Youmacon, Michigan’s largest anime convention, took place in Detroit for its official 20th anniversary. Founded in 2005 by Morgan Kollin, this convention has evolved through expansions, contractions, and leadership shifts, yet it has stood the test of time.

Last year brought one of the most dramatic shifts in its history: a sudden leadership change just two months before showtime. New chairperson, Eric Gaiser, stepped into the role amid uncertainty, low morale, and a community unsure of the con’s future. With the help of his dedicated staff, Youmacon 2024 became known as the convention’s “Rebirth,” leading into this year’s theme: “The Rise of the Phoenix.”

As a long-time Youmacon attendee, I was heartened to see the revitalization of a con that meant so much to me. From chaotic hotel hallways to late-night panels, the pocky game, silly cosplay experiences, and memories that defined eras of my life, Youmacon was always the weekend my friends and I looked forward to all year. After the rocky events of 2023, fans of the con expressed concern about giving the con another chance; many of my friends among them. This resulted in 2024 attendance numbers being lower than the convention had seen in years. After attending the 2024 convention, which was better than 2023 but felt thrown together on a tight schedule, I was eager to see if the phoenix had risen this year.

As a member of the Youmacon Discord, I saw how active and communicative Gaiser is with the community. I met Gaiser during this year’s convention during his packed Sunday schedule. He was clearly exhausted—understandably so—but willing to share the inside story of Youmacon’s rebirth.

Gaiser first joined Youmacon in 2022 as a guest liaison. By 2023, Guest Relations faced multiple leadership changes, and given his experience in the area, he was brought on at the last minute as the new Guest Relations Department Head. In addition, Gaiser did consulting and auditing work on the side, which would become pivotal. “In 2023, I wrote a small audit for the owners,” Gaiser said. “Between the end of 2023 and August 2024, they reviewed it and asked me if I could ‘fix the convention.’ I said I believed I could, and they offered me the job.”

Then came the hard part: stabilizing internal operations and regaining community trust, which would prove to be the biggest challenge.

According to Gaiser, it wasn’t logistics but a cultural shift. “Youmacon has done things a certain way for almost two decades,” he explained. “When a new con chair comes in with different ideas and approaches. There’s been a learning curve in communication; making sure what’s in my head is clearly communicated to staff so it translates well to the con.” He emphasized his phased approach, introduced in his letter to the community last year. Gaiser aims to avoid too many changes at once to protect the con’s quality.

One noticeable cultural shift was balancing family-friendly daytime programming and a fun, adult-focused nightlife. As a long-time con attendee, I shared my thoughts on the change from a party scene to a more PG scene. Gaiser explained that this shift is to be expected when a convention goes from a hotel and convention center to a convention center alone.

Gaiser shared some of the new family-friendly additions, including Youma Youth. Ran by his wife, Stephanie Gaiser, and the mother of their four children. Stephanie has experience running kids’ rooms at other conventions, and Youmacon’s growing number of child attendees, nearly 1,000 chibi badges this year, made the program feel essential.

Stephanie characterized Youma Youth as “a safe space where kids can express themselves, unwind, and enjoy the convention at a level that is appropriate for them.”

Special programming filled the weekend: a movie night, a costume parade, a carnival, and a kids’ costume contest with two age brackets. My own children participated, which was one of the most heartwarming events of the weekend. The younger kids went first, introducing their characters before crossing the “stage.” The older kids followed, some of whom had made their own costumes or would do a dance or special motion across the “stage.” This was especially inspiring to see because they were mimicking an adult cosplay contest. Looking at these children, who are already putting in such effort so young, gave hope for the years of cosplayers to come.

Each child received a Halloween-themed fidget toy, while winners took home Youmacon mascot Fuu plushies and merchandise.

Outside of the special programming, Youma Youth was open Friday through Sunday, offering crafts and activities for children of all ages. As a long-time Youmacon attendee who now shares the fun of the con with her own children, I appreciate this and only wish it had been thought of sooner. While Youma Youth offers a break from the overwhelming pace of a busy convention, it is not a babysitting service and always requires a supervising adult.

