Three-day gaming, anime, and pop culture convention returns to the Las Vegas Convention Center April 24 through 26 with an exclusive Devil May Cry fan activation and live voice acting auditions open to all experience levels.

LAS VEGAS, April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LVL UP EXPO, the annual Las Vegas gaming, anime, and pop culture convention, returns to the Las Vegas Convention Center’s South Hall from April 24 through April 26, 2026, delivering an immersive weekend of entertainment, industry access, and fan-driven opportunity. As one of the first major fan conventions of the season, LVL UP EXPO drew more than 144,000 attendees in 2025 and unites gaming, anime, cosplay, and pop culture into a single high-energy experience. This year’s show features a major collaboration with Netflix, bringing an exclusive Devil May Cry activation to the floor, alongside a rare opportunity for aspiring voice actors to audition live with Bang Zoom! Studios.

In partnership with Netflix, LVL UP EXPO will debut the Netflix Broadcast Center, a fully immersive fan activation set within the world of Devil May Cry. Animated by Studio Mir and led by showrunner Adi Shankar, the streaming series’ second season premieres May 12, 2026, and centers on the long-awaited confrontation between Dante and his estranged twin brother Vergil as conflict erupts between the human and demon realms. With the official Devil May Cry Season 2 trailer now live and fans already picking sides between Team Dante and Team Vergil, the Netflix Broadcast Center gives LVL UP EXPO attendees their first interactive encounter with the series ahead of its global release. Season 1 holds a 96% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, and excitement continues to build around the returning voice cast, which includes Johnny Yong Bosch as Dante, Robbie Daymond as Vergil, and Scout Taylor-Compton as Lady. The Netflix Broadcast Center stands as a centerpiece experience exclusive to LVL UP EXPO attendees. Team Dante. Team Vergil. One way ticket to Hell. See you at LVL UP EXPO.

Also featured at this year’s event, Bang Zoom! Studios will host its renowned open voice acting auditions on the show floor. With over three decades in anime dubbing and audio post-production, Bang Zoom! has helped define the English-language anime experience, with voiceover credits including Demon Slayer, Sword Art Online, and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, along with award-winning work on productions such as Amazon’s Lost in Oz. Its presence at LVL UP EXPO offers a rare opportunity for fans and aspiring voice actors to engage directly with industry professionals.

Open to participants of all backgrounds and experience levels, the voice acting auditions require no prior credits, representation, or formal training. Attendees will perform live using real anime dub material, gaining firsthand insight into the professional casting call process. Select participants will be invited to callbacks, culminating in one winner receiving exclusive prizes, including a trip to Burbank and a professional recording session at Bang Zoom! Studios headquarters. The open audition format reflects the studio’s long-standing commitment to discovering new voice acting talent and supporting the next generation of voiceover performers.

Voice acting auditions will take place in Las Vegas on the show floor of the Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall, on Friday, April 24, and Saturday, April 25, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Event Details
LVL UP EXPO | April 24th – 26th, 2026
Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall
3150 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Tickets & More Information – www.LVLUPEXPO.com

Social Media
Facebook: https://Facebook.com/LVLUPEXPO
Instagram: https://Instagram.com/LVLUPEXPO
X: https://www.X.com/LVLUPEXPO
YouTube: https://www.Youtube.com/user/LVLUPEXPO

Press / Media
Email: Press@LVLUPEXPO.com

About LVL UP EXPO
LVL UP EXPO is a three-day gaming, anime, and pop culture convention in Las Vegas that unites fans of all backgrounds to celebrate creativity, passion, and community that blends the worlds of esports, tournaments, cosplay, art, and live entertainment into one immersive experience.

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SOURCE LVL UP EXPO

With 60% of Americans opting to watch major events at home, the integrated campaign enlists the actor and TV personality as the “Ultimate Host” to bring elevated entertaining to life.

