Nekocon facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Nekocon
Cosplayers at Nekocon, 2014
Status	Active
Genre	Anime, Asian culture
Venue	Hampton Roads Convention Center
Location(s)	Hampton, Virginia
Country	United States
Inaugurated	1998
Attendance	6,900 in 2014
Website	http://www.nekocon.com/

Nekocon is a super fun event that happens every year for three days. It's a big gathering for fans of anime and Asian culture. It usually takes place in early November at the Hampton Roads Convention Center in Hampton, Virginia. Guess what? It's the oldest anime convention in Virginia! The name 'Nekocon' comes from the Japanese word "neko," which means "cat." Meow!

What Happens at Nekocon?

Nekocon is packed with exciting activities for everyone. You can find many different things to do and see.

Creative Fun and Games

• Art Shows and Artist's Alley: See amazing fan art and buy unique creations from talented artists.
• Costume Competition: Show off your awesome cosplay (dressing up as characters) or watch others.
• Video Game Tournaments: Test your skills against other players in popular video games.
• Card Game Tournaments: Play your favorite trading card games and compete for prizes.
• Music Video Contest: Watch cool fan-made music videos or even enter your own.
• Karaoke Contests: Sing your heart out and have fun with friends.

Learning and Experiences

• Panels and Q&A Sessions: Learn new things about anime, manga, and Japanese culture from experts. You can also ask them questions!
• Workshops: Try out new skills, like drawing or crafting.
• Kimono/Tea Ceremony Workshop: Learn about traditional Japanese clothing and the special tea ceremony.
• Maid Cafe: Experience a unique cafe where servers dress up in cute maid outfits.

Shopping and Socializing

• Dealer's Room: This is a huge marketplace where you can buy anime merchandise, comics, and more.
• Vendors: Discover even more cool stuff from different sellers.
• Autograph Sessions: Meet your favorite voice actors or artists and get their autographs.
• Concerts and Dances: Enjoy live music and dance with other fans.

Giving Back

Nekocon also helps others! In 2015, the convention's charity events raised money for Be The Match. This organization helps people who need bone marrow transplants. It's awesome that a fun event can also do good for the community!