The third annual Anime St. Pete is opening the doors to an unforgettable first fan convention experience with its “Newbie Welcome Experience,” a specially curated program aimed at showing the ropes to newcomers of anime cons. Taking place September 28-29 at the historic St. Petersburg Coliseum, this experience starts at 11 a.m. each day and offers a panel, guided tour, and photo opportunity — all led by the event’s guest cosplayers.
“This is a great opportunity for anime fans who have never been to a con to dive into the convention world,” said Twilight Cosplay, a 21-year-old from Clearwater who specializes in wig styling, and is an event guest cosplayer. “We’re excited to meet our new attendees and answer questions during the panel, show them around the con in the tour, and pose with them for a photo opp to commemorate their first time at a fan convention.”
Anime St. Pete has quickly become known for attracting fans new to conventions, which prompted the organizer to create the Newbie Welcome Experience. “Over the past couple of years, we’ve welcome lots of first-timers, so we decided to be organized about it,” said Dewey Caruthers, who also run the other St. Pete cons including St. Pete Comic Con, Holiday Cosplay Tampa Bay, and Sunshine City Scare. “Being the first anime convention in the fifth largest city in the state has given local geeks and nerds access to events, making it easier to try for the first time,” he added.
Big-name voice actors, free gaming, main stage entertainment, and fan panels as well as shopping, food trucks, and dessert vendors await attendees of Anime St. Pete 2024. Plus, tickets are affordable, and parking is free. Learn more https://animestpete.floridacomiccons.com/.