While most larger conventions are multi-day affairs, there's always the instance that conventiongoers are unable to make their way to the event for the duration first to the final day. Those who are only set on attending a convention for one day at a time, they're faced with the hassle of keeping track of their belongings or may be saddled with more than they'd like to carry all at once. Events that put an emphasis on cosplay do their best to accommodate cosplayers changing in and out of costumes on event grounds as best as they can, but there's a need for extra storage that may deter one-day attendees from participating. Anime Central has heard these concerns and is ready to counter them with their solution: pop-up lockers.
ACen has offered the amenity in years past and has recently announced that they've partnered with Pop-Up Lockers for their 2023 convention. Rental units will be available on-site on a first-come, first-served basis for anime fans headed to Anime Central who may need a place to keep their belongings secured. All lockers will be inside the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center and will be accessible to renters at any point during the expo. All lockers are three inches wide and 15 inches deep, providing a fair amount of space for those using them. Any belongings left behind in the locker will be turned into ACen Lost-and-Found.
A member of the Anime Central team will provide you with a key, but if you do find yourself in need of a replacement, a small fee of $5.00 USD will be applied. It's recommended that you keep your key on your badge lanyard or key chain to avoid having to pay out-of-pocket for any replacements. Pop-Up Locker rentees should expect that a light charge will be applied, and there are three tiers when determining prices. Single-Day rent is $15.00 USD per locker, two days is $25.00 USD per locker, and if you choose to rent a locker for the entire weekend, it'll run you $35.00 USD. ACen congoers can rent on-site or reserve their lockers ahead of time through the official Pop-Up Locker reservation page.
ACen returns on May 19th to May 21, 2023 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois. Attendee Registration for Anime Central can be found here. Any attendee who identifies as a convention runner, industry professional, anime organization runner, et cetera are encouraged to fill out the Professional Registration Form to receive a discount on their convention admission. School Groups and Service Members qualify for discounted rates on their attendance at Anime Central 2023. Those registering for a designated table in the Artist Alley or Exhibitor Hall are directed to register through the Registration Service Center after submitting applications for either region of the convention floor. Approved parties for Artist Alley and the Exhibitor Hall will receive emails detailing how to claim their badges in the Service Center. Artists, exhibitors, and panelists should not register on the Attendee Registration page.