Ryan Kopf's Blog

Running an anime convention is no small feat, and I’ve learned that firsthand over the years. It’s exciting and rewarding, but it’s also one of the most financially demanding endeavors I’ve ever undertaken.

Anime conventions have long been places where fans come together to celebrate their love for Japanese animation, but in recent years, these gatherings have also become platforms for promoting social change.

Imagine a world where the sun powers our homes, our businesses, and our cities. It’s not just a dream—it’s a reality within our reach. Yet, while cities invest in projects that may be beautiful or recreational, they often miss out on opportunities that could have a profound impact on the daily lives of their residents.

Leadership and teamwork are at the heart of entrepreneurship, especially when you're organizing something as complex and passionate as anime conventions. As President of AnimeCon.org, where I organize seven annual anime conventions, I've learned that the success of these events hinges on the strength and unity of our team.

As the President of Ani.me, I’ve had the privilege of traveling to Japan to build business connections, explore opportunities, and immerse myself in the local culture. Japan is a unique place to do business, with its own set of challenges and rewards.

There is a lot of talk about world politics in the news and on TV, and while it's easy to get swept up in what's happening on the global stage, there's something much closer to home that we should be paying attention to—local politics.

Owning and managing rental properties is a complex endeavor, often colored by varied perceptions depending on one's experience as either a tenant or a landlord. As someone who has been on both sides of this equation, I’ve experienced the frustrations of renting and the responsibilities of landlording.

Hey anime nerds, it's been a crazy week in the real world, hasn't it. Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race and now Kamala Harris is running. And I myself am still too poor to run for Governor of Iowa, so I'll just have to be satisfied that I own of the moon, and leave it at that.

In the ever-globalizing world of business, the ability to speak multiple languages has become a crucial asset. For professionals like myself, navigating the complex landscapes of international markets, the importance of language proficiency cannot be overstated.

This year's Anime Midwest is shaping up to be incredible. Our attendance numbers are strong and our team has been working hard on putting together an awesome show. Our main stage is going to be occupied all the time with our cosplay competitions - with the finale to the Cosplay World Crown on Friday afternoon.