faq & rules

★ FAQ ★

What is this event?GATEway FATE is a Final Fantasy XIV themed, unofficial meet-up convention style event (other FF titles also welcomed!). Whether you’re a long time player, new free trial patron, or friend of an adventuring friend, this event serves to provide an opportunity for players to have a weekend of fun together; be it through themed activities, chatting with other players, or just having an enjoyable social experience. This event is produced by the same company behind Anime St. Louis and has no official affiliation with Square Enix or the FFXIV development team and is purely a fan-created event.Do I have to be a FFXIV fan or player to enjoy the event? Do I need an active subscription?No to all of the above! While we'll have things that are themed around FFXIV content, at their core our activities can be enjoyed by all patrons. Whether you're a Final Fantasy fan or just a curious friend, we invite you to join in the fun!Is there an attendance cap for either event?Currently, there is not. We welcomed 1200 attendees in 2024 and are able to grow quite a lot in our current venue.Will this event compete with the Final Fantasy XIV Fan Festival?As that event happens every two to three years, we don't view this project as a rival or meant to take away from the big event when it occurs. We do not aim for this event project to replace Fanfest either, we simply wish to offer players and fans another chance to meet-up during the year and will do our best to avoid any unintentional date or content clashing, especially since most of our crew would want to go to the big festival themselves.Will there be any content related to the latest game patches that occur near show time?As we plan, we will generally aim to avoid any programming content that is relative within 1-2 game patches of our event dates. Panelists will be advised to give spoiler warnings depending on how their presentation relates to a topic.

