Meet, Greet, Repeat: How to Make the Most of AniMinneapolis’ Autograph Sessions & Special Guests

For a lot of people, the idea of meeting convention guests sounds exciting right up until you actually get in line. Suddenly you’re holding a DVD or manga volume, wondering if you’re allowed to say more than “hi,” and worrying you’ll do something awkward in front of someone whose work you genuinely admire.

That feeling is completely normal — and it’s also why it helps to know what to expect before you ever step onto the convention floor.

AniMinneapolis, taking place May 8–10, 2026 at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, is a three-day anime convention built around community, accessibility, and shared fandom. It’s the kind of event where first-timers don’t feel lost and longtime con-goers still find things that surprise them. Autograph sessions and special guest events are a big part of that experience, and unlike many larger conventions, AniMinneapolis still treats these moments as something meant for fans, not just fast transactions.

Understanding Autograph Sessions Without Overthinking Them

Autograph sessions at anime conventions often get built up in people’s heads as intimidating or confusing, but in reality, they’re one of the most structured and straightforward parts of the weekend.

At AniMinneapolis, autograph sessions are scheduled blocks of time listed in the convention schedule, usually released about three to four weeks before the event. Guests will sign in a designated area, with staff present to manage the line and keep things moving smoothly. Some guests charge a small fee for autographs, while others participate in free autograph sessions, something that has become increasingly uncommon at conventions.

Those free sessions are worth paying attention to. Many conventions no longer offer them at all, which makes AniMinneapolis’ approach feel refreshingly fan-friendly. Guests such as Greg Ayres or Gareth West have historically offered free signings during specific sessions, giving attendees the chance to meet them without additional cost beyond their badge.

The key thing to remember is that autograph lines move quickly by design. Guests may be signing for dozens or even hundreds of people in one session, so interactions are short — but short doesn’t mean cold or meaningless.

What to Bring to Get Signed (And What to Leave at Home)

One of the easiest ways to reduce stress is knowing ahead of time what’s acceptable to bring.

Stick to official, legitimate merchandise. Manga volumes, DVDs, Blu-ray cases, licensed prints, character art books, and posters are all common choices. Bootlegs aren’t allowed, and staff will stop them before they reach the table. If you’re unsure about an item, ask a volunteer before getting in line — they’d much rather answer a quick question than deal with an issue at the front.

Prep your item before it’s your turn. Take it out of any protective sleeve, open books to the page you want signed, and make sure you’re not fumbling with zippers or tape while the line waits behind you. If you’re bringing your own marker, double-check whether that’s allowed for the session and choose a color that will actually show up on the surface.

Also think practically. You’ll be walking a lot, so bring something that’s easy to carry and protect afterward.

Making the Interaction Feel Human, Not Rushed

This is the part people worry about most, and honestly, it’s simpler than it feels.

You don’t need a speech. You don’t need a clever line. A brief, genuine comment goes a long way. Thanking a guest for their work, mentioning a favorite role, or saying how much you enjoyed a specific project is more than enough. These guests hear hundreds of comments over a weekend — sincerity stands out more than novelty.

What to avoid? Long stories that require context, deeply personal topics, or anything that slows the line down. Not because guests don’t care, but because there’s a room full of fans waiting behind you.

A smile, eye contact, and a clear thank-you leave a good impression on both sides.

Planning Guest Events Around the Rest of the Weekend

One common mistake is building an entire schedule around autograph sessions and forgetting that AniMinneapolis is packed with other experiences.

Once the full schedule is released, mark your must-see autograph sessions first, then look at what’s happening around them. Give yourself buffer time. Lines can fill up, sessions can run long, and you don’t want to miss something you were excited about because you planned too tightly.

If a line is capped or you arrive late, don’t panic. That’s a good moment to explore something else — the Exhibit Hall, a panel, a meetup, or even a quiet break at the ConSweet. Flexibility makes the weekend much more enjoyable.

Cosplay, Crowds, and the Main Events Everyone Talks About

Even if you show up to AniMinneapolis laser-focused on autograph sessions, it doesn’t take long to realize that the convention energy pulls you in other directions — usually in a good way. There’s always something happening nearby, and many of the most talked-about moments of the weekend happen in the big shared spaces where everyone gathers.

The Grand Cosplay Competition is one of those events that naturally becomes a crowd magnet. This isn’t a casual hallway showcase; it’s a full mainstage production with lighting, judges who actually know what they’re looking at, and competitors who have put serious time into their builds. You’ll see everything from intricate armor and prop-heavy designs to deceptively simple costumes that are executed with precision and creativity. Even if cosplay isn’t your personal hobby, watching the competition gives you a real appreciation for the craftsmanship involved — and cheering for complete strangers quickly becomes part of the fun. It’s also a great way to get inspired, especially if you’ve ever thought, “Maybe next year.”

