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        <title>Kumoricon</title>
        <link>https://www.kumoricon.org</link>
        <description>Annual anime convention in Portland, Oregon</description>
        <lastBuildDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 20:05:51 GMT</lastBuildDate>
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            <title>Kumoricon</title>
            <url>https://www.kumoricon.org/images/visual-themes/2026-thumbnail.png</url>
            <link>https://www.kumoricon.org</link>
        </image>
        <copyright>Copyright (C) 2026 Kumoricon</copyright>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Industry Membership Applications Now Open!]]></title>
            <link>https://www.kumoricon.org/news/2026/industry-membership-applications-now-open</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">/news/2026/industry-membership-applications-now-open</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 20:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[<p>Industry Membership applications for Kumoricon 2026 are open.</p>
<p>If you work in anime, manga, gaming, or Japanese pop culture, this is your way to attend Kumoricon in a professional capacity and connect with the community. Industry Membership is open to a wide range of roles, including creators, performers, developers, media, and convention leadership.</p>
<p>Who should apply:</p>
<ul>
<li>Creators, voice actors, and production professionals</li>
<li>Developers, publishers, and media teams</li>
<li>Content creators and performers</li>
<li>Executive Convention staff and community leaders</li>
<li>Business, marketing, and industry professionals</li>
</ul>
<p>Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. <a href="https://www.kumoricon.org/industry-application">Apply now</a>.</p>
<p>Closes October 31, 2026</p>
<p><a href="https://www.kumoricon.org/industry-application"><img src="https://www.kumoricon.org/images/news/2026-industry-membership-app-open.png" alt="Announcement that says 'Industry Membership Applications Now Open'" title="Announcement: Industry Membership Applications Now Open"></a></p>
]]></description>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Industry Membership applications for Kumoricon 2026 are open.</p>
<p>If you work in anime, manga, gaming, or Japanese pop culture, this is your way to attend Kumoricon in a professional capacity and connect with the community. Industry Membership is open to a wide range of roles, including creators, performers, developers, media, and convention leadership.</p>
<p>Who should apply:</p>
<ul>
<li>Creators, voice actors, and production professionals</li>
<li>Developers, publishers, and media teams</li>
<li>Content creators and performers</li>
<li>Executive Convention staff and community leaders</li>
<li>Business, marketing, and industry professionals</li>
</ul>
<p>Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. <a href="https://www.kumoricon.org/industry-application">Apply now</a>.</p>
<p>Closes October 31, 2026</p>
<p><a href="https://www.kumoricon.org/industry-application"><img src="https://www.kumoricon.org/images/news/2026-industry-membership-app-open.png" alt="Announcement that says 'Industry Membership Applications Now Open'" title="Announcement: Industry Membership Applications Now Open"></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Please Welcome Stephen Fu as a Voice Actor Guest of Honor for Kumoricon 2026!]]></title>
            <link>https://www.kumoricon.org/news/2026/please-welcome-stephen-fu-as-a-voice-actor-guest-of-honor-for-kumoricon-2026</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">/news/2026/please-welcome-stephen-fu-as-a-voice-actor-guest-of-honor-for-kumoricon-2026</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 14:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://www.kumoricon.org/guests/voice-actor#stephen-fu">Stephen Fu</a> (he/him) is a professional voice actor known for his work in anime, video games, cartoons, and live action dubs. After obtaining a BS in Molecular Biology and working in research for 5 years, Stephen realized he wanted to pursue a lifelong dream of his to work in animation. He studied long form and short form improv to get over his stage fright and has studied with many acting/voice acting coaches to improve his craft.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.kumoricon.org/guests/voice-actor#stephen-fu"><img src="https://www.kumoricon.org/images/news/2026-guest-stephenfu.png" alt="Announcement that says 'Voice actor guest of honor Stephen Fu'" title="Announcement: Stephen Fu"></a></p>
]]></description>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://www.kumoricon.org/guests/voice-actor#stephen-fu">Stephen Fu</a> (he/him) is a professional voice actor known for his work in anime, video games, cartoons, and live action dubs. After obtaining a BS in Molecular Biology and working in research for 5 years, Stephen realized he wanted to pursue a lifelong dream of his to work in animation. He studied long form and short form improv to get over his stage fright and has studied with many acting/voice acting coaches to improve his craft.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.kumoricon.org/guests/voice-actor#stephen-fu"><img src="https://www.kumoricon.org/images/news/2026-guest-stephenfu.png" alt="Announcement that says 'Voice actor guest of honor Stephen Fu'" title="Announcement: Stephen Fu"></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Golden Week Registration Sale!]]></title>