★ Rules ★

Quick Summary: These rules are the same as what we use for AnimeSTL. If you're familiar with those, it's much of the same here.COVID-19 ItemsBy attending, our attendees understand that there is a risk of pathogen spread. Attendees will indemnify the event and venues and cannot hold them accountable for possible illness.We are not planning to have any mandates in place for our event. If attendees and anyone else still wishes to mask at the convention, they are welcome to, and any harassment of those doing so will not be tolerated. Masking mandates may be put into place if needed. Keep up the good fight against con plague and practice safe attendance!Bag ChecksThe St. Charles Convention Center may have bag check stations at our open entrances during the event. No bag types are restricted at this time. Clear style totes and bags can help expedite the process.Code of ConductAll attendees, speakers, sponsors and volunteers at our events are required to agree with the following code of conduct. We expect cooperation from all participants to help ensure a safe environment for everybody.This event is dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, or religion. We do not tolerate harassment of guests or participants in any form. Members and event participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the event (without a refund) at the discretion of the event organizers.Be kind.If you need to submit a complaint or need help in regards to the code of conduct, please find the nearest staff member.Costume PolicyAll attendees must observe county, city, state, and federal laws at all times. We're a family-friendly event, so we ask that costumes reflect that idea. Costumes and clothing must cover what an average bathing suit would cover. While we respect our attendees’ freedom of expression, we do not consider underwear or similar lack of clothing appropriate. Nudity and clothing with inappropriate language is not allowed. Walking in bare feet on the show floor is also not allowed due to potential hazards like stepping on sharp objects, but you can pose in bare feet (just check your photo area before you do). We also ask that any costume that poses a risk to others (protruding wires, spikes, loose swinging chains, etc.) be examined by security for risk assessment. If the costume is deemed a risk, we ask that you respect the decision and either change clothes or alter the costume.Weapons and PropsRealistic firearm props are not allowed. These include and are not limited to Airsoft guns, BB guns, and self-made props that look like real life firearms. Having an orange tip does not matter. If it looks like a real, working gun from afar and up-close, it is not allowed at our venue. Fantasy and fictional props are still allowed, but security and volunteers may request to inspect them to check for mechanisms.GATEway FATE does not allow live steel or any real weapons of any kind (dull metal swords included). Prop weapons may be made of wood, plastic, foam, plaster, cardboard, cloth, etc. Props more based on fantasy and fiction are allowed. All props and models cannot be used to fire projectiles and cannot be loaded or have any ammunition. Volunteers and security may ask your assistance to prove if the prop has any mechanisms, even if it has already been tagged; same with other props for any other reason. Please cooperate with these requests.Explosives and chemicals are strictly prohibited (this includes fireworks, sparklers, etc.) as are hover boards and wheeled footwear. Prop skateboards are allowed but may only be carried and not ridden. We ask that attendees do not engage in mock fighting in the venue. Please do not use a prop weapon to threaten, endanger, or harm another person. If your prop violates Missouri State or Federal laws outside the venue, it violates them here too. Please ask a staff member if you are ever unsure about your prop.We currently do not have a size limitation for props and costumes, but we ask that your creations be mindful of a large crowd. Anything that becomes a fire hazard or constant traffic blocker may be asked to be removed.Alcohol PolicyThe legal drinking age is 21. Event badges are not valid forms of ID for purchasing or consuming alcohol. Only a government issued ID or passport will be accepted as a valid proof of age. Public intoxication can result in being asked to leave the venues and/or a revoked badge.Smoking/Vaping/E-cigsNo smoking is allowed inside any of the buildings, including e-cigarettes and vaping. Please smoke outside, and be considerate of others when you do.Badge PolicyYou will need an attendee badge to take part in everything the event has to offer. Badges must be visible at all times, worn on the front of the body and above the knees. Please do not hang them off purse straps or other accessories. If you lose your badge, you can purchase a new one at the registration desk. Only one replacement may be bought during the event. Please do not share badges. Anyone caught sharing a badge will have it revoked.Lost and FoundGATEway FATE is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged property during the course of the convention. A lost and found box will be kept at the venues during the event for anyone who turns in items or wishes to claim them. Possessions left unclaimed at the end of the convention will be turned over to the St. Charles Convention Center and Embassy Suites for any inquiries afterwards. The Lost and Found at-con can be located at the Guest Services booth near the Exhibit Hall.Sign Props PolicySigns with inappropriate language or solicitations are not allowed. This does include “free hug” style signs. Signs that promote a business or selling of products and/or behavior without the knowledge and consent of Anime St. Louis are also forbidden.Advertising Fliers PolicyPlease do not post signs/fliers on the walls of the venue. Fliers may only be handed out if you have a booth at the event. Soliciting and unapproved distribution of fliers can cause you to lose your badge and be requested to leave. If you have fliers you would like hung up or placed for distribution, please bring them to the Show Office for approval and distribution. Unapproved fliers left around the convention can be thrown away by senior staff without warning.No AI Creations for Promotional Use or SalesThe following policy includes and is not limited to art, graphics, and presentations created using AI technology programs such as ChatGPT, Midjourney, and Stable Diffusion. Things created using such programs are not allowed at GATEway FATE and Anime Conbini Mart for the purposes of promoting a business or for commercial and personal sales. Items must be created via the entities’ own skills with available physical tools and non-AI software. They cannot be created utilizing prompts input into learning software or algorithms. This policy excludes digital tools created by others (ie, brushes in art programs), pieces made using editing software that operates without algorithms, and other hardware and software that requires learning and applied skill from the user themselves.Common CourtesyPlease turn your mobile devices to silent or vibrate when you’re in programming and event rooms. If you must take or make a call, please step outside into a hall.By attending, attendees understand that they may be photographed or filmed when they are a part of the crowd. As a courtesy, attendees should ask permission before filming or photographing others. Same goes for hugging and glomping. Cosplay is not consent.The convention center, hotel, and their respective parking lots have neighboring houses and apartments. If an attendee’s enjoyment of the convention occurs outdoors and in the parking lot, please note that noise complaints can occur from both hotel patrons and local neighbors. Please be courteous and avoid late night loud noise. Please also be respectful of our venues’ property.Room Parties and Hotel UseRoom parties are not allowed. We define a room party as an open door gathering within a hotel room that causes excessive noise and exceeds reasonable capacity; or one that spills out into the hallway. Please keep your hotel room doors closed to not only help with noise levels, but also for your own safety. Please respect the hotel staff if they are responding to noise complaints.Please respect hotel property and avoid having elevator parties or causing excessive noise in the hallways.Pictures and filmingEvents where photography and filming are not allowed will be announced during the event. Otherwise, photos and filming are generally allowed throughout the venue. Please respect people who do not want to be on camera, and also be sure to ask someone’s permission before taking their photo. Cosplay is not consent.Miscellaneous itemsAnnounced events and programs are subject to change and/or cancellation.Except for ADA-compliant service animals, pets are not allowed in the venues.No outside food or drink is allowed inside the St. Charles Convention Center.Have fun!

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Activities & Main Events

Some stuff on this page has not been updated for 2025's show yet, but most of these aspects will be returning!

More info and specifics to come as we complete the quest chains of logistics and paperwork!

Prizing for select programming & activities sponsored by:

DETAILED SCHEDULE
To be released within 3-4 weeks of show time

• View 2024's program here

WoL Sticker & Badge Ribbon Trading

We're honoring the community's ever hungry desire for blorbos and adhesive fun by better dedicating part of the convention to the art, no pun intended, of trading WoL stickers and badge ribbons! Stay tuned for a web page with more details that will include a dedicated trading time & place at the convention, instructions on how to join in the fun, and referral links to printing services and artists to commission.