NEW YORK, April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — With the FIFA World Cup 2026 set to turn homes across the U.S. into front-row seats, Hisense USA, a globally recognized leader in home appliances and consumer electronics and a pioneer in RGB MiniLED display technology, is spotlighting the role of the host in shaping shared viewing experiences. Through its new “Out Host with Hisense” campaign, the brand demonstrates how its full product portfolio – from premium displays to connected home appliances – works together to help consumers create seamless gatherings.

The campaign debuted at an invite-only House of Color event in New York City, where Terry Crews was introduced as the brand’s “Ultimate Host” alongside the premiere of a new campaign spot, marking a bold new creative direction for Hisense.

“Out Host with Hisense” is built around a simple truth: Americans love to host. In fact, according to recent Hisense research, 56% host at least once a month, turning everyday occasions into something worth gathering for. The living room is where the best moments happen – the conversations, the reactions, the kind of moments that bring people back – and 85% of Americans say the TV is the focal point of their home, the place where people naturally come together. Whether it is a World Cup watch party, a holiday movie marathon, or a Friday night that needs no occasion at all, Hisense is at the center of that, making those moments better for every kind of host and every kind of gathering.

“This campaign marks a bold new marketing moment for Hisense – insights-based, social-first, and focused on what’s in it for the shopper,” Sarah Larsen, Chief Marketing Officer at Hisense USA, said. “We connected with consumers and culture to unearth some cool trends about hosting habits. ‘Out Host with Hisense’ adds a fun dose of humor to our storytelling about how Americans host, and why Hisense is the secret ingredient to having the best party on the block. And when it came to finding someone who could embody all of that – the attention to detail, the competitiveness, the genuine love of bringing people together – Terry was the obvious choice.”

Crews brings the campaign to life with his signature, larger-than-life energy. In the 60-second spot, he takes on multiple roles – host, grandmother and commentator (providing “CommenTerry” as only he can) – underscoring the idea that no detail is too small when it comes to creating a standout gathering.

“I take hosting seriously because I want to make sure everyone enjoys themselves,” said Terry Crews. “I’ve got food cooking, music on, the game up on the big screen. And when everything around you just works, you can focus on bringing the energy and making it a wonderful time people remember. That’s what I love about Hisense, they’re thinking about the whole experience, and what people need to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary.”

The campaign is supported by Hisense’s full 2026 lineup, built for every kind of host and every kind of gathering. The UR9 RGB MiniLED TV, available online starting today, delivers color so rich and true to life that every moment on screen feels like being there. Unlike typical MiniLED TVs that filter color from a single light source, RGB MiniLED powered by Chromagic display technology uses red, green and blue light individually to produce color coverage with greater purity and realism. That means everything you watch looks richer and has better contrast, so you notice shades of colors and tiny details you may have missed before. For hosts who think in scale, with the XR10 Laser Projector no matter how big you go – up to 300 inches – the image stays sharp, vivid, and completely immersive. For the host who just needs everyone to have a great seat, the U7 ULED MiniLED TV delivers precision light and maximum impact with options up to 116-inches. Thousands of MiniLED backlights deliver pinpoint control for vibrant, lifelike pictures — brighter highlights and deeper blacks that make every scene pop, even in a bright room full of people. Hisense also delivers all the kitchen appliances and HVAC products to ensure every element of your event is picture-perfect.

People can find their hosting style and explore the full Hisense 2026 lineup at hisense-usa.com/out-host-with-hisense, where a Hosting Style Quiz connects each hosting personality to the Hisense setup built for the way they entertain. Those who registered early for UR9 pre-order can now begin using their Canvas TV code, issued as part of today’s rollout.

