Staff hopes to create "smaller, more intimate setting" for January 3-5 convention

The organizers of Otakon announced on Thursday that a spin-off convention in Las Vegas is planned for January 3­-5, 2014. Otakon Vegas will take place at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino where organizers hope to "create a smaller and more intimate setting" where they can "try out new things."

An official website and Facebook page and website will provide more information in the future. Hotel room reservations are available now and registration for the event will open in the next few months. Otakorp, Inc.'s corresponding secretary Victor Albisharat will act as convention chair for Otakon Vegas.

Otakon will celebrate its 20th anniversary this year. The con organized its first music festival in with JAM Project, Faylan, and Natsuko Aso on November 3. Otakon's Jim Vowles mentioned that this festival may be the first of many if it works out.

The original Otakon convention will take place in Baltimore on August 9-11 at the Baltimore Convention Center. Announced guests include musical performers T.M. Revolution and hip-hop group Home Made Kazoku. The con is also hosting Madhouse founder Masao Maruyama, Maile Flanagan, Crispin Freeman, and Vic Mignogna.