Anime Detour: It Came from Japan!

MN AIDS Walk

John K — May 7th 2012, 19:05 CDT

Anime Twin Cities is putting together a team for the Minnesota AIDS walk on May 20th. By joining our team or making a pledge you are helping the Minnesota AIDS project in the fight to stop HIV through advocacy, education and service.

The most recent statistics show that there is a new case of HIV diagnosed every 27 hours in Minnesota. New cases among women of color and young people continue to rise. An AIDS-free generation is achievable if we concentrate our efforts on prevention and education.

To join or donate to our team please visit www.mnaidswalk.org and support the Anime Twin Cities team.

ATC Board Meeting Moved

John K — April 17th 2012, 17:25 CDT

The May Anime Twin Cities board meeting has been moved to May 21st due to scheduling conflicts. Keep your eyes on this space for further updates!

Thanks to the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund!

John K — April 9th 2012, 22:26 CDT

We wanted to thank the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund for attending Anime Detour. They helped explain their cause of keeping our comics and manga free from censorship. Please take time to read their post on their time at Anime Detour at the link below.

http://cbldf.org/homepage/anime-detour-hosts-a-warm-welcome-for-ryan-matheson-cbldf/

Feedback Forms And Lost and Found

John K — April 2nd 2012, 01:38 CDT

Thanks for another wonderful year at Anime Detour. We value feedback from everyone so we can make our convention better every year. If everyone could please take the time to fill out a feedback form we would love to have your input. When giving comments, please be descriptive. "I don't like X" isn't as helpful as "X could be improved if Y was done".
Feedback Form: http://animedetour.com/form_feedback

If you lost any items, you may contact us through our Lost and Found form and we will do our best to reunite you with your lost items if we have them.
Lost and Found Form: http://animedetour.com/form_lostfound

Hotel Information Update

Josh S — March 28th 2012, 16:24 CDT

If you are still looking to get a room please read below:

We will be staffing a Hotel Help Desk (across from the Reservations desk) at the DoubleTree starting Thursday, 3/29 at Noon (See hours below). Because there are last minute cancellations you are invited to check in at our Hotel Help Desk to see if any rooms are available at the DoubleTree. We cannot Guarantee any rooms will be available!

Help Desk Hours:

Thursday, Noon to 6PM
Friday, 8AM until 8PM
Hours may be extended as necessary

You can also call 1-800-222-TREE (8733) and ask for available rooms at the DoubleTree Bloomington with the group code: "Anime". We cannot guarantee rooms types available, please do not attempt to push them to give you a room type that is not available to you when you call.

The Crowne Plaza - Bloomington still has rooms available for Anime Detour attendees and shuttle service between the Crowne Plaza and the DoubleTree has been setup. The room rate will be $109/night for Doubles (plus taxes). To book now, call the Crowne Plaza at 952-831-8000 and mention Anime Detour.

FUNimation Premieries

John K — March 28th 2012, 11:21 CDT

FUNimation will be premiering the follow shows on Saturday:

Dragon Age: Dawn of the Seeker Saturday 1:00pm, Atrium 7
Black Butler (Season 2) Saturday 1:20pm, Atrium 7
Legend of the Legendary Heroes Saturday 3:00pm, Atrium 7

So come check out your first chance to see these new shows!

Membership Transfers: What You Need to Know

rincosplayer — March 25th 2012, 00:09 CDT

We are anticipating a large number of transfers at the convention this year. If you are planning on transferring a membership at any point during the convention, this information is important for you to read.

There is a $5 fee for ALL transfers. We accept cash only, exact change for transfers. No checks or credit cards.

Every transfer must use the completed and signed membership transfer form. We will not accept letters, images on phones/computers, or transfers over the phone. NO exceptions will be made to this.

ALL information on the transfer form MUST match what we have on file for the original registrant or we will DENY the transfer request. This means the full name (first, middle, last), full address (street, city, state, ZIP code), phone number, email address, badge name, and birth date. Again, NO exceptions.

We track how often a membership is transferred. We reserve the right to not process multiple transfers for the same membership.

We will not re-make the transferred badge with your own badge name. You must use the badge with the name that is on it. The only time we will re-make the badge is if there is an age difference (ex. Adult badge -> Minor badge or Minor badge -> Adult badge). Again, the badge name cannot be changed.

We will not process transfers outside of normal registration hours. Do not come to us on Thursday or outside of our normal operating hours, as we will tell you NO.

In general, we reserve the right to not process transfers for any reason. The decisions made by the registration heads are final.

This will be the final year that we will accept transfers at the con. Starting in 2013, there will be NO at-con transfers. Furthermore, our transfer policies will be changing for 2013.

Thanks for reading,

Scott S. (aka rincosplayer)
Anime Detour Co-Head of Registration

Anime Detour Phone Apps

John K — March 23rd 2012, 18:51 CDT

Ever had problems trying to juggle around several documents at a convention only to misplace them while you are running around? Or have you ever been too busy and missed a panel or event?

This app is made to alleviate those problems and more by combining all the most common bits of info into one efficient and intuitive system as well as helpful reminder notifications for your favorite panels/events.

You can find this app on both the Android Market and the iPhone App Store by searching for "Anime Detour"

Anime Detour's 2012 Charity Auction

John K — March 23rd 2012, 00:38 CDT

Sunday April 1st

12:00pm ( Noon) The Garden Court

Double Tree

Every year Anime Detour hosts a charity auction to raise funds for the American Red Cross charity, as well as helping out our local community. Last year through the American Red Cross's Disaster Relief fund, many of you donated to help the Tsunami Victim's in Japan, and Detour was able to raise $36,243.84. Considering the age group of the average Con-goer, that is Amazing.

The better part- This year we're doing it again. Not only are we helping people, we're showing the rest of the world what a caring and giving community the Anime community really is. We're not just fans, we're a family. So this year if you have something special that's been collecting dust, or some special piece of artwork you personally would like to donate to the cause, please do so. Our Charity Auction staff is taking donations this year. Every dollar counts.

You can help people affected by disasters like the situation in Japan as well as countless crises at home and around the world, by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters.

The American Red Cross name is used with its permission, which in no way constitutes an endorsement, express or implied, of any product, service, company, individual or political position. For more information about the American Red Cross, please call 1‑800 HELP NOW or email info@usa.redcross.org.

Registration Rate Increases for Anime Detour 2013

rincosplayer — March 22nd 2012, 22:27 CDT

Due to increase in general costs, the price for all tiers of registration will be going up starting in Anime Detour 2013. New rates for the 2013 convention will be as follows:

Early Pre-registration (Sunday at Anime Detour 2012): $40
Opening of Registration through September 30th: $45
October 1st through December 31st: $50
January 1st 2013 through February 28th, 2013: $55
Walk-up (If available): $70

Standard Sponsorship: $150
Community Sponsorship: $250

We hope everyone will continue to join us in 2013. Anime Detour 2013 will take place on April 19th - 21st in 2013.