Banzaicon

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:

     

The Banzaicon Web Guide will help plan your convention weekend in detail! No need to download any apps! Just visit the Web Guide on your device and add to your home screen!

• Find detailed event descriptions
• Find all events hosted by your favorite guests and panelists
• Bookmark events you’d like to attend, to make a customized schedule
• Interactive maps
• And much more

Due to a private matter, Laila Berzins must withdraw from next weekend’s Banzaicon 2026. We wish her well and hope to have her return for a future convention.

Marie Pouler is a career academic and college professor with a passion for cosplay, fan culture, and sharing new and intriguing ideas about humanity. She enjoys hosting panels that educate convention-goers on the shows and fanworks they cherish, offering insights into their deeper cultural and social significance. Marie strongly believes in the value of academic programming and that everyone can learn something, particularly from lesser-known disciplines like Queer Theory, which subtly permeates our everyday lives.

She earned her Doctorate from the University of Hertfordshire in December 2018 and her Master’s Degree from the University of North Carolina Charlotte in 2015. Marie’s areas of specialization include Gender and Queer Theory, Fan Culture, and Children’s Literature, with a minor concentration in Racial and Religious Studies from both theoretical and historical perspectives. Currently, she serves as an English professor at ECPI University in Charlotte.

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

     

Vincent creates characters and card games that transform how players experience gaming and storytelling.

His studio, Vindicated, is for players who #critdifferent—home to a unique, evolving universe where every story and game connects.

Vincent studied art before turning his focus toward game design and worldbuilding. Raised on JRPGs and TCGs, his father even hired a pro to help him master card games at a young age.

In 2025, Vindicated won the Gamer’s Choice Award at SEGE by popular vote. He’s also collaborated with 2K Games on a Borderlands event at PAX East and partnered with premier gaming groups, including Hunters Entertainment (Outbreak: Undead, Kids on Bikes).

Through Vindicated, he’s published many games, including Spellslingers, Otherworlds, and Ghoullotine.

Stop by and say hello! He’ll probably talk your ear off about Final Fantasy and slightly underrated anime.

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!

Dust off your band tees, lace up your Vans, and get ready to relive the soundtrack of a generation at Emo Night. This late-night party brings together emo, pop-punk, and metalcore anthems for a high-energy throwback experience that hits all the right notes.

Sing along, dance it out, and embrace the nostalgia as Likely Vain takes you back to the days of stacked playlists and unforgettable live shows (minus the early morning outdoor lines). Whether you’re here for the memories or the music, Emo Night is all about community, catharsis, and screaming every lyric at the top of your lungs.

     

Likely Vain is a brother and sister DJ duo based in Raleigh, NC. Formed in 2023 they set out to provide high energy shows and bring the best vibes everywhere they go. With a vibrant mix of Bass house to Dubstep there is something for everyone at a Likely Vain show!

     

You can now view our schedule online and begin planning your convention weekend! Please be aware that our schedule is subject to change.