Heyo humans! The time has come to check out a new convention. This time around we are checking out Anime Impulse Bay Area. The Norcal branch of the Anime Impulse brand of conventions. Over the weekend of July 26 and 27, this anime convention held their third year at the Santa Clara Convention center. Time to take a look.
First thing first was entering. There was no onsite registration ,as everything went through paying online through qr code (which has become the norm at some conventions). Another difference was the absence of badges. If you wanted to enter and exit you got your hand stamped.
Another interesting aspect was the fact that is that convention was simultaneously held with the conventions K-Play Fest (a k-pop event) and Collectors Expo. All of which are operated under Impulse Universe inc. This also meant a ticket for one event meant entry for all of them. Which made this whole thing more like one convention with three subsections, instead of three conventions next to each other.
Of course of these events, it was all centered around the dealers halls. The usual vendors, autograph booths from guests, artist alley, arcades, and a stage set up for musical performances all in the same large hall. Most notable of vendors was the sponsor Toyota having a huge exhibit, where people could get inside cars on display.
Another standout was the vtuber section. There were cut out displays for attendees to take pictures with, designated areas for meet and greets, and the vtubers roaming themselves in mobile screens. I was greeted by the mafia themed vtuber The Ron, and given a very hilarious self explanation to who he is.
Then there was the Main Stage. The few places that was not interconnected to the large hall, and inside it’s own room. Most notable event there being the charity auction held by Japanese guest and content creator Kaho Shibuya. She auctioned off personal items to raise funds for The Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California. Audience members bid for such things as completed puzzles done by Kaho and large cardboard cut outs of her in a variety of cosplays. It was a lively event elevated by Kaho’s energetic attitude.
Overall, this convention was primarily a shopping experience. There was heavy focus on having as many vendors as possible but all other programming had very little thought (Kaho’s success with her event had more to do with her planning then by the convention itself). Seeing what was going to happen was made difficult because there was no program/guide app or physical booklet. Instead you had to look at the website to see what is happening at the convention. Most info was available but was difficult to navigate. This was made more troublesome by no signs at the stages themselves displaying the schedule for content. I was only there for day one, but I did speak to those who attended day two and they told me it was more of the same except slower attendance. The verdict, unless you are in the mood to really go on a shopping spree anime and kpop merch, this is a skip.There were moments to enjoy but they weren’t enough to carry the convention as whole.