As a self-proclaimed bad boy, Gaiser expressed an interest in keeping the party side of Youmacon alive for its adult attendees. “For 18-plus, it just made sense to have an 18-plus dealer area if we’re offering 18-plus content. We also brought in Otaku Cabaret from Houston; they filled the main ballroom. That level of interest surprised me.”

Otaku Cabaret was a burlesque and pole show featuring cosplayers. This was the first time Youmacon has had an event quite like this, but it was, without a doubt, a fan favorite.

Gaiser also expanded Youmacon’s guest variety, adding musical groups such as Baby Beard from Japan and partnering with cultural groups like Ikebana and local Japanese clubs. He hopes to explore future guest partnerships with influencers, game developers, and other industry guests.

Expressing enthusiasm in never letting the con stagnate, Gaiser hopes to continue bringing in new experiences for all attendees to enjoy. “Ideally, Youmacon becomes a hub of creativity and content creation,” Gaiser smiled before excitedly continuing, “Maybe someone gets their start here in voice acting, or through a workshop, or meeting an industry rep.”

With these goals in mind, Gaiser and staff have expanded the make-and-take cosplay workshops. “If we have a cosplay contest, we should have workshops with professional cosplayers or seamstresses. We want to grow the next generation of creators—from youth programs to workshops to contests.”

Youmacon partnered with Bernette Sewing Machines, Siser North America, and Dittoform this year to bring the cosplay workshops to life. Each class would provide a different lesson in the art of cosplay—vinyl, sewing, scalemail, embroidery, body paint—resulting in a take-home product.

Gaiser said that the focus wasn’t just on what people could see. “We updated internal policies, leadership, and structure; lots of behind-the-scenes work.” Here, he referenced the issues that he inherited from the previous con chair.

For many, Youmacon 2023 was a low, if not the lowest, point of the con. It’s easy to see why, with the hours-long registration lines, badge mailing issues, disorganized communication, cancellations, and visible staff strain. But the reasons behind these issues are never as black-and-white as they seem.

When asked about the events of 2023 and ultimately what he thought went wrong, Gaiser hesitated before answering. He says he is an open book, but thoughtful and careful to stay honest without throwing anyone under the bus. In the end, he didn’t believe it was just one mistake. Rather, it was an accumulation of decisions made too quickly, without enough infrastructure to support them. He believes the previous chair had big dreams for the con and didn’t want to let anyone down, leading him to overcommit, while some people around him took advantage of his generous nature. The result was a domino effect: one issue causing the next.

Gaiser says that Youmacon remains committed to repairing past mistakes. “We’re settling old debts: maid café payments, panel reimbursements, and charities. All guests have been paid and always have been, to the best of my knowledge. We’re doing things the right way.”

Gaiser and his staff, many of whom have been around since the first convention, are celebrating this year. They didn’t let uncertain times stop them; they reached their 20th anniversary. “That’s where ‘Rise of the Phoenix’ came from. I didn’t want people thinking Youmacon was dead. Conventions can be rebuilt.”

When asked what part of leading Youmacon’s “Rise of the Phoenix” has been the most rewarding, Gaiser didn’t hesitate. “Seeing the staff happy. In 2023, everyone was discouraged. Last year, one staffer told me it was the first time she truly felt included. I want to continue that; staff who feel welcome, appreciated, and valued.” Gaiser, of course, included the importance of guest happiness, but for him, staff happiness is the foundation of everything. “We have incredibly loyal staff who have supported the con through ups and downs. I want to honor their dedication and keep their dream alive.”

To those who are still skeptical about attending Youmacon in the future, Gaiser has a clear message: “If you’re skeptical, come meet me. Come to the convention, come to the feedback panel. Ask me anything. I have a military background, and integrity is important to me. I won’t make promises I don’t believe in or don’t plan to fulfill.”

This year, Youmacon felt renewed. It felt intentional. It felt like the community was being invited back, encouraged to take part in the show, to be heard. The Phoenix has risen; not perfectly, not instantly, but with purpose. If this year was any indication, then Youmacon’s best days may still be ahead.