General Convention Information

  • AniAmes is a one-day anime convention in Ames, Iowa.

  • AniAmes is held at the Gateway Hotel & Conference Center on October 24th 2026.

  • Doors open at 10 AM for badge pick up, and events start at 10:30. The convention ends at 11 PM.

  • Yes, AniAmes is designed to be welcoming to fans of all ages. Some panels or content may be labeled for mature audiences, and parents/guardians are encouraged to review the schedule.

  • Yes. Our venue is ADA accessible. If you have specific accommodation needs or questions, please email aniamescon@gmail.com in advance so we can help.

  • A valid ID, your badge confirmation email (if pre-ordered), and lots of energy! Cash is helpful for artists and vendors, though many accept cards. The pop-up bar is Cash only.

Tickets and Registration

  • Tickets are available on our website on the registration page.

  • Yes, however, purchasing in advance is recommended to save more time for the con.

  • Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.

  • Lost badges may not be replaced. Please keep your badge secure at all times.

  • Children aged 6 & under at the date of the convention do not need a ticket.

Cosplay

  • Absolutely! Cosplay is encouraged and celebrated at AniAmes.

  • Yes. For safety and respect, certain props and cosplays are restricted. Full cosplay and prop policies are found here.

  • Yes! AniAmes hosts a craftsmanship contest and cosplay showcase. Details, categories, and rules are found here.

    The cosplay contest sign-up dates will be announced on our social media.

  • Changing areas are not available at the venue. We kindly ask that people do not change in the venue bathrooms for safety concerns.

  • Prop weapons are allowed. Prop weapons must follow our prop safety guidelines and are required to be peace-tied at our prop check booth. Real weapons are never allowed.

Photography

  • Yes! Personal photography is welcome, as long as you respect other attendees and ask for consent before taking their photos.

  • Designated photoshoot locations and times will be listed in the schedule.

  • Fill out our photoshoot interest form to help us schedule fandom group shoots.

    The Interest form will be available closer to the convention date and will be announced on our social media.

Dealers Hall

  • Applications are available on our website or linked in our social media.

  • Applications will open March 1st and close June 1st, but will still be open for waitlist applications until September 1st.

  • Prohibited items will be listed in the application and policy pages.

Travel, Parking, & Food

  • Free parking is available at the venue.

  • Yes! We provide a hotel block at a reduced room rate. Announcements for the hotel block will be shared on our website and social media.

  • Yes. There is a restaurant at the venue, as well as 1-2 food trucks (hours TBD). There are also many restaurants in close driving distance.

  • Outside food and drinks are not allowed unless provided by staff, the venue, or the food trucks.

Contact & Support

  • You can reach out to us through the contact page on our website or by email.

  • Follow us on social media and keep watch on our website for the latest updates and announcements.

  • We collect all lost items at our convention operations room.

Policies & Safety

  • AniAmes is a safe, inclusive space. Harassment, discrimination, or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. More information on policies can be found here.

  • Violations may result in warnings, removal from the event, badge revocation without refund, or being banned from future events.

  • Find the nearest staff member or security. Staff can be identified by their staff badge or staff t-shirt, and security will be posted at both entrances.

  • Yes. Security and staff are on-site to help ensure a safe experience.