First animation expo in the South comes to Lipscomb, features all-star lineup of veteran Disney animators

Expo brings animation industry together in Nashville, in the South for the first time,

Kim Chaudoin  |  02/05/2025

Lipscomb University will be the site of the first-ever Animation Y’all Expo Feb. 21-23, bringing together some of the biggest names in animation for an immersive weekend of industry panels, workshops, artist showcases and networking opportunities.

Organized by former Disney animators Tom and Tony Bancroft, both faculty members in Lipscomb’s nationally acclaimed animation program, the inaugural expo marks the first professional-level animation event of its kind in the South, as Nashville continues to grow as an emerging hub for animation and digital media.

The expo will take place on Lipscomb’s campus and will feature sessions on a range of topics, including tips on pitching a show, faith in animation, the animation industry in Tennessee, storyboarding, voice acting, creating portfolios, visual development, and bridging the gap between games and film among others. The event will include renowned industry professionals, including Disney animation legend Mark Henn; Shannon Hallstein, visual development artist and character designer; and Aaron Blaise, animator, director and instructor. Special highlights include a screening of the animated feature Snow Bear, a sneak peek of the independent 2D feature The Light of the World and a retrospective, behind-the-scenes lecture by animator John Pomeroy celebrating the 30th anniversary of Disney’s Pocahontas. Attendees will also experience interactive drawing sessions, product demonstrations and an exhibition floor featuring over 50 artist tables, local studios, and animation suppliers.

The Animation Y’all Expo was born from a shared vision between the Bancroft brothers, whose distinguished animation careers include work on iconic Disney films such as The Lion King, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast and Mulan. Tom Bancroft is founder of Lipscomb University’s animation program which he established in 2015 in its George Shinn College for Entertainment & the Arts. Tony Bancroft is the program director for Lipscomb’s undergraduate and graduate animation programs.

“For years, we have participated in animation expos that were always on the West Coast,” explained Tony Bancroft. “There was nothing like this for professional animators in the South. Tom and I started talking about creating an expo years ago, but it never quite made sense until now. The animation landscape in Tennessee is evolving, and the entertainment industry is growing rapidly in Nashville. We felt like this was the perfect time to bring the animation community together and help make Nashville a destination for animation.”

With an anticipated attendance of 500 guests, the event has already drawn interest from students, professionals and animation enthusiasts across the country.

“We’re seeing attendees who will be attending from as far away as Seattle and California, but we also want this to be a local convention that fosters the Nashville animation scene,” Bancroft said.

Find more information about the Animation Y’all Expo schedule, speakers, exhibitors and more at www.animationyall.com.

Lipscomb’s animation program has a national reputation as one of the best programs of its kind and is ranked No. 1 in Tennessee and its Bachelor of Arts in Animation Program is ranked #13 in the nation. It is one of the fastest-growing academic programs at the university. Lipscomb’s animation faculty include veteran artists who continue to be active in the industry. In addition to the Bancrofts, other animation faculty includes former Disney animator Diana "Coco" Russell (Hercules, Aladdin, The Lion King) and Mike Nawrocki, co-creator of VeggieTales and co-founder of Big Idea Entertainment, among others.

At Lipscomb, students learn from industry professionals who are still creating, while engaging with students and taking the time to mentor them at each level of learning. The faculty’s firsthand knowledge of the animation pipeline and their professional connections provide an invaluable resource for students looking to break into the industry. Learn more about Lipscomb’s animation program here.