We are pleased to welcome bestselling author Laura VanArendonk Baugh to AWX 2015! Laura is the author of the award-winning Kitsune Tales, a fantasy series based on Japanese folklore, as well as Con Job, a murder mystery set at a convention (don’t worry, we’ll try not to reenact any scenes from that book at our con!).

Laura will be presenting a seminar on Japanese folklore in anime and manga, as well as speaking about writing and publishing. Read more on our guest page, or check out LauraVanArendonkBaugh.com for more information.

If you would like to sell art or handmade goods in our Artist Alley, you can now submit your application. AA registration is open only from January 21 through February 4, so make sure to get your submission in soon! More information here.

Attention, vendors! If you would like to reserve a booth to sell merchandise in our vendor hall, you can now submit your application! Please see the Vendors page for more information.

We are thrilled to announce the return of amazing rock band and cosplay/RPG/musical sensation Eien Strife for AWX 2015!

We know many of our attendees are long-time fans of this fantastic group, who also appeared at Anime World Chicago 2011 and Anime World Indianapolis 2012, but if you haven’t experienced the adventures of Cheydra, Raien, Lyren and Kale, we encourage you to check them out over at their website or on Facebook: Eien Strife.

Learn more over on our Guests page!

For a limited time, you can receive discounted Anime World Expos weekend badges when you book your hotel room at the Westin!

From now through November 1, 2014, book two nights in our room block at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center, and we’ll send you a coupon code good for $10 off the purchase price of up to two badges. Who doesn’t love saving $20?

To obtain your coupon code, email with your last name and hotel reservation confirmation number. We will verify your reservation with the hotel (this may take a day or two; be patient!) and then email you a unique discount code to use during checkout at TicketLeap.

In 2015, we’re bringing you Chicagoland’s most memorable and interactive anime convention experience yet!

Registration is now LIVE.

Stay tuned for some exciting offers and announcements!