            <link>https://www.kumoricon.org/news/2026/golden-week-registration-sale</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">/news/2026/golden-week-registration-sale</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[<p>Celebrate Golden Week this year, the special time in Japan where four national holidays all happen within a week, with a registration sale! <a href="https://www.kumoricon.org/registration">Purchase</a> a full weekend membership age 13 and up for $10 off!</p>
<p>Use the code GOLDENWEEK at checkout for the discount to apply.⁠ Please reach out to <a href="mailto:registration@kumoricon.org">registration@kumoricon.org</a> with any questions or issues.</p>
<p>*<em>Processing fees will apply at checkout⁠</em></p>
<p><a href="https://www.kumoricon.org/registration"><img src="https://www.kumoricon.org/images/news/2026-holiday-golden-week.png" alt="Announcement that says 'Golden Week Registration Sale'" title="Announcement: Golden Week Registration Sale"></a></p>
]]></description>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Celebrate Golden Week this year, the special time in Japan where four national holidays all happen within a week, with a registration sale! <a href="https://www.kumoricon.org/registration">Purchase</a> a full weekend membership age 13 and up for $10 off!</p>
<p>Use the code GOLDENWEEK at checkout for the discount to apply.⁠ Please reach out to <a href="mailto:registration@kumoricon.org">registration@kumoricon.org</a> with any questions or issues.</p>
<p>*<em>Processing fees will apply at checkout⁠</em></p>
<p><a href="https://www.kumoricon.org/registration"><img src="https://www.kumoricon.org/images/news/2026-holiday-golden-week.png" alt="Announcement that says 'Golden Week Registration Sale'" title="Announcement: Golden Week Registration Sale"></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Check Out Our Attendee Volunteer Program]]></title>
            <link>https://www.kumoricon.org/news/2026/check-out-our-attendee-volunteer-program</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">/news/2026/check-out-our-attendee-volunteer-program</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 23:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[<p>At Kumoricon, when we say volunteer, we mean a person who has purchased a standard attendee membership and is willing to give at least four hours of their time to the convention.</p>
<p>Our volunteers are not paid, but we do offer rewards based on how many hours registered attendees commit to volunteering.</p>
<p>Rewards are listed on our <a href="https://www.kumoricon.org/staff-registration">staff registration</a> page.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.kumoricon.org/staff-registration"><img src="https://www.kumoricon.org/images/news/2026-attendee-volunteer.png" alt="Announcement that says 'Attendee Volunteer Program Now Open'" title="Announcement: Attendee Volunteer Program Now Open"></a></p>
]]></description>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>At Kumoricon, when we say volunteer, we mean a person who has purchased a standard attendee membership and is willing to give at least four hours of their time to the convention.</p>
<p>Our volunteers are not paid, but we do offer rewards based on how many hours registered attendees commit to volunteering.</p>
<p>Rewards are listed on our <a href="https://www.kumoricon.org/staff-registration">staff registration</a> page.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.kumoricon.org/staff-registration"><img src="https://www.kumoricon.org/images/news/2026-attendee-volunteer.png" alt="Announcement that says 'Attendee Volunteer Program Now Open'" title="Announcement: Attendee Volunteer Program Now Open"></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Book Your Hotel for Kumoricon 2026 Now!]]></title>
            <link>https://www.kumoricon.org/news/2026/book-your-hotel-for-kumoricon-2026-now</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">/news/2026/book-your-hotel-for-kumoricon-2026-now</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 14:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[<p>We’re happy to announce that the hotel blocks for Kumoricon 2026 are now open! Get discounted rates on your rooms and help support the con. Blocks do fill up quickly, so don’t wait—<a href="https://www.kumoricon.org/hotels">book your room today</a>!</p>
<p><a href="https://www.kumoricon.org/hotels"><img src="https://www.kumoricon.org/images/news/2026-hotels-open.png" alt="Announcement that says 'Attendee Hotel Block Now Open'" title="Announcement: Hotel Block now open"></a></p>
