LeftField Media Will Launch Anime NYC

September 20, 2016

LeftField Media will launch Anime NYC, a new convention focused on anime, manga and Japanese pop culture, next year in New York City.

The first Anime NYC will take place Nov. 17-19, 2017, in Midtown Manhattan’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and bring fans together with guests from Japan and publishers across America.

Anime NYC will be presented by anime streaming portal Crunchyroll and built with the support of industry partners Funimation, VIZ Media and Kinokuniya Bookstore.

Anime NYC is the creation of LeftField Media, a boutique event company also responsible for Play Fair, a toy and family entertainment celebration run with the Toy Industry Association, and Awesome Con, Washington, D.C.’s Comic Con.

“Anime and manga have never been more prolific in America, with anime conventions in other cities bringing together as many as 100,000 attendees,” said Greg Topalian, founder of LeftField Media.

He added, “Yet while New York City is the largest city in America, no large event championing Japanese pop culture calls it home. Anime NYC will change this, and once established, we believe Anime NYC has the potential to become the largest anime convention on the East Coast.”

Crunchyroll - the world’s largest anime streaming service, with more than 20 million registered users and more than 750,000 paid subscribers - will present premiere screenings and special guests throughout Anime NYC, and Crunchyroll Premium Members will receive exclusive benefits at the event.

“It’s been years since there’s been a dedicated anime convention in the Javits, and we’re excited to have the opportunity to support a show in New York,” said Dallas Middaugh, Crunchyroll’s head of content management. “The LeftField team already has amazing experience working on anime shows, and it’s great to have the chance to help bring the best of anime and manga to East Coast fans at Anime NYC.”

Attendees overall will take in appearances by some of the biggest creators in Japan, extensive screenings, robust panel sessions, and features from anime, manga, and cosplay to Japanese toys, games, food and fashion from brands across the Japanese pop culture spectrum, headlined by Funimation, VIZ Media and Kinokuniya Bookstore.

“New York is a city where Japanese performers hold sold-out concerts and Japanese films receive North American premieres. Various events touch Japanese pop culture here, but no major event exists specifically for the anime and manga community,” said Peter Tatara, LeftField’s head of content.

He added, “There’s a demand from fans for an event to call their own, and I’m proud to work with our friends across the anime and manga worlds to create Anime NYC.”

Add new comment

Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here. New Wave Experiences Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024. Enhanced Technology Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space. Refreshing New Design & Fine Art The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights. Sustainable Spectacles Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles. The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.