Then there’s the Exhibit Hall and Artist Alley, which have a way of warping time. You might walk in planning to browse for fifteen minutes and walk out an hour later wondering how that happened. The Exhibit Hall is packed with vendors selling anime and manga, games, figures, cosplay accessories, plushies, DVDs, and collectibles that range from nostalgic to “I didn’t know this existed but now I need it.” It’s a great place to fill gaps in a collection or stumble across something unexpected. Artist Alley adds a different layer to the experience. This is where you’ll find handmade merchandise, original artwork, prints, commissions, and creative takes on familiar fandoms. Talking directly with artists, seeing their process, and finding one-of-a-kind pieces makes this area feel more personal than standard vendor shopping.

The Friday and Saturday Epic Dances are where the convention shifts gears entirely. These aren’t background-noise social events — they’re high-energy nights powered by experienced DJs spinning EDM and related styles, with a crowd that’s there to actually enjoy themselves. Some people go all in and dance for hours. Others hang back, people-watch, or just soak in the atmosphere. Both approaches are completely valid. What makes these dances memorable isn’t pressure to perform; it’s the shared energy of being in a room full of fans letting loose after a long day of panels, lines, and walking. Even if you don’t consider yourself a “dance person,” stopping by for a bit often turns into one of those “I’m glad I checked that out” moments.

Together, these events help shape the rhythm of the weekend. They break up the quieter moments, balance out time spent in lines or panels, and create those big, communal experiences that people end up talking about long after the convention ends.

ConSweet, Cosplay Prom, and Social Events That Make the Weekend Easier

Some convention features don’t sound exciting on paper, but once you’re there, they quietly become the reason your weekend goes smoothly. AniMinneapolis has a few of those, and they’re worth understanding before you hit that inevitable mid-day energy crash.

The ConSweet is a lifesaver in disguise. On the surface, it’s simple: free ramen, rice, soda, and snacks available to attendees with a badge. In practice, it’s a reset button. Instead of leaving the hotel, hunting for food, waiting in lines, and burning both time and money, you can step into the ConSweet, refuel, and get back to the fun without breaking your momentum. It’s also one of the few places where everyone collectively slows down for a minute. People sit, chat, scroll through schedules, compare purchases, or just enjoy the rare luxury of sitting still. Supplies are limited, so dropping by earlier in the day is a smart move, especially before peak evening events.

The Cosplay Prom / Fantasy Ball is another event that tends to surprise people — especially those who assume it’s only for couples or hardcore dancers. It’s free with your badge and intentionally flexible. You can show up in full cosplay, semi-formal wear, formal attire, or something creatively in between. No one’s checking a dress code at the door. Before the ball begins, professional dance lessons are offered, which makes the whole thing feel far less intimidating, even if you’ve never danced outside of your kitchen. The atmosphere is welcoming, a little whimsical, and very much about enjoying the moment rather than performing. The Fabulous Date Auction held earlier in the weekend adds a playful twist, with proceeds helping support the convention and a portion going to charity, making it both fun and purposeful.

The Maid Cafe rounds out the social side of the weekend with something a bit more interactive and intentionally silly. Inspired by Japanese maid cafés but adapted for a convention audience, it’s designed to be fun rather than overly formal or awkward. Guests can expect lighthearted engagement, themed service, and a break from the usual con routine. Tickets are purchased on-site, snacks are included, and the experience tends to attract a mix of curious first-timers and returning fans who know exactly what they’re signing up for. It’s a good option if you want something memorable that doesn’t require hours of commitment or a packed schedule slot.

Taken together, these events help balance the weekend. They offer rest, connection, and low-pressure fun in between the louder, more crowded parts of the convention. Whether you’re running on adrenaline or trying to pace yourself, these spaces make AniMinneapolis feel more comfortable — and a lot more human.

Panels: Expect the Unexpected

If you’ve only ever attended industry-led panels or celebrity Q&As, AniMinneapolis’ fan-run panels might catch you pleasantly off guard. These sessions are created and hosted by attendees themselves, which means the topics aren’t dictated by marketing plans or press schedules — they’re shaped by what fans actually want to talk about, learn, or share.

Of course, you’ll still find plenty of panels focused on anime, manga, cosplay, and gaming. Those are always part of the mix. But once you start flipping through the schedule, you’ll notice that things get broader, and sometimes delightfully random. Fan hosts might use their panel slot to explore interests, skills, or experiences they’re excited about, even if those topics don’t fit neatly into the usual “con panel” box.

It’s not unusual to stumble into a panel that could dive into selling event tickets or organizing community gatherings, especially from fans who’ve run events themselves and want to share what they’ve learned. Others might talk about tourist scams to avoid when traveling to Japan, blending fandom with real-world travel advice. Some hosts could explore how virtual reality in classrooms is changing education, or how digital marketing skills translate from online fandom spaces into real careers.

