Guest Spotlights: Meet the Voices, Creators, and Icons of Fandom

If you’ve ever been curious about what it’s like to meet the people behind the characters and worlds you love, M.A.G.E. 2025 is the place to make it happen. Running from October 31 to November 2, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Minneapolis, this isn’t just another convention—it’s a full-on celebration of anime, gaming, sci-fi, TV, and even a little Renaissance and Steampunk flair. Whether you’re a casual fan who just wants a selfie with your favorite voice actor or a superfan ready to nerd out for hours, M.A.G.E. makes it all accessible and exciting.

Why Guests Are the Heart of M.A.G.E.

M.A.G.E. has consistently pulled together an impressive lineup of industry professionals and beloved creators. From voice actors who bring anime characters to life, to martial arts performers who make history feel tangible, to actors and musicians who are icons in gaming and sci-fi, the guest roster is a main attraction. Some of this year’s highlights include:

• Greg Ayres: A voice actor with over 376 credits, known for characters like Son Goku in Saiyuki Reload Zeroin and Yu Nishinoya in Haikyu!!
• Samurai Dan & Jillian: A dynamic husband-and-wife team demonstrating 16th-century samurai arts, combining history, humor, and combative skill.
• Oscar Seung: A multi-talented actor, musician, and opera singer bringing versatility to both stage and screen.
• Quinton Flynn: Beloved for Axel/Lea from Kingdom Hearts, Raiden from Metal Gear Solid, and a host of classic legacy characters.
• Tom & Dorothy Fahn: Voices behind Agumon (Digimon), Mercedes (Fire Emblem), and multiple anime and video game favorites.

Meeting these guests in person transforms the fan experience from watching or playing to connecting. Autographs, Q&A panels, and photo opportunities make it tangible—an actual moment you can treasure and revisit.

Planning Your Guest Experience

Navigating autograph sessions and Q&A panels can feel like a mini-game of strategy if you’re a first-timer. Here’s how to tackle it like a pro:

Autographs

All of the special guests are available at various times for autographs. Some important rules to keep in mind:

• Bring the right items: Official, licensed merchandise only. That’s right—bootleg stuff doesn’t fly. Your carefully chosen poster, DVD, or game can get that coveted signature.
• Plan for one free item per guest: Some guests may offer extra items for a fee. Bring cash if you want more.
• Arrive early: Lines form fast. Get there ahead of time to avoid disappointment, and consider attending multiple sessions if one gets too crowded.
• Color matters: Sharpies might run out. If you want that signature in pink or metallic silver, pack your own pen.
• Respect photography rules: Only snap a photo if the guest allows it. No sneaky phone shots. Patience and politeness go a long way.

Q&A Panels

A Q&A panel can be the perfect opportunity to interact with your favorite creators, but preparation is key. Think of thoughtful questions: Avoid vague questions like “Who’s your favorite character?” Instead, ask about their creative process, favorite challenges, or memorable experiences in the industry.

Respect the time limits as popular guests have tight schedules, so keep questions concise. M.A.G.E. ensures seating and venues are accessible for all attendees, so first-timers or those needing assistance can enjoy the panels comfortably. Whether you’re a casual fan wanting a single interaction or a die-hard collector chasing every signature, having a strategy makes the weekend less stressful and more fun.

Cosplay Contests: Where Legends Are Born

M.A.G.E.’s Grand Costume Contest is a must-see event. Here, the best of the best showcase their creativity, craftsmanship, and performance skills. Judged by top costumers from across the country, the contest hands out awards for:

• Best Performance
• Best Craftsmanship
• Best in Show

For first-time attendees, even just watching can be inspiring. Cosplayers put months of work into each outfit, and seeing the attention to detail—from custom armor to props to wigs—reminds you how much artistry is packed into fandom. Pro tip: arrive early for front-row seats; the energy in the room is contagious.

Vendor Hall and Artist Alley: Shopping Like a Superfan

No con is complete without some retail therapy, and M.A.G.E. delivers in spades. The Vendor Hall is stocked with anime, comics, gaming gear, and collectibles. Bring a bag and leave room for treasures. This is where you find official merchandise, rare collectibles, and fun fandom surprises.

