As I write this, I am internally submerged in a deafening amount of quiet. It’s a bit like a sensory deprivation chamber: Your senses are there. They work. If you intentionally trigger one, you are aware of what’s going on… but it’s muted. Subdued. It feels small and distant. 

I’m sure that’s attributed in part to emotional self-preservation and work-brain trying to push forward. But it certainly feels like a strange place to write this from. 

It is unfortunately real… there will not be an Anime Fusion next year (in 2026). 

I’m so sorry. I’m sorry to those who love us and wanted to see us succeed. I’m sorry to those who have supported us earnestly and given their hearts. I’m sorry to those who have enjoyed being with us and experiencing all we have to offer. I’m sorry to those who have dedicated their time, minds, and selves to this organization over the years. 

Why am I sorry? Because we couldn’t quite get there, to where we needed to be. Get to where we wanted to be. Get to where you expected us to be. Get to where we should have been. Despite all of the above. 

We went through so much; some of it the same tribulations as other conventions and events, some specific to us. 

We had tens of thousands of dollars stolen from us. We’ve had core materials neglected by those responsible. We’ve had people who did not fulfill their obligations or stewardship duties. In general, we’ve been trying to construct a home on shaky foundation that lacked proper structure and procedure for far, far too long. 

Despite all of that, we really did try. So many of us dug deep, gave it everything we had, and have stuck through thick and thin. And it has gotten us so far; the fact that we were able to get to this point, to our thirteenth year having accomplished as much as we did… we should all be unwaveringly proud of that. 

But ultimately, the trials we’ve faced were just a little too big… a little too constant. Insufficient staff, capacity, money, attendance, structure, etc. Too much chaos, infighting, barriers, and draining of our time, energy, and selves.

More literal blood, sweat, and tears went into this convention and keeping it going than you will ever know. Because we wanted to give you something that mattered. Something that was sincere, accessible, inviting, unique, and real. Something that came from the heart. 

Because we’ve all been touched by these types of events in our own lives. Some of us have been very literally saved by the friends, experiences, and purpose we’ve found in fandom. And all we ever wanted was to provide that for all of you. 

We don’t know what the future will hold; on so many levels that is true. Part of the reason for this decision is the incredibly volatile uncertainty of the future, and the turbulence of daily life we’re all already experiencing. 

Trying to carry the amount of work and demand it takes to make Fusion happen on top of constant daily struggles, fear, anxiety, and just trying to survive is a lot to ask of anyone: And so many of our staff are directly, personally affected by any number of policies and occurrences that are going on around us. 

A slight tangent, but please get involved in some way! Doing things like conventions and other social activities are wonderful and important, but so is enacting tangible impact in our other communities and aspects of government. There’s a thousand ways to participate – find the one/s that work for you and dig in where you can. 

As I said, we don’t know what will happen in the future. Trying to build the bridge as we’re crossing it has absolutely not worked, and only serves to make the work harder. Maybe, with enough time and the ability to come up for air, we could revive her after 2026. It’s just so impossible to say, as it relies on such a myriad of factors we can’t predict, including the involvement and investment of the community. 

Which brings me to this. 

If you’ve ever experienced joy at our convention; if you’ve ever discovered something new or been exposed to something you weren’t familiar with; if you have felt alone, discarded, or outcast and then come to Anime Fusion and felt included, accepted, or safe; if you’ve ever taken the opportunity to extend a friendly hand to someone you didn’t know; if you took the leap and tried your first cosplay at our con; if you’ve ever given your time and volunteered with us out of generosity and love; if you look forward to us each year and anticipate walking through those halls; if you’ve ever felt the impact of our little event on your life and been happier for it: Thank you. 

Thank you so, incredibly much. Thank you for everything, and for changing our lives. 

Shit. There come the tears and the wave of emotions.

Anyway… if you have ever felt any of those things, please keep your eyes and ears open going forward. Fusion’s parent corporation Quad Cities Anime Inc. (NOT Kopf-affiliated) may change or develop going forward; we may slowly put feelers out there as time goes on and see if we can build something meaningful and special, even if it’s different. 

We truly don’t know what the future holds, but if there is a future, we’d love for you to be a part of it. 

I love you all. I love you and I cannot express how much all of this has meant to me.

We’ll see you at this year’s convention, Mechs and Madness. Let’s make it the best damn year we’ve ever had – together. 

      –    Damarra Atkins, they/them
            Convention Chair & Executive Director, QCA Vice President, and Giant Geek