You might also see panels where someone walks through how to make a game, breaking down design basics in an approachable way, or sessions where hosts share unexpected passions, like cocktail recipes inspired by anime themes or discussions about AI technology and how it’s shaping creative industries. Panels could branch into lifestyle and personal growth topics too. A host might talk about learning basic Chinese or even balcony gardening for apartment dwellers who still want a bit of green in their lives.

Some panels might lean practical, focusing on going vegan or delve into such particulars as business idea generation, or optimizing gaming setups for comfort and performance. Others could feel cozy and relatable, covering baking tips, creating a minimalist bedroom, or finding balance through meditation. There might even be thoughtful conversations around women’s rights or other social topics, depending on what fan hosts feel passionate about sharing.

That variety is exactly what makes these panels worth attending, even if you’ve been to plenty of conventions before. You’re not just sitting in on a lecture — you’re getting a glimpse into what fellow fans care about, what skills they’re developing, and how fandom intersects with everyday life in unexpected ways. If a panel sounds even mildly interesting, it’s often worth popping in. Worst case, you learn something new. Best case, you discover a topic you didn’t realize you were curious about.

Fan-run panels remind you that AniMinneapolis isn’t just about consuming media. It’s about people sharing knowledge, interests, and experiences — sometimes anime-related, sometimes not — and creating space for curiosity in all its forms.

Gaming, Concerts, Karaoke, and Everything in Between

One of the easiest ways to lose track of time at AniMinneapolis is to wander into a room “just to check it out” and realize an hour has passed. The convention does a great job of offering a mix of high-energy events and low-pressure spaces, so there’s almost always something happening that fits your mood — even if you didn’t plan for it.

The tabletop gaming room is a favorite for people who want something social without being loud or overwhelming. You’ll find board games available to try, demo areas for newer releases, and plenty of tables where attendees casually jump into games together. You don’t need to be an expert or arrive with a group. It’s common for people to sit down, learn a game on the spot, and leave having made a few new friends. The coloring area tucked into this space is also a surprisingly effective way to decompress between busier events.

Game demos and playtests add another layer, especially if you enjoy seeing what’s new or upcoming in the tabletop world. These sessions often feel informal and welcoming, making them a good option if you want hands-on fun without a competitive edge.

The arcade room brings a very different kind of energy. Classic and Japanese arcade games like Dance Dance Revolution, Taiko drumming, and rhythm games create a space that’s noisy, colorful, and full of movement. Even if you don’t play, watching others go all in can be entertaining on its own. It’s the kind of room where cheering for strangers feels completely normal.

For console fans, the video gaming lounge offers a place to relax and play familiar favorites. Whether you’re casually competing in Super Smash Bros., joining a tournament, or just sitting down to play something nostalgic, it’s an easy way to unwind and recharge while still staying engaged.

On the performance side, concerts add another dimension to the weekend. These events often feature anime-inspired music, covers, and local performers, creating shared moments where the whole room is on the same wavelength. You don’t need to know every song to enjoy the experience — the atmosphere carries it.

Then there’s karaoke, which is exactly as chaotic and wonderful as it sounds. The Karaoke Krypt is a welcoming space where singing ability matters far less than enthusiasm. People belt out anime themes, J-pop hits, and nostalgic favorites while the crowd cheers them on. It’s one of the easiest ways to bond with strangers, whether you’re on the mic or just in the audience.

Finally, for something completely different, the story-based escape room Starship Astraeus offers a more immersive, narrative-driven experience. Instead of solving isolated puzzles, you’re stepping into the role of a crew member aboard a starship, working together to navigate threats and make decisions. It’s interactive, collaborative, and a fun change of pace if you want something structured but still playful.

The key thing to remember is that you don’t need to do everything. AniMinneapolis works best when you let yourself wander a bit. Trying one or two things you didn’t originally plan for often leads to the moments you end up talking about long after the convention is over.

Tickets and Why Early Registration Helps Everyone

Full three-day badges start at $40, with discounted pricing available until December 20, 2025. Single-day and Platinum/VIP badges are also available. Registering early means faster check-in, guaranteed access, and helps the convention bring in more guests and events.

If you know you’re going, don’t wait.

Final Advice From One Attendee to Another

Wear comfortable shoes. Drink water. Eat real food. Don’t overschedule yourself. Say hi to people. Take breaks when you need them.

Meeting guests is exciting, but it’s just one piece of a weekend designed to help fans connect — with creators, with each other, and with the things they love. AniMinneapolis makes room for all of that, and if you go in prepared, relaxed, and curious, you’ll walk away with more than just an autograph.

You’ll walk away with stories.