Otafest
The O-Wing, Otafest's primary logo
StatusActive
VenueTelus Convention Centre
Location(s)Calgary, Alberta
CountryCanada
Inaugurated1999
Attendance11,469 attendees in 2023[1]
Organized byOtafest Film & Cultural Festival Planning Committee
Filing statusNon-Profit Organization
Websitehttp://www.otafest.com/

Otafest is an annual anime convention held in May (and previously September, mid-June, or early July), at the Telus Convention Centre, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The first Otafest was held 1999 and has expanded each year, including a move in 2009 to include a mini-convention called Otafest Lite, which was replaced in 2012 with Otafest Aurora.[2] At the closing ceremonies in 2015, it was announced that Otafest would be moving to the Telus Convention Centre from the University of Calgary for Otafest 2016 with a new date, July 1–3, however the event dates returned to May after Otafest 2017. As of May 2015, it is the largest anime convention in Western Canada. Otafest is a fully volunteer-run non-profit, and has raised over $125,000 CAD for charitable initiatives since its inception.[3]

Mandate

Otafest is a Calgary-based nonprofit organization expressing the values of charity, quality, and transparency. The body of their activity pertains to the promotion of Japanese art, culture, and media in the Canadian community, and the organization rests firmly on the spirit of community collaboration and volunteerism.[4]

History

Otafest was scheduled to occur May 15–17, 2020 but was postponed to 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.[5]

Otafest event history

Dates[4][6]LocationAtten.[4][6]Guests
July 3–4, 1999 University of Calgary
Calgary, Alberta[7]		700[7]
June 17–18, 2000 University of Calgary
Calgary, Alberta[8]		900Yasuyuki Ueda.[8]
September 15–16, 2001 University of Calgary
Calgary, Alberta[9]		700[9]
May 24–26, 2002 University of Calgary
Calgary, Alberta[10]
May 24–25, 2003 University of Calgary Science Theaters
Calgary, Alberta[11]
May 15–16, 2004 University of Calgary
Calgary, Alberta[12]		The 404s.[12]
May 21–22, 2005 University of Calgary
Calgary, Alberta[13]		Jonathan Love.[13]
May 21–22, 2006 University of Calgary
Calgary, Alberta[14]
May 19–20, 2007 University of Calgary
Calgary, Alberta[15]		2,709The 404s.[15]
May 16–18, 2008 University of Calgary
Calgary, Alberta[16]		4,278The 404s, Mohammad "Hawk" Haque, Dr. Antonia Levi, Jonathan Love, Midnight Taiko, Ananth Panagariya, Dave Rathnow, and Shin Ken Kai Nobara.[16]
May 15–17, 2009 University of Calgary
Calgary, Alberta[17]		4,361The 404s, Johnny Yong Bosch, Mohammad "Hawk" Haque, Bob the Chair, Dr. Antonia Levi, Midnight Taiko, Ananth Panagariya.[17]
May 21–23, 2010 University of Calgary
Calgary, Alberta[18]		3,697The 404s, Michelle Ruff, Todd Haberkorn, Scott Ramsoomair, Synaptic Chaos Theatre, Midnight Taiko, Dave Rathnow & Shin Ken Kai Nobara, Thwomp, Pinko Polkadotsu.[18]
May 20–22, 2011 University of Calgary
Calgary, Alberta[19]		4,135The Fool, Midnight Taiko, Dave Rathnow & Shin Ken Kai Nobara, Sun Ergos, Synaptic Chaos Theatre, Thwomp.[19]
May 18–20, 2012 University of Calgary
Calgary, Alberta[20]		4,938[20]Andrea Libman, Brendan Hunter, Lix, Thwomp, Midnight Taiko, Dave Rathnow & Shin Ken Kai Nobara, Synaptic Chaos Theatre.[20][21]
May 17–19, 2013 University of Calgary
Calgary, Alberta[22]		4,947[22]Michael Daingerfield, Carol-Anne Day, Lucas Gilbertson, Adam Hunter, Brendan Hunter, Midnight Taiko, Kirby Morrow, Dave Rathnow & Shin Ken Kai Nobara, Scott Roberts, Kieran Strange, Synaptic Chaos Theatre, Umbrella.[22]
May 16–18, 2014 University of Calgary
Calgary, Alberta[22]		7,787[22]Yuu Asakawa, Chris Cason, Brad Swaile, Yaya Han, Midnight Taiko, Dave Rathnow, Rose Noire, Chii Sakurabi, Kieran Strange, Synaptic Chaos Theatre, Thwomp.[23][24][25]
May 15–17, 2015 University of Calgary
Calgary, Alberta[26]		8,990[26]Shinichi Watanabe, UchuSentai:Noiz, Meg Turney, Synaptic Chaos Theatre, Dave Rathnow, Toby Proctor, Midnight Taiko, Jessica Merizan, Yui Makino, Quinton Flynn, Randy "Birdy" Crisologo, Linda Ballantyne.[26]
July 1–3, 2016 Telus Convention Centre
Calgary, Alberta[27]		7,995[27]Johnny Yong Bosch, Todd Haberkorn, J. Michael Tatum, Nogod, Kamui Cosplay, Smile.dk, Shinichi Watanabe, Drunk Gaming, Justin Currie, Yumi Akai, Yaya Han, Synaptic Chaos Theatre, Brendan Hunter, Caitlynne Medrek.[27][28][29]
June 30 – July 2, 2017 Telus Convention Centre
Calgary, Alberta[30]		7,724[30]Carolina Ravassa, Jerry Jewell, The Runaway Guys, Gladzy Kei, Jill Frappier, Ron Rubin, Pingame, Reika Cosplay, James Landino, WTCHDCTR, Drunk Gaming, Tracey Moore, Birdy, Synaptic Chaos Theatre[30][31]
May 18–20, 2018 Telus Convention Centre
Calgary, Alberta[32]		9,572[32]Capcom Live!, Leon Chiro, Andy Rae, Leah Clark, Caitlin Glass, Matthew Mercer, Jinnie McManus, Midnight Taiko, Synaptic Chaos Theatre, Fakku, Arda Wigs [32]
May 17–19, 2019 Telus Convention Centre
Calgary, Alberta[33]		9,222[34]SungWon Cho, Wendee Lee, The Slants, FAKKU, Rider4Z, Mary Elizabeth McGlynn, Steve Blum, James Landino, Rusty Meeks, Rocky Mountain Taiko [33]
May 21–22, 2022 Telus Convention Centre
Calgary, Alberta[35]		9,122[36]The 404s, Griffin Burns, Fighting Dreamers Productions, Brendan Hunter, Jinnie McManus, Keith Silverstein, A.K. Wirru [37]
May 19–21, 2023 Telus Convention Centre
Calgary, Alberta[38]		11,469[39]The 404s, Lucien Dodge, Brendan Hunter, Erica Lindbeck, Jinnie McManus, Erica Mendez, Rock M. Sakura, Windrise, Shellanin, Dave Rodgers, Digital Planet, Girl_DM_, KristiclesGG, Yosakoi Soran Calgary, Yama no Oto, Anime Night Club 3, The Runaway Guys, NΣΣT[40]
May 10–12, 2024 Telus Convention Centre
Calgary, Alberta[41]

