Ai-kon 2017 Events and Panels
Friday, July 21, 2017
Ai-Kon Events
Opening Ceremonies
Friday, July 21, 2:00 – 3:00 PM, Main Programming Room
Welcome to Ai-Kon 2017! Help us kick off another amazing weekend with an amazing performance by Hinode Taiko. Get a sneak peak at what the Maid Café has in store. Don’t forget this will be your first chance to greet our special guests!
Exhibitor Events
Manitoba Kendo Club
Friday, July 21, 5:15– 5:45 PM, Main Programming Room
Interested in Japanese swordsmanship? Kendo is the art of Japanese fencing which takes its techniques and traditions from the age of the Samurai. The Manitoba Kendo Club demonstrates an array of techniques and attacks, as well as how to get involved.
Wigging Out With Arda Wigs Canada
Friday, July 21, 3:15– 4:15 PM, Panel Room B
Fan Panels
Diary of High School Cosplayers: Let’s Talk Cosplay
Friday, July 21, 1:00 –2:00 PM, Panel Room A
Starting out in cosplay? Still in school? Then this is a panel for you! We will give you all the information you need to balance school and home life and help you with making your dream cosplays reality!
Yuri!!! On ICE Papercraft
Friday, July 21, 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM, Panel Room B
If you were born to make history, join us and build paper dolls of Yuri, Viktor, and Yurio! Supplies will be provided, as well as some extra details to ensure your dolls have “awesome fashion!” Space limited to 25 participants.
Anime Songs You Might Not Have Heard
Friday, July 21, 2:00 – 3:15 PM, Panel Room A
Everyone knows that Evangelion and Bebop have good openings, but what about everything else? Come and watch the openings of shows that have flown under the radar. These lesser-known openings are pretty incredible, so come and have a look.
Foam Armor 101
Friday, July 21, 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM, Panel Room B
Want to learn how to make awesome costumes out of foam? Experienced crafters Ashquee and Caramel Cosplay host a beginners guide to working with EVA foam. Everything you need to take your skills to the next level.
The Best Soundtracks of 2016
Friday, July 21, 5:45 – 6:45 PM, Panel Room B
From thrilling sports to superhero epics, last year provided plenty of great shows with even more interesting soundtracks. Come see, hear and maybe discover some music you might have missed!
Fantastic Monster Girls and Where to Find Them
Friday, July 21, 7:00 – 8:00 PM, Panel Room B
The harsh wilds of anime are full of beautiful, dangerous and outright silly monster girls (and boys). Come explore them both in and out of their natural habitats & learn which ones to avoid, which ones to love and how to save our endangered ones.
Can’t Even Think Straight
Friday, July 21, 7:15 – 8:30 PM, Panel Room A
Anime/manga are well known for including queer characters/plotlines, but are they always positive depictions? See how some popular titles measure up.
Overcoming Shyness and Making Friends
Friday, July 21, 8:15 – 9:15 PM, Panel Room B
Are you shy, but really want to make friends with the amazing people you meet at Ai-Kon? We’re here to help! We can help you learn the skills you need to overcome shyness and make friends with a little help from some classic JRPGs!
Do You Know Oyashiro-Sama? Higurashi no Naku Koro ni
Friday, July 21, 8:45 – 9:45 PM, Panel Room A
Fun times in rural 1980s Japan quickly descend into bone chilling horror with Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni. The popular series has spawned many adaptations and spin-offs. Perform some demonic rituals and check out the scariest (and silliest) scenes!
How to Flub A Hentai Dub: The Sloppy Second Show (18+)
Friday, July 21, 9:30 – 10:45 PM, Panel Room B
Back for another year of bizarre debauchery, it’s How to Flub a Hentai Dub, a collection of the strangest and funniest dubbing work in erotic anime! Your sides will be laughing on their own.
Tatakai: Fight To Survive (18+)
Friday, July 21, 10:00 PM – 12:00 AM, Panel Room A
It’s kill or be killed! Come discuss your favourite survival game anime or manga with fellow fans. Nothing is off limits!
