Wikipedia

Anime Milwaukee

Anime Milwaukee (AMKE) is an annual three-day anime convention held during February at the Baird Center and Hilton Milwaukee City Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.[4] It is Wisconsin's largest anime convention.[5]

Anime Milwaukee
Anime Milwaukee logo.
StatusActive
GenreAnime, Japanese culture[1]
VenueBaird Center
Hilton Milwaukee City Center
Location(s)Milwaukee, Wisconsin
CountryUnited States
Inaugurated2007
Attendance17,250 in 2024[2]
Organized byEntertainment & Culture Promotion Society[3]
Websiteanimemilwaukee.org

Programming

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The convention typically offers anime music videos, an art contest, artist alley, charity ball, cosplay chess, a dealer's room, fashion show, maid cafe, manga library, masquerade, movies, rave, tabletop gaming, and video game tournaments.[4][6][7][8][9] The convention runs for 24 hours a day.[10]

The 2017 charity ball benefited the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center.[9]

History

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Anime Milwaukee began in 2007 and was founded by the Japanese Animation Association at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.[7] In 2011, the convention moved to the Hyatt Regency Milwaukee & Frontier Airlines Center in Milwaukee, which allowed for 24-hour programming.[7] Attendees who preregistered for Anime Milwaukee in 2013 could receive a discount for the Distant Worlds concert held the day before the convention on February 14, 2013.[11] The convention shared space in 2014 at the Wisconsin Center with Pheasant Fest, a hunting convention.[12] The combined conventions economic impact were expected to be $1.5 million.

In 2015, Anime Milwaukee's expected economic impact was over $1 million and it shared Wisconsin Center space with the Midwest Twisters Gymnastics Invitational.[10][13] The convention brought $1.2 million to the local economy in 2016.[14][15] Anime Milwaukee in 2017 occupied all the floors of the Wisconsin Center to expand panels and video gaming.[14] The convention was estimated to bring $2.5–3 million to the local economy.[9][16] Anime Milwaukee was estimated to bring $4 million to the local economy in 2019.[17] Anime Milwaukee 2021 was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[18][19] Anime Milwaukee had COVID-19 policies in 2022 that included mandatory masks, with ether vaccination or a negative test.[20]