Cosplay Contest & Glam Exhibition

Details to be released during June - July 2025

Gunpla Model Building for Aspiring Ironworks Engineers with Gateway Gunpla

Before you build the big mech, you gotta start small, and the local Gateway Gunpla group is excited to showcase the fun of model building kits with open build tables for all skill levels and special competitions for experienced builders.

• LEARN MORE ABOUT THEM!
• 2025 CONTEST DETAILS TBA

Main Events

Join classical guitarist John Oeth for an evening of FFXIV music as he embodies the spirits of every major city bard that plucks away by the light of the plaza crystals.

Produced by Oriana Peron, a stage show that encapsulates the slaying power of characters from across the Final Fantasy universe! May or may not contain 5 - 10 Shivas.

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Exhibit Hall

Check out rad creatives from across the shards!Each 10 x 10' space is $200, with corners being $300. More details below!

• BOOTH DETAILS & RULES

★Forms closed for 2025★

Artists

★Endy★
★Sydney Jones★
★Bluandredwires★
★Slifer★
★Mel Shardae★
★Shad Andrews★
★Erie Craft Collective LLC★
★kobacake★
★Art by Little Miss Luna★
★kaijuJUNGLE★
★Banishedpixels & Kai Bones Art★
★Kiiyame★
★Steelfeather Workshop★
★Newtdoesarts & Tsunamikaii★
★c-dra & tasobi & Lychee Snake★
★Shoujo Havoc★
★Bee Stitch Studio★
★Nekoneko Mini & KailinRui★
★sin & dreadwyrmtrance & verraise★
★DjArtJL ★
★Clinkorz★
★Amare Stellas & Kezzako★
★Pixeled Peach★
★ByronB Art★
★Zhelly★
★Deckitout★
★Where is Kale & TK★
★Vimimi Corner★
★High Altitude Jewelry★
★Rogue Corvid★
★Mallius★
★The Creative Otter LLC★
★The Evergreen Burrow★
★cakeacake + Epicurianger★
★Andy Kluthe★
★Retro TV Art★
★Emibirdee★

Vendors

★Main Street Books★
★Blorg's Hobby Shop★
★Animeggroll★

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guests

More info to come as we complete the quest chains of logistics and paperwork!

In-Person Autograph Policy

Prohibited Items:- Bootleg/Pirated/Unofficial Merchandise
- Items that contain profanity, gore, mature or inappropriate contentAllowed Items:- Licensed/Official Merchandise
- Event badges/program books
- Fan-creations, including fanart
- Merchandise/prints purchased from GuestGift PolicyGuests may accept or refuse gifts at their own discretion.
- Allowed gifts include: Fanart, small handmade crafts.
- Prohibited gifts include: Large items, food of any kind.Failure to adhere to the autograph policy can result in your badge being revoked.

Unless at a panel or on a break, the following guests will be at their booths during exhibit hall open hours:- Luis Bermudez
- Erica Mendez
- Javier Prusky
- Jason Charles Miller
- Amanda AchenThe following guests will have set signing times at other booths:- Victoria Rosenthal

featured guests

Luis BermudezLuis Bermudez is a second generation Latine Voice Actor, and proud son of Cuban immigrants. In just three years, he has had the pleasure to appear in projects like Jurassic Park: ChaosTheory, Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail, The Simpsons, Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, GoodTimes on Netflix, Street Fighter 6, and over 100 other Animation, Games, and Anime projects. His most notable voices are Koana from FFXIV, Blanka from SF6, Galerius from UnicornOverlord, and Ranzo Kiyama from Beyblade Burst QuadStrike.

