F.A.Q.
General Questions
When does the convention begin?
Where is the convention?
Are children allowed?
If I pre-register, what do I bring to get my badge?
Can I pick up badges for other people?
Can I cancel a registration?
How can I volunteer?
What do I need in order to enter 18+ or 21+ events?
Etiquette
What is allowed on the con floor?
How much noise can I make on the con floor?
What kind of room parties can I throw?
Photography?
General Questions
Q: When does the convention begin? Hotel staff get mad at me when I wait in their lobby for six months.
A: Mini Iwai 2025 takes place Sunday November 16th, 2025. with a bonus welcome party the saturday night before the con.
Q: Last year there was a three day Anime Iwai besides the Mini Iwai, where did that go?
A. Anime Iwai is a nonprofit convention that depends on donations to hold the three day event and for 2025 we're around $15k below the 2024 level of donations. Even if donations had stayed the same, the cost per year to rent venues for an entire weekend has escalated dramatically. In order to rent either a Marriott or Hilton grade property for three days and provide high quality content with paid performers on the scale of our 2019 convention, Anime Iwai: Evo, we would need around $30k in donations. The end result is that this year our budget will only allow a Mini Iwai and not a three day con.
Q: Why are your venues such a problem for you?
A. Excellent question. For one thing, our favorite past Anime Iwai host hotels have been sold to new owners unwilling to keep our contracts at affordable levels. The Doubletree changed hands in 2018, and then the Marriott North changed hands in 2019. Meeting space became around 4x more expensive per square foot between Anime Iwai:Rise and Anime Iwai:Zodiac, and we're sure you're aware of how the sleep room prices went up simultaneously. We're not comfortable raising passes by the same percentages, and we know far fewer of you find the room night cost appealing. Anyone have a friend with a 20k square foot meeting space sofa we can crash on, let us know!
Q: Is it because I partied too hard between my last panel at 8PM and my bedtime at 9PM and in my rush to bed might have uttered a “gosh darn” in front of a priest when I stubbed my toe?
A: No, although Anime Iwai occasionally had to apologize for the behavior of some of you (you know who you are...), the venues mainly care about dollars per square foot and we're nominally welcome back at all of our previous venues.
Q: What does this mean going forward?
A: Anime Iwai will be hosting one day shows at independent locations on a perpetual basis, where ticket and vendor sales can pay for the events on their own without outside contributions. Don't put your wallet back quite yet though- your donations are always very welcome- every dollar we take in goes back into the con! We'll try to keep the feel of the cons the same as you're used to. Cosplay, workshops, badge ribbons, late night events, gaming, shows, etc, should all be present at one day events. If you want the parties to go on longer than the official hours, you're welcome to book rooms directly through the Miccosukee. We'd like to hold community recreation events at least once every two months, stay tuned to our social media for updates!
Q: Where is the convention and how do I get there? I am not a clever man.
A: You can find the hotel address and a map of the area on our Location page.
Q: I have acquired a child. Can I bring them to the convention?
A: Of course! Children are welcome at Anime Iwai. Please just be sure to always keep an eye on them. Also be aware that there are some 18+ panels at night that are not suitable for minors. Admission is free for age 6 and under as long as they're accompanied by a passholding adult.
Q: I have pre-registered because I am smart and beautiful. What do I need to bring to get my badge?
A: All you need to bring is a valid form of photo ID, such as a driver’s license, military ID, state-issued ID, passport, school identification, or credit card, as long as it has a photo on it. Having your order number will also speed things up.
Q: Can I pick up badges for other people? My ADC and Jungler are both busy ganking mid.
A: Sorry, but you can only pick up your own badge and badges for your children.
Q: Although I have pre-registered, a kaiju attack has prevented me from attending Anime Iwai. Can I cancel my registration or give it to someone else?
A: Our apologies, but we do not offer refunds. You may transfer your badge to another person only before it is used for the first time.
Q: I wish to join the ranks of your Volunteer army. My life for Iwai!
A: To become a Volunteer, e-mail volunteers@animeiwai.com. Dedicated Volunteers can earn a free Weekend Pass and other cool swag!
Q: I plan on attending an 18+ or 21+ event to experience the heights of refinement and culture. What do I need to bring?
A: For obvious reasons, a valid government photo ID is required for admission to any 18+ or 21+ events. A sense of humor also helps.
Etiquette
Q: I am interested in bringing my flamethrower and a cask of smuggled Icelandic fish-rum onto the con floor. Is that allowed?
A: Although you sound like an extremely interesting person, absolutely not. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed on the con floor and genuine weapons (or any weapons made of metal) should be left at home. For specifics, please see our rules and guidelines.
Q: I am gifted with prodigious lungs and can perfectly imitate the death wail of the dreaded banshee. Can I share this amazing talent with everyone on the con floor?
A: Excessive volume on the con floor is not allowed, especially if it forces all creatures within a 40-ft radius to make a DC 23 Fortitude save or take 140 damage.
Q: I am going to throw a room party that will make Valhalla look like Sunday school. Will I be stopped?
A: The con does not monitor or control anything that occurs outside of our panel and event rooms. Be aware of the sensitivities of other resort guests if you plan on throwing any parties or making noise late at night. When in doubt, practice common sense and keep your parties behind closed doors. Remember the resort has casino security and they're much more alert than you may be used to at other venues.
Q: Why do some people ignore/actively flee from my photographic prowess? I’ve covered wars, you know!
A: Photos are great and many people appreciate the attention, but sometimes people have places to be or just aren’t interested in photos at the moment. Be respectful - another great shot is just around the corner.