Hidden Gems: Meet Sara Robinson of IbashoCon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Robinson

Hi Sara, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
So to understand IbashoCon, we have to first talk about Animazed, where it all started! Animazed is a local store here in Raleigh, and was born out of a shared passion for anime and community. Will and Susan Williams originally opened a store in their early twenties but stepped away from retail to focus on their growing family. Despite shifting priorities, their love for anime never faded. As their children grew older and shared their passion, the Williams felt inspired to reignite that creative spark within the community. Seeing an opportunity to build a space where anime lovers of all backgrounds could gather, they founded Animazed. It has since grown into one of the largest anime stores on the East Coast, offering not just products but a welcoming environment where fans feel seen and valued.

Building on that foundation, we launched IbashoCon to bring the same sense of connection and belonging to the Triangle’s anime and pop-culture scene. The idea was to create a space where fans could come together, celebrate their interests, and truly be themselves. We listened closely to community feedback, making sure to include events that people wanted to see—like K-pop performances, cosplay showcases, danmei gatherings, and gaming tournaments. IbashoCon is our way of taking the inclusive spirit of Animazed to the next level, creating a convention experience that’s vibrant, memorable, and designed for everyone.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
IbashoCon has definitely been a labor of love. Our initial plan was to host a small, intimate event with the goal of gradually expanding over time. But once we got the ball rolling, we were absolutely stunned by the outpouring of community support and feedback. So many people reached out with requests for specific events, and it quickly became clear that our original space wouldn’t be enough to meet the growing demand. While the unexpected growth came with financial challenges, our team was fully committed to bringing the community’s vision to life. We’re incredibly fortunate to have had the support of amazing partners like Raleigh Retro Gamers, Hidden Block Games, Oak City Esports, Fight or Flight Comics, Xepher Arcade, Big Boy Gaming, Oppang K-Pop Store, and VisitRaleigh. A special shoutout goes to our gaming tournament sponsor, BodyArmor State Games, who helped make this dream possible. We couldn’t have done it without them.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
IbashoCon is more than just a convention—it’s a collective effort driven by community businesses and creatives who share a passion for pop culture and inclusivity. From local shops and artists to passionate performers and gamers, we’ve all come together to create a space where everyone can have fun and truly be themselves.

What sets IbashoCon apart is our focus on listening to what fans want and delivering those experiences in a welcoming, engaging environment. We celebrate anime, K-pop, danmei, gaming, and more, blending diverse interests into a convention where every attendee feels valued. Our partnerships with incredible local supporters—like Raleigh Retro Gamers, Hidden Block Games, and Fight or Flight Comics—reflect that community-first mentality.

What we’re most proud of is the sense of belonging we’ve created. Whether it’s through cosplay competitions, idol performances, or niche fandom meetups, IbashoCon offers an inclusive space for people to connect and express themselves without judgment. We want readers to know that this convention is built by fans for fans, and it’s a place where you can be yourself, make friends, and leave with unforgettable memories.

What were you like growing up?
It’s funny because many of us grew up immersed in different “geek” fandoms, whether it was anime, gaming, comics, etc. Seeing how much more widely accepted and celebrated these fandoms have become over the years has been one of our greatest joys. That genuine love for the community fuels everything we do at IbashoCon. We’re not just organizers—we’re fans ourselves. It’s actually a bit of a double-edged sword, though, because while we love creating these events, we also want to attend all the amazing activities we’re now putting on!

Pricing:

• Weekend Badge – $50.00
• Saturday Badge – $35
• Sunday Badge – $35

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ibashocon.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ibashocon/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IbashoCon25
• Twitter: https://x.com/ibashocon
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@ibashocon