Anime Expo only charging background checks, and use of wifi for Vendors (UPDATE)

-Anthony Beanes
Director

In a previous news story reported here on this website, we reported information about Anime Expo's polices for this year. After some investigation, we have concluded the following information needs to be retracted:

-Press, panelist, performers, guests, members of a guest's or performer's entourage, Artist Alley participants, exhibitors, Anime Expo staff will not need to pay for the background check 50$ fee. Anime Expo will pay for the background check.

-Social Security information will only be kept to the third party company conducting the background check. Anime Expo will not keep this classified information.

All those attending Anime Expo that are not attendees, will still be asked to go through the training for the SPJA Youth Program.

What we did discover, is that the vendors attending Anime Expo will have to pay for the background checks, as well as the use of wifi. We spoke to one vendor, who had a conversation with us regarding the issue. Here is the following statements to what he has experienced with Anime Expo so far:

Sorry to come at you this way. I work with Mission Start Podcast, and I was hoping to get your reactions to the background check requirement and a bit of information on it.

vendor: honestly, i've posted my reaction I was not as livid when they first brought this up I've seen the gist of it. but when I found out today that Artist Alley was given all the good treatment, it really got me mad about the way this was handled Is Artist Alley exempt from the background check?

no, but their check is free paid by SPJA

Vendor: Are they doing the same for their staff/volunteers?

yes

Vendor: the fact that their "businesses" are getting free wifi which btw, costs ~$1000 to buy if you want it as an exhibitor I don't understand why the vendors are the only one paying, then.

Vendor:but the fact is, let's say okay we have to pay for the check. At least give us the free Wifi so that businesses can have an easier time charging credit cards at the con
How much is a table for 2016?

1,400$. Artist Alley people pay around 150-200$

Vendor: wow. And still no formal notice from the SPJA this needs to be done?

Vendor: This is the artist alley side (the photo the left) which is why i'm mad I don't see where it says they are exempt from the fee.

I don't actually see the fee. Is that in the Addendum?

Vendor: it's what I heard from the other vendors that already did it I called in and asked, SPJA said we have to pay for ours.

At this time we have reached out to Anime Expo for comment, and any other information regarding the 50$ charge for background checks for vendors.

Sources:
Vendor
Inside sources