Otafest Lite/Aurora event history

Otafest Lite

Dates[4]LocationAtten.[4]Guests
November 14, 2009 University of Calgary
Calgary, Alberta		900 (estimated)[42]
November 13, 2010 University of Calgary
Calgary, Alberta		800 (estimated)[43]
November 12, 2011 University of Calgary
Calgary, Alberta		700 (estimated)[44]

Otafest Aurora

Dates[4]LocationAtten.Guests
December 15, 2012 University of Calgary Downtown Campus
Calgary, Alberta		843[2][6]Samuel Vincent, Maryke Hendrikse[2]
November 30, 2013 University of Calgary Downtown Campus
Calgary, Alberta		1,716[45][46]Andrea Libman, Tabitha St. Germain, Thwomp[45][47]
November 29, 2014 SAIT Polytechnic
Calgary, Alberta		2,040[4][48]Carol-Anne Day, Brendan Hunter, Cherami Leigh, J. Michael Tatum, Kieran Strange, Twinfools & Nova Cosplay[48]
November 13–14, 2015 SAIT Polytechnic
Calgary, Alberta		2,542[49]Vic Mignogna, Ani-Mia, Josh Hart[28][49]
November 4–5, 2016 SAIT Polytechnic
Calgary, Alberta		1,824[50]Eric Stuart, Stephanie Sheh, Enayla Cosplay[50][51]

