DeAnna Cooper cosplays as Storm at MTAC Haiku, 2017. (Photo courtesy: #pheauxteauxbreauxs)
The Middle Tennessee Anime Convention (MTAC) — Tennessee’s largest anime convention — returns this April with a weekend-long extravaganza. It will be held at Nashville’s Hyatt Grand Hotel on Broadway across from the Frist Art Museum from Friday, April 15 through Sunday, April 17, 2022.
MTAC is a celebration of Japanese animation and culture, including costumes, music, gaming, and so much more. This year’s MTAC is titled “MTAC Score!” to highlight the focus on Japanese culture. MTAC Score! is the 20th (annual) Middle Tennessee Anime Convention and MTAC operates entirely on a volunteer basis. MTAC is a Nashville-based community effort built around celebrating and educating about Japanese animation, media & relevant popular arts.
The event features a spectacular mix of celebrity guests, artists, industry professionals, feature events, professional speakers, fan discussion panels, workshops, Q&A sessions, vendors, contests and more. Notable guests for this year’s event include Aaron Dismuke, Adam McArthur, Bryce Papenbrook, Caitlin Glass, Cherami Leigh, Kari Wahlgren, Ricco Fajardo, and Xanthe Huynh.
MTAC has crafted a unique brand of programming, including the convention’s signature events, Cosplay Contest, Lip Sync Contest, Otaku Ball, Lolita Tea Party, AMV Contest, Risque Cosplay, Ramen Eating Contest, Electronic Dance Party, 24-Hour Table-Top and Video Gaming, and dozens of hours of unique presentations throughout the weekend. MTAC also hosts several vendors, artists, and crafters for a wide variety of shopping. Walk-in registration will be $70 for all three days, with daily options available. More information can be found at: mtac.net
The Middle Tennessee Anime Convention is an annual event dedicated to anime, gaming, music, and Japanese popular arts and culture, providing enthusiasts and the public at large with a forum to share knowledge and passion in our collective interests. MTAC began in 1999 and is now holding its 20th convention, due to cancellations due to COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021. MTAC is overseen by the Southeast Pop Arts & Culture board (SEPOP). MTAC also gives back to the community which hosts it by assisting local charities in drives at the convention, as well as donation drives during the year.
The majority of MTAC attendees are between the ages of 18-30, from Middle Tennessee and the rest of the state, with a sizable portion coming from across the country, with about a 60/40 female-to-male ratio. 2022’s convention, MTAC Score!, is the 20th MTAC, styling this year’s convention around sports featured in anime and gaming. The theme coincides with the Summer Olympics hosted in Japan from July 23 to August 8, 2021.
Prior conventions include: MTAC Lunar – April 19-21, 2019; MTAC 18th Battalion – March 30-April 1, 2018; MTAC Haiku – April 14-16, 2017; MTAC 16-Bit – March 25-27, 2016; MTAC 15 to Life – April 3-5, 2015; MTAC In Love – April 18-20, 2014; MTAC Devil’s Dozen – March 29-31, 2013; MTAC Omega – April 6-8, 2012; MTAC Goes To 11 – April 22-24, 2011; MTAC Odyssey – April 30-May 2, 2010; MTAC Ninja – April 3-5, 2009; MTAC Infinity – April 25-27, 2008; MTAC Prime – April 13-15, 2007; MTAC 6th Period – April 21-23, 2006; MTAC GO – April 1-3, 2005; MTAC 4.01 Beta – April 2-4, 2004; MTAC Pi – August 9-11, 2002; MTAC 2-1/2 – November 2-4, 2001; and MTAC – December 10-11, 1999.