Game Night with Game Knight
Friday, July 21, 11:00 PM – 6:00 AM, Panel Room B
Join the GameKnight crew for some late night gaming. We’ll be hosting tabletop gaming all night long in Panel Room B, whether they be board games, cards and more. Staff will be on hand to help get you into a game, and we’ll have a wealth of titles with us for your gaming pleasure!
Game Shows
Anime Wheel of Fortune
Friday, July 21, 3:30 – 4:30 PM, Panel Room A
Spin the wheel, buy a vowel, solve the puzzle. It’s everyone’s favorite way to spell your way to victory and take home big prizes. 2 chances to play this weekend at 3:30PM on Friday and 1:15PM on Sunday.
Anime Name That Tune
Friday, July 21, 4:45 – 5:45 PM, Panel Room A
Anime Press Your Luck
Friday, July 21, 6:00 – 7:00 PM, Panel Room A
Three players will go for high stakes, but they’ll have to avoid the Whammy as they play the most exciting game of their lives. Get your chance to roll the big board on Friday at 6PM.
Saturday, July 22, 2017
Ai-Kon Events
Ai-Kon Presents: Dance Group Showcase
Saturday, July 22, 2:00 – 4:30 PM, Main Programming Room
Ai-Kon’s first Dance Showcase ever is now in full effect! Watch some of your beloved dance groups dance to their favorite songs, and have a chat with them afterwards! From Love Live to K-Pop, there’s sure to to be something for everyone.
Dancer Meet and Greet
Saturday, July 22, 4:30 – 5:00 PM, Main Programming Room
Cosplay Contest
Saturday, July 22, 6:30 – 9:00 PM, Main Programming Room
Ai-Kon Dance Featuring Greg Ayres
Saturday, July 22, 10:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Main Programming Room
Exhibitor Events
Wig Rescue with Arda Wigs Canada
Saturday, July 22, 12:15 – 1:15 PM, Panel Room B
Hentai Bingo (18+)
Saturday, July 22, 11:30 PM – 1:30 PM, Main Programming Room
Let loose with friends and fellow attendees and take part in Hentai Bingo, brought to you The Riverside Inn.
Lots of fun ecchi toys to be won and laughs to be had.
Panels
Telephone H-perator (18+)
Saturday, July 22, 12:15 – 1:45 AM, Panel Room A
Like the game telephone, but with drawings – risqué drawings! The operator describes to the artist an image that they cannot see, and the artist draws what is described to them. Drawings are projected onscreen for the audience’s amusement!
Uncle Jennahs Yaoi Story Time (18+)
Saturday, July 22, 12:30 – 2:30 AM, Presentation Theatre
Get your pj’s on for a bedtime story you won’t forget! Join uncle Jennah, where she needs your help in telling the most unforgettable yaoi bedtime story!
Sewing Tips and Tricks
Saturday, July 22, 9:30 – 11:00 AM, Panel Room A
For beginner or intermediate sewers who want to expand their knowledge, or don’t know where to start.
How to #GodTune With #Hatsune #Miku
Saturday, July 22, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM, Panel Room B
From “Let’s Make #EDM #AnimeMusic with Hatsune Miku” comes #GodTuning with #Hatsune #Miku. Celebrating Miku’s upcoming 10 year anniversary learn cool GodTune pizzasauce secrets in “tuning” Miku to sound great using Yuri on Ice’s Born to Make History.
Saturday Morning Cartoons
Saturday, July 22, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM, Main Programming Room
No Wota? No Idol? How to Cheer for Your Favourite Idols
Saturday, July 22, 11:15 AM – 12:45 PM, Panel Room A
Have you ever wanted to cheer your favourite anisong artists, Japanese idol(s) or seiyuu(s), but are not sure how? Have you ever wondered how fans at live concerts can chant/dance with light sticks that are so in sync? If so, this panel is for you!
The RFA Recruitment Meeting: A Mystic Messenger Panel
Saturday, July 22, 1:00 – 2:00 PM, Panel Room A
The RFA has been called to present the association to all those who attend the meeting. The goal of the members is to encourage you, the audience, to join the RFA by any means necessary. And we do mean any means.
Splat Squad
Saturday, July 22, 2:15 – 3:15 PM, Panel Room A
Squids and kids of all ages: join us to chat about what makes Splatoon such a great game, and get hype for Splatoon 2. Luna Blasters not welcome.
