The staff of Anime Expo 2023 has revealed that it will discontinue its Premiere Fan Badge System. This discontinuation is scheduled to start at this year’s expo. However, the reason for this discontinuation is still unknown and unspecified.
#AX2023 Registration opens January 24, 2023 at 12 PM PT! ax chibi 2022 eligible registrants will be receiving a $10 Discount Code via email. Get ready for a new adventure! pic.twitter.com/sWEoTeNOLf
— Anime Expo (@AnimeExpo) January 9, 2023
Altogether, the badge was priced at $549 USD. The Premiere Fan Badge allowed the following benefits at last year’s Anime Expo convention;
- 4 days access badge with exclusive lanyard
- fan swag bag
- designate hotel booking block
- exclusive ticketing pre-sale purchase period
- advanced reservation for select events
- priority access to exhibit halls, fan lounges
- discounts on official Anime Expo merchandise.
Without the badge, registration for the event still begins on January 24th at 3:00 p.m. EST. The most expensive badge at the convention will cost a total of $145 USD. Badges will also be available to purchase on the day of the convention for adults and children. There are currently 4-day, 1-day, 4-day child, Press, Industry, Exhibitor, and Artists Badges.
Anime Expo and Its Discontinued Premiere Badge: How to Still Prepare
The official website also has a personalized budget sheet for those wanting to attend different events and for those coming from out of town. Listed events include (and are not limited to), fashion shows, AMV (animated music video) contests, the World Cosplay Summit, maid/butler cafe’s, karaoke, and charity auctions.
Last year, the event returned as a physical event at the Los Angeles Convention Center. However, due to COVID-19 concerns, some panels were streamed online as part of an “Anime Expo Lite” online event. It is unknown if Anime Expo Lite will be offered this year as well. As of now, though, both Anime Expo and Anime Expo Chibi tickets will be offered. However, it is important to note that the date and location for Anime Expo Chibi have not been confirmed.
Anime Expo 2023 will return to Los Angeles starting on July 1st. The full event will continue through July 4th.