Artist Alley is the creative heartbeat of M.A.G.E. Here you’ll find handmade prints, books, and custom crafts. It’s perfect for fans who appreciate indie artistry and want something one-of-a-kind. You can even commission artists for custom pieces—just be ready to chat and support their work responsibly.

Budget tip: decide ahead of time what you want to buy. It’s easy to overspend in the excitement, but prioritizing a few “must-have” items prevents post-convention regret.

Gaming Galore: Video and Tabletop

Whether you’re competitive or casual, M.A.G.E. has your gaming fix covered. In the Video Gaming Room, expect multiple large-format screens for console and PC favorites, from first-person shooters to Japanese fighting games. Tournaments happen throughout the weekend, but casual play is always welcome.

Hosted by Gnome Games, the tabletop gaming room includes board games, collectible card games, and even life-size Catan. Some weekends feature game demos from Steve Jackson Games, including classics like Munchkin and Ninja Burger. It’s a great place to make friends, discover new games, and even win prizes.

Tip for first-timers: check the schedule for tournaments, but don’t stress if you just want to explore. The staff is friendly, and players are happy to explain the rules.

Fan-Run Panels: The Heartbeat of M.A.G.E.’s Creativity

If you’ve ever wandered into a M.A.G.E. fan-run panel, you know they’re not your average con Q&A sessions — they’re more like stepping into a pop-up classroom run by the most fascinatingly unpredictable people you’ll ever meet. These are fans teaching fans, powered entirely by passion, caffeine, and the occasional slideshow that almost works on the first try.

What makes them so magnetic is how wildly diverse they are. Sure, you’ll find discussions about your favorite anime, gaming lore, or cosplay tips, but right next door, someone might be breaking down digital marketing strategies — teaching artists how to actually sell their work instead of shouting into the algorithm void. Another host could be showing how to whip up creative cocktails (and mocktails) inspired by your favorite RPG classes. Think “Cleric’s Cure-All” or “Mana Potion Mojito.”

Then, without warning, you might stumble into a panel about avoiding tourist scams in Japan — practical advice wrapped in hilarious travel horror stories. Or maybe it’s a deep dive into minimalist bedroom design for people who want their space to feel calm, not cluttered with Funko Pops (no judgment, but maybe… less is more?).

Fans at M.A.G.E. love to cross the boundaries of what’s expected. One panel might explore the evolution of AI technology — not in a dry tech sense, but in how it’s shaping art, gaming, and storytelling. Another could tackle women’s rights in pop culture, or the quiet power of meditation in a world that never seems to unplug.

Some panelists might take a creative DIY route. You might find someone teaching container gardening for apartment dwellers or offering baking hacks for con-goers who want snacks that don’t come from a vending machine. Others might share how to go vegan without sacrificing flavor — complete with samples if you’re lucky.

And then there are the entrepreneurial dreamers. They might discuss how to generate business ideas that actually work, or how to sell event tickets efficiently if you’re planning your own mini con. One fan could even walk you through designing a minimalist space on a budget, while another might demonstrate how to optimize your gaming setup for both comfort and style.

You might even encounter something delightfully unexpected, like a crash course in learning basic Chinese for travelers or pop culture fans. Or maybe someone’s explaining how virtual reality is transforming classrooms and how those same tools could change conventions in the future.

That’s the beauty of M.A.G.E.’s fan-run panels — you never really know what you’re walking into, but it’s almost always worth the time. These sessions are where fandom collides with real-world curiosity, where creative minds test ideas, share skills, and swap stories. You walk out a little smarter, a little more inspired, and maybe with a new hobby or two.

