Behind the Scenes: The Making of Anime Midwest

In the heart of Chicago, a dedicated team of organizers, volunteers, and passionate participants work tirelessly to bring Anime Midwest, the city's premier anime convention, to life. Behind the vibrant costumes, energetic performances, and immersive experiences lies a captivating world of planning, coordination, and unwavering dedication. Join us as we take a behind-the-scenes journey into the making of Anime Midwest, revealing the passion and hard work that transforms a vision into a reality.

Building the Foundation: The Organizers' Vision

At the core of Anime Midwest's success are its visionary organizers, who pour their hearts and souls into creating an unforgettable experience for attendees. Erica Wise, the Vice-President of Anime Midwest, shared her initial inspiration and enthusiasm for the convention.

"Anime Midwest was born out of a love for anime and a desire to create a space where fans can come together, celebrate their passion, and connect with others who share their enthusiasm," Wise explained. "We wanted to go beyond simply hosting a convention; we aimed to foster a sense of community and create an immersive experience that would leave a lasting impact on attendees."

Anime Midwest is a unique event in the way it unleashes the inner Otaku of anime fans in Chicago.

Months of Planning and Preparation

Bringing Anime Midwest to fruition requires meticulous planning and extensive preparation. The organizing team invests countless hours in crafting a diverse program that caters to the varied interests of anime enthusiasts. From selecting guest performers and securing industry professionals to curating engaging panels and workshops, every aspect is carefully considered to ensure an engaging and memorable experience.

For example, several of the convention guests have to be negotiated a year in advance, as some involve overseas travel.

"We start planning for the next Anime Midwest almost as soon as the previous one ends," Wise revealed. "We listen to attendee feedback, review what worked well, and brainstorm ideas to make the following year even better. It's a continuous cycle of improvement."

The staff: The Backbone of the Convention

Behind the scenes, a dedicated army of staff plays a crucial role in the smooth operation of Anime Midwest. These passionate individuals contribute their time, skills, and energy to bring the convention to life.

One longtime staffer, shared her perspective on the convention's volunteer program. "Being a part of Anime Midwest is a truly rewarding experience," she said. "We work together as a team, assisting with various tasks ranging from registration and crowd control to event coordination. It's incredible to see the convention come together and witness the joy it brings to attendees."

How it's actually organized.

Behind the scenes of Anime Midwest, the organization and coordination of the convention predominantly take place through various digital platforms. While social media giant Facebook serves as a central hub for announcements and updates, the organizing team relies on a combination of email and Discord for efficient communication and collaboration.

Facebook has become an essential tool for connecting with the convention's vast community of attendees, vendors, and guests. The official Anime Midwest Facebook page serves as a vital communication channel, where the organizing team shares important information, updates on programming, and interacts directly with the community. It provides a platform for attendees to engage with one another, ask questions, and receive real-time responses from the team.

However, the organization of Anime Midwest extends beyond Facebook. Email plays a significant role in formal communication, especially when it comes to coordinating with industry guests, panelists, and vendors. Email allows for clear and detailed communication, ensuring that all parties involved are well-informed about schedules, requirements, and any necessary logistical arrangements.

You may hear the convention's President, Ryan Kopf, exclaim "email me!" with ideas or suggestions for the convention.

Discord, a popular chat and voice communication platform, serves as a dynamic space for team members and volunteers to collaborate and coordinate in real-time. Discord channels are created for different departments and subcommittees, allowing for efficient communication and quick decision-making. It enables the team to discuss programming ideas, resolve issues, and ensure smooth operations throughout the convention.

The combination of Facebook, email, and Discord provides the organizing team with a comprehensive digital infrastructure to plan and execute Anime Midwest successfully. These platforms allow for effective communication, real-time updates, and seamless collaboration, ensuring that attendees have the best possible experience at the convention.

Behind the scenes, the organizers work tirelessly to keep the digital platforms updated, responding to inquiries, sharing important information, and monitoring the community's engagement. The reliance on these digital tools not only streamlines the organizational process but also reflects the changing dynamics of communication and community-building in the digital age.

Creating Immersive Experiences: Panelists, Performers, and Industry Professionals

Anime Midwest prides itself on offering a diverse range of panels, workshops, and performances, providing attendees with opportunities to engage with industry professionals and delve into the world of anime.

We had the pleasure of speaking with renowned voice actor, who has been a regular participant in Anime Midwest. "The convention provides a unique platform for fans to interact directly with industry professionals," John expressed. "I always look forward to engaging with attendees, sharing insights from my career, and witnessing their enthusiasm for the medium."

