Over the last few months, I interviewed voiceover actress Abby Trott (found here) and Chicago legend Joey D’Auria (found here) for Global Traveler. When I saw they were appearing at Anime 414 in Milwaukee, I made the trip with my friend Tony.
Debuting in 2007 at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Anime 414 is an annual three-day anime convention. After a few different locations, Anime 414 moved to the Baird Center in 2024. Expected to attract 25,000 attendees and bring $5 million to Milwaukee’s economy, Anime 414 is Wisconsin’s largest anime convention and one of its largest conventions in general.
Our first stop was Trott’s booth. Well-known for her work in anime, Trott also can be heard on video games and animation. Since our interview was via Zoom, it was great to catch up a bit in person. 
Tony and I met and interviewed D’Auria at a Chicago event, but we were happy seeing him again. Having portrayed Bozo the Clown for many years, D’Auria is a Chicago television icon. D’Auria also acted in many other projects as well doing voiceover work.
The rest of the time we wandered around the many vendor booths, seeing all sorts of amazing creations. It was also fun people-watching, as many attendees cosplayed.
A huge convention center in downtown Milwaukee, Baird Center is part of a complex which includes Miller High Life Theatre and UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena. Baird Center opened in two phases, starting with its opening in 1998 and the second phase completed in 2000. It was the largest architectural project in Wisconsin. 
— John Wroblewski, podcaster
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Sep 23, 2026Delve into a Curated Journey for Mexico City Art Week with Trip Whisperer
During Mexico City Art Week 2027 (Semana del Arte), Trip Whisperer founder Jessica Parker will lead Mexico City Art Week Salon, a small-group expedition to explore the city’s fascinating art, design, culinary and luxury lodging offerings. For five nights, Feb. 2–7, 2027, participants will lodge with creatives and like-minded travelers in Casa Amsterdam, a private Mexico City villa located in the La Condesa neighborhood. After daytime forays to explore the festival’s events, this group will return to the villa to enjoy mezcal tastings, chef-prepared dinners and evening activities.
Sponsored Content
IHG Business Edge: A Smarter Way for Small- and Mid-Sized Businesses to Travel
IHG Business Edge is a complimentary travel program designed to help small- and mid-sized businesses manage travel more efficiently while saving on hotel stays. Members enjoy access to guaranteed discounts, loyalty benefits, and partner offers across IHG Hotels & Resorts’ global portfolio of 7,000-plus hotels in more than 100 countries.
eFlyer Reviews
Sep 23, 2026Review: Sage Lodge Resort & Spa
Set on more than 1,200 acres in Montana’s Paradise Valley, Sage Lodge sits just 30 minutes from Yellowstone National Park, with the Yellowstone River running for more than a mile along the property.
Airlines
Sep 23, 2026American Airlines, Condor Airlines Announce New Interline Agreement
American Airlines and Condor Airlines expand their international partner network with a new interline agreement, providing travelers with a wide range of new connections. Passengers can expect connections to more than 150 cities through Condor’s trans-Atlantic gateways in major hubs like JFK, BOS and LAX.
Sponsored Content
Extraordinary Moments, Made to Keep
The Excellence Collection offers a curated collection of luxurious resorts across Mexico and the Caribbean, promising exceptional experiences for every guest and taste. From upscale suite concepts to a plethora of gourmet dining options, from wellness experiences to curated activities, The Excellence Collection guarantees all this and more.
eFlyer News
Sep 23, 2026Amex to Open First Centurion Lounge in Continental Europe at Amsterdam Schiphol
American Express officially became the first global credit card company to operate a lounge at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The brand’s Centurion Lounge opened at AMS Sept. 17, spanning nearly 6,000 square feet and offering a plethora of amenities.
What’s in Store for Finnair in 2026/2027?
Daily
Sep 23, 2026Daily
Sep 22, 2026Cunard’s “Queen Mary 2” to Undergo Stunning Refurbishment
Cunard recently announced a stunning refurbishment of Queen Mary 2; the ship prepares to enter dry dock on March 31, 2027, as the flagship of the Cunard fleet and the only ship in the world offering regularly scheduled trans-Atlantic crossings between Southampton and New York. The refurbishment will introduce new Grill Suites, an elevated wellness offering, enhanced retail spaces and refreshed guest areas, while preserving the ship’s Art Deco identity. The ship will return to service May 9, 2027.
Sponsored Content
Luxury Travel in Chilean Patagonia: Where Refinement Meets the Wild Edge
At the gateway to Chilean Patagonia, Los Lagos opens a landscape in constant motion. Volcanic peaks rise sharply above glacial lakes, mist moves through dense forests, and light shifts across every horizon. Here, luxury travel in Chilean Patagonia unfolds moment by moment, balancing raw energy with seamless comfort.
Daily
Sep 22, 2026Santa Barbara, California, Delays Autumn with a Second Summer
Experience Santa Barbara’s second summer, when golden hour sunsets, warm evenings and wine season offer a unique Californian take on fall. The destination’s pre-autumn season is perfect for those not yet ready to let go of warm weather just yet.
ShareThis