An Anime Convention Created with the WNY Community in Mind
KinshokuCon is the product of a love for anime, Japanese culture, and the WNY community. As frequent congoers ourselves, our team seeks to bring our knowledge and experiences back to WNY to create an anime convention that is as amazing as the dedicated anime fans we’ve met throughout the years.
Our convention is run by a team of Western New Yorkers who take pride in their local culture. We hope the vibrancy of the WNY anime and nerd culture shines through in all areas of our convention.
Why start KinshokuCon? To give back to the community in the form of a convention that will bring fans of anime, nerd, and Japanese culture together over the course of three memorable and fun-filled days!
KinshokuCon is organized and run by Kinshoku Productions, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to bringing conventions and events highlighting Japanese culture to Western New York.
Local Community
Applications from people based out of Western New York will be prioritized so we can showcase the fans in our community.
Anime & More
Along with highlighting anime and Japanese culture, our programming will also include video gaming and pop culture!
Programming for All
We will offer events and activities for all ages that will include panels, workshops, voice actors, live performances, and more.
Express Yourself
Our staff is dedicated to ensuring that KinshokuCon remains a safe, welcoming, and encouraging space for all attendees.
Photos by Elliott Starr @starrmanly
Meet Our Team
Audrey Grout
President
My first convention was UB Con in 2019. Since then, I have attended and volunteered at conventions across the country. Assisting with a little bit of everything and a jack of all trades, I am excited to bring what I have learned back to WNY!
Justin Pope
Director of Programming & Community Outreach
As a congoer since 2011 and a passionate nerd connoisseur since birth, the wonder of a great convention is something I look forward to the most. The experience of making memories at a con and the incredible atmosphere fans create pushes me to want to make the best con possible for absolutely everyone!
Bobby Tavano
Secretary
I’ve been attending conventions since 2013, and I’ve always looked forward to having more local events to attend! I’m so excited to be a part of this team and to give this community a new place to celebrate the things we love!
Allister Jones
Director of Media and Branding
Buffalo born and Rochester rooted, I’m a professional animator who has been staffing anime conventions near and far since 2015. No matter what role I take, my goal stays the same: to help the local nerd and otaku community thrive.
KinshokuCon 2026 Staff
Thank you to our wonderful staff whose countless hours of hard-work have made the debut year of KinshokuCon possible!
Operations
HEAD, Destinye Yamada
STAFF, Peter Dang
Safety
VICE HEAD, Noel Mezquita
Cosplay
HEAD, Emma Morlino
VICE HEAD, Sarah Tompkins
Hobby Hideaway
HEAD, Michele Hauryski
VICE HEAD, Kaylie Horowitz
Care Team
HEAD, Sidney Makowski
VICE HEAD, Sam Kaczor
AV/Tech
HEAD, Tina Wu