Arisia: The con where I didn't spend a cent
I had told folks that I was going to do a review of Arisia, and here it is:
I'd say it was pretty good this year. Logistically, it was better run than Anime Boston, but that's because there are 1/6th the people there. Weather disrupted my Sunday, which dampened the event for me (There were at least 3 things I wanted to do but couldn't due to weather.)
Arisia is run similarly to Dragon*Con. Meaning that the con is separated by 'tracks'. Each track had from about 15-20 panels related to it over the weekend, ranging from Anime, to Costuming, to Teenager, to 'Alternative', to Lifestyle, and so on. Unlike other anime cons, it also relates to the older clientèle by starting around 3PM. I got there after work around 6, and didn't feel like I missed much. It doesn't really fit everything that people from the anime con circuit would expect; for example, there are no video games. There were also a few films, not limiting themselves to just video presentations. The venue was the same as New England Fan Experience, the Hyatt in Cambridge. The difference here was the hotel was buzzing with activity; I believe all of the rooms were sold for the weekend. In fact, they had rented a Peter Pan bus to go from the hotel, to another nearby hotel that was overflow, to the local train station, to parking lots that MIT let the convention use. Little perks like this are pleasing; it is apparent that they have been doing this for 20 years.
I was fortunate this year; I had been asked to be on a few panels for the con. 3 panels gets you a free badge. It was not a reimbursed badge either, they credited me as soon as I was scheduled. Sci-fi cons also have a con suite, where free food is offered to people willing to come down and get it. Panelists and other staff had their own green room, filled with brownies, cookies, drinks, stews, pasta, salad, and other edible goodies. I went there about 10 times over the weekend. With stardust462 's room for storage and free parking down the street, I didn't pay a cent while at the convention. (I'm slightly sad, because there were things I should have bought at the dealers) Speaking of the dealers, instead of having a hall for their setup place, they took the third floor of the Hyatt, cleared out the beds and set up shops in separate rooms. It's a good way to preserve space, but also leaves it to be a bit restrained. It makes it harder to browse without looking committed, plus, it's harder to compare prices to another dealer not far off.
Friday
I arrived after work and waited a grand total of 15 minutes in the registration line. One thing Arisia does, is that they keep the pre-regged and at-con together until the end. At-con fills out a registration sheet and pays at the terminal, while pre-reg's info is already on file. That wouldn't work at an anime con, (as Anime Boston and Anime Central found out) I got my panelist packet and searched for friends. I found stardust462 and her brother at about 7, and went to change into a costume. This costume is for Costume Con in May in Baltimore, but I wanted to wear it as a test run. Save for the feather trim shedding when stepped on, the costume was pretty good. Must remember to add a button for the undershirt. pdelahanty arrived later, about 8ish. My first panel started at 9. (My name was in the program booklet for a panel at 8, but they had removed me from the list) The first panel was Presentiations in Con Masquerades. It was helpful to learn, plus I got to take home notes. I found it amusing that the other members on the panel had been costuming longer than I've been alive. It was also interesting the differences between Sci-fi and anime con masqs. Sci-fi cons are much more about the costume and presentation while anime cons are about skits. They were amazed when I mentioned the 2-3 minute time limits standard in an anime con.
The second of my panels was What's New in Anime Now: Out of the panels I went to, this had to be my favorite. With myself, Stardust as the Moderator, and Mike (who brought his own projector) we went over our time limit, because the discussion was so awesome. I want to see new things like Baccano! now. Plus, this has to be the most epic opening song ever.
This is from a new anime called Tytania, it's still on Japanese TV. And I'm hooked. When it comes out, I think I'm gonna buy it. After about 11:15, the panel dispersed, and we returned to Elizabeth's room to change into normal clothes. We chilled and watched Leno for a bit, and then I decided to drive home before it got any colder.
Saturday
I got into the hotel about 11:30, so I could change into my costume, plus get some food from the green room. 1PM was another panel, What do you mean Avatar isn't an Anime: Which started out as an discussion between the two genres, then broke down into a fandom discussion about the show, and how M Night is ruining the casting. (Jesse McCartney as Zuko, WTF?!) The first part was interesting, because the moderator seemed surprised that Elizabeth and I didn't share her opinion about what consists an anime. But the second part sounded like an LJ community discussion instead of a pure panel. Don't get me wrong, I love Avatar, but call it an Avatar Discussion Panel for adults. One person seemed almost insulted because we deviated from the topic.
