This past weekend, Long Beach saw anime fans filling the Convention Center for Animé Los Angeles 21 (January 8–11, 2026). ALA is known as one of the most community-focused cons in SoCal, and this year, they fully embraced the isekai theme. There were interactive events, and a guest list that drew everyone’s interest. The convention even hit a new record with reportedly 21,000+ attendees (a very fitting number for their 21st year).
Here’s a summary of what we enjoyed most at ALA 2026: the top guests, standout panels, must-see events, and the highlights everyone is still discussing.
Celebrity Guests & Industry Appearances
ALA 2026 brought together guests from voice acting, anime production, manga publishing, and cosplay. They joined panels, Q&A sessions, autograph signings, workshops, and stage events all weekend.
Voice Actors & ADR Industry Guests
ALA has always been the favorite destination for fans of dubs and localization, and this year kept that tradition going.
- Wendee Lee: a veteran voice actress with decades of credits, participated in fan Q&As and autograph sessions, discussing her long career in anime dubbing and industry changes over time.
- Laura Stahl: known for roles in Fire Emblem Engage and Delicious in Dungeon, appeared on voice acting panels focused on performance techniques and working in modern anime and games.
- Khoi Dao: a voice actor and content creator, participated in panels on breaking into voice acting, online fandom spaces, and juggling professional and creator work.
- Brianna Knickerbocker: voice actress and singer, appeared in both industry panels and fan sessions, discussing character performance and music in anime.
- Dawn Bennett: known for recent high-profile roles including Persona 3 Reload, participated in Q&As about video game voice acting and adapting performances across mediums.
- Emi Lo: joined panels on both voice acting and ADR direction. Fans of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners or The Apothecary Diaries especially enjoyed their behind-the-scenes stories.
- Chris Tergliafera: longtime favorite at conventions, joined interactive panels and fan discussions.
- Ezra Weisz: serving as ALA 2026’s Toastmaster, hosted major events and participated in industry-focused panels on ADR direction and voice acting careers.
Anime Creators, Manga, & Publishing Guests
ALA 2026 also invited some of the visionary talents behind your favorite anime and manga.
- Hiroshi Nagahama: the acclaimed director behind Mushishi, appeared in spotlight programming discussing immersive narrative crafting, pacing, and artistic direction in anime.
- Mamoru Yokota: an animator known for work on major anime productions, participated in panels focused on animation workflows and visual narrative styles.
- Tsukasa Kotobuki: manga artist and character designer, joined discussions on character creation, illustration techniques, and transitioning between manga and animation.
- Carl Horn: Senior Editor at Dark Horse Comics, spoke on manga licensing, editorial decisions, and the Western manga publishing pipeline.
- Zack Davisson: translator, folklorist, and writer, hosted panels exploring Japanese folklore in anime and the art of localization.
Cosplay Guests & Masquerade Judges
Cosplay is at the heart of ALA, and this year’s guest list made sure everyone remembered that.
- Yaya Han: legendary cosplayer and returning Masquerade judge, evaluated craftsmanship entries and participated in cosplay-focused panels.
- Kirilee Cosplay: international cosplay guest and Masquerade judge, is known for elaborate builds and performance costuming.
- Hoku Props: dynamic prop-making team, judged the Masquerade, and offered advice on advanced fabrication for attendees wanting to improve their cosplay skills.
- Evil Ted: ran workshops and technical panels for anyone interested in building creative projects from scratch.
- Ariem Cosplay, Hopeless. Night, Katie Simrell, CattyJayy, and Ben Balmaceda, featured cosplay guests who hosted panels, meetups, and fan-driven discussions.
Notable Panels & Highlight Programming
ALA always offers a huge number of panels, but a few stood out this year and got fans talking.
“What Is Isekai?!”
As the flagship panel for ALA 2026’s theme, this interactive session explored the origins of isekai storytelling, common tropes and subgenres, and why isekai continues to dominate modern anime This panel combined trivia, open discussion, and lots of audience energy. A great way to start a weekend focused on isekai!
Industry & Guest Panels
Across the weekend, attendees could attend panels covering:
- Voice acting techniques and career advice
- ADR directing and localization challenges
- Anime production pipelines
- Manga publishing and licensing
- Cosplay craftsmanship, patterning, and prop work
Many of these panels were led by the guests themselves, not just moderators, making for a much more personal experience.
Major Events & Stage Highlights
The major events at ALA always draw big crowds, lots of excitement, and fans who have been looking forward to them for months.
Cosplay Chess
Cosplay Chess returned, with live performers acting as chess pieces in a match that mixed strategy, improv, and dramatic stage fighting. It was just as chaotic and fun as expected.
Fashion Show & Cosplay Catwalk
This runway-style featured event showcased costume design, styling, and performance presentation. It was a relaxed alternative to the intense cosplay competitions, and a fun way to show off your look without any pressure.
ALA’s Next Top Star
A fan talent competition spotlighting singing, dancing, comedy, and performance art. This event focused on having fun and sharing creativity.
Cosplay Masquerade
ALA’s premier cosplay competition focused on craftsmanship and performance. Judges evaluated construction quality, materials and techniques, accuracy, and creativity.
View the full list of winners here.
AMV Contest
The AMV contest continued the tradition, with fans exhibiting their editing expertise and love of anime through impressive music videos. (see featured AMVs in playlist above!)
Nighttime & Social Programming
ALA 2026 also featured extensive evening programming, including:
- Formal dances and DJ nights
- Karaoke sessions
- Idol showcases
- Gaming tournaments and game shows
Attendees got to spend time with other fans and make memories, while winding down after a busy day on the con floor.
Community Ribbon Voting
This year, ALA let fans vote on the official ribbon design, making the popular ribbon-trading atmosphere even more community-driven.
Final Thoughts
Animé Los Angeles remains one of the most fan-focused anime conventions in the country. Rather than focusing on big premieres or exclusive reveals, this convention highlights creativity, accessibility, and what makes fandom enjoyable.
For attendees, ALA 2026 offered four days filled with great panels and genuine fan camaraderie. Animé Los Angeles 22 is scheduled to take place January 7-10, 2027, at Long Beach Convention Center.