Erica MendezErica Mendez is a Chicago-native now living in Los Angeles and working in the field of voice-over. She has played many fan-favorite characters, including: Retsuko in Aggretsuko, Ryuko in KILL la KILL, Gon in Hunter x Hunter, Aladdin in Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic, Yuuki in Sword Art Online II, Sailor Uranus in the Viz Media dub of Sailor Moon, Megumin in Konosuba, Emma in The Promised Neverland, Akko in Little Witch Academia, Diane in Seven Deadly Sins, Nico in Love Live!, Mash in Fate/Grand Order, Raphtalia in The Rising of the Shield Hero, Bernadetta in Fire Emblem Three Houses, and Kamisato Ayaka in Genshin Impact.You can also hear her in video games such as Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail, Final Fantasy VII Remake, Legends of Runeterra, Octopath Traveler II, Scarlet Nexus, 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim, The Fire Emblem series, Triangle Strategy, New Pokémon Snap, Ys IX, Tales of Berseria, Puyo Puyo Tetris, The Danganronpa franchise, Code Vein, Soul Calibur VI, BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle, and the Trails of Cold Steel series; As well as animated shows like Demon Slayer, Delicious in Dungeon, Yashahime, Shaman King (2021) Your Lie in April, Anohana, Erased, Pokémon Horizon, To Your Eternity, Boruto, Re:ZERO, Fate/Apocrypha, My Hero Academia, and many more.Voice acting isn’t the only way she keeps herself busy: Her script adaptation work includes Delicious in Dungeon, The Promised Neverland, Little Witch Academia, Sailor Moon SuperS, Sailor Moon Sailor Stars, Carole & Tuesday, and Fate/Apocrypha. She made her directorial debut with the animated film, I Want to Eat Your Pancreas, which she also adapted.You can keep up with Erica's role announcements and incoherent rambling by following her on Twitter @tsunderica.

Javier PruskyJavier Prusky, a Latin American actor based in Los Angeles, is most prominently known for voicing fan-favorite Bakool Ja Ja in Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail. Other notable credits include García in Far Cry 6, Fallout 76, and Woodpecker in Netflix’s Spirit Rangers.

Amanda AchenShow note: Because we are a fan event and not an official SquareEnix production, this guest will not be performing most or any official tracks that are a part of official IPs that they are a part of. Thank you for understanding!A versatile, multi-genre vocalist, praised for her "crystalline soprano" and "tear-jerking performances", Amanda's enchanting presence graces stages worldwide. From commanding concert halls, to jazz clubs with her band, Citizen Kitten, to creating magic in the studio, she has earned critical acclaim in iconic venues like Radio City Hall, Dolby Theater, Hollywood Bowl, Apollo Theatre, and Tokyo Dome.Contemporary composers recognize Amanda for her unparalleled ability to navigate diverse musical styles. Her rise to prominence in the gaming world, marked by emotionally charged collaborations with Masayoshi Soken for Final Fantasy XIV and XVI, has led to captivating performances at Final Fantasy Symphonies and Fan Fests globally.In addition to these achievements, Amanda has had the honor of performing with Joe Hisaishi in his Studio Ghibli Symphony Concerts, adding another illustrious chapter to her musical journey.Amanda's voice can be heard in blockbuster films and TV shows, including Frozen 2, Mulan, Birds of Prey, and The Simpsons. Her versatility extends to composition, with original music available on major streaming platforms.Currently, Amanda is a Twitch partner, engaging with her audience through streaming sessions that include Final Fantasy XIV gameplay, interactive chats, and live musical performances. This additional platform showcases Amanda's dynamic talents and allows her to connect with fans in real-time.

Jason Charles MillerShow note: Because we are a fan event and not an official SquareEnix production, this guest will not be performing most or any official tracks that are a part of official IPs that they are a part of. Thank you for understanding!Jason Charles Miller is a critically acclaimed and highly accomplished musician and voice actor. As a voice actor, Jason has appeared in over 100 animated series, anime and video games. Highlights include Halo Infinite, Fire Emblem Heroes (Múspell), Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Legend of Korra, World of Warships: Transformers (Optimus Prime), Neverwinter Online (Drizzt Do’Urden), Gundam: Iron Blooded Orphans (Aston), Genshin Impact, Lost Ark, Star Trek Online, Attack on Titan (Gelgar), World of Warcraft, Batman: The Brave and the Bold, Chivalry 2, Kingdom Hearts III, Mafia III, Final Fantasy VII Remake, Final Fantasy XIV, Hearthstone and the Street Fighter series (Guy).A life-long Dungeons and Dragons enthusiast, Jason hosted the Geek & Sundry show Starter Kit, has appeared on Critical Role (Garthok), is the host and creator of On Tour With Dragons, which appears on the official Dungeons and Dragons YouTube channel, and is the Dungeon Master of The Gaxx Pack, a weekly D&D adventure on the GaryConLive Twitch channel. Jason is also the co-host of Bardic Inspiration, a weekly D&D songwriting show sponsored by Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms on the CNEGames Twitch channel.Jason’s music has been featured on such TV shows as True Blood, The NFL Today, The Deadliest Catch, Wicked Tuna, WWE Smackdown, AEW Dynamite, The Legend of Vox Machina and Critical Role (theme song composer). Video game soundtrack enthusiasts would recognize Jason’s singing voice from the theme song for Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers, from Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance’s ‘Rules of Nature’ and multiple songs in Cyberpunk 2077. He is also the singing voice of Ra’s Al Ghul in D.C. Superhero Girls. Jason has written songs with Billy Ray Cyrus, Rickey Medlocke [Lynyrd Skynyrd], Charlie Starr [Blackberry Smoke], Ben Moody [Evanescence] and has been awarded 2 gold records (for the Queen of the Damned and The Punisher soundtracks) and 1 platinum record, for co-writing the song ‘Cruisin’ for a Bruisin’ for Disney’s Teen Beach Movie. He is also widely recognized as the founder of the rock band Godhead and has toured around the world opening for Linkin’ Park, Disturbed, Slipknot, Rammstein and Ozzy Osbourne.