After the panel, Elizabeth and I went to change clothes into our Masq costumes. Sci-Fi masqs are different than Anime Con masqs. In an anime con, the judging time is scheduled, and technical aspects are done at the meeting beforehand. In a Sci-Fi con, that is reversed. We had a set tech time, (I was 10 minutes right before Elizabeth) where lighting to complement the costume would be implemented, plus a brief run-through to test sound. This is where I ran into Ang. I hadn't really talked to her since 2006 in Providence, although I saw her at PAC in passing. They' re were running a bit late, so it took about 30-45 minutes to be done for the both of us.
Elizabeth went to change into her Lolita outfit, while I took off some accessories before heading to the Anime: Then and Now panel. This was an introduction to anime, but it felt like the rest of the panel were discussing things from the 50s to 70s. Considering that I was only born 2 weeks before the 70s ended, this left me a bit out of the loop. It felt like a panel I didn't know much about; I tried to interject when I could. This was the slowest of the panels for me, because I just felt outclassed. By then it ended, and it was time for Elizabeth's lolita panel. Patrick arrived in his StarFox costume, while we listened to the loli panel. That was..... interesting. I felt so bad for many people who didn't know all the terms, because many of the girls couldn't explain them well. I'm somewhat relieved that I don't float in that part of the loli circle.
By the time the panel ended, it was almost time to get to the green room. I got something to eat. (Spilled a few drops and cleaned it with some wipes) Went back to put on the rest of my costume and went to the green room on the 14th floor. Another thing about Arisia, these somewhat larger Sci-fi cons tend to create their own channel to view big events like the Masq. This could be really helpful at anime cons. Imagine Katsucon (before it moved) if the Omni could have pumped the masq into hotel rooms and not worry about putting half of the audience in a room down the hall and up the stairs. This also allowed green room people to view the Masq without spoiling the surprise. A thing about Sci-Fi cons is that hall costumes are Hall costumes. Masq costumes are to be a total surprise. This is why judging is done back in the green room, since people don't want to spoil the surprise. This is easy to do when there are few entrants. In Anime Boston 2009, there will be 35 entrants in the Masq alone. Many of these are in groups. At Arisia, there were 25 entries, 8 of which were child entrants and given their own awards before the rest of the masq. When judging 20 entrants tops, it's easy to do it in one spot. Also in the green room was bits of veggies and cheese, drinks, and a photo booth. It doesn't do much for lighting, but it was nice to have a spot to get pictures taken.
The Masq started on time at 8:30, and including the Kamakaze kids (a kiddy version of Iron Cosplay), the young entrants, and the rest of the masq, it took less than 2 hours. Which is amazing for me, who's used to being in a Masq for 4-5 hours. This is helped by the fact all entrants are limited to 60 seconds, (Unless more than 4, then it's 90 seconds) Very few dances involved, for obvious reasons. I've learned that 35-45 seconds for a self presentation is optimal for me. The entrants in the masq use the service elevator to get to the stage, (got a nice view of the kitchen) After the performance, everyone is cleared out of the green room, and then goes downstairs to see the intermission and award presentation. Intermission this year was a series of trailers to fan movies, and sci-fi movies that are to come out this year. (I saw the Dragon Ball trailer. RAGE) Awards were presented. I got Best Recreation in Journeyman for Alice Alice Arquette, stardust462 got Best Overall Novice Workmanship and Best Overall Novice Presentation for Briar Rose from Disney's Sleeping Beauty, and Ang got Best Overall Master's Workmanship and Best Overall Master's Presentation for a historically accurate 10th Century Byzantine Noblewoman. Means I'm stuck as a Journeyman at Costume-Con. Yay.
After the Masq was over, returned to Elizabeth's room to change and chill for a bit. At about 1AM, I made my way home in the snow. Sunday was bad as I got snowed in at home and missed everything. I was not happy. Monday, I returned for a bit to check on certificates (There was a printer malfunction and they'll be mailed) Plus to pay my dues to the ICG since I missed the meeting the day before. After getting some last snacks, and since nobody else was there, I took off for fabric shopping.
