Information
Thank you for your interest in being a Cosplay Judge for AnimeNJ++! As a Cosplay Judge, you will be a Featured Cosplayer and Masquerade Judge for AnimeNJ++, in exchange for having a table at the event, hotel room for the weekend, being promoted through the AnimeNJ++ social media and website.
Please take a moment to review the following Cosplay Judge guidelines, expectations, and compensation before submitting your Cosplay Judge application. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to hailiumworkshop@gmail.com.
Rules & Guidelines
Guidelines
- Applications will be accepted from June 16th, 2026 through July 24th, 2026. Late applications will be automatically denied.
- Cosplay Judges must be at least 18 years of age as of November 14th, 2026.
- AnimeNJ++ will select three (3) Cosplay Judges from the applicant pool.
- AnimeNJ++ is looking for Cosplay Judges with both experience in building cosplays and participating as a contestant in a Masquerade (ideally, in both Craftsmanship and Performance categories).
- AnimeNJ++ is a family-friendly convention and as a Cosplay Judge, your cosplays at AnimeNJ++ shall be family-friendly (think PG-13).
- Cosplay Judge applicants will receive a confirmation email after submission of the application; if no confirmation email has been received, please reach out to hailiumworkshop@gmail.com.
- Applicants will hear back regarding the status of their application by August 7th, 2026.
- AnimeNJ++ will not provide additional compensation other than what is listed below.
- Cosplay Judges shall be respectful to AnimeNJ++ staff, Hilton Hasbrouck Heights/Meadowlands staff, and fellow attendees.
Expectations
All accepted Cosplay Judges agree to the following:
- To conduct oneself in a professional manner. As a Cosplay Judge, you are representing AnimeNJ++.
- To be in cosplay during convention hours, including but not limited to the Masquerade. Cosplays shall be family friend (PG-13).
- To use the table to promote your own cosplay; any products being sold at the table shall be items pertaining to ones own cosplay and must be family friendly (PG-13).
- To have the table staffed (either by oneself or a representative) during all hours that the Exhibitors Hall is open. Cosplay Judges and representatives should be in cosplay when staffing the table.
- To be present during convention hours and engage attendees at the table; especially those in cosplay.
- To pre-judge the craftsmanship category for the Masquerade (Saturday, November 14th, 2026; about a three (3) hour commitment).
- To judge the Masquerade (Saturday, November 14th, 2026; about a three (3) hour commitment).
- To promote ones selection and appearance as a Cosplay Judge and AnimeNJ++ on social media.
- To participate in the Masquerade Cosplay Judge Feedback Panel, as scheduled by AnimeNJ++ Programming Staff (Sunday, November 15th, 2026; about a three (3) hour commitment).
- To host one (1) panel, as scheduled by AnimeNJ++ Programming Staff; the subject and content of the panel shall be selected by the Cosplay Judge but should be popular so to engage many attendees.
Compensation
All accepted Cosplay Judges will be compensated with the following:
- Two (2) Weekend Badges to AnimeNJ++ 2026.
- One (1) Promotional Table.
- One (1) Hotel Room in the Hilton Hasbrouck Heights/Meadowlands for a Maximum of Two (2) Nights (Friday & Saturday).
- Promotion via the AnimeNJ++ website and social media.