2022 Industry Applications and 2022 World Cosplay Summit USA Sign-Ups Are Open!

Anime Expo is a home away from home where fan communities are welcomed and celebrated. Connect with people you really understand and who get you too!

Anime Expo is proud to once again host the World Cosplay Summit USA Finals! Taking place during the AX Masquerade, WCS USA operates as a separate competition in accordance with its own rules and regulations.

At this year’s event, we will be selecting Team USA 2023, to compete in Japan next summer! The WCS USA Finals process will take place from Day 0 – Day 3, with the full schedule being announced at a later date. We recommend planning to be available the entire weekend. Please be sure to carefully read the WCS USA Final Rules.

Before filling out the application, please note:

• All entries must be teams of two (2) people.
• No content or source material may be mature (or 18+) audiences only.
• All applicants must have either proof of permanent residence in the United States or proof of citizenship available for review by SPJA at Anime Expo.
• All applicants must be available for the Championship in Japan from early August 2023 (dates TBA)

*Please note: You will only need one set of costumes for the WCS USA Finals (which will become your Championship costumes in Japan). The event in Japan will require at least 3 additional costumes supplementary to your Championship costume. A 4th additional costume is recommended but not required.

All applicants must be 18 years old or older, to be verified by a government-issued ID by SPJA at Anime Expo.

All applicants must be aware of the official WCS rules and regulations listed here.

Application Timeline:

Sign up form opens Tuesday, March 1st, 2022, at 8 PM PST.

Applications will be accepted from March 1 through May 1, 2022 11:59 PM PST.

Applications will be reviewed from May 2 through May 15, 2022.

Additional information (including, but not limited to, costume photos, construction photo or buildbook, performance video/audio, headshots, biographies) will be due on May 30.

The Industry Badge is available for approved professionals who are part of the creative process of Japanese pop culture, content, or related industries including production design, writing and editing, and Japanese pop culture business professionals such as marketing, sales, business development, producers, and executives. The Industry Badge is sold as a single badge, and will still provide the same benefits and access as in years past. The criteria for approval remains unchanged to prior events, but the application process is now separate from the Press Badge.

We encourage anyone interested in applying to apply early, as the number of Industry badges is limited. Applications are reviewed individually in the order that they are received. Decisions are final and at SPJA’s sole discretion.

How to Apply:

Submit an application here:

https://www.showclix.com/application/AX22IND

please be as thorough as possible in your responses to increase chances of approval.

Submitted applications will be reviewed by the AX team and selected for approval.

Each industry applicant will receive a notice letting them know if they have been approved, if additional information is needed, or if they have not been selected. If you have not heard back from us by the end of May, please email us at [email protected].

Upon approval, you will be provided with a unique link to purchase your badge via ShowClix.

Please be sure to fill out the application as much as possible to ensure a smooth review process and improve the likelihood of getting approved for an Industry badge. Note that badge mailing continues to be available for approved Industry badge holders, but badges purchased after May 20th, 2022, will automatically go to will-call pickup onsite at the convention.

Industry Application Deadline: June 1, 2022

Source:Animation Expor