Anime Expo cancels the 2020 edition
Anime Expo (AX) has canceled its 2020 edition. The event, which takes place in Los Angeles, was scheduled for July 2-5. The California-based event grew from approximately 1.750 attendees in 1992 to 115.000 unique visitors last year.
Ray Chiang, CEO of the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation, said in a note:
This is a day when my team and I hoped it would not come, but it is with a heavy heart that I am announcing the cancellation of Anime Expo 2020. Our greatest concern is for the health and safety of our fantastic Anime Expo community. We understand your disappointment as we are first and foremost anime fans. As you can imagine, this was one of the most difficult decisions we had to make in the 29 years of Anime Expo.
With the evolving COVID-19 situation, as well as further restrictions in place around the world and in our host city of Los Angeles, we cannot in good faith move forward with this year's event. We know it will affect all of you differently and we have not taken this decision lightly.
AX badge holders will have the option to receive a full refund or transfer their badges to AX 2021, scheduled for July 2-5, 2021. Organizers say exhibitors and artists will receive information next week, while hotel bookings are coming made through the organization's official platform will be automatically canceled.