Overall, I'd say my experience was better this year than the last. I just know from now on, I'm gonna be a panelist at Arisia. No need spending for a badge when attending panels that you would go to anyway, plus get the badge for free. I'm willing to go again; but like any con, it's best to go with people who you know. Just so you have those moments of making your own fun.
I'd say it was pretty good this year. Logistically, it was better run than Anime Boston, but that's because there are 1/6th the people there. Weather disrupted my Sunday, which dampened the event for me (There were at least 3 things I wanted to do but couldn't due to weather.)
Arisia is run similarly to Dragon*Con. Meaning that the con is separated by 'tracks'. Each track had from about 15-20 panels related to it over the weekend, ranging from Anime, to Costuming, to Teenager, to 'Alternative', to Lifestyle, and so on. Unlike other anime cons, it also relates to the older clientèle by starting around 3PM. I got there after work around 6, and didn't feel like I missed much. It doesn't really fit everything that people from the anime con circuit would expect; for example, there are no video games. There were also a few films, not limiting themselves to just video presentations. The venue was the same as New England Fan Experience, the Hyatt in Cambridge. The difference here was the hotel was buzzing with activity; I believe all of the rooms were sold for the weekend. In fact, they had rented a Peter Pan bus to go from the hotel, to another nearby hotel that was overflow, to the local train station, to parking lots that MIT let the convention use. Little perks like this are pleasing; it is apparent that they have been doing this for 20 years.
I was fortunate this year; I had been asked to be on a few panels for the con. 3 panels gets you a free badge. It was not a reimbursed badge either, they credited me as soon as I was scheduled. Sci-fi cons also have a con suite, where free food is offered to people willing to come down and get it. Panelists and other staff had their own green room, filled with brownies, cookies, drinks, stews, pasta, salad, and other edible goodies. I went there about 10 times over the weekend. With stardust462 's room for storage and free parking down the street, I didn't pay a cent while at the convention. (I'm slightly sad, because there were things I should have bought at the dealers) Speaking of the dealers, instead of having a hall for their setup place, they took the third floor of the Hyatt, cleared out the beds and set up shops in separate rooms. It's a good way to preserve space, but also leaves it to be a bit restrained. It makes it harder to browse without looking committed, plus, it's harder to compare prices to another dealer not far off.
Friday
I arrived after work and waited a grand total of 15 minutes in the registration line. One thing Arisia does, is that they keep the pre-regged and at-con together until the end. At-con fills out a registration sheet and pays at the terminal, while pre-reg's info is already on file. That wouldn't work at an anime con, (as Anime Boston and Anime Central found out) I got my panelist packet and searched for friends. I found stardust462 and her brother at about 7, and went to change into a costume. This costume is for Costume Con in May in Baltimore, but I wanted to wear it as a test run. Save for the feather trim shedding when stepped on, the costume was pretty good. Must remember to add a button for the undershirt. pdelahanty arrived later, about 8ish. My first panel started at 9. (My name was in the program booklet for a panel at 8, but they had removed me from the list) The first panel was Presentiations in Con Masquerades. It was helpful to learn, plus I got to take home notes. I found it amusing that the other members on the panel had been costuming longer than I've been alive. It was also interesting the differences between Sci-fi and anime con masqs. Sci-fi cons are much more about the costume and presentation while anime cons are about skits. They were amazed when I mentioned the 2-3 minute time limits standard in an anime con.
The second of my panels was What's New in Anime Now: Out of the panels I went to, this had to be my favorite. With myself, Stardust as the Moderator, and Mike (who brought his own projector) we went over our time limit, because the discussion was so awesome. I want to see new things like Baccano! now. Plus, this has to be the most epic opening song ever.
Click to viewThis is from a new anime called Tytania, it's still on Japanese TV. And I'm hooked. When it comes out, I think I'm gonna buy it. After about 11:15, the panel dispersed, and we returned to Elizabeth's room to change into normal clothes. We chilled and watched Leno for a bit, and then I decided to drive home before it got any colder.
Saturday
I got into the hotel about 11:30, so I could change into my costume, plus get some food from the green room. 1PM was another panel, What do you mean Avatar isn't an Anime: Which started out as an discussion between the two genres, then broke down into a fandom discussion about the show, and how M Night is ruining the casting. (Jesse McCartney as Zuko, WTF?!) The first part was interesting, because the moderator seemed surprised that Elizabeth and I didn't share her opinion about what consists an anime. But the second part sounded like an LJ community discussion instead of a pure panel. Don't get me wrong, I love Avatar, but call it an Avatar Discussion Panel for adults. One person seemed almost insulted because we deviated from the topic.
