Anime NYC, a three-day anime convention which launched in 2017 has canceled this year's festivities due to the United States' inability to contain the novel COVID-19 coronavirus.
Anime NYC joins a list of canceled anime conventions that includes:
- MomoCon
- Anime Boston
- Katsucon
- Sakura-Con
- Anime Matsuri
- Kameha Con
- AnimeJapan (Japan)
- Crunchyroll EXPO
- DragonCon
- Comiket (Japan)
Numerous, smaller anime conventions throughout the U.S. and the rest of the world have also been canceled. The next Anime NYC convention is currently scheduled for November 19-21, 2021. Like many other conventions, Anime NYC is said to be in the early stages of planning online events to replace some of the lost panels and sessions.
In a press release, Anime NYC Director Peter Tatara stated, "...as we near summer’s end, it’s become apparent no amount of preparation will protect our attendees, and we’ve made the decision Anime NYC 2020 will no longer take place because of coronavirus.
What does this mean for you? For all fans, you have the option to roll your tickets over to Anime NYC 2021 or receive a refund. For all exhibitors, you have the option to roll over your booths and sponsorships or be refunded as well. And all hotel rooms in our official block will be automatically refunded."