Metrocon

METROCON is an annual anime convention based in Tampa, Florida. It was first presented in 2003 out of a Crowne Plaza Hotel nearby to the Florida State Fairgrounds, and beginning in 2005 moved to the Tampa Convention Center after two years of rapid growth.

Features
Metrocon hosts a variety of events and experiences for fans of anime, manga, video games, fantasy, science fiction, and more. The convention's typical features include a vendor's room, "artist alley", special guests, autograph sessions, main events (such as the Anime Human Chess Match, Fantasy Masquerade, and Costume and Cosplay Contests), dances/raves, contests, panels, video game rooms, video rooms screening anime, tabletop game rooms, LAN gaming, and cosplay.

Change of Ownership
On January 4th, 2010 Metrocon announced a change in ownership, from Metrocon LLC run by Roy Harms, to Team Dynamite Productions LLC operated by Nick Fazio and Alex Craddock. This change followed previous owner Roy Harms pleading nolo contendre in court to a second degree felony, and being listed as a state sex offender.

Amano's World
On the weekend of October 14-15, 2006, a second anime convention was held by AnimeMetro, known as METROCON: Amano's World. The guest of honor was Yoshitaka Amano, who is best known for his Final Fantasy character designs and Vampire Hunter D illustrations. Amano's work was visible everywhere, from the banner at the entrance to the convention to every weekend pass ticket. Amano often made sketches of those with VIP passes to his panel and continued to sign fans' artbooks and pictures over an hour past when he was scheduled to finish.