August 21, 2012
For more information:
Zach Stratton
360-750-1553 Ext 19
marketingadmin@visitvancouverusa.com
KUMORICON RETURNS TO VANCOUVER USA OVER LABOR DAY WEEKEND
Thousands of anime, manga and Japanese culture enthusiasts will make their way to town for the annual conference
VANCOUVER, Wash. - The annual Kumoricon conference brings fans of cosplay, manga, and Japanese animation together in Vancouver USA over Labor Day Weekend to experience the local area's biggest display of fandom-related fun. This year, from September 1-3, the convention will celebrate its 10th anniversary when it returns to the Hilton Vancouver Washington and Red Lion Hotel at the Quay, where it was held in 2011 as well.
"We couldn't be happier to welcome this group back to Vancouver USA," said Kim Bennett, president and CEO of the Vancouver USA Regional Tourism Office. "The fun and excitement they bring to the downtown area is contagious and the hotels, restaurants, and shops in the area should see an increase in visitors."
Kumoricon has been providing Japanese culture, entertainment and education to the Oregon and Southwest Washington region since 2003, when it was held in Springfield, Ore. The convention is run entirely by volunteer staff and is attended by the young and old, die-hard fans and curious on-lookers interested in learning more about anime.
"This year's Kumoricon promises to be the best one yet," said Ally Fields, Director of Publicity for Kumoricon and Altonimbus Entertainment. "We want to invite everyone to come check it out. You'll be amazed at all of the lively entertainment, colorful costumes, and friendships being made."
In honor of the 10th anniversary, the 5,000+ attendees from all over the region will be treated to a wide variety of activities. Live performances will be provided by The Slants, a fan favorite band from Portland, and voice actors Sonny Strait and Lauren Landa. Attendees will also be treated to activities provided by Dark Horse, a comic book and manga publisher based in Milwaukie, Ore., and FUNimation, an anime distribution company. Plus, for the first time ever, world-class cosplay group Ninja of the Night will host various cosplay events and invite attendees to learn more about the art of costuming for their favorite characters.
For more information about the convention, visit https://www.kumoricon.org or e-mail publicity@kumoricon.org.
About Vancouver USA Regional Tourism Office
The Vancouver USA Regional Tourism Office, along with its subsidiary the Vancouver USA Regional Sports Commission, is an economic development organization responsible for competitively marketing Vancouver and the surrounding area as a destination for meetings, conventions, sports events, and group and leisure travelers. The organization's mission is to promote Vancouver and Clark County by increasing convention and visitor business. For more information call 877-600-0800, or visit www.VisitVancouverUSA.com.
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