Ichibancon

Borderline Panels is a North Carolina-based panelist that’s been bringing high-energy content to anime conventions since 2014. With a passion for fandom, creativity, and community, they specialize in a wide variety of programming like chaotic game shows, interactive workshops, thoughtful discussions, and fan-driven panels. Whether you’re a seasoned congoer or it’s your first con, Borderline brings something for everyone to enjoy.

Over the years, Borderline has presented at conventions across the country, earning a reputation for events that keep audiences laughing, thinking, and coming back for more. They’re thrilled to share more fun, fandom, and borderline chaos with you this year!

Get ready to showcase your singing talents! This year, we’re excited to bring Karaoke to the Rocky River Grille. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just want to have fun with friends, our Karaoke sessions promise a welcoming atmosphere. Come belt out your favorite songs, discover new music, and make unforgettable memories!

Hours:
Friday: All Ages 8 PM – 10 PM
18+: 10 PM – 2 AM
Saturday: All Ages 8 PM – 10 PM
18+: 10 PM – 2 AM

     

It’s the season of love and we love making friends! Come join Paradox Panelse to find your platonic soulmate at Speed Friending.Break the ice in a fun and fast-paced environment, where you’ll have the chance to meet fellow anime enthusiasts and potential new friends. Whether you’re a seasoned convention-goer or a first-timer, this event is designed to connect like-minded individuals through shared interests and passions. Engage in quick, light-hearted conversations, discover common interests, and forge connections that extend beyond the convention walls. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to expand your social circle and make lasting friendships – because at our convention, the journey is just as exciting as the destination!

     

Paradox Panels is a group of weirdos from North Carolina who host panels up and down the East Coast. Paradox has been presenting quality panels on anime, kpop, adult content, and more since 2018.

Devon and Lexi are the Chalk Twins. The Chalk Twins are masters of murals as these twin sisters work together to create chalk artwork of epic proportions. Throughout the event you can watch the Chalk Twins as they complete their masterpiece. We encourage you to get down low and talk to them about art, geeky stuff, twin stuff – whatever you like.

They don’t bite. We promise.

     

Welcome to Galaxy Dreams Maid Cafe!

We are a travelling pop up Maid Cafe that provides a cosplay-based tea party service! While we do not have a physical home location, our staff are located in the Carolinas and as such we can provide event services in the Carolinas region.

We typically offer to serve drinks and snacks or small plates dishes, entertainment from our in-character Maid Cafe staff via tabletop games, socializing, and jpop/kpop type dances, and add-on services, games, or merchandise! We do adapt to specific event collabs and weather demands, so our menu and offerings do change depending on the event type, but our typical services remain consistent!

     

We’re excited to welcome an incredible panel of cosplay judges to this year’s event, each bringing their unique strengths, styles, and years of experience to the table. From award-winning craftsmanship to sustainable builds, needlework, prop-making, foam-smithing, 3D modeling, and more, these creators are passionate about their craft and about uplifting the cosplay community.

Whether you’re entering the contest or just love seeing cosplay excellence up close, you’ll be in great hands. Learn more about each of our judges and their cosplay journeys here:

     

Our schedule is now online! You can view our convention schedule and begin making plans for your convention weekend! Please note that the schedule is subject to change up to and during the event.

Want to show off what you’ll be wearing at Ichibancon? We’ve got you covered! We’ve made a set of cosplay lineup frames you can use for your posts. Grab the ones that fit you best at the link below, and don’t forget to tag us when you share!

     

The photoshoot schedule for Ichibancon 2026 is now live! Visit the link below to view the schedule and available photoshoots or submit your own!