Alabama’s largest anime and gaming convention welcomes 10,000 visitors with an estimated $3 million in economic impact

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (February 3, 2025) – The Magic City is set to welcome over 10,000 attendees for Kami-Con, a three-day convention that celebrates Japanese culture, gaming, anime, comics, television and movies. Celebrating its 16th year, Kami-Con will be held February 7-9 at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC) and is expected to generate more than $3 million in economic impact.

“Kami-Con is a memorable convention, and we’re honored to host it for the 16th year,” said Mike Gunn, senior vice president of the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Our state-of-the-art facilities at the BJCC, combined with seamless access to hotels, restaurants and entertainment, make Birmingham the perfect destination for events like this.”

Known for its immersive and interactive experience, Kami-Con 2025 will feature a packed schedule of events, including fan panels, live music performances, fashion shows, gaming tournaments, wrestling exhibitions, and even high-energy dodgeball matches. Attendees can also explore a massive vendor hall spanning over 30,000 square feet, filled with exclusive merchandise, fashion pieces, collectibles, and gaming gear.

This year’s theme, Kami-Con: Starfall, brings an exciting lineup of celebrity guests, including Disney animator Gary Trousdale, renowned voice actors AmaLee, Brandon McInnis, and “My Hero Academia” cast members. Fans can also meet Rodger Bumpass, the Emmy-nominated voice behind Squidward in SpongeBob SquarePants. The convention will showcase electrifying live performances from musical artists such as DemonDice, TeddyLoid and The Living Tombstone.

“We’re excited to welcome over 10,000 fellow fans, many in costume, for an action-packed weekend of anime and gaming excitement,” said Kami-Con President Raymond Lenzner. “This event is the ultimate celebration of pop culture with over 250 events and a massive vendor hall filled with exclusive merchandise and collectibles.”

Kami-Con 2025 is open to the public and kicks off at 12 p.m. on Friday, February 7, running through 7 p.m. on Sunday, February 9. Weekend passes are available for $65 at kamicon.net. Single-day tickets can be purchased at the door: Friday ($45), Saturday ($55), and Sunday ($35).

For more details and the full event schedule, visit kamicon.net.

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About Greater Birmingham CVB
The Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau (GBCVB) is the official tourism and marketing organization for Birmingham and Jefferson County. Established in 1969, the non-profit agency generates positive economic impact by positioning the Greater Birmingham Region as a premier destination for conventions, sporting events, and domestic and international leisure travel. Birmingham and its neighboring municipalities welcome more than 3.96 million visitors each year, generating $2.52 billion in economic impact. Learn more at inbirmingham.com.

About Kami-Con
Kami-Con is the Southeast’s premier fan-driven anime and gaming convention, bringing together thousands of enthusiasts each year to celebrate Japanese culture, anime, gaming, comics, and pop culture. Founded in 2009, the three-day event features interactive experiences, including celebrity guest appearances, live music, gaming tournaments, cosplay competitions, panels, and an expansive vendor hall. Hosted annually at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC), Kami-Con continues to grow as a must-attend destination for fans of all ages. For more information, visit kamicon.net.