Event history

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Dates Location Attendance Guests
February 29 – March 2, 2008 UWM Union
Milwaukee, Wisconsin		400
(est)[21]		Colleen Clinkenbeard, Darrel Guilbeau, Peter Paik, Mandy St. Jean, and Sonny Strait.[21]
February 27 – March 1, 2009 UWM Union
Milwaukee, Wisconsin		800
(est)[22]		Todd Haberkorn, Wendy Powell, and Yamila Abraham.[22]
March 12–14, 2010 UWM Union
Milwaukee, Wisconsin		2,100
(est)[23]		Martin Billany, Todd Haberkorn, Vic Mignogna, Chris Niosi, Wendy Powell, Christopher Sabat, The Spoony Bards, and Uncle Yo.[23]
February 18–20, 2011 Hyatt Regency Milwaukee & Frontier Airlines Center[5]
Milwaukee, Wisconsin		2,400
(est)[24]		Chris Cason, Alan Evans, Mike McFarland, Trevor A. Mueller, Monica Rial, Spike Spencer, Uncle Yo, and Doug Walker.[24]
February 17–19, 2012 Hyatt Regency Milwaukee & Frontier Airlines Center
Milwaukee, Wisconsin		3,492[25]Robert Axelrod, Martin Billany, Chris Cason, Alan Evans, August Hahn, Trevor A. Mueller, Spike Spencer, Uncle Yo, and Doug Walker.[25]
February 15–17, 2013 Hyatt Regency Milwaukee & Delta Center
(formerly Frontier Airlines Center)
Milwaukee, Wisconsin		4,816[26]Arc Impulse, Chris Cason, Alan Evans, Todd Haberkorn, Midwest Karaoke Madness, Trevor A. Mueller, The Pillowcases, Ian Sinclair, Alexis Tipton, and Nobuo Uematsu.[26]
February 14–16, 2014 Hyatt Regency Milwaukee & Wisconsin Center[12]
(formerly Delta Center)
Milwaukee, Wisconsin		6,231[27]Leah Clark, Tiffany Grant, Kyle Hebert, DJ Jeffito, Jamie Marchi, Meishi Smile, Bryce Papenbrook, DJ Phoole, The Pillowcases, Romance, Patrick Seitz, Ian Sinclair, Christopher Corey Smith, theotoxin, and David Vincent.[27]
February 13–15, 2015 Hyatt Regency Milwaukee & Wisconsin Center
Milwaukee, Wisconsin		7,745[28]Arc Impulse, Martin Billany, Steve Blum, Jason Bulmahn, Leah Clark, Terri Doty, Alan Evans, Caitlin Glass, Hibiki, Russell Lissau, Joel McDonald, Erica Mendez, Mandy "AmazonMandy" Moore, Trevor A. Mueller, Bryce Papenbrook, Samantha Sostarich, Eric Stuart, Symphonic Anime Orchestra, Ayumi Tanaka, J. Michael Tatum, David Vincent, Tom Wayland, Greg Wicker.[28]
March 11–13, 2016 Hyatt Regency Milwaukee & Wisconsin Center
Milwaukee, Wisconsin		9,313[29]Elena Blueskies, Olivia Chiu, Stella Chuu, Samurai Dan Coglan, Alan Evans, Todd Haberkorn, Kyle Hebert, Lauren Landa, Cherami Leigh, Russell Lissau, Kevin McKeever, Trevor A. Mueller, Brina Palencia, Christopher Sabat, Sonny Strait, Ciarán Strange, and Ayumi Tanaka.[29]
February 17–19, 2017 Hyatt Regency Milwaukee & Wisconsin Center
Milwaukee, Wisconsin		9,520[30]Zach Aguilar, Ray Chase, Jillian Coglan, Samurai Dan Coglan, Lucien Dodge, Alan Evans, Erica Lindbeck, Russell Lissau, Joel McDonald, Erica Mendez, Matthew Mercer, Vic Mignogna, Mint, Trevor A. Mueller, Laura Post, Marisha Ray, Ian Sinclair, Austin Tindle, and Greg Wicker.[30]
February 16–18, 2018 Hyatt Regency Milwaukee & Wisconsin Center
Milwaukee, Wisconsin		10,593[31]Kay Bear, Johnny Yong Bosch, Jason "Liquid86" Bruner, Leon Chiro, Jillian Coglan, Samurai Dan Coglan, Adam Croasdell, Alan Evans, Crispin Freeman, DJ GreenFlow, DJ Kagamine, Kawaii Besu, Russell Lissau, Trevor A. Mueller, DJ OpM, Chris Parson, Scottaconda, Jon St. John, TeddyLoid, and Kari Wahlgren.[31]
February 15–17, 2019 Hyatt Regency Milwaukee & Wisconsin Center
Milwaukee, Wisconsin		10,600[32]Acme, Jason "Liquid86" Bruner, Adam Croasdell, D.C. Douglas, Jessie James Grelle, DJ HeavyGrinder, Jerry Jewell, DJ Kagamine, Lauren Landa, Comfort Love, Joel McDonald, Moderately Okay Cosplay, DJ OpM, Reika, Scottaconda, Ian Sinclair, Micah Solusod, J. Michael Tatum, David Vincent, and Adam Withers.[32]
February 14–16, 2020 Wisconsin Center
Hilton Milwaukee City Center
Milwaukee, Wisconsin		11,011[33]Zach Aguilar, Aimi, Tia Ballard, Alexei Bochenek, Jen Brown, Ogawa Burukku, Ray Chase, Gabrielle Cooke, Robbie Daymond, Gideon Emery, Martha Harms, Dawn Humphrey, DJ Hype Girl, Samantha Ireland, Erica Lindbeck, Joel McDonald, Max Mittelman, Moderately Okay Cosplay, Trevor A. Mueller, The Pillowcases, W.T. Snacks, and Ciarán Strange.[33]
February 11–13, 2022 Wisconsin Center
Hilton Milwaukee City Center
Milwaukee, Wisconsin		10,300 (est)[34]Morgan Berry, Johnny Yong Bosch, Griffin Burns, Adam Croasdell, Alan Evans, Lizzie Freeman, Martha Harms, Billy Kametz, Mela Lee, Russell Lissau, Phil Mizuno, Trevor A. Mueller, Colleen O'Shaughnessey, Keith Silverstein, Ciarán Strange, and A.K. Wirru.[34]
February 3–5, 2023 Wisconsin Center
Hilton Milwaukee City Center
Milwaukee, Wisconsin		15,500[35]Burnout Syndromes, Ray Chase, Leah Clark, Robbie Daymond, Alan Evans, Martha Harms, DJ HeavyGrinder, James Landino, E. Jason Liebrecht, Russell Lissau, Elizabeth Maxwell, Max Mittelman, Phil Mizuno, Trevor A. Mueller, NipahDUBS, Scottaconda, Andre "DJ Jinrei" Smith, and Suzie Yeung.[35]
March 8-10, 2024 Baird Center
Hilton Milwaukee City Center
Milwaukee, Wisconsin		17,250[2]AKrCos, Bryn Apprill, Griffin Burns, Creep-P, Jordan Dash Cruz, Khoi Dao, Ricco Fajardo, Caitlin Glass, DJ GreenFlöw, Chris Hackney, Yaya Han, Kyle "Ex-Shadow" Mathis, Malinda "Malindachan" Mathis, Erica Mendez, NipahDUBS, Tony Oliver, Patrick Pedraza, RageGearProps, Revolution Boi, Patrick Seitz, Laura Stahl, Ben Starr, and Barry Yandell.[2]
March 7-9, 2025 Baird Center
Hilton Milwaukee City Center
Milwaukee, Wisconsin		Marcy Edwards, Brittany Lauda, Jonah Scott, Matt Shipman, Keith Silverstein, and Kaiji Tang.[36]

