Anime Central welcomes all members of the media who are involved in the anime, manga, and/or entertainment industry.
Press Registration
A Press Membership is not intended to provide preferential treatment for members of the Press at Anime Central. However, it does offer unique opportunities to active media outlets through:
- 1-on-1 and group interviews with Guests of Honor and Performers
- A private Press area in the Donald E Stevens Convention Center
- Reserved Press seating at some events during the convention
The requirements for registration have been revamped for 2024 and are posted below. Please note that we now offer expanded options for members of the media to join us in coverage of the event as we celebrate Anime Central!
Press Membership opportunities apply to both Press Membership Badges and Multi-Platform Content Creator Membership Badges (hereafter “MPCC”). Approval for a Press Membership Badge may be for a complimentary (“Comp”) badge or a paid badge. Members of the Press who qualify for Press status but not a complimentary Membership badge may purchase one at the Professional rate (currently, $45/weekend).
If your outlet has multiple members, please verify that each member of the outlet is registered individually. You will receive a confirmation email for each registration so you know it has been received. If approved, you will receive a separate email confirming your registration for either a complimentary or paid Press Membership Badge, and important information regarding the convention.
Prior Press Membership Badge approval does not guarantee future approvals. Complimentary Press Membership Badges are a privilege granted by the Midwest Animation Promotion Society (MAPS) and we reserve the right to deny Anime Central Press Membership Badge applications at any point.
Please note that any creators/outlets who produce “comedy” or “shock” convention content go against Anime Central’s Anti-Harassment Policy and our Press Department has a zero-tolerance policy for this behavior. We will not approve any outlet or member known to create such content, and any Press member or outlet found to engage in harassment or otherwise inappropriate behavior will receive a permanent ban and will not be approved in future years.
Any content creator who posts regularly to multiple social accounts (such as YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok) instead of having a single “primary” outlet is welcome to apply as a Multi-Platform Content Creator/MPCC. The form is below; you do not need to apply for both Press and MPCC.