Anime Expo is the largest anime and manga convention in North America, drawing thousands of fans each summer to the Los Angeles Convention Center. Before you dive into the excitement, remember one crucial step: you need to activate your badge. Whether you’re attending for the first time or returning for another year, this guide will help you understand how to activate your Anime Expo badge, transfer badges if you bought them for someone else, and complete every step for a smooth, hassle-free convention experience.
Anime Expo badges include RFID technology that tracks your entrance and exit from the convention floor and various event areas. Activating your badge:
- Confirms it’s registered under your name.
- Prevents delays or denial of entry at security checkpoints.
- Ensures access to events linked to your badge, such as ticketed panels, concerts, and autograph sessions.
Important: Each badge holder must activate their own badge in their personal ShowClix account. Activating your badge links it to your identity, which staff will verify against your government-issued ID for security reasons. Failing to activate your badge could stop you from entering the event or using features like scanning into ticketed sessions.
Before You Activate: Transfer Requirements
If you bought a badge for someone else, you must transfer it to their ShowClix account before they can activate it. The recipient needs to accept the transfer to complete the process.
How to Transfer a Badge
- Log into your ShowClix MyTickets account.
- Find the badge in your profile.
- Start the transfer to the recipient’s email address.
- Ask the recipient to accept the transfer in their own ShowClix account.
Only after they accept the transfer can they activate their badge.
Important Details About Badge Transfers
- Child badges (ages 6-13) can’t be transferred directly on the ShowClix website because of privacy regulations. If you need to transfer a child badge after purchasing it, email [email protected] for help.
- If your order includes multiple badges, Anime Expo will ship all badges to a single address, even if you transfer them to different people. As the buyer, you’re responsible for distributing badges if you choose shipping instead of on-site pickup.
- Even after a badge transfer, the original buyer can still pick up all the badges in the order if choosing on-site pickup.
How to Activate Your Anime Expo Badge
Follow these official steps to activate your badge for Anime Expo 2025:
1. Locate Your RFID Code
- Look on the back of your physical badge for the RFID code.
- Anime Expo prints the RFID code in orange, and it consists of eight letters and numbers.
- You’ll only need the last 8 characters for activation.
Tip: Keep your RFID code private because it identifies your badge.
2. Log Into Your ShowClix Account
- Visit the ShowClix website and log into your account.
- Click on Manage My Anime Expo 2025 Profile.
3. Identify the Badge to Activate
- Look through your profile and find the badge you want to activate.
- Click Activate Badge next to that badge.
4. Enter Your RFID Code
- Type in the last 8 characters of the RFID code exactly as shown on your badge.
- Click Submit.
If the activation succeeds, ShowClix will display your RFID code next to your badge image instead of the “Activate Badge” button. This confirms that you’ve activated your badge.
Troubleshooting Activation
- Make sure your badge appears in the correct ShowClix account that belongs to the badge holder whose name matches their government-issued ID.
- If you run into problems, email:
- ShowClix Support: [email protected]
- Anime Expo Registration: [email protected]
What About Professional Badges?
If you hold a Professional badge—including Exhibitor, Press, or Industry badges—you’ll receive it pre-activated and ready to use. However, it’s smart to log into your ShowClix account to check that your badge appears in your profile and that all your information is accurate.
Picking Up Badges Onsite
You’ll need to pick up your badge at the Registration Booth if:
- You ordered your badge after the mailing deadline of June 10, 2025.
- You live outside the U.S. or Canada.
- You didn’t receive your badge in the mail.
Bring the following:
- Your QR code confirmation (printed email, PDF on your phone, or the ShowClix mobile app).
- A valid government-issued photo ID (like a driver’s license, passport, or military ID).
Important Notes
- Attendees under 18 must bring a parent or legal guardian to pick up their badge.
- Children aged 13 and under must stay with an adult during the entire event.
- If you didn’t receive your shipped badge, go to the Registration Booth so staff can cancel your original badge and give you a replacement. Staff will void the original badge to prevent unauthorized use.
- If you purchased multiple badges in a single order, try to bring all badge holders to pick up their individual badges.
- Check the Anime Expo website for updated hours and maps for badge pickup locations.
Lost Badge Policy
If you lose your badge during the event:
- Go to the Registration Booth for help.
- Be ready to pay a replacement fee.
- Staff will deactivate the lost badge to stop anyone else from using it.
Additional Tips
- Don’t wait until the last minute. Activate your badge as soon as it arrives.
- Double-check your details to make sure your name and information match your government-issued ID exactly.
- Watch out for scams. Always buy your badge through official channels. Anime Expo won’t accept tickets bought from third-party sellers outside of ShowClix.
- Keep your badge safe. Replacing a lost badge costs extra, and staff will void the original badge.
For help, visit the Anime Expo Support Center or email:
- ShowClix Support: [email protected]
- Anime Expo Registration: [email protected]
Properly activating your Anime Expo badge helps you avoid delays and enjoy one of the biggest anime celebrations of the year. Don’t leave it to chance—activate your badge early and get ready for all the fun Anime Expo has to offer!
