Anime Evolution is an annual three-day event celebrating Japanese animation and Asian popular culture. Activities that we feature include interactive panel discussions with industry guests, cultural demonstrations, 24-hour video rooms, costume contests, a charity auction, games, and more. It is an event suitable for people of all ages, and families are welcome to attend.

Anime Evolutions focus is entertainment, community and cultural diversity in a fun, inclusive and accessible setting.

History:
Anime Evolution started out as a 1-day public Japanese anime showing by the SFU Altered Reality Club (ARC) in 1998, named Anime Showcase at the time. This was expanded to a yearly three-day run at SFU Harbour Centre with participation from other local anime clubs: the Vancouver Japanese Animation Society (VJAS), the Vancouver Sleep is for Wimps Anime Team (VSWAT), and the UBC Anime Club.

Evolution:
In 2002, the 3-day showcase made the leap from local campus event to a full public convention under the name of Anime Evolution (AE). Attendence grew from 300 to 1,200+ as special events, vendors and industry guests were added to the video showings. The goal was to accommodate growing mainstream interest, while maintaining AEs grassroots ties.

We are proud to be supported by the efforts of local fan organisations in the Vancouver area, as well as industry and other groups in North America and Japan. We are also committed to giving back to the community and our charity of choice has been the SFU Foodbank since 1999 along with the BC Childrens Hospital Foundation since 2005.

Today:
2009 will mark Anime Evolution's first year at the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre (VCEC). This huge step forward is expected to help propel attendance well over 5,000 people.