Victoria RosenthalVictoria is the author behind the official Final Fantasy XIV, Sonic the Hedgehog, and other nerdy cookbooks while also managing the video game themed food blog, Pixelated Provisions. She develops recipes of food, drinks, and all sorts of consumables found throughout many video games worlds. Her goal with Pixelated Provisions is to inspire fellow gamers to get in the kitchen and make delicious meals from the games they love playing.A self-taught home cook, she loves to experiment and research new methods of cooking meals. Combining her passions for food and video games has been a dream come true, and she hopes her creations help both friends and family gather in the kitchen and around the table to celebrate together.

Oriana PeronOriana Perón is a cosplaying, costume, and fashion designing, drag queen. She has been cosplaying since 2006 when this nerdy hobby turned into a passionate career. Oriana has studied theatre and costume design at Indiana University and continues her studies with a focus on fashion design, metalsmithing, and jewelry. Recently, Oriana has produced and performed her Drag Race and Drag Show events at Ohayocon, Anime Magic, AnimeNext, C2E2, Matsuricon, and ACEN. Oriana currently lives in Bloomington, Indiana and is a producer and host for her shows, “World of Fantasy” and “World of Gayming” at The Back Door. Her favorite thing is dressing up like cartoon moms and sending memes to all her friends. Oriana looks forward to conventions coming back and seeing all her friends and fans again! You can find Oriana online at:www.orianaperon.com
www.instagram.com/orianaperon
www.etsy.com/shop/OrianasDesigns

John OethJohn Oeth is a renowned classical guitarist with an exceptional ability to captivate audiences through his passionate musicianship, dynamic presence, and virtuosic technique. He specializes in playing relaxing video game music that takes the listener back to simpler times.John has been running a successful YouTube channel since 2008, where he posts his guitar arrangements of video game music. In high school, he wanted to become a video game composer inspired by the soundtracks of Final Fantasy and The Legend of Zelda. This dream was realized when Amazon Game Studios approached John to compose and record music for New World. He has released over ten albums featuring music from games spanning from the 1980s to today. He also regularly livestreams performances, taking requests on the fly.John's performances have been enjoyed by a variety of organizations, including the San Francisco Giants, NPR, the NCAA, and Intel. In 2018, he was honored to perform for United States Senator John McCain's funeral service. John has had many unique performances such as sharing a concert with Billboard Top 100 artist Jordin Sparks.John is an advocate of 21st-century guitar compositions as well as underperformed Renaissance lute and vihuela works. Compositions have been dedicated to him by international artists including Petrichor, a piece gifted by Japanese composer Kohei Kondo. John completed his doctoral dissertation on the lute works of Vincenzo Galilei, Galileo's father. His recording Fronimo features his solo guitar arrangements of Galilei's ricercari in all of the Renaissance modes.John has studied with some of the world's top concert artists, including Frank Koonce, Michael Patilla, and Lily Afshar. He has performed in masterclasses for Judicaël Perroy, Paul O'Dette, and Pavel Steidl, among others. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State University, a master's degree from the University of Memphis, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Arizona State University.

Dangerous LadiesThe Dangerous Ladies have been providing resin kits, 3D printed props, patterns, textiles, and other accessories to cosplayers since 2013. Currently a studio of six full-time employees working in Toronto, Canada, they all come from different career experiences and backgrounds, but share a united passion for cosplay, learning, and crafting. Their mission is to provide customizable, accessible cosplay resources and supplies to help cosplayers create, learn, and grow as crafters and artists.

Turtle SmithyKyle and Malinda are a veteran cosplay duo that has been crafting costumes for almost 20 years and part of the FFXIV community for 10. Both are well-rounded in a wide range of abilities and have won numerous awards for their craftsmanship and performances. In 2020 they became full-time creatives outfitting fellow Warriors of Light with horns, ears, tails, and more!