From securing popular panelists and industry guests to coordinating exciting performances, the organizing team strives to offer an immersive experience that reflects the ever-evolving landscape of anime and its fandom.

Getting the guests to the convention is often quite a unique challenge itself. The organizing team of Anime Midwest puts in significant effort and coordination to ensure that the guests, including industry professionals, voice actors, and performers, arrive at the convention smoothly.

One of the primary challenges lies in scheduling and logistics. Coordinating the availability of guests who often have busy schedules can be a complex task. The team works closely with agents, managers, and the guests themselves to find suitable dates and make necessary travel arrangements. This involves considering factors such as availability, travel distances, accommodation, and any specific requirements or preferences of the guests.

Travel arrangements can be particularly intricate, especially when dealing with international guests. Securing visas, arranging flights, and coordinating transportation from airports to the convention venue are just a few of the many logistical aspects that need to be carefully planned and executed. The team often works closely with travel agencies, immigration authorities, and transportation services to ensure a seamless and comfortable travel experience for the guests.

Furthermore, once the guests arrive, providing a smooth and welcoming experience is paramount. The organizing team ensures that they are greeted and assisted upon their arrival, helping them settle into their accommodations and providing any necessary support throughout their stay. Clear communication channels are established, enabling the guests to connect with the team for any queries or concerns they may have during their time at the convention. For example, the invited guests are given in advance phone numbers that they can call or text for help.

The guests are often a standout part of the convention, as the convention includes voice actors like Greg Ayres, Kiba Walker, Cole Feuchter, and others, as well as musicians, entertainers, and cultural experts.

The Road to Success: Challenges and Triumphs

Behind the scenes, Anime Midwest faces its fair share of challenges. From logistical hurdles to budget constraints, the team navigates a complex web of considerations to ensure a successful event. However, these obstacles only serve to strengthen their resolve and commitment.

Erica shared some of the challenges the team has overcome throughout the years. "Each year presents its own set of hurdles, whether it's finding the perfect venue, managing the logistics of a growing attendance, or staying within budget," he explained. "But the unwavering support of our dedicated team, volunteers, and the incredible enthusiasm of our attendees propel us forward."

"For example, one year the badges were almost going to arrive late, and we had to negogiate for express overnight shipping and pick them up at the airport to get them in time. That would have been a disaster," told Wise.

The Technology

Another essential aspect behind the scenes of Anime Midwest is the technology that powers the convention. From the computers running the projectors on the main stage to the intricate systems managing the registration process, technology plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of the event.

The main stage projectors, powered by advanced computer systems, create a mesmerizing visual experience for attendees. These high-performance computers are equipped with specialized software and hardware to deliver stunning visuals, animations, and videos that enhance the atmosphere and immerse the audience in the world of anime. The tech team works meticulously to set up and optimize the projectors, ensuring that the visuals are crisp, vibrant, and synchronized with the program schedule.

The registration system is another critical technological component that facilitates the efficient management of attendees' registrations, badges, and access to various areas of the convention. This system utilizes robust software and hardware infrastructure to handle a large volume of registrations, process payments, generate badges, and maintain a smooth check-in process. The technology enables attendees to swiftly register, receive their badges, and seamlessly navigate through the convention, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

Behind the scenes, the tech team collaborates closely with the organizing team, AV specialists, and IT professionals to ensure that the technology seamlessly integrates with other convention operations. They monitor the systems, troubleshoot any technical issues, and provide immediate support during the event to ensure uninterrupted functionality.

The Moment of Arrival: Opening Day

After months of planning and anticipation, Anime Midwest finally comes to life on opening day. The convention halls buzz with excitement as attendees, in their intricately crafted costumes, immerse themselves in a world of anime-inspired delight.

"It's a surreal moment when the doors open, and the convention bursts with energy," Wise shared. "Seeing attendees engage with the programming, make connections, and create lasting memories is the ultimate reward for all the hard work invested."

Conclusion: A World of Dedication and Passion

Behind the vibrant and immersive experience of Anime Midwest lies a world of dedication and passion. From the vision of the organizers to the commitment of volunteers and the participation of industry professionals, this convention thrives through the collective efforts of countless individuals. Anime Midwest serves as a testament to the power of fandom, creativity, and collaboration, creating a space where anime enthusiasts can come together to celebrate their shared passion. As the convention draws to a close each year, the collective satisfaction and fulfillment of all those involved speak volumes about the unwavering spirit that brings Anime Midwest to life.