Ai-Kon confirms guests of honor
Convention marks first Canadian event for voice actor Greg AyresWinnipeg, MB - April 19, 2007 - North American voice actors Greg Ayres and Vic Mignigna have been confirmed as the guests of honour for Ai-Kon 2007.
Both guests will host and participate in a variety of events - including panels and autograph sessions - during the three days of the convention, scheduled for July 27, 28 and 29 at the Winnipeg Convention Centre.
Greg Ayres
Ai-Kon markes Greg Ayres' first Canadian convention appearance. Ayres is best known for his roles as Son Goku in Saiyuki, Chrono in Chrono Crusade, and Satoshi Hiwatari in DNAngel. His most recent roles include Koyuki in Beck - Mongolian Chop Squad, and Hideki in The Nerima Daikon Brothers. More information is available at his personal web site, http://www.gregayres.com.
Vic Mignogna is a professional music composer/producer and veteran actor most well known as the voice of Edward Elric in Fullmetal Alchemist. He currently plays Fay in Tsubasa Chronicle and recently completed the role of Ikkaku in Bleach. More information on Vic is available at his personal web site, http://www.vicsworld.net.
ABOUT AI-KON: Ai-Kon is Manitoba's largest anime convention. An all-ages event, the goal of Ai-Kon is the promotion of Japanese/Asian animation and culture to the public. Started by the University of Manitoba Japanese Animation Club (UMAnime) in 2001, Ai-Kon took a reorganizational hiatus in 2002, returning in 2003. Ai-Kon has since become an autonomous event, run by an independent volunteer board. "Ai" means "love" in Japanese, hence Ai-Kon's slogan "For the Love of Anime".
In 2006 approximately 1,100 people attended Ai-Kon, and organizers anticipate attendance numbers of 1,200 to 1,500 for this year's convention. Ai-Kon was moved to a larger facility in 2005 increase the comfort and enjoyment of those attending.
Ai-Kon weekend passes are $29 plus agency fees until April 30, $34 plus agency fees until June 30, and $39 plus agency fees after July 1 and available through TicketMaster. Individual day passes are available only on their respective days. Children under 8 are free and must be accompanied by a paying adult. Full details are available at the Ai-Kon web-site, http://www.ai-kon.org.
ABOUT ANIME: Anime is Japanese animation, and is known for its wide range of styles and genres. Anime has grown exponentially in popularity in North America in the last 10 years, with an ever-increasing list of titles licensed for North American distribution. Popular anime titles include Naruto, Bleach, Fruits Basket, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Full Metal Alchemist, and Sailor Moon.