About Hisense USA
Hisense, founded in 1969, is a globally recognized leader in home appliances and consumer electronics with operations in over 160 countries, specializing in delivering high-quality multimedia products, home appliances and intelligent IT solutions. As the first to market with RGB MiniLED technology, Hisense continues to pioneer innovative display solutions that set new industry standards. According to Omdia, Hisense ranks No. 1 globally in the 100-inch and over TV segment (2023-Q3 2025). As the official sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Hisense is committed to global sports partnerships as a way to connect with audiences worldwide.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hisense-partners-with-terry-crews-to-launch-out-host-with-hisense-campaign-addressing-the-rise-of-at-home-viewing-parties-302751940.html

SOURCE Hisense

LONGUEUIL, QC, April 23, 2026 /CNW/ – Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, announced that Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut Colonel Joshua Kutryk has been assigned to NASA’s SpaceX Crew-13, an International Space Station mission.

This will be Joshua’s first space mission, making him the fourth CSA astronaut to take part in a long-duration mission aboard the Space Station and the first one to fly under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. He will launch no earlier than mid-September 2026 from Florida, along with his crewmates, NASA astronauts Jessica Watkins and Luke Delaney, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Sergey Teteryatnikov.

During his mission, Joshua will conduct several international and Canadian science experiments, many of which focus on health-related research, as well as Station maintenance and operations activities. As humans prepare to set foot on the surface of the Moon, it is essential to continue to deepen our understanding of what is required to allow humanity to live, learn and work in the harsh environment of space. The Station is a unique testbed for these valuable experiments.

Our participation in the International Space Station showcases the world‑leading expertise of Canadian companies in key areas such as space robotics and vision systems. This expertise has translated into commercial spin-offs such as precision surgical robotic tools for neurosurgery, breast cancer detection, and telesurgery. Access to the orbiting laboratory has also allowed Canadian scientists to produce findings that can help people suffering from balance problems, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disorders, and Type 2 diabetes.

Quotes

“Canada’s longstanding role on the International Space Station has strengthened global partnerships, driven scientific progress and fuelled innovation at home. This mission reflects our commitment to innovation, collaboration and leadership in space. We look forward to the important work ahead and wish our astronaut and the entire crew every success as they build on a legacy that makes Canadians proud.”

– The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

“Our Canadian astronauts are shining examples of hard work and dedication. They invite us to dream big, imagine grand adventures, and accomplish difficult goals. For many years our astronauts have demonstrated exceptional professionalism, curiosity, and courage in orbit. As we look ahead to this next mission, we celebrate the expertise and collaborative spirit that defines our agency and our partners. I have every confidence that Joshua will continue this tradition of excellence and represent Canada with distinction.”

– Lisa Campbell, President of the Canadian Space Agency

“I am honoured to be a part of Crew-13 and represent Canada on this mission. To me, space is driven by curiosity, adventure, innovation, and science – but above all, collaboration. Collaboration that creates opportunity and builds a better future. I’m committed to making the most of this unique opportunity.”

– Joshua Kutryk, Canadian Space Agency astronaut

Quick facts

Joshua Kutryk was recruited as a CSA astronaut in 2017 and completed his basic training in 2020. Since then, he has served Canada’s space program and worked in different positions, including guiding spacewalks from NASA’s Mission Control (Johnson Space Center in Houston) and overseeing commercial vehicle procedures and daily operations on the Station. He brings extensive expertise as an engineer and former test and fighter pilot.Joshua was previously assigned to Starliner-1. NASA announced late last year that this mission would become an uncrewed cargo flight. The CSA and NASA worked together to change Joshua’s assignment to Crew-13.Space is a growing sector which generates well-paying jobs and helps develop critical technologies that improve the everyday lives of Canadians. According to the State of the Canadian Space Sector 2024:The space sector is estimated to have contributed $3.4 billion to Canada’s GDP in 2023. This marks a new all-time high, reflecting an upward real growth trend of 8.4% from 2019.The space sector supported more than 26,000 jobs in Canada.More than 10,000 of these jobs were highly qualified personnel, which represented 73% of Canada’s space workforce.Joshua will be the eighth CSA astronaut to fly to the International Space Station and the fourth on a long-duration mission.

Links

Biography of Joshua Kutryk
Crew-13 Mission
The International Space Station

Website: www.asc-csa.gc.ca
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SOURCE Canadian Space Agency