SMASH! (convention)

'''SMASH! Sydney Manga and Anime Show''' is an annual anime and manga convention held in Sydney, Australia and organised by SMASH Inc, a non-profit volunteer-run association. After successfully holding events in 2007, 2008 and 2009 the event for 2010 is scheduled for August 7 at the Sydney Town Hall.

SMASH! began as an art-focused event but has broadened its scope to include all areas of Japanese popular culture. It was the first anime convention in Australia to host a Japanese seiyuu as a guest.

History
The idea for SMASH! was conceived by Katie Huang. Katie quickly brought in a number of like-minded individuals who were keen to create a convention that was accessible and affordable. The event was originally going to be called ComicWorld Sydney before the Sydney Manga and Anime Show was settled upon.

SMASH! 2007
The first SMASH! was held on 18 August 2007. It was located at the Roundhouse, a venue on the campus of the University of New South Wales. Ticket prices were $9 for preregistered attendees, and $12 at the door. The convention ran from 10am until 6pm and attracted a total attendance of 1435

The convention featured the Australian premiere of The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya and Death Note (licensed by Madman Entertainment) as well as the first maid cafe and host club to be held at an anime convention in Australia.

There were 10 hours of panels covering a range of topics, including self publishing, animation and the gaming industry, tutorials on concept art and digital colouring. Special guests included W Chew Chan (storyboard artist for Happy Feet and Superman Returns), Queenie Chan (local Tokyopop manga artist) and Gregor Whiley (Vice President of the Australian gaming company Strategic Studies Group). A doodling competition was sponsored by Wacom, as well as digital, traditional and 4-panel comic competition.

The convention also played host to a musical performance by the 2002 Triple J Unearthed winner Yunyu.

SMASH! 2008
SMASH! 2008 was held at the Roundhouse, on the campus of the University of New South Wales again. It had 2295 people attend.

A number of events were held throughout the day, including a number of stage events, competitions, panels and workshops, karaoke cosplay and game events.

In addition there was:
 * Special live dubbing from the announced special guest of honour, Hidenobu Kiuchi a Japanese seiyū.
 * Workshops and digital art demonstrations by international artist Kidchan.
 * Screenings of anime, including Gunslinger Girls and Darker than Black.

SMASH! 2009
SMASH! 2009 was again held at the Roundhouse, on the campus of the University of New South Wales on August 8 + 9.

SMASH! 2010
SMASH! 2010 will be held on the 7 August 2010, at Sydney's Town Hall for the first time.