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 women-led and 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 shine 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.
Meet Our Team
Audrey Grout
President & Head of Volunteers
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!
Taylor Baker
Vice President & Head of Media
Rarely a week goes by without me checking out a local market, performance, or new eatery. The vibrancy of all WNY has to offer makes me so excited to add my own nerdy passions to its scope!
Brianne Hain
Secretary & Head of Hall Ops
I have been attending conventions since 2012, and I have loved them ever since. Conventions have served as spaces where I could grow and be unapologetically myself. I am excited to create that space for both the next generation of anime lovers and seasoned convention-goers alike
Nicholas Lewandowski
Treasurer & Head of Registration
I have been attending conventions since 2015 and I am excited to be apart of this organization to bring an anime and Japanese cultural convention to WNY.
Justin Pope
Head 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!
KinshokuCon 2025 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
VICE HEAD, Allister Gainey
STAFF, Diana Clemente
STAFF, Peter Dang
Safety
HEAD, Paul Joseph
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
VICE HEAD, Bobby Tavano
STAFF, Amanda Smith