A convention is more than just a gathering of fans in a random location at some point during the year. It takes plenty of time, planning, and hard work to simply get the ball rolling, and even more time, planning, and hard work, with a convention the size and scope of Anime Expo. It takes plenty of people with a lot of heart to make a convention a reality and a success.

Anime Expo is organized by SPJA, a nonprofit organization founded in 1991 by a group of passionate anime fans at UC Berkeley’s anime club, Cal-Animage Alpha. SPJA is a 501(c)(6) registered non-profit mutual benefit trade organization, which means that our purpose is to support Japanese industry. We do this by cultivating community, friendship, and opportunity through our events. Everything we do goes straight back into Anime Expo, as well as Anime Conji and Project Anime.

This blog is to celebrate all the staff volunteers that give their time and services to make Anime Expo the best it can be.

Over 1000 passionate staff volunteers help in every area of the con year round. From Access Control, to Maid Cafe, to right here at the SPJA office, we work hard to make sure that you have an amazing experience at Anime Expo. It takes plenty of people with a lot of heart to make a convention a reality and a success.

On this blog you’ll find the stories from the people that make Anime Expo possible every year. Each week we will have a new post with a unique story from attendees and staff volunteers alike; including behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, tales about past experiences at Anime Expo, and a deeper exploration into why the people here love doing what they do.

We are excited to get to know you better as we share our stories with you!