# Famous Feline Conventions The First Hello Kitty Convention Celebrates the Character's 40th Year By Alyson Wyers | Published 2014-11-05 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-kitty-convention References: [incrediblethings](http://www.incrediblethings.com/entertainment/hello-kitty-convention/) & [sanrio](http://www.sanrio.com/hellokittycon/) To celebrate the popular pussycat's [40th anniversary](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-kitty-rubiks), the first ever Hello Kitty convention recently took place from October 30th to November 2nd, 2014. Located in Los Angeles, Hello Kitty Con is hardly the first anime-based convention. However, there are few anime characters loved enough to hold a convention all on its own. Shelley Som of Incredible Things photographed the event, giving us insight into what the Hello Kitty convention was all about. Everything was decorated with the [famous feline's face](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/baccarat-x-hello-kitty-crystal-figurine) (although news broke recently she is not actually a cat) -- from automated teller machines to all of the wall. A wide selection of merchandise was available and the highly decorated mobile [Hello Kitty Cafe food truck](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miniverse-make-it-mini-food-hello-kitty) also made an appearance. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.2/10 - Popularity: 10% | Activity: 48% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Z - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Anime Conventions:** As anime becomes more popular, there is a growing opportunity for conventions centered around popular characters like Hello Kitty. - **Character Merchandising:** With the success of Hello Kitty merchandise, there is a growing opportunity for other characters to have their own merchandise lines and conventions. - **Event Photography:** As more conventions are held, the demand for event photography will increase, providing an opportunity for photographers to specialize in this area. ### Where This Applies - **Animation:** As more characters gain popularity, there is a growing opportunity for animators to create new shows and merchandise lines. - **Fashion:** The success of Hello Kitty merchandise has prompted fashion designers to collaborate with popular characters, allowing for innovative designs and marketability. - **Food Service:** As mobile food trucks gain popularity, there is an opportunity for entrepreneurs to specialize in creating food trucks with branded themes and designs. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Traditional Cartoon Artwork](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-kitty-as-i-change-so-does-she.md) - [Collectible Kawaii Figurines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-kitty-funko.md) - [Celebratory Plush Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/buildabear-x-hello-kitty-and-friends-workshop.md) - [Anniversary-Celebrating Calendars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/calendar-downloads.md) - [Limited-Edition Cartoon Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-kittys-50th-anniversary.md) - [Festive Collaborative Plush Workshops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-kitty-and-friends-workshop.md) - [Cartoon-Honoring Collector's Coin](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/50th-anniversary-coin.md) - [Solid Gold Character Figurines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-kitty-figure.md) - [Cartoon Cat-Inspired Cafes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/universal.md)