2025 Anime Expo Exhibitors Guide (Booking, Operation, Strategy)

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What is the biggest Anime Convention in the US?

Anime Expo 2025 is the largest anime and manga convention in North America, drawing exhibitors and brands from around the world. With over 392K attendees in 2024, the event offers exhibitors a prime opportunity to showcase their brands. This guide covers everything from booth booking and setup to marketing strategies that ensure maximum engagement at Anime Expo 2025. Whether you’re a first-time exhibitor or a returning brand, careful planning is key to success.

When is Anime Expo 2025?

Anime Expo 2025 takes place from July 3rd to July 6th, overlapping with July 4th, Independence Day in the U.S.🇺🇸 This national holiday brings a unique atmosphere to the event, as more attendees take advantage of the long weekend. The festive energy adds to the excitement of the convention, making it one of the busiest times for exhibitors and fans alike.

Where is Anime Expo 2025?

Anime Expo 2025 will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC), a major venue in downtown LA that hosts large-scale events.

Its spacious layout and central location make it the perfect venue for an event of Anime Expo’s scale, providing exhibitors with a prime space to engage with a massive audience. Moreover, being in downtown LA means easy access to hotels, restaurants, and entertainment options for attendees.

Booth Preparation – Essential Checklist

Venue Layout:

Anime Expo 2025 is divided into two primary areas:

• Exhibit Hall: Comprised of South Hall & Kentia Hall
• Entertainment Hall: Focused on interactive and experiential exhibits

Anime Expo 2025 Booth Setup & Requirements

Category	Requirement	Deadline / Notes
Booth Setup	Installation must be completed by 8 PM, July 2	Setup can begin up to 3 days before opening
Exhibit Floor Access	Exhibitors can enter 1 hour before & stay 1 hour after the show	Applies to Exhibit Hall & Entertainment Hall
Certificate of Insurance (COI)	Mandatory for all exhibitors	Must be submitted before event approval
California Sales Tax Reporting	Required for all exhibitors selling goods	Must be filed in compliance with tax laws
Booth Design Approval	Exhibitors must submit all booth designs & inflatable structures for approval	Submit designs by May 31, 2025
Height Restrictions	– Regular booths: Up to 12 ft – Island booths: Up to 25 ft	Structures exceeding limits need approval
Signage Limitations	Banners must not exceed 50% of booth width	Applies to all exhibit spaces
Food & Beverage Sales	Prohibited (samples require prior approval)	Food vendors need separate approval
Adult Content Display	Allowed only in designated 18+ areas	Proper signage & restricted access required
Drone & Large Inflatable Use	Prohibited unless pre-approved	Requests must be submitted in advance
Internet & Wi-Fi	Provided by Smart City	Application required
Electrical Supply	Provided by Edlen Electrical	Must be pre-booked
Security Services	Available through Ayvar Security	Optional, can be pre-arranged

Booth Operation & Marketing Strategy

Anime Expo offers exhibitors a wide range of promotional opportunities to amplify your brand’s presence before, during, and after the event. Securing sponsorships early can help maximize your exposure.

Category	Promotion Type	Details
🎁 Promotional Items	Swag Bags	Brand attendee swag bags with your logo to maximize exposure beyond the convention.
	Lanyards	Feature your brand on lanyards worn by all attendees for constant visibility.
	Print Promotions	Sponsor event maps, program guides, or hotel key cards to keep your brand in attendees’ hands.
📱 Digital Promotions	Mobile App Ads	Utilize banners, push notifications, and email blasts through the AX app.
	Digital Signage	Advertise on LED screens across LA Live and the convention center with rotating ad slots.
🚀 On-Site Promotions	Entry Banners & Displays	Large-scale banners in key areas grab immediate attention.
	Column & Shuttle Wraps	Extend brand exposure by wrapping shuttle buses and high-traffic columns.

2024 Nikke Marketing Strategy – A Case Study

At Anime Expo 2024, the game Goddess of Victory: Nikke made waves as one of the most successful exhibits. Represented by the master agency Eidetic, their booth was an instant hit—with demo reservations selling out in just nine minutes!

Key takeaways from Nikke’s success:

• Premium Booth & Experiential Space: By securing a premium booth location in the Exhibit Hall lobby, Nikke maximized visitor traffic right from the entrance.
• Interactive Experiences: Integrating interactive events and themed experiences synchronized with in-game summer events elevated user engagement.
• Visual Appeal: The deployment of high-quality cosplay models and a visually striking booth design generated a flood of photos and social media buzz, amplifying brand exposure.

This case exemplifies how leveraging AX’s diverse marketing channels can drive immediate engagement and lasting brand recognition.

For a deeper dive into Nikke’s subculture marketing and pop-up experiences, check out our article: The Rise of Subculture Pop-ups: Spotlight on Nikke.

Anime Expo Exhibit Agency: Eidetic Marketing

For companies seeking a strong presence at Anime Expo 2025, working with an experienced marketing agency can make all the difference. We have built a reputation for delivering high-impact exhibits, including the standout 2024 Nikke booth. With extensive experience managing global gaming showcases, Eidetic Marketing specializes in crafting immersive experiences tailored to subculture gaming audiences.

We have successfully executed exhibits at major events such as ChinaJoy, Tokyo Game Show, and Gamescom, designing each booth to not only draw attention but also leave a lasting impression on fans