UppCon

UppCon is a Swedish anime and mangaconvention, and, as of 2007, was the largest of its kind in the Scandinavian countries. The event is arranged by the non-profit association Uppsalakai which, since its birth in 2001, has organized 8 UppCon events and a few smaller get-togethers with a focus on anime. UppCon 09 took place during January 16-18, in Uppsala Konsert & Kongress. The convention attracted over 3,000 visitors and unlike earlier events of the sort stayed open through day and night. The majority of previous conventions were held in the conference house called Atrium which had a limit of 2,000 visitors. The very first Uppcon was arranged at Slottsbiografen, one of Sweden’s oldest and most well-preserved cinemas in Uppsala. The convention usually lasts three days, from Friday to Sunday, where people with similar interests meet up to watch anime, compete in cosplay-contests and play videogames.

Many organizations also put up tables to display products they have for sale. They sell imported goods from Japan, such as manga, anime, figures, dolls, clothes and candy such as Pocky. Uppsalakai often have T-shirts, cups and other merchandise with the Uppcon-logo up for purchase.

During Uppcon, several contests and activities take place, such as: cosplay, sketch competitions, and tournaments in different games. Participants of the convention also come up with games with which to entertain themselves, such as Fotleken, an activity similar to Twister.

The next UppCon (Uppcon:10) is scheduled for 9th of April - 11 of April 2010.