Anime Twin Cities Board Meeting Minutes
October 13, 2026
7:01 PM
Board Present – Christina Kramer, Denon Schaefer, Echo O’Donnell, Jeannette Wallen, Lori Fischer-Fairbanks, and Josh Snead
Board Absent – Nick Nelson
Public – Alli Cassel, Sakura Cooper, Samantha Cozort, Sean Cooper, Kevin Ehrler, J.C. Horvath, and Jacob Warner
Agenda is available in the link in the description of the livestream, these meetings are counted for attendance for voting rights. Please comment your name in the chat and fill out the google form in order to gain voting rights.
We want to remind you at the end of the meeting that we have an open session if there are any questions for the board, please put it in the chat ahead of time so we can answer it when we get to it at the end.
Agenda
Coordinator Updates
Finance - Jeannette Wallen
Dollar amounts:
Business Checking: 279,000.67
Education Fund: 3,098.83
Business Market Rate Savings (Community Fund): 14,509.44
Anime Detour - J.C. Horvath
Budgets. Staff meeting was last Saturday at Brookdale library. Looping into the more active season, reaching out to partners. The next meeting is November at the Hyatt Regency- included in the slide show is a map of downtown parking. (last month’s slide show). Email the chair team if you want to see your space or talk to hotel staff about anything that directly impacts you / your team.
Charities - Jacob Warner
The Mondale gala is upcoming.
Communications - Makaila Kozitza (Absent)
Makaila is out of town today without updates.
Special Events - Alli Cassel
Rolling into the end of the year. Since last meeting we’ve had five events: Normandale Japanese Garden 50th anniversary, Anime Fargo, Puzzle Competition, Toshocon, Fallcon
There were write-ups requested for these events since Alli was not there in person.
Upcoming: Nebraskon this coming weekend. Next month is the Twin Cities con- table and a room party at that event. Looking for help if anyone is interested in joining the team for TCC. TCC is the last event prior to Detour.
15 Minute Break (If the preceding topics take little time, the board may vote to skip this)
Motion to Skip
Multiple Board Members Seconded
All in Favor (All of the present Board)
Motion Passes
Current Board Topics
Anime Twin Cities Budget - Christina Kramer (https://youtu.be/Uy1uCm0_9G8?t=415)
The 2026 budget exceeded expectations due to increased UPS mailbox costs, legal fees, and higher-than-usual donations. Actual expenses totaled $52,198, compared to the $38,264 budget. ATC dues revenue was sufficient to cover these expenses, but the board aims to stay closer to the approved budget in the upcoming cycle.
Music licensing, rent, and insurance costs also increased. Charitable giving remains at $15,000, covering both Ongoing Charity and Executive Networking (outreach/community engagement). The proposed budget for the upcoming cycle is $44,615.
Motion to approve the 2027 Anime Twin Cities budget of $44,615
All in Favor (All of the present Board)
Motion Passes
Special Events Budget - Alli Cassel (https://youtu.be/Uy1uCm0_9G8?t=567)
Capital Expenses: Includes a table refresh and decorations.
Operational Expenses: Parking was removed, while fuel was added. Meal costs increased slightly due to rising food prices. Table supplies remain necessary, but the art giveaway was removed because it is difficult to manage alongside other table activities.
Hotel Expenses (Op. Exp.): TCC hotel costs increased based on actual reservations, excluding the party room, which is budgeted separately. Additional hotel room expenses and flexible funds are also included.
Events (Op. Exp.): ColossalCon was removed because table swaps will not be offered. Obon expenses increased slightly, and Pride is included, with a second Pride event still to be determined.
Party Room (Op. Exp.): The cost remains uncertain because this is a new initiative.
Other Expenses: Includes flyer printing, business cards and recruitment cards, and badge ribbons.
Budget Performance: Alli stayed under budget this year, with the exception of printing costs, which exceeded the allocated amount. The overage was covered by flexible funds.
Motion to approve the 2027 Anime Twin Cities - Special Events budget of $14,900
All in Favor (All of the present Board)
Motion Passes
Anime Detour Budget - J.C. Horvath (https://youtu.be/Uy1uCm0_9G8?t=1223)
The original Anime Detour budget request of $630,505.28 represented an approximately 25% increase over 2026. After an initial review and board discussions, the proposed budget was reduced to $577,509.64, compared to $506,556.97 in 2026. The board felt a 25% increase was too high given steady attendance and the amount this would leave in reserve.
The revised budget accounts for available savings while maintaining approximately $100,000 in reserves, which is lower than preferred but provides a financial cushion for emergencies. With higher convention space costs expected next year, future budget cuts or expansions will depend on this year’s financial performance and attendance.
Motion to approve the 2027 Anime Detour budget of $577,509.64
All in Favor (All of the present Board)
Motion Passes
Open Session (up to 30 minutes)
Any members of the community can bring new business to discuss with the board
7:27 pm meeting closed
Please contact atcboard@animetwincities.org or atc_secretary@animetwincities.org if you would like to be added to the agenda for discussion items.