NipahNipah is an award-winning Illinois based Cosplayer known well for his Square-Enix cosplays and has been working with his craft for over ten years.From advanced wig-styling, sewing to armor construction, Nipah loves to learn and widen his horizon on all aspects of crafting. He wishes to share what he has learned with his fellow cosplayers, spreading the love of this hobby wherever he can. Currently with over two hundred different cosplays completed, from original designs to reproductions.With his warm charisma and love for the craft he hopes that he can continue to share his love for cosplay with others while helping them enter this wonderful crazy world, assisting and helping those along the way.

Sickeningly Sweet CosplayAs the couple cosplay team Sickeningly Sweet Cosplay, Steph and Bret have a combined 30 years of experience in making costumes. From sewing, to prop making, to wig styling: they love to do it all! They have each won numerous awards for their individual craftsmanship and enjoy sharing their creativity with the cosplay and convention communities.An avid MMORPG-enjoyer, Steph began playing FFXIV Online back in 2020, and dragged Bret along for the adventure. She can be found achievement-hunting across Eorzea and beyond, while Bret prefers to take it easy decorating his house or making glamours. They're looking forward to GATEway FATE's second year!

XIV community members

Fruity SnacksFruity Snacks is the owner of Eorzean Aquarium and Eorzean Museum Network, he uses his experience as an instructional designer and game designer to create fishing guides and events for the FFXIV community.

RookuriRookuri is a content creator, Esports caster and event host with an exuberant love of FFXIV. As a Twitch streamer and YouTuber, she shares her adventures in game and out while talking about her passion for story, lore, and all content casual to hardcore. In her mission to share her excitement for MMOs on a larger stage, Rook has been a host on many Mogtalk Race to World First's, the Echo x Mogtalk Futures Rewritten Ultimate RWF, live onstage for Crystalline Conflict at the 2023 EU Fanfest, a singer in Husky collabs, a guest on Duty Commenced and various community tournaments. She's also a host for official World of Warcraft and Guild Wars 2 broadcasts. Rook can additionally be heard chatting about FFXIV on the Gamer Escape podcast: Aetheryte Radio, because if there's one thing she can talk endlessly about, it's FFXIV!

FrostyCarrying the soul stone for FFXIV World Race Event Organizer, Podcast Host, and Streamer; Frosty can be found on his MogTalk channel discussing the game with fellow players, content creators, and personalities. When new prog content is released, he can be found leading the World Race project to see which static reaches the finish line first while providing live coverage, sometimes with charity elements added to the fun!

SuperLouis64The Controller Bender has joined the party! Louis is a game dev who also revels in the challenge of making interactive controllers that reflect their in-game counterparts. Medieval swords and colossal two-handers are only the tip of the iceberg as he's used various nerdy props including duel disks and a painter's palette to see what it's like for players to truly be their in-game adventurer. Let's get building!

CrystaahhlDancer, Cosplayer, and Totally Epic Game Streamer, Crystaahhl's goal is to is to create entertaining content while combining her talents all together.

The Aether EntertainerThe Aether Entertainer is a player-run magazine focusing on all things social in Final Fantasy XIV. From coverage of in-game events hosted by players to interviews with both big names and rising stars within the game's community, AE keeps you informed about what's happening in the game beyond the content itself. We host early magazine release parties each month at our in-game venue, AE Cafe, featuring themes and events such as music festivals, murder mysteries, fashion shows, and much, much more.Links:
https://discord.gg/7C6AARFJA7
https://aetherentertainerffxiv.com/
https://aetherentertainer.carrd.co/

PvPrimalPvPrimal is a FF14 PvP Community for the Primal Data Center. They host tons of events every week across Frontlines, Rival Wings, and Crystalline Conflict. They are usually hanging out at the Behemoth's Wolves Den near the Aetheryte or Dueling Circle most of the day.You can pick up game mode specific and event roles in Channels & Roles at the top of the server. Feel free to post in lf-party if you're looking for party members. They also have guides for various things if you want to look over visual/written help.YouTube link:
https://www.youtube.com/@pvprimalTwitch link:
https://www.twitch.tv/PvPrimalTwitter link:
https://twitter.com/PvPrimalDiscord link:
https://discord.gg/pvprimal

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Hotels

Below is general information regarding hotels in the area. We have our main hotel block, but in case it sells out here's some additional nearby places.

