Anime Expo Booth Location Guide

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Previously, we shared detailed exhibitor tips to help businesses maximize their presence at Anime Expo 2025.

With less than four months to go, Anime Expo is gearing up to be one of the biggest pop culture events in North America, alongside San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC).

Anime Expo stands out for its strong emphasis on Japanese pop culture. As clearly stated on its official website, the event’s mission is:

“Bringing fans and industry together to celebrate Japanese pop culture.”

 

For game companies preparing to exhibit, this article outlines how to choose the right hall, navigate booth options, and understand essential regulations.

 

Choosing the Best Booth Location

Anime Expo 2025 will take place at the Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC), with two main exhibition areas available for exhibitors:

• • Exhibit Hall (South Hall)
• • Entertainment Hall (West Hall)

The Exhibit Hall focuses on merchandise sales and product showcases. It’s well suited for companies looking to sell goods, display branded materials, or meet with press and fans.

The Entertainment Hall, on the other hand, is designed for interactive activations, demos, and fan-driven experiences. If your booth emphasizes gameplay or immersive elements, this area may offer a more suitable environment.

Choosing between the two depends on your booth concept, goals, and how you plan to engage with attendees.

Booth Location Tips &
Registration Strategy for Anime Expo 2025

Because Anime Expo values its cultural roots, exhibitors are encouraged to emphasize their brand’s connection to Japanese pop culture when applying.

In addition, booth location plays a major role in visitor engagement. Consider attendee movement patterns and submit your application early to secure a strategic spot.

For exhibitors, visibility to attendees is critical. Once Anime Expo opens booth applications, applying as early as possible can give you a competitive edge.

Hidden Opportunity: Lobby Activation

In addition to Exhibit and Entertainment Halls, Anime Expo also offers a limited number of Lobby Activation spaces.

While not listed as prominently, these locations are positioned at entry points and key transition areas—ensuring every attendee passes through them on their way into the main halls.

Last year, our team managed a high-impact activation for Nikke in a lobby space that captured attendees’ attention immediately. Thanks to this placement, merchandise sold out within minutes.

If you’re unable to secure a preferred booth in the main halls, consider lobby activation as an alternative. These locations offer strong brand exposure through continuous attendee flow. Contact the event organizers to check availability.

Weapon Regulations for Exhibitors

Booth regulations vary depending on the hall, especially when it comes to weapons and interactivity.

In the Entertainment Hall, any object that could launch a projectile—such as toy guns or airsoft—is prohibited. This makes shooting-based games difficult to operate without adjustments.🔫

(However, a creative agency can help reimagine your concept in a way that complies with regulations while keeping your booth engaging and fun.)

The same restrictions apply to cosplay props. If your booth includes staff or models wearing costumes with weapon-like elements, check with the organizers in advance.

Adult Content Guidelines

Both Exhibit Hall and Entertainment Hall do not permit adult content. Instead, exhibitors offering 18+ content must apply for a designated area located on the lower level of Kentia Hall.

This reserved zone is managed with appropriate signage and restricted access and is the only area within Anime Expo that allows for mature-rated material.

If your game or promotional content includes adult themes or visuals, be sure to request space in this section during your application.

How Much Is Too Much?

In contrast to certain Asian gaming conventions where revealing outfits are often restricted, Anime Expo allows for more freedom in character design and cosplay.

Participants commonly appear in bold, expressive costumes—including swimsuits👙 and revealing outfits—without facing regulation. This creates a rare opportunity for brands to fully embrace their visual identity and connect with fans through immersive, eye-catching booth experiences.

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How to Make Your Anime Expo 2025 Exhibit a Success

To succeed at Anime Expo 2025, exhibitors should focus on selecting the right hall, understanding key policies, and planning activations that align with the event’s unique culture.

Whether you’re launching a new title, building brand awareness, or creating a fan-first experience, your booth location, concept, and execution will be the difference-maker.

Looking for support with booth design, logistics, or strategy?

Our team brings extensive experience from Anime Expo, Gamescom, Tokyo Game Show, and more. Let’s make Anime Expo 2025 your most impactful event yet.

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2025 Anime Expo Exhibitors Guide (Booking, Operation, Strategy)

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What is the biggest Anime Convention in the US?

Anime Expo 2025 is the largest anime and manga convention in North America, drawing exhibitors and brands from around the world. With over 392K attendees in 2024, the event offers exhibitors a prime opportunity to showcase their brands. This guide covers everything from booth booking and setup to marketing strategies that ensure maximum engagement at Anime Expo 2025. Whether you’re a first-time exhibitor or a returning brand, careful planning is key to success.

When is Anime Expo 2025?