References

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  1. ^ ""It's been a really busy con:" Cosplay fans flock to Wisconsin's largest anime event". Fox 6. 14 February 2015. Retrieved 2015-02-27.
  2. ^ a b c "Anime Milwaukee 2024 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2024-03-13.
  3. ^ "Third Annual "Anime Milwaukee" convenes Feb 15-17". VISIT Milwaukee. Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2013-02-24.
  4. ^ a b "Between Chaos and Cosplay: An Inside Look at Anime Milwaukee". UWM Post. 20 February 2015. Retrieved 2015-02-27.
  5. ^ a b "Anime Milwaukee Convention returns, doubles attendance". OnMilwaukee. Retrieved 2012-06-03.
  6. ^ "The Fashion of Anime". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved 2010-04-09.
  7. ^ a b c "Anime convention is moving downtown". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved 2012-06-02.
  8. ^ Cosplay and "maid cafés": A field guide to the 2012 Anime Milwaukee convention. A.V. Club.
  9. ^ a b c Thompson-Gee, Justin (February 9, 2017). "Milwaukee Expecting $3 Million Boost from Anime Milwaukee Event". WDJT. Retrieved 16 March 2017.
  10. ^ a b "Anime fans, gymnasts to flood downtown Milwaukee this weekend". Milwaukee Business News. February 12, 2015. Archived from the original on July 11, 2015. Retrieved 2015-02-27.
  11. ^ "Anime Milwaukee Partners with Distant Worlds". Anime News Network. Retrieved 2013-02-24.
  12. ^ a b "Two conventions with very different interests converge on Milwaukee this weekend". WISN 12. 15 February 2014. Retrieved 2014-03-02.
  13. ^ "Anime convention means a million to Milwaukee economy". Milwaukee Business Journal. Retrieved 2015-02-27.
  14. ^ a b Moody, Tarik (February 8, 2017). "Celebrating 10 years: Anime Milwaukee is more than just cosplay". Radio Milwaukee. Archived from the original on 17 March 2017. Retrieved 17 March 2017.
  15. ^ Molly Snyder, Molly (February 13, 2017). "10,000-plus geeks expected to attend Anime Milwaukee". On Milwaukee. Retrieved 17 March 2017.
  16. ^ DeLong, Katie (February 19, 2017). "Anime Milwaukee: More than 10K pour into Wisconsin Center, many dressed as their favorite characters". Fox 6. Retrieved 17 March 2017.
  17. ^ "Annual Anime celebration blankets Milwaukee in Japanese costumes, Culture, and Cute". Milwaukee Independent. February 19, 2019. Retrieved 11 April 2019.
  18. ^ Hazra, Adriana (December 7, 2020). "Anime Milwaukee Cancels 2021 Physical Event". Anime News Network. Retrieved 25 December 2020.
  19. ^ "Anime Milwaukee 2021 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2022-03-18.
  20. ^ Kirby, Hannah (December 2, 2021). "Anime Milwaukee's in-person convention is returning this winter. Here's what to know". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved 18 March 2022.
  21. ^ a b "Anime Milwaukee 2008 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2008-09-25.
  22. ^ a b "Anime Milwaukee 2009 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2009-10-05.
  23. ^ a b "Anime Milwaukee 2010 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2010-04-02.
  24. ^ a b "Anime Milwaukee 2011 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2013-03-10.
  25. ^ a b "Anime Milwaukee 2012 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2012-06-03.
  26. ^ a b "Anime Milwaukee 2013 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2019-11-21.
  27. ^ a b "Anime Milwaukee 2014 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2014-02-03.
  28. ^ a b "Anime Milwaukee 2015 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2015-09-09.
  29. ^ a b "Anime Milwaukee 2016 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2016-04-07.
  30. ^ a b "Anime Milwaukee 2017 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2017-03-16.
  31. ^ a b "Anime Milwaukee 2018 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2018-03-11.
  32. ^ a b "Anime Milwaukee 2019 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2019-02-13.
  33. ^ a b "Anime Milwaukee 2020 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2020-11-21.
  34. ^ a b "Anime Milwaukee 2022 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2022-07-19.
  35. ^ a b "Anime Milwaukee 2023 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2024-01-01.
  36. ^ "Anime Milwaukee 2025 Information". AnimeCons.com. Retrieved 2024-09-13.
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43°2′23″N 87°55′2″W / 43.03972°N 87.91722°W / 43.03972; -87.91722

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