8Bit/Digi

Several days after FanimeCon announced it has cancelled their 2020 event, Anime Expo has followed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation announced that Anime Expo 2020 has been cancelled due to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic. They have confirmed that the event will return in 2021 and are currently working on the transition. Guests could get either a refund or have their purchase be rolled over for the 2021 event. Those who have booked hotels through Anime Expo block will have their reservations automatically cancelled.

CEO of The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation, Ray Chaing, had some words of hope when he stated

“It remains our goal to provide fans and industry partners from around the world with a safe space to come together to celebrate and share our love of anime. We are committed to bringing you the best of the best next year as we return to Los Angeles for our 30th anniversary.”

Ray Chiang
CEO of The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation

While the news was heart breaking for fans, many had been expecting Anime Expo 2020 to be cancelled. The decision is being supported of the community who understood it had to be done.

The announcement came only a few days after FanimeCon had announced that it has cancelled their 2020 event. During the same week, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that he is working with the governors of Washington and Oregon on a plan to re-open the economy.

Anime Expo 2020 is among the many events that have been cancelled because of the pandemic. GDC was one of the first events in the Bay Area to be cancelled. Numerous organizers attempt to setup an alternative event before the “Shelter in Place” was declared. Other events that have been cancelled include Ani-Me Con, DAiCon and Clockwork Alchemy.

Very few conventions are currently going as planned but that could all change in the coming months.

8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides an insight into the video game community and industry of the San Francisco Bay Area.