Anime Expo 2025 takes place from July 3rd to July 6th, overlapping with July 4th, Independence Day in the U.S.🇺🇸 This national holiday brings a unique atmosphere to the event, as more attendees take advantage of the long weekend. The festive energy adds to the excitement of the convention, making it one of the busiest times for exhibitors and fans alike.

Where is Anime Expo 2025?

Anime Expo 2025 will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC), a major venue in downtown LA that hosts large-scale events.

Its spacious layout and central location make it the perfect venue for an event of Anime Expo’s scale, providing exhibitors with a prime space to engage with a massive audience. Moreover, being in downtown LA means easy access to hotels, restaurants, and entertainment options for attendees.

Booth Preparation – Essential Checklist

Venue Layout:

Anime Expo 2025 is divided into two primary areas:

• Exhibit Hall: Comprised of South Hall & Kentia Hall
• Entertainment Hall: Focused on interactive and experiential exhibits

Anime Expo 2025 Booth Setup & Requirements

Category	Requirement	Deadline / Notes
Booth Setup	Installation must be completed by 8 PM, July 2	Setup can begin up to 3 days before opening
Exhibit Floor Access	Exhibitors can enter 1 hour before & stay 1 hour after the show	Applies to Exhibit Hall & Entertainment Hall
Certificate of Insurance (COI)	Mandatory for all exhibitors	Must be submitted before event approval
California Sales Tax Reporting	Required for all exhibitors selling goods	Must be filed in compliance with tax laws
Booth Design Approval	Exhibitors must submit all booth designs & inflatable structures for approval	Submit designs by May 31, 2025
Height Restrictions	– Regular booths: Up to 12 ft – Island booths: Up to 25 ft	Structures exceeding limits need approval
Signage Limitations	Banners must not exceed 50% of booth width	Applies to all exhibit spaces
Food & Beverage Sales	Prohibited (samples require prior approval)	Food vendors need separate approval
Adult Content Display	Allowed only in designated 18+ areas	Proper signage & restricted access required
Drone & Large Inflatable Use	Prohibited unless pre-approved	Requests must be submitted in advance
Internet & Wi-Fi	Provided by Smart City	Application required
Electrical Supply	Provided by Edlen Electrical	Must be pre-booked
Security Services	Available through Ayvar Security	Optional, can be pre-arranged

Booth Operation & Marketing Strategy

Anime Expo offers exhibitors a wide range of promotional opportunities to amplify your brand’s presence before, during, and after the event. Securing sponsorships early can help maximize your exposure.

Category	Promotion Type	Details
🎁 Promotional Items	Swag Bags	Brand attendee swag bags with your logo to maximize exposure beyond the convention.
	Lanyards	Feature your brand on lanyards worn by all attendees for constant visibility.
	Print Promotions	Sponsor event maps, program guides, or hotel key cards to keep your brand in attendees’ hands.
📱 Digital Promotions	Mobile App Ads	Utilize banners, push notifications, and email blasts through the AX app.
	Digital Signage	Advertise on LED screens across LA Live and the convention center with rotating ad slots.
🚀 On-Site Promotions	Entry Banners & Displays	Large-scale banners in key areas grab immediate attention.
	Column & Shuttle Wraps	Extend brand exposure by wrapping shuttle buses and high-traffic columns.

2024 Nikke Marketing Strategy – A Case Study

At Anime Expo 2024, the game Goddess of Victory: Nikke made waves as one of the most successful exhibits. Represented by the master agency Eidetic, their booth was an instant hit—with demo reservations selling out in just nine minutes!

Key takeaways from Nikke’s success:

• Premium Booth & Experiential Space: By securing a premium booth location in the Exhibit Hall lobby, Nikke maximized visitor traffic right from the entrance.
• Interactive Experiences: Integrating interactive events and themed experiences synchronized with in-game summer events elevated user engagement.
• Visual Appeal: The deployment of high-quality cosplay models and a visually striking booth design generated a flood of photos and social media buzz, amplifying brand exposure.

This case exemplifies how leveraging AX’s diverse marketing channels can drive immediate engagement and lasting brand recognition.

For a deeper dive into Nikke’s subculture marketing and pop-up experiences, check out our article: The Rise of Subculture Pop-ups: Spotlight on Nikke.

Anime Expo Exhibit Agency: Eidetic Marketing

For companies seeking a strong presence at Anime Expo 2025, working with an experienced marketing agency can make all the difference. We have built a reputation for delivering high-impact exhibits, including the standout 2024 Nikke booth. With extensive experience managing global gaming showcases, Eidetic Marketing specializes in crafting immersive experiences tailored to subculture gaming audiences.

We have successfully executed exhibits at major events such as ChinaJoy, Tokyo Game Show, and Gamescom, designing each booth to not only draw attention but also leave a lasting impression on fans