The always amazing con showcased a plethora of attractions that left fans in awe. An expansive vendor floor and flea market gave fans the opportunity to indulge in manga, anime figures, incredibly cute plushies, fantastic artwork, even snacks straight from Japan. Fans had a field day exploring the diverse stalls and finding unique treasures to add to their collections. There were even parrots promoting Heart & Soul Parrot Rescue. Arcade games new and old alike stood next to a VR experience, letting gamers play their tried and true favourites while also testing out some new tech. And as is the new hot thing, there was even an escape room! Friends could put their sleuthing to the test to try to beat the clock and escape the room. To match this challenge of brains, there was also a test of brawns with foam sword fighting run by Sleeping Samurai.

Tekko’s dance parties provided non-stop high-energy entertainment, inviting participants to revel in the night (and day!) by dancing to anime-themed beats. This electrifying ambiance forged a sense of camaraderie among fans, culminating in a memorable bonding experience. Attendees further enriched the fun by donning creative costumes and playful ensembles.

Similarly, the masquerade shone a spotlight on fans, enabling them to flaunt their extraordinary costumes. Each outfit, whether part of the masquerade or casually worn while wandering the convention halls, radiated stunning creativity. The sheer multitude of costumes showcased the integral role cosplayers play in elevating the convention’s atmosphere. Tekko nurtured this culture with its official masquerade, dance parties, and themed photo meet-ups, where fans with similar costumes could unite for snapshots and forge new friendships.

Among the convention’s standout moments were the electrifying concerts. Burnout Syndromes, Otaku Underground, and the captivating duo performance by Caleb Hyles and Jonathan Young graced the stage, treating fans to exceptional displays of musical prowess. These diverse shows, despite their differences, seamlessly blended into the event’s fabric. Hyles and Young, in particular, wholeheartedly embraced the convention spirit by hosting a booth in the vendor area, interacting with fans throughout the weekend. They also led two engaging Q&A panels, sharing insights about their careers and lives, while also imparting invaluable guidance to aspiring musicians and creatives.

It wasn’t just guests who stole the spotlight with their panels. The convention provided a platform for voice actors, artists, and other invited guests to discuss their work and interact with the audience, but beyond this, Tekko’s extensive panel offerings spanned a broad spectrum and included a vast array of fan-run panels. Activities like LARP games and anime screenings filled the schedule. Anime-themed Jackbox and Family Feud added a playful dimension and encouraged audience participation, while performances from local musicians and spirited karaoke sessions enlivened the atmosphere. Educational panels, some of which focused on crafting costumes and mastering cosplay photography, served as valuable resources for beginners.

But one of the most popular panels, one so packed full that people were sitting on the floor and in the halfway just to be included, was a fan-run panel called “I Really Like Gengar and I’d Like to Talk about Him for Maybe an Hour?”. Just a fan of Gengar who wanted to express and share their love with other fans. At it’s heart, that’s what Tekko is all about: fans getting together with other fans and expressing their love and excitement in all the best ways. And that’s a magical experience.