]]></description>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>We’re happy to announce that the hotel blocks for Kumoricon 2026 are now open! Get discounted rates on your rooms and help support the con. Blocks do fill up quickly, so don’t wait—<a href="https://www.kumoricon.org/hotels">book your room today</a>!</p>
<p><a href="https://www.kumoricon.org/hotels"><img src="https://www.kumoricon.org/images/news/2026-hotels-open.png" alt="Announcement that says 'Attendee Hotel Block Now Open'" title="Announcement: Hotel Block now open"></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Please Welcome ChrissyPlaysDressup as a Cosplay Guest of Honor for Kumoricon 2026!]]></title>
            <link>https://www.kumoricon.org/news/2026/please-welcome-chrissyplaysdressup-as-a-cosplay-guest-of-honor-for-kumoricon-2026</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">/news/2026/please-welcome-chrissyplaysdressup-as-a-cosplay-guest-of-honor-for-kumoricon-2026</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 14:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[<p>Please welcome <a href="https://www.kumoricon.org/guests/cosplay#chrissy-plays-dressup">ChrissyPlaysDressup</a> as a Cosplay Guest of Honor for Kumoricon 2026!</p>
<p>Chrissy is a black, queer, disabled magical girl enthusiast based in Atlanta, GA. They have been cosplaying for over 20 years and working as a professional digital artist for over 10. They combine their love for art, sewing, wig styling, and prop making to create floofy fukus, gravity-defying wigs, and whimsical wands! Chrissy is a firm believer that cosplay should be about creativity, community, and most of all, fun! She hopes to use her wide knowledge of cosplay techniques, positive outlook, and love of 3D modeling/printing to welcome each new generation to the hobby.</p>
<p>Headshots Credit: @sixofswordsphoto</p>
<p><a href="https://www.kumoricon.org/guests/cosplay#chrissy-plays-dressup"><img src="https://www.kumoricon.org/images/news/2026-guest-chrissyplaysdressup.png" alt="Announcement that says 'Cosplay guest of honor Chrissy Plays Dressup'" title="Announcement: ChrissyPlaysDressup"></a></p>
]]></description>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Please welcome <a href="https://www.kumoricon.org/guests/cosplay#chrissy-plays-dressup">ChrissyPlaysDressup</a> as a Cosplay Guest of Honor for Kumoricon 2026!</p>
<p>Chrissy is a black, queer, disabled magical girl enthusiast based in Atlanta, GA. They have been cosplaying for over 20 years and working as a professional digital artist for over 10. They combine their love for art, sewing, wig styling, and prop making to create floofy fukus, gravity-defying wigs, and whimsical wands! Chrissy is a firm believer that cosplay should be about creativity, community, and most of all, fun! She hopes to use her wide knowledge of cosplay techniques, positive outlook, and love of 3D modeling/printing to welcome each new generation to the hobby.</p>
<p>Headshots Credit: @sixofswordsphoto</p>
<p><a href="https://www.kumoricon.org/guests/cosplay#chrissy-plays-dressup"><img src="https://www.kumoricon.org/images/news/2026-guest-chrissyplaysdressup.png" alt="Announcement that says 'Cosplay guest of honor Chrissy Plays Dressup'" title="Announcement: ChrissyPlaysDressup"></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[April 18 Membership Meeting]]></title>
            <link>https://www.kumoricon.org/news/2026/april-18-membership-meeting</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">/news/2026/april-18-membership-meeting</guid>
            <pubDate>Sat, 11 Apr 2026 18:25:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[<p>Our next membership meeting for the 2026 convention year will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 2:00 PM PT, and we will be holding it online. The meeting will be streamed in real time on <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/kumoricon">Kumoricon&#39;s Twitch channel</a>. Additional participation is available on our <a href="https://discord.com/invite/kumoricon">Discord server</a>. Current staff, potential staff, and any other members of the public are welcome to attend.</p>
<p>New for this meeting, we have heard your feedback about the Good of the Order email being too long. You can now email <a href="mailto:goto@kumoricon.org">goto@kumoricon.org</a> OR <a href="mailto:open.mic@kumoricon.org">open.mic@kumoricon.org</a> OR <a href="mailto:good.of.the.order@kumoricon.org">good.of.the.order@kumoricon.org</a> to submit news to Good of the Order!</p>
<p>&quot;Good of the Order&quot; is a great place to share new anime you&#39;ve been watching, bring up exciting activities you recommend people try, or news you think would be relevant to the staff and attendees of Kumoricon.</p>
<p>If you are an organization member (staff) of Kumoricon, you may officially participate in this meeting, including counting toward quorum and the ability to vote, using the procedures listed on the <a href="https://www.kumoricon.org/meetings">meetings page</a>.</p>