Listening Compassionately: How to be an Effective “Hero” For Those in Need
Saturday, July 22, 3:30 – 5:00 PM, Panel Room A
Want to become a “hero” for others you know when they are down? Come to this panel to learn simple skills and knowledge to be that “hero” at the moment. *Includes a fun activity to test out what you learned!!!
Oh God, Gurren Lagann Came Out 10 Years Ago! Anime in 2007
Saturday, July 22, 5:15 – 6:15 PM, Panel Room A
Gurren Lagann, and many other influential anime are turning 10 years old this year! Giant Robots, New York Gangsters, and Nice Boats run rampant. Look back at all the anime series fondly remembered, and appropriately forgotten.
Welcome to Youkoso Japari Park: An Introduction to Kemono Friends
Saturday, July 22, 6:30 – 7:30 PM, Panel Room A
How did a poorly animated CG anime based off a mobile game become the hottest and most popular show in Japan? How did a show about cute animal girls inspire intense theory crafting with each episode? Let’s find out!
Hyper Idol Fighter II’ EX Plus α
Saturday, July 22, 7:45 – 8:45 PM, Panel Room A
NEW AND IMPROVED WITH WEAPONS AND CURSES: The iDOLM@STER vs. Love Live! Can you defend your waifu’s honor in a tournament style battle to the death? Who will be crowned Best Girl? Free prizes offered to all who participate.
Unpopular Opinions 5.55 Komm, süsser Tod (18+)
Saturday, July 22, 8:15 – 9:45 PM, Presentation Theatre
We are back for another year of Unpopular Opinions!. Come on down for more heated discussion about your Favourite or least Favourite Anime and Games. This is an interactive comedy panel for an Adult Audience.
K-pop Dance Class: Girl Song
Saturday, July 22, 9:00 – 10:30 PM, Panel Room A
K-pop has been growing in popularity every year and with that fandom, comes the desire to dance! I will be teaching you the official dance moves from a select K-pop song so dust off them dancing shoes and lets go!! Fighting!!
Game Night with Game Knight
Saturday, July 22, 10:30 – 6:00 PM, Panel Room B
Join the GameKnight crew for some late night gaming. We’ll be hosting tabletop gaming all night long in Panel Room B, whether they be board games, cards and more. Staff will be on hand to help get you into a game, and we’ll have a wealth of titles with us for your gaming pleasure!
Adventures in Harem Anime (18+)
Saturday, July 22, 10:45 AM – 12:00 AM, Panel Room A
Come hang out and learn the good and the bad of harem anime (the genre with the most bathing suits per episode) as your host builds a harem right in front of your eyes.
Game Shows
Anime Jeopardy Qualifying Round 1
Saturday, July 22, 1:30 – 2:30 PM, Panel Room B
One game is not enough, this year Ai-Kon will be host to a Jeopardy Tournament. On Saturday at 1:30PM, 9 players will be randomly selected to play 3 preliminary matches. The winners of each of those games will proceed to the Championship game that night at 9PM, where the winner will be bestowed as Ai-Kon’s Jeopardy Champion and bask in the glow, bragging rights and prizes that it entails.
Anime Jeopardy Qualifying Round 2
Saturday, July 22, 2:30 – 3:30 PM, Panel Room B
One game is not enough, this year Ai-Kon will be host to a Jeopardy Tournament. On Saturday at 1:30PM, 9 players will be randomly selected to play 3 preliminary matches. The winners of each of those games will proceed to the Championship game that night at 9PM, where the winner will be bestowed as Ai-Kon’s Jeopardy Champion and bask in the glow, bragging rights and prizes that it entails.
Anime Jeopardy Final Round
Saturday, July 22, 9:00 – 10:00 PM, Panel Room B
One game is not enough, this year Ai-Kon will be host to a Jeopardy Tournament. On Saturday at 1:30PM, 9 players will be randomly selected to play 3 preliminary matches. The winners of each of those games will proceed to the Championship game that night at 9PM, where the winner will be bestowed as Ai-Kon’s Jeopardy Champion and bask in the glow, bragging rights and prizes that it entails.
