ACen is almost here! That’s right! Anime Central is almost here, and we’ve got a lot of big updates to bring you. In this episode, we talk about the importance of getting registered before the con versus at-con registration. We run down all the major announcements ACen has made since our last episode. Lastly, in our interview segment for this episode, we speak to Jesica Ward-Schmidt about the many roles she takes on in the organization and the challenges she and her teams have faced to bring this year’s ACen home! It’s our last episode before the con so let’s build the hype!

Registration

There is still time to get pre-registered and not have to stand in the at-con registration line. Head over to this link and get signed up today

https://www.acen.org/registration-info/

Badges have been shipped

All individual badges shipped on April 19th. Group Badges and International Badges shipped a week later. There are still a few Group Badges that need to be shipped but otherwise, all badges are now in the hands of the USPS.

If you have not received your badge yet, please follow these steps that can help you with your badge

1. Confirm your registration status at this link

https://s6.goeshow.com/maps/acen/2022/registration_update.cfm?Logout=1

2. If your registration status is confirmed and you did purchase badge mailing, please sign up for Informed Delivery from USPS at this link. It will help you keep an eye out for incoming mail

https://informeddelivery.usps.com/box/pages/intro/start.action

3. If your badge does not arrive prior to the start of the convention, please see our staff at Membership Services when you arrive, and they will be able to assist you in getting your badge.

Guest Announcements

Tony Oliver

Erica Mendez

Lucien Dodge

Samurai Dan and Jillian

Hakos Baelz and Gawr Gura of Hololive EN

Other Announcements

Pop-Up Lockers

$15 a day

$25 for two days

$35 for the weekend

Revue Starlight: The Movie

More details coming soon

Pachinko Fever

More details coming soon

Soap Bubble Lineup

ZOA

DJ Khek

DJ Allen C

VJ DaGuru

DJ Kagamine

Bad Corey

DJ GreenFlow

Nikki X

Synergy Lineup

Kotu

All Hell Breaks Loops

Moe Shop

2TD

Snack Attack

James Landino (RWBY, Tower of GOD)

TeddyLoid (Panty and Stocking, Me Me Me)

Musical Guest

DEMONDICE

Welcome Back to another Episode of the ACential Podcast! Check out the Show Notes to see all the topics we discussed this week!

Registration

Tier 3 ends April 1st at Midnight. April 2nd, price goes up to $80 for a full weekend badge and no badge mailing option.

www.acen.org/registration-info

Covid-19 Safety Update

Masks still required in all indoor, convention spaces. Proof of Vaccination OR Negative Covid Test Result within 72 hours of your arrival at convention also required.

https://www.acen.org/2022-vaccine-and-mask-policy/

Guest Announcements

Dorah Fine

https://www.acen.org/dorah-fine/

Oriana Peron

https://www.acen.org/oriana-peron/

A New World: Intimate Music from Final Fantasy

https://www.acen.org/a-new-world-final-fantasy-concert-2022/

Eric Maruscak

https://www.acen.org/chalk-artist-eric-maruscak/

First Timers Guide to ACen

1.      Pick up Badge at Registration Booth in Hall A if you did not get your badge mailed to you. If you did, still head over to Registration to show your proof of vaccination, and get your wristband for the weekend

2.      Pick up a Program Guide and lanyard, also located in Hall A. While you’re at it, download Guidebook from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and search for Anime Central to download our 2022 Guidebook

3.      When the Convention starts on Friday, Head to Opening Ceremonies and hear about all the wonderful things that will be at ACen this year.

4.      After Opening Ceremonies, head over to the Dealer’s Hall and check out all the vendors and industry guests that have joined us this year.

5.      Pop over to the Artist Alley and see the wonderful artist selling artwork and other craft goodies.

6.      Don’t forget to check out our amazing lineup of fan-panels.

7.      Remember the 6-2-1 rule! 6 hours of sleep a night, 2 full meals a day (Pocky is not a meal), and 1 shower

8.      Make sure to join our Discord Server to keep up with all the amazing attendees at ACen

Another episode of the ACential Podcast is coming at you. In this episode, we discuss all the announcements we’ve made in January and there was a lot. There will be even more coming as we get close to the convention.

Episode links

Registration

Registration is at Tier 3. Price is $73 for adults.

https://www.acen.org/registration-info/

Hotels

Only the Hyatt Rosemont and the Comfort Inn and Suites are still available

https://www.acen.org/hotels/

Live Events now open

https://www.acen.org/live-events-submission-forms-are-now-open/

Masquerade Applications now open

https://www.acen.org/masquerade-now-accepting-submissions/

Professional Registration is Open

https://www.acen.org/professional-registration-is-now-open/

Roadshows

Ohayocon

February 10th-13th, 2022

Hyatt Regency Columbus

Columbus, OH

https://ohayocon.org/

Anime Milwaukee

February 11th-13th, 2022

Wisconsin Center

Hilton Milwaukee City Center Hotel

https://animemilwaukee.org/

COVID-19 Vaccination and Mask Policy

Masks Required in all public convention spaces and public hotel spaces

Proof of Vaccination required (Vaccination Card, App, photo)

https://www.acen.org/2022-vaccine-and-mask-policy/

Reach out to the show

podcast@acen.org

See you next episode