Main Hotel - Embassy Suites St. Charles
Launches December 1st, 20242 Convention Center Plaza
St Charles, MO 63303
(636) 946-5544The main hotel connected to the St. Charles Convention Center. Includes:
- Complimentary breakfast and internet
- Manager's evening reception1 King Suite and 2 Queen Suites. All room types have a pull-out sofa bed.$179-199 per night depending on the number of people in the room, rate may differ outside of our block's dates. No deposit needed. Rate available through Sept 16th, 2025Additional room nights have been placed for those looking to stay Thursday or Sunday night to start for 2025's show year. Please email or message us if the block appears sold out!

• ONLINE RESERVATIONS HERE

Secondary Hotels - While not connected to our venue, these secondary blocks are at nearby hotels. Blocks are being worked on and should be fully ready by the end of April. Buttons to make an online reservation are further below.Best Western Plus The Charles Hotel
Nights starting at $115 before taxes & fees1425 S 5th Street
St. Charles, Missouri 63301Toll Free Central Reservations
(US & Canada Only) - 1(800) 780-7234
Hotel Direct Number - (636) 946-6936Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton
1410 South 5th Street
St. Charles, Missouri 63301Hotel Direct Number - (636) 757-5701Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis St. Charles380 Mulholland Drive
St. Charles MO 63303
Hotel Direct Number - 636-724-5772

• BEST WESTERN BLOCK HERE

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PASSES & OTHER MERCH

Advanced sales to open March 1stAt-door sales will be available, currently no planned attendance cap

★Bundles & Other Items Note★Scion Bundles (a lightly discounted merch bundle), Mamool Ja VA Print & Signing Bundles, and Program Book ad space details are further down this page.

★ REGISTRATION BOOTH HOURS ★Registration opens 30 minutes before the start of each event day

★ PRICING ★
(Additional taxes and fees apply)

• PRICING TRANSPARENCY

Two-Day Pass - $85

Grants admission for both days of the event. No extra goodies or perma-melded materia; just good ol' fashioned fun!

Tataru's Early Bird Pass Special - $80

From March 1st through July 31st, save on your two-day admission!

Saturday Pass - $75

Sunday Pass - $65

Choose from one of the one-day options above if you're unable to do both days! On-site upgrades to two-day passes will be available, of which the amount would be the difference to make it an at-door two-day pass purchase.

Child Pass - $20

For ages 7-12. Children 6 years and under are free.

• PRE-REG NOW OPEN!

★ EVENT EXTRAS ★
(Additional taxes apply)

Scion Bundle (a fandom merch add-on)
$90 - Limited to 300 quantity

A slightly discounted fandom merch bundle that includes:

Mamool Ja VAs Print & Signing Bundle - $80 - Limited to 200 quantity

Select from one of two newly created prints made by c-dra for this event and claim a signature for it from each voice actor! Both prints can be obtained for a small up-charge. Signatures for this bundle can only be applied to the special print, they cannot be exchanged for signatures on other items.

• BUY EITHER VIA THE ONLINE STORE!

Program Book Ad - $50

Help us fund our program book by purchasing some ad space! Great for shops, RP venues, entertainment groups, and more to help spread the word about your Eorzean celebrations! Further details on the submission form:

• AD DETAILS AND FORM

Refunds will be allowed for this event on a case-by-case basis. No refunds will be allowed after October 20th, 2025.

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TRAVEL LOG - Cosplay
photography ideas

Whether it's near our venue or at one of St. Louis' most photogenic areas, we're happy to help provide resource material for those looking to take some real-life screenshots while visiting us! Check below for suggestions and links to help with planning your photography sessions. Please note none of these links are affiliates or have special deals related to our event. This section is purely for reference. Updates to be applied through the planning period.

Main Street Saint Charles
Old Town Historic District

Good for the following themes: General landscape and villageA few minutes from our venue, this section of the city is adorned with cobblestone streets, older buildings, and local businesses. Right next to it is Frontier Park, a riverfront area. It's not uncommon to see other photographers in the area doing shoots for weddings, senior photos, and other specialty shots in this scenic area of the city

• LEARN MORE HERE

Missouri Botanical Garden

Good for the following themes: Gridania, Shirogane, ThavnairThe Missouri Botanical Garden is located roughly 35 minutes from our venue. Hosting numerous plants, a Chinese and Japanese garden, and some rustic architecture; this spacious and photogenic location is great for a number of shoots. Please keep in mind the garden has its own photography policy and generally asks for additional logistics for any photo use outside of very casual or hobbyist postings.General Admission at time of writing is $14 per person and hours are 9am - 4:30pm daily save for select evening events that may require additional payment.

