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!

Planning for Ai-Kon 2008 is currently underway. Here is a list of things to come, with a lot more to be added!

Ai-Kon Opening Ceremonies

Come and meet our special guests and enjoy some local Asian-themed entertainment!

Ai-Kon Dance

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!

Anime Music Video Contest/Showcase

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!

Click here for contest rules and information.

Anime Rock Concert

See your favorite Anime songs performed by local Anime fans. Two bands will be performing a wide selection of songs including songs from Chrono Cross, Haruhi Suzimiya, Bleach, Death Note, and much more!

BJDs Branching Out

Exploring the Creative Side of Ball-Jointed Dolls

Asian ball-jointed dolls: the poseable, customizable dolls from across the ocean! Looking for a doll to make your own? Completely unique and one-of-a-kind? You can do it! See what collectors all over the world are creating with the help of talented artists and established doll companies alike. Imagination abounds in the lands of ABJD!

Getting Involved with Ai-Kon

Learn ways you can help with Ai-Kon. An information, question and answer panel lead by the current committee.

Hare Hare Yukai!: Dance Tutorial

Have you ever wanted to learn Hare Hare Yukai, the ending theme song dance of The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya? Having trouble learning it yourself? Ever wanted to do the dance with a group of people? Well now you can!

How to Cosplay: For Beginners

Do you have a great cosplay idea but are aren't certain how to begin? Are you in need of cosplay tips? This panel will inform new cosplayers the locations of Winnipeg stores great for cosplay materials, web sites for help, tutorials and supplies, what materials to use for different sorts of costumes, patterns, some basic prop making and wig styling tips, and more!

Introduction to Go

Go is a fascinating board game that originated in China more than 4,000 years ago. Also known as baduk, wei ch'i, weiqi and igo, it is played by millions of people world-wide, including Canada and the United States.

ParaPara!

ParaPara is a Japanese form of a popular solo dance featuring specific, preset movements for each song, with dancers doing the same moves all at once. In addition to a description of the history of ParaPara in Japan to date, the panel will also focus on the current TechPara craze. The dancers will demonstrate solo and group dance techniques currently seen in ParaPara Clubs in Tokyo.

Pokethon!

Bring your Nintendo DS and Pokemon Diamond or Pearl to trade and do battle with other Ai-Kon Pokefans!

Sushi & Onigiri Panel

Only $6 for a panel and lunch! Sign up at the registration desk.