<p>The full membership meeting schedule for the year is available at our <a href="https://www.kumoricon.org/meetings">meetings page</a>. This page will always show the most up-to-date scheduling information for meetings of the membership.</p>
<p>We hope to see you there!</p>
]]></description>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Our next membership meeting for the 2026 convention year will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 2:00 PM PT, and we will be holding it online. The meeting will be streamed in real time on <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/kumoricon">Kumoricon&#39;s Twitch channel</a>. Additional participation is available on our <a href="https://discord.com/invite/kumoricon">Discord server</a>. Current staff, potential staff, and any other members of the public are welcome to attend.</p>
<p>New for this meeting, we have heard your feedback about the Good of the Order email being too long. You can now email <a href="mailto:goto@kumoricon.org">goto@kumoricon.org</a> OR <a href="mailto:open.mic@kumoricon.org">open.mic@kumoricon.org</a> OR <a href="mailto:good.of.the.order@kumoricon.org">good.of.the.order@kumoricon.org</a> to submit news to Good of the Order!</p>
<p>&quot;Good of the Order&quot; is a great place to share new anime you&#39;ve been watching, bring up exciting activities you recommend people try, or news you think would be relevant to the staff and attendees of Kumoricon.</p>
<p>If you are an organization member (staff) of Kumoricon, you may officially participate in this meeting, including counting toward quorum and the ability to vote, using the procedures listed on the <a href="https://www.kumoricon.org/meetings">meetings page</a>.</p>
<p>The full membership meeting schedule for the year is available at our <a href="https://www.kumoricon.org/meetings">meetings page</a>. This page will always show the most up-to-date scheduling information for meetings of the membership.</p>
<p>We hope to see you there!</p>
]]></content:encoded>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Partner Table Row Applications Now Open]]></title>
            <link>https://www.kumoricon.org/news/2026/partner-table-applications-now-open</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">/news/2026/partner-table-applications-now-open</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 23:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[<p>Have a fan group, community organization, or event you’re passionate about? Bring it to Kumoricon and put it in front of thousands of attendees who share your interests. This is your chance to showcase what you do, meet new people, and grow your community over the weekend.</p>
<p>What you’ll get:</p>
<p>A dedicated table in the Partner Table area plus four complimentary memberships for your team.</p>
<p>There’s no cost to participate. Space is limited—apply now on our <a href="https://www.kumoricon.org/partner-tables">partner tables</a> page.</p>
<p><strong>Applications close July 29, 2026</strong>.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.kumoricon.org/partner-tables"><img src="https://www.kumoricon.org/images/news/2026-partner-tables-announcement.png" alt="Announcement that says 'Partner Table Row Applications Now Open'" title="Partner Table Row Applications Now Open"></a></p>
]]></description>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Have a fan group, community organization, or event you’re passionate about? Bring it to Kumoricon and put it in front of thousands of attendees who share your interests. This is your chance to showcase what you do, meet new people, and grow your community over the weekend.</p>
<p>What you’ll get:</p>
<p>A dedicated table in the Partner Table area plus four complimentary memberships for your team.</p>
<p>There’s no cost to participate. Space is limited—apply now on our <a href="https://www.kumoricon.org/partner-tables">partner tables</a> page.</p>
<p><strong>Applications close July 29, 2026</strong>.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.kumoricon.org/partner-tables"><img src="https://www.kumoricon.org/images/news/2026-partner-tables-announcement.png" alt="Announcement that says 'Partner Table Row Applications Now Open'" title="Partner Table Row Applications Now Open"></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Industry Booth Applications Now Open!]]></title>
            <link>https://www.kumoricon.org/news/2026/industry-booth-applications-now-open</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">/news/2026/industry-booth-applications-now-open</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[<p>Applications are now open for Industry booths at Kumoricon 2026. New for this year, studios, publishers, developers, and brands focused on anime and Japanese pop culture have an opportunity to make a major impact. The Industry Area, located inside KumoriMarket, benefits from steady foot traffic and high visibility throughout the weekend. It’s designed for organizations seeking to engage fans, promote upcoming releases, and participate in the convention on a larger scale. Booth options:</p>
<ul>
<li>Premium: prime locations near entrances and exits</li>