• LEARN MORE HERE

Forest Park - St. Louis Zoo, Art Museum, World's Fair Pavilion

Good for the following themes: SharlayanAlso located roughly 30 minutes southeast of our venue is Forest Park, a large swath of land that is home to a variety of St. Louis' attractions; including the St. Louis Zoo, Art Museum, Missouri History Museum, and World's Fair Pavilion. Each attraction has its own website to check in regards to any admission times and rates.

• LEARN MORE HERE

City Museum

Good for the following themes: IdyllshireNestled in downtown St. Louis and roughly 30 minutes from us, this unique attraction is a shoe factory turned into a multi-faceted playground for all-ages. Includes caverns, educational pieces, mini-skate park, multi-story slide, junkyard jungle gym, and a school bus hanging off a rooftop. Admission starts at $20 and there may be additional attractions occuring during our weekend. Check their site for full details!

• LEARN MORE HERE

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DUTY FINDER - Staff & Volunteers

Update 6-17-24: Thank you for everyone's submissions so far! Any new forms sent in at this point will be automatically wait-listed as our current budget and blocked staff rooms are allocated. We hope to accommodate more inquiries soon, or at least allow for more for the potential second year.

The call goes out for special party leaders and adventurers to help with managing all the ins-and-outs-and-goings-on of the whole event! Whether you're a veteran con staffer or someone new to behind-the-scenes logistics, send us a form! Full-time staff receive the following benefits:

If you're looking to just handle badge checking, we encourage you to still fill out the Full Time Staff form for that position as we currently analyze if we can properly coordinate part-time volunteers for this new project. Thank you!

• CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A STAFF FORM

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PANELS

Want to talk about a specific subject in FFXIV, FF, or any other fun nerdy topic? Send in a panel submission form! We'll be using a similar system to what we use for Anime St. Louis, so please read below for further details.

PANEL REGISTRATION PROCESSWe want our panelists to know they are accepted as early as possible so they can have plenty of time to prepare, so we have a process in place to make that possible. By the first Monday of every month, you will know if your panel was accepted, on hold or denied. (Keep in mind, you may find out earlier). Scheduling is First Come First Serve + Current Interest. Due to this, it is imperative that you submit your panel as early as possible! High demand topics and Character Interaction panels fill up within the first month, so don’t wait!  In the email, you will be given one of the following statuses:ACCEPTED – Congratulations, your panel was accepted!WAITING LIST – For a stated reason, your panel will be on a waiting list until the reason is cleared. This could possibly be a guest wanting to do the same panel topic.DENIED – Your panel was denied.The event reserves the right to deny a panel for any reason due to the high demand of our panel slots.Please note, you will not find out your day or time slot until around one month before the show. If you do not receive a message by the first Monday of the following month, please feel free to follow up with us. Often we receive incorrect emails, so you are welcome to check up with us if you have not heard from us!

PANELIST PERKS & REIMBURSEMENTCHECK IN — There will be a separate line at Registration to check in to pick up your pre-registered badge or purchase a badge to skip the lines so you may prepare and have plenty of time before one's panel! This also helps us keep track of what panelists are ‘checked in.’  You must present your name, ID, and the name of the panel you are a part of. All of the same rules still apply to this as it would in registration. You may only pick up or purchase your own badge.  You may not pick up or purchase your other panelists’ badges, or for non-panelists!The Reimbursement program is an opportunity to reimburse our hardworking panelists for all of their time and effort to provide programming. Each panelist is tracked separately by their legal surname name on their state issued ID. If a panelist does not show up with the rest of their team, the team will still get their discounts. The absent panelist will not. Please inform us if someone drops from your panel, it helps keep the reimbursement program going by not giving out freebies! Panelist’s reimbursement coincide with what they paid for their badge (rather at door, or pre-reg.) You cannot make back more than you paid. If you go beyond what you originally paid, there will be no further reimbursement.LEAD PANELIST – $30 Back Per Panel
SECONDARY PANELIST – $15 Back Per Panel
REIMBURSEMENTS ARE NON-TRANSFERABLE ONCE ACHIEVED.To claim your reimbursement, you must “check out” meaning you no longer can earn any more money back for the rest of the con (aka you can’t get money back directly after each panel throughout the weekend.) If you are aware that you will not be attending certain days prior to the con, please make note in the special requests on the form.If you have any questions, please contact conchair@animestl.net. Thank you for your interest in being a panelist and we look forward to seeing your submission!

• Panel submissions for 2024 closed!

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CONTACT US

Please send all inquiries and questions through the contact form below.

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