Sunday, July 23, 2017
Ai-Kon Events
Closing Ceremonies
Sunday, July 23, 5:00 – 5:30 PM, Main Programming Room
The end of another Ai-Kon. Take a moment to celebrate with us an amazing weekend and get the chance to meet a few members of the staff!
Exhibitor Events
Wig Heat Styling With Arda Wigs Canada
Sunday, July 23, 10:45 – 11:45 AM, Main Programming Room
Fan Panels
Dakimakura 101 (18+)
Sunday, July 23, 12:15 – 1:45 AM, Panel Room A
Due to overwhelming requests, the Dakimakura 101 course is back again this year! Join me as I talk about the glorious Dakimakura! (lit. Hugging Pillow) This course will cover: Brief history, Basic fabric types, where to buy them and more!
Beginner’s Guide to 3D Printing For Cosplay
Sunday, July 23, 9:30 – 10:30 AM, Panel Room A
An introduction to what 3D printing is and how it can help with cosplaying. An overview of common modeling software and how to get started on a budget.
How Belonging to Anime and Video Games Communities is Good For You
Sunday, July 23, 9:45 – 10:45 AM, Panel Room B
Anime and video game communities provides lots of opportunities to form new relationships and improve well-being. But there are others who feel excluded from this. This panel will talk about this – with a lesson to include others to the community.
Haruki Murakami: Japan’s Greatest Novelist Cancelled
Sunday, July 23, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Panel Room B
Haruki Murukami’s fanbase is as avid as Beatles fans. Join us as we talk about one of the key figures in modern Japanese Pop Culture, influencing many. His books cover such diverse topics as parallel worlds, college love stories, and doomsday cults.
Extra Life How Gamers Are Changing the World For the Better
Sunday, July 23, 12:00 – 1:00 PM, Panel Room A
Ever wanted to be a real life hero? Now’s your chance! Join Extra Life to found out how you can be a hero for the kids through gaming!
K-pop Dance Class: Guy Song
Sunday, July 23, 12:15 – 1:45 PM, Panel Room B
K-pop has been growing in popularity every year and with that fandom, comes the desire to dance! I will be teaching you the official dance moves from a select K-pop song so dust off them dancing shoes and lets go!! Fighting!!
Ai-Kon Swap Meet
Sunday, July 23, 2:00 – 3:00 PM, Panel Room B
Swap your old loot (anime, manga, games, figures, cosplay, cards or other merch) for some new-to-you beauties, floor market style! No 18+ items, no cash exchanges.
Ball Jointed Doll 101
Sunday, July 23, 2:30 – 3:00 PM, Panel Room A
No doubt you’ve seen people carrying around dolls at Ai-kon. Want to know what that’s all about? Then come to BJD 101 to learn what they are, what’s the appeal and to have all your burning questions answered.
Depression and Anxiety: Speaking Out in The Fandom
Sunday, July 23, 3:15 – 4:15 PM, Panel Room A
People in the anime community encounter depression and anxiety; but this is often unheard of. This panel is for those who love anime and video games to learn more about these issues and to encourage people to share their experiences in a safe space.
Learning The Art of Japanese Paper Folding
Sunday, July 23, 3:15 – 4:15 PM, Panel Room B
Learn the art of origami, fold some paper cranes, lilies, and learn some facts about origami while your at it. Origami paper will be provided for you, so we just need some people willing to learn. Come on by and lets get to some folding.
Wonderful World of J-Rock 3.0
Sunday, July 23, 4:30 – 5:45 PM, Panel Room A
Japanese Rock, or J-Rock is popular within and outside of Japan. For this third installment of the Wonderful World of J-Rock, we will be surveying various different Japanese groups from different sub-genres of the rock genre including J-Metal.
Worst Girl Wars
Sunday, July 23, 4:30 – 5:45 PM, Panel Room B
From Sailor Moon to Harry Potter – every fandom’s got one. That one female character who the fandom loves to hate. Join us to joyously share all the things we love about these women and girls.
Game Shows
Anime Wheel of Fortune
Sunday, July 23, 1:15 – 2:15 PM, Panel Room A
Spin the wheel, buy a vowel, solve the puzzle. It’s everyone’s favorite way to spell your way to victory and take home big prizes. 2 chances to play this weekend at 3:30PM on Friday and 1:15PM on Sunday.