The 2006 Anime Expo, which was held July 1 – 4, 2006 at the Anaheim
Convention Center in Anaheim, California, broke its previous attendance record
in just the first two days of the show seeing more than 34,000 attendees walking
through the gates.

According to industry news site, ICv2.com, last year’s
attendance for the four-day event leveled off at 33,000, toping 2004’s 25,000
and 2003’s 17,000, but this year attendance very easily achieved a new record
(pre-show estimate were between 40 – 47,000).

In addition to the increase
in attendance, the show itself also experienced growth from one hall to two to
accommodate the number of dealers, creators and attendees. Companies such as
Bandai, Viz, ADVision, FUNimation, TokyoPop and Geneon were all represented
during the show and crowded with fans in line for special events, autographs or
just to meet their favorite creators.