy
Shodo is a form of calligraphy, or artistic writing, of the Japanese language. Learn the art of this calligraphy and how to write your name in this workshop. This panel will only have enough supplies for 20 participants.
Open Mic!
A venue for Ai-Kon goers to share their non-cosplay creative talents! As the cosplay/skits competition will be strictly no microphone this year, tThis will be an opportunity for con-goers to share their anime/manga related poetry, short stories, comedy, songs, and other verbal arts/entertainment with other con-goers.
Origami: An Art
The MJCCC's Origami club welcomes you to try the art of Origami. Your goal: to transform a flat sheet of material into a finished sculpture through folding and sculpting techniques. Learn how to do it at this panel! If you already know, just join in to have fun with Origami.
Pokémon DS Battle
A tournament using the Pokemon DS video games. Entrants would be using their own DS and game card.
Sushi & Onigiri Workshop
Only $6 for a panel and lunch! Sign up at the Registration Desk.
Ai-Kon Closing Ceremonies
We couldn’t have done it without you! Come as we say our thanks and farewells to wrap up another successful Ai-Kon year!
Now for 2010...
Want to run a panel or host an event at Ai-kon?
We can offer time on the schedule and a room to host your panel/event in, with tables and chairs if required, along with free day passes* for the day of your panel/event so you and your organizers** can enjoy the rest of the con before or after your schedule panel/event. We can also offer the following equipment for your use:
- Digital Projector
- White Screen
- Sound System with Microphone
All other equipment would have to be brought in by the panel/event organizer(s).
Simply fill in the following proposal form and email it to
panels@ai-kon.org.
Ai-Kon Fan-Run Panel/Event Proposal Form
Name of Panel/Event:
Names, E-mails and Phone Numbers of Organizers:
Equipment Required from Ai-Kon:
Equipment to be Brought in by Organizers:
Description of the Panel/Event:
Estimated time, including Set-up and Tear-down:
Format (including number of Participants/Contestants):
Rules (if applicable):
Scoring (if applicable):
Prizes (if applicable):
Why this event would be a good addition to Ai-Kon:
* Day passes are only valid from 9am the day of the panel/event until 2am the next day.
** Day passes are offered to organizers within reasonable numbers. We do reserve the right to refuse an organizer a day pass. We do not offer reimbursements if a pass is purchased.