<li>Standard: prominent spots within the Industry Area</li>
</ul>
<p>Apply if you are:</p>
<ul>
<li>A publisher, studio, or production company</li>
<li>A game developer or media firm</li>
<li>A licensor, distributor, or cultural organization</li>
</ul>
<p>Space is limited and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Apply now on our <a href="https://www.kumoricon.org/industry-booths">industry booths page</a>. <strong>Applications close July 29, 2026</strong>.</p>
]]></description>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Applications are now open for Industry booths at Kumoricon 2026. New for this year, studios, publishers, developers, and brands focused on anime and Japanese pop culture have an opportunity to make a major impact. The Industry Area, located inside KumoriMarket, benefits from steady foot traffic and high visibility throughout the weekend. It’s designed for organizations seeking to engage fans, promote upcoming releases, and participate in the convention on a larger scale. Booth options:</p>
<ul>
<li>Premium: prime locations near entrances and exits</li>
<li>Standard: prominent spots within the Industry Area</li>
</ul>
<p>Apply if you are:</p>
<ul>
<li>A publisher, studio, or production company</li>
<li>A game developer or media firm</li>
<li>A licensor, distributor, or cultural organization</li>
</ul>
<p>Space is limited and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Apply now on our <a href="https://www.kumoricon.org/industry-booths">industry booths page</a>. <strong>Applications close July 29, 2026</strong>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[March 14 Membership Meeting]]></title>
            <link>https://www.kumoricon.org/news/2026/march-14-membership-meeting</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">/news/2026/march-14-membership-meeting</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 16:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[<p>Our next membership meeting for the 2026 convention year will take place on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 2:00 PM PT, and we will be holding it online. The meeting will be streamed in real time on <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/kumoricon">Kumoricon&#39;s Twitch channel</a>. Additional participation is available on our <a href="https://discord.com/invite/kumoricon">Discord server</a>. Current staff, potential staff, and any other members of the public are welcome to attend.</p>
<p>If you have news to report during the &quot;Good of the Order&quot; portion of the meeting, you can email it to <a href="mailto:good.of.the.order@kumoricon.org">good.of.the.order@kumoricon.org</a>. &quot;Good of the Order&quot; is a great place to share new anime you&#39;ve been watching, bring up exciting activities you recommend people try, or news you think would be relevant to the staff and attendees of Kumoricon.</p>
<p>If you are an organization member (staff) of Kumoricon, you may officially participate in this meeting, including counting toward quorum and the ability to vote, using the procedures listed on the <a href="https://www.kumoricon.org/meetings">meetings page</a>.</p>
<p>The full membership meeting schedule for the year is available at our <a href="https://www.kumoricon.org/meetings">meetings page</a>. This page will always show the most up-to-date scheduling information for meetings of the membership.</p>
<p>We hope to see you there!</p>
]]></description>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Our next membership meeting for the 2026 convention year will take place on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 2:00 PM PT, and we will be holding it online. The meeting will be streamed in real time on <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/kumoricon">Kumoricon&#39;s Twitch channel</a>. Additional participation is available on our <a href="https://discord.com/invite/kumoricon">Discord server</a>. Current staff, potential staff, and any other members of the public are welcome to attend.</p>
<p>If you have news to report during the &quot;Good of the Order&quot; portion of the meeting, you can email it to <a href="mailto:good.of.the.order@kumoricon.org">good.of.the.order@kumoricon.org</a>. &quot;Good of the Order&quot; is a great place to share new anime you&#39;ve been watching, bring up exciting activities you recommend people try, or news you think would be relevant to the staff and attendees of Kumoricon.</p>
<p>If you are an organization member (staff) of Kumoricon, you may officially participate in this meeting, including counting toward quorum and the ability to vote, using the procedures listed on the <a href="https://www.kumoricon.org/meetings">meetings page</a>.</p>
<p>The full membership meeting schedule for the year is available at our <a href="https://www.kumoricon.org/meetings">meetings page</a>. This page will always show the most up-to-date scheduling information for meetings of the membership.</p>
<p>We hope to see you there!</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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