March 31, 2009

Anime Expo announces a call for artists

Nation's Largest Anime and Manga Convention Announces Registration for Artist Alley Available Now

Anaheim, California (March 31, 2009) -- Anime Expo® is proud to announce the launch of its online Artist Alley registration system for the nation's largest anime and manga convention held July 2-5, 2009 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. More information can be found on the website http://www.anime-expo.org/exhibits/artist-alley/.

The Artist Alley at Anime Expo® is a venue for amateur and semi-professional artists to celebrate Japanese pop culture through fantastic works of art. Artists come from all over the country and beyond to share their original artwork, prints, crafts, clothing, comics and 'zines. Don't miss the chance to meet and support these amazing artists!
Students from the Manga and Animation Department at NEEC (Nihon Kogakuin College) will be returning to the Artist Alley for a limited time during the convention.
Contact the Artist Alley staff in the forums, or by emailing [email protected].

WARNING: It has come to our attention that there maybe individual(s)/companies that claim to represent Anime Expo® in terms of sales for Exhibit Hall Booth Space, Program Guide Listing, Program Guide Ads, Artist Alley Booths, Panel Rooms and others. Anime Expo® is not responsible for any claims, promises and/or contracts made by these 3rd party individuals/companies. We encourage all potential convention participants interested in any aspect of the convention (that especially involve financial obligations/commitments) to please verify all 3rd party claims of representing Anime Expo® via phone at 714-937-2994 or via e-mail at [email protected]. Anime Expo® will not be held responsible for claims, promises and/or contracts made by any 3rd party individuals/companies that are not verified in writing by Anime Expo® to be an authentic representing individual/company for the convention.
Attendees, Press and Industry Members are also encouraged to view the video coverage site of the 2008 convention at www.AXBackstage.org.

Red & Black Sponsors include: FUNimation, Silver Sponsors include: Anime News Network and Digital Manga Press, Patron Sponsors include: COPIC and Central Park Media, Media Sponsors include: ImaginAsian TV, Animation Magazine, Anime Insider Magazine and Anime News Network.

About Anime Expo®
Located in Los Angeles, California - Anime Expo®, the nation's largest anime/manga convention, serves to foster trade, commerce and the interests of the general public and animation/ comics industry. This event serves as a key meeting place for the general public to express their interest and explore various aspects of anime/manga, as well as for members of the industry to conduct business. AX 2009 will be held July 2 - July 5, 2009 at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Southern California. More information can be found at its website (www.anime-expo.org).

About Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation
The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) is a non-profit organization with a mission to popularize and educate the American public about anime and manga, as well as provide a forum to facilitate communication between professionals and fans. This organization is more popularly known by its entertainment property - Anime Expo®. More information can be found at its website (www.spja.org).

The statements made in this press release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. The Company cautions readers of this press release that a number of important factors could cause Anime Expo®/SPJA's actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in any such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, without limitation, product delays, industry competition, rapid changes in technology and industry standards, protection of proprietary rights, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, vendors and third-party developers, international economic and political conditions. The Company may change its intention, belief or expectation, at any time and without notice, based upon any changes in such factors, in the Company's assumptions or otherwise. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly an
y revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

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