Since Florida Anime Experience is an Orlando, Florida event, we’ve decided to commission having two of these made each year featuring an iconic character portrayed by our Guest of Honor.  This year’s 9″ collectible is (of course!) Sailor Moon:

The artist for this year’s Vinylmation is the talented Kristin Cirricione.  As you can see, she’s done an AMAZING job!

TWO pieces are being created.  BOTH pieces are being signed by all of our guests.

The first one we’re keeping as a momento for our convention.

The second one we’re giving away at Opening Ceremonies to a pre-registered attendee.

That’s right, if you already bought your ticket then you are entered to win.  If you haven’t bought you’re ticket in advance, TODAY IS THE LAST DAY!  Click here to buy your weekend pass!

Questions you’re probably asking:

• Do I have to be present at Opening Ceremonies to win?  No.  If you aren’t there Friday for Opening Ceremonies when we announce the winner, we will hold your prize at Registration until you arrive.
• I bought a Lifetime Membership this year.  Am I entered?  Yes.  We love our lifetime members!
• I bought a Lifetime Membership in 2011.  Am I entered?  Yes!  (See previous answer.)
• Was there a Spike Spiegel Vinylmation made for last year’s convention?  Not yet.  We are retroactively creating one (and having it signed.)  It should be on hand sometime this year… and yes, we will give one away.

Thanks for helping support Florida’s anime fandom by coming to our convention… and good luck!

• Why Beast Wars sucks.
• Bayformers – the good, the bad and the evil.
• There were only three episodes of G1 Transformers… like it or not.
• The dumbest Autobot ever.
• Whether or not Star Saber wet the bed when he was a kid.

The panel is more than just another talking head discussion… it’s the franchise from a fan’s point of view and you never know which way that conversation can go.

This panel deemed “too hot for Botcon” in 2010 will take place Sunday at 1:30 PM in Chibi Events.

You’re first time DISCOVERING ANIME, that is!  Stop by and join Ryan from Wasabi Anime® as he shares his memories of finding our about his first anime titles and listens to yours, too.  Whether it was Astroboy or Evangelion, stop by and talk about the title you first saw that turned you into an Otaku.

Friday, 2:00 PM in Chibi Events.

We’ll even throw out prizes from Japan if you’re clever enough to ask us some entertaining questions during the panel.

Konichiwa and stuff!

Saturday at 4:00 PM in Main Events.

Yes, this sounds a little odd, but trust us… we’ve done it at other conventions and it’s really fun!  Join us for a workshop suitable for all ages (adults are welcome, too!) as we make puppets based on the popular characters from Sailor Moon.  All the materials are provided including socks, glue, and other sewing nick-nacks needed to make your own sailor scout.

This event is Saturday only and seats are limited.  There is a registration fee of $7 (cash only; paid at the panel) for the panel to cover the cost of materials.  Panel slots are filled on a first come first serve basis and there are only forty slots available… so show up on time!

Saturday at 7:30 PM in the Panels Room.

Saturday, 1:30 PM (Main Events) Robotech Panel w/Dan Woren & Fuzzy

If you are a fan who found any anime via Adult Swim the THIS IS YOUR PANEL!

Join Tentacle Chris for an hour long discussion about your favorite anime from Adult Swim from an era before the showed nothing but Bleach.

Friday at 11:00 AM in the Panels Room.

Two teams (usually of about ten people each) take turns sending to representatives to try and answer an anime trivia question the quickest.  The person who wins the round gets a point for his/her team.  The other player selects a “Grand Theft Anime” card and reads the results.  The cards can have unusual results – with many of them inspired by the popular video game with a similar name.

Which team will win?  Who will survive?  Can attendees at an anime convention actually answer anime trivia questions?  This game ANSWERS ALL THESE AND MORE.

Friday at 1:00 PM in Main Events

We love anime. We especially like anime from the 20th century featuring cute girls.  Sailor Moon was a juggernaut in the anime community when it was introduced in 1992 and has since been translated into dozens of languages.  The show has spawned over 200 episodes of the original anime, manga, a live action series, three movie, a live action series, video games, and over 5000 pieces of merchandise (to date.)  Find out what you’ve been missing or take a trip down memory lane as we show you the good, the bad and the “Saban Moon” history of the series.

Friday at 3:00 PM in Main Events.

The Anime Tea House will offer a large selection of 30+ loose leaf imported teas – all served hot or iced and available as endless refill tea pots.   They also offer a selection of Japanese snacks and drinks.  This is all served in a decorated authentic Japanese style tea house setting, alongside kimono and uniformed waitresses and tea chefs.

In addition, the Florida Anime Experinnce Manga Library will be hosted in the same room.  It features dozens of titles for your to peruse.  (All manga must remain the the Anime Tea House/Manga Library at all times; they cannot leave the room.)  You can borrow manga and read it while enjoying some tea!  This is the ultimate “rest stop” for our busy convention goers.

HOURS:

• Friday: 12:00 PM (noon) to 12 AM (midnight)
• Saturday: 12:00 PM (noon) to 12 AM (midnight)
• Sunday: 12:00 PM (noon) to 5:30 PM