Because at the end of the day, M.A.G.E. isn’t just about fandom — it’s about community. And nowhere is that more alive than in those rooms where fans take the mic, press play on a PowerPoint, and say, “Okay, this might sound weird, but hear me out…”

Musical Events and Late-Night Dancing

Anime and gaming fandom isn’t just visual, it’s auditory. M.A.G.E. has you covered with a variety of music events:

• Formal Fantasy Ball: Dress up and dance the evening away. It’s not just about the music—it’s about the vibe, the costumes, and the chance to connect with other fans in a fancy setting.
• Concerts: Featuring everything nerdy—from anime theme songs to gaming-inspired music. Multiple concerts across genres make sure there’s something for everyone.
• EDM Dance Parties: Every evening, hit the main stage for high-energy electronic dance music. Even if you’re not a dancer, the atmosphere is electrifying.

Even if you’re not a music person, these events are worth visiting at least once for the immersive experience.

Maid Café: Royale Treatment

AnimeCon.org’s Royale Maid Café is an additional ticketed experience that brings interactive fun to the con. Maids and butlers serve snacks, play games with attendees, and create a whimsical atmosphere. Beyond the novelty, it’s a chance to relax, socialize, and enjoy fandom-themed service—perfect for catching a break between panels or gaming sessions.

Escape Room: Cabin of the Cackling Man

For a slightly spookier adventure, try the Escape from the Cabin of the Cackling Man. Inspired by retro games, urban legends, and 80s creepypasta vibes, this escape room challenges you to solve puzzles before time runs out. Perfect for fans of mystery and immersive storytelling, it’s a unique addition to the convention experience that goes beyond panels and shopping.

Room Parties: Socializing After Dark

Room parties give attendees the chance to socialize in a more personal setting. You can submit a party idea or join one hosted by other fans. While the con has rules to ensure noise and safety, these parties are a fantastic way to meet like-minded people and enjoy the fandom community beyond the public event spaces.

Maximizing Your M.A.G.E. Experience

First-time attendee? Here’s how to make your weekend smoother:

1. Plan, but don’t over-plan: Check the schedule in advance, but leave room for spontaneous fun. Sometimes the most memorable moments are unplanned.
2. Comfort is key: Wear comfortable shoes, especially if you’ll be walking the show floor or waiting in lines.
3. Stay hydrated and snack smart: The ConSweet has free ramen, rice, and soda, but carrying a water bottle and small snacks helps between panels.
4. Charge everything: Phones, cameras, handheld consoles. Battery packs are lifesavers.
5. Map your schedule: Autograph lines, Q&A panels, and contests can overlap. Make a mental map of priorities and backup options.
6. Be courteous: Respect line etiquette, photography rules, and panel time limits. Fans, staff, and guests will appreciate it.
7. Explore the venue: The Hyatt Regency is huge. Knowing where gaming rooms, panel spaces, Artist Alley, and the main stage are helps reduce stress.

Ticket Information

Early registration guarantees admission, helps the convention bring in more guests, and saves money. Current pricing options:

• Weekend Badge: $40 online
• Day Badge: $30 single day access (Sunday only $15)
• Platinum/VIP Badge: $150, includes VIP perks and exclusive access

The weekend of October 31 - November 2, 2025, is shaping up to be a jam-packed experience, so securing tickets early is strongly recommended.

Why M.A.G.E. Is a Must-Experience

M.A.G.E. isn’t just about seeing guests or shopping—it’s a full-immersion into fandom culture. From the adrenaline of cosplay contests to the quiet joy of discovering new artists in Artist Alley, from intense video game showdowns to socializing at room parties, the convention is designed to offer something for everyone. First-time attendees can feel confident: accessibility is baked in, staff are friendly and helpful, and the schedule is designed to balance energy and downtime.

Meeting the voices, creators, and icons of your favorite series transforms fandom from a screen-based hobby to a living, breathing community. You’ll leave with autographs, selfies, memories, and maybe a few new friends who share your passion. Add in the excitement of cosplay, music, gaming, the Maid Café, and even an escape room, and you’ve got a weekend packed with experiences you’ll remember for years.

Whether you’re plotting which guest to meet first, strategizing shopping trips, or just soaking in the energy of hundreds of fans in a shared love of anime and gaming, M.A.G.E. is set up to be your perfect playground. So grab your badge, pack your favorite cosplay, charge your devices, and get ready to immerse yourself in the ultimate fan celebration!