AMKE 2024 Review – Our First “Sweet 16”

Games, Manga, & Cosplays – Oh My!

Anime Milwaukee 2024 was a blast! This year, living up to the “Sweet 16” theme for its triumphant return as an in-person event, it definitely delivered. For Steve and Sam, it was our first time ever at AMKE. We were there thanks to a younger friend who grew up in the city and couldn’t wait to share their fond memories of the convention with us, and wow we were not disappointed!

The event itself was held on March 8-10, Friday to Sunday and in its 2024 return in person, the event boasted a record-breaking 17,250 attendance! We registered online beforehand (super smooth process) and mulled around the convention center on the first night. There was a dance party we ended up at in the Hilton Ballroom but as we are getting older, we let the youths close down the first night. Later, we were really glad we took the time to familiarize ourselves with the building and registered early, because next day was much more crowded and saw longer lines! Because of this time save, we were able to be some of the first people in for events.

The panels for the weekend were SO MUCH FUN. Sam especially enjoyed the “Dilfology 101” panel – super creative concept and hilarious! She will defend that Kazuma Kiyru never killed a man and is best DILF, forever. Our friends attended the “Who’s the Hottest Anime Guy” and as a group we tried to attend the Pokémon Smash or Pass panel, but it was filled before we could get in the door. We discovered who the hottest Anime Guy is, but we’ll have to use our imagination on most smashable Pokémon – this year.

There was more physical programming as well – we watched a bit of the Cosplay Combat Chess and the Maximum Power Cosplay wrestling. Both of these are highly recommended from us if you get the chance to see them. The AMKE 2024 programming also offered a ton of 18+ content and panels with a mix of serious and silly. We ourselves enjoyed everything from burlesque to Doujinshi panels. Beyond the panels, we attempted to learn Mahjong, bought tons of art and played cabinet arcade games, and even rocked out at the STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION concert.

In addition to these awesome events, our Airbnb was amazing! We snagged a beautiful spot just blocks from the center thanks to the awesome Ahmad Omar. There was a bit of a login snafu at first, but Ahmad was super responsive, and everything got sorted fast. Between needing to decompress, do a wardrobe change, or damp and cold weather – we were really grateful to have booked this place last minute.

The city of Milwaukee itself is also a beautiful backdrop for a convention. If we didn’t walk across the street for pizza, we ate at the 3rd Street Market Hall – a foodie paradise! The Baird Center itself offered lots of cozy spots to catch up with our friends between panels.

All in all, Anime Milwaukee 2024 was a fantastic experience. We mingled among a ton of other fellow anime lovers, got major cosplay inspiration, and laughed until our sides hurt. If you’re on the fence about attending next year, take it from us: DO IT! You won’t regret it.