References

  1. ↑ "Otafest Statistics".
  2. 1 2 3 "Otafest Aurora 2012 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Archived from the original on October 17, 2018. Retrieved October 16, 2018.
  3. ↑ "About Otafest". Otafest. Archived from the original on April 14, 2019. Retrieved March 9, 2019.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "About Otafest". Otafest.com. Archived from the original on December 9, 2012. Retrieved December 7, 2013.
  5. ↑ "Otafest: COVID-19 Response & Updates". Otafest. March 11, 2020. Archived from the original on March 24, 2020. Retrieved March 26, 2020.
  6. 1 2 3 "About Otafest". 2013. Archived from the original on December 12, 2013. Retrieved November 22, 2013.
  7. 1 2 "Otafest 1999 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Archived from the original on October 17, 2018. Retrieved October 16, 2018.
  8. 1 2 "Otafest 2000 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Archived from the original on October 17, 2018. Retrieved October 16, 2018.
  9. 1 2 "Otafest 2001 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Archived from the original on October 17, 2018. Retrieved October 16, 2018.
  10. ↑ "Otafest 2002 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Archived from the original on October 17, 2018. Retrieved October 16, 2018.
  11. ↑ "Otafest 2003 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Archived from the original on October 17, 2018. Retrieved October 16, 2018.
  12. 1 2 "Otafest 2004 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Archived from the original on October 17, 2018. Retrieved October 16, 2018.
  13. 1 2 "Otafest 2005 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Archived from the original on October 17, 2018. Retrieved October 16, 2018.
  14. ↑ "Otafest 2006 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Archived from the original on October 17, 2018. Retrieved October 16, 2018.
  15. 1 2 "Otafest 2007 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Archived from the original on October 17, 2018. Retrieved October 16, 2018.
  16. 1 2 "Otafest 2008 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Archived from the original on October 17, 2018. Retrieved October 16, 2018.
  17. 1 2 "Otafest 2009 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Archived from the original on October 17, 2018. Retrieved October 16, 2018.
  18. 1 2 "Otafest 2010 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Archived from the original on October 17, 2018. Retrieved October 16, 2018.
  19. 1 2 "Otafest 2011 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Archived from the original on July 7, 2018. Retrieved October 16, 2018.
  20. 1 2 3 "Otafest 2012 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Archived from the original on October 17, 2018. Retrieved October 16, 2018.
  21. ↑ "Otafest 2012 - Guests". 2012. Archived from the original on April 26, 2012. Retrieved May 22, 2012.
  22. 1 2 3 4 5 "Otafest 2013 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Archived from the original on October 17, 2018. Retrieved October 16, 2018.
  23. ↑ "Otafest 2014 - Special Guest Announcement". December 1, 2013. Archived from the original on November 8, 2013. Retrieved December 7, 2013.
  24. ↑ "Special Guests - Otafest". 2014. Archived from the original on November 8, 2013. Retrieved May 20, 2014.
  25. ↑ "Otafest 2014 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Archived from the original on October 17, 2018. Retrieved October 16, 2018.
  26. 1 2 3 "Otafest 2015 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Archived from the original on October 17, 2018. Retrieved October 16, 2018.
  27. 1 2 3 "Otafest 2016 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Archived from the original on October 17, 2018. Retrieved October 16, 2018.
  28. 1 2 "Guests for Aurora and 2016!". May 23, 2015. Archived from the original on May 31, 2015. Retrieved May 23, 2015.
  29. ↑ "Guests - Otafest 2016". May 2016. Archived from the original on June 1, 2016. Retrieved May 31, 2016.
  30. 1 2 3 "Otafest 2017 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Archived from the original on October 17, 2018. Retrieved October 16, 2018.
  31. ↑ "Guests - Otafest". June 2017. Archived from the original on June 7, 2017. Retrieved June 7, 2017.
  32. 1 2 3 "Otafest 2018 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved November 21, 2019.
  33. 1 2 "Otafest 2019 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved November 21, 2019.
  34. ↑ "Otafest Statistics".
  35. ↑ "Otafest 2022 Information".
  36. ↑ "Otafest Statistics".
  37. ↑ "Otafest 2022 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved July 22, 2022.
  38. ↑ "Otafest Statistics". otafest.com. Retrieved July 22, 2022.
  39. ↑ "Otafest Statistics".
  40. ↑ "Otafest 2023". otafest.com. Archived from the original on May 20, 2023. Retrieved May 20, 2023.
  41. ↑ "Otafest Statistics". otafest.com. Retrieved July 22, 2022.
  42. ↑ "Otafest Lite 2009 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved November 21, 2019.
  43. ↑ "Otafest Lite 2010 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved November 21, 2019.
  44. ↑ "Otafest Lite 2011 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Retrieved November 21, 2019.
  45. 1 2 "Otafest Aurora 2013 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Archived from the original on October 17, 2018. Retrieved October 16, 2018.
  46. ↑ "Otafest Aurora - Attendance and Pin Trading Announcement". December 1, 2013. Archived from the original on December 12, 2013. Retrieved December 7, 2013.
  47. ↑ "Special Guests - Otafest Aurora (2013)". November 2013. Archived from the original on November 8, 2013. Retrieved November 22, 2013.
  48. 1 2 "Otafest Aurora 2014 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Archived from the original on October 17, 2018. Retrieved October 16, 2018.
  49. 1 2 "Otafest Aurora 2015 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Archived from the original on October 17, 2018. Retrieved October 16, 2018.
  50. 1 2 "Otafest Aurora 2016 Information". AnimeCons.ca. Archived from the original on July 7, 2018. Retrieved October 16, 2018.
  51. ↑ "Guests - Otafest Aurora". Archived from the original on October 24, 2016. Retrieved October 24, 2016.
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