After the panel, Elizabeth and I went to change clothes into our Masq costumes. Sci-Fi masqs are different than Anime Con masqs. In an anime con, the judging time is scheduled, and technical aspects are done at the meeting beforehand. In a Sci-Fi con, that is reversed. We had a set tech time, (I was 10 minutes right before Elizabeth) where lighting to complement the costume would be implemented, plus a brief run-through to test sound. This is where I ran into Ang. I hadn't really talked to her since 2006 in Providence, although I saw her at PAC in passing. They' re were running a bit late, so it took about 30-45 minutes to be done for the both of us.
Elizabeth went to change into her Lolita outfit, while I took off some accessories before heading to the Anime: Then and Now panel. This was an introduction to anime, but it felt like the rest of the panel were discussing things from the 50s to 70s. Considering that I was only born 2 weeks before the 70s ended, this left me a bit out of the loop. It felt like a panel I didn't know much about; I tried to interject when I could. This was the slowest of the panels for me, because I just felt outclassed. By then it ended, and it was time for Elizabeth's lolita panel. Patrick arrived in his StarFox costume, while we listened to the loli panel. That was..... interesting. I felt so bad for many people who didn't know all the terms, because many of the girls couldn't explain them well. I'm somewhat relieved that I don't float in that part of the loli circle.
By the time the panel ended, it was almost time to get to the green room. I got something to eat. (Spilled a few drops and cleaned it with some wipes) Went back to put on the rest of my costume and went to the green room on the 14th floor. Another thing about Arisia, these somewhat larger Sci-fi cons tend to create their own channel to view big events like the Masq. This could be really helpful at anime cons. Imagine Katsucon (before it moved) if the Omni could have pumped the masq into hotel rooms and not worry about putting half of the audience in a room down the hall and up the stairs. This also allowed green room people to view the Masq without spoiling the surprise. A thing about Sci-Fi cons is that hall costumes are Hall costumes. Masq costumes are to be a total surprise. This is why judging is done back in the green room, since people don't want to spoil the surprise. This is easy to do when there are few entrants. In Anime Boston 2009, there will be 35 entrants in the Masq alone. Many of these are in groups. At Arisia, there were 25 entries, 8 of which were child entrants and given their own awards before the rest of the masq. When judging 20 entrants tops, it's easy to do it in one spot. Also in the green room was bits of veggies and cheese, drinks, and a photo booth. It doesn't do much for lighting, but it was nice to have a spot to get pictures taken.
The Masq started on time at 8:30, and including the Kamakaze kids (a kiddy version of Iron Cosplay), the young entrants, and the rest of the masq, it took less than 2 hours. Which is amazing for me, who's used to being in a Masq for 4-5 hours. This is helped by the fact all entrants are limited to 60 seconds, (Unless more than 4, then it's 90 seconds) Very few dances involved, for obvious reasons. I've learned that 35-45 seconds for a self presentation is optimal for me. The entrants in the masq use the service elevator to get to the stage, (got a nice view of the kitchen) After the performance, everyone is cleared out of the green room, and then goes downstairs to see the intermission and award presentation. Intermission this year was a series of trailers to fan movies, and sci-fi movies that are to come out this year. (I saw the Dragon Ball trailer. RAGE) Awards were presented. I got Best Recreation in Journeyman for Alice Alice Arquette, stardust462 got Best Overall Novice Workmanship and Best Overall Novice Presentation for Briar Rose from Disney's Sleeping Beauty, and Ang got Best Overall Master's Workmanship and Best Overall Master's Presentation for a historically accurate 10th Century Byzantine Noblewoman. Means I'm stuck as a Journeyman at Costume-Con. Yay.
After the Masq was over, returned to Elizabeth's room to change and chill for a bit. At about 1AM, I made my way home in the snow. Sunday was bad as I got snowed in at home and missed everything. I was not happy. Monday, I returned for a bit to check on certificates (There was a printer malfunction and they'll be mailed) Plus to pay my dues to the ICG since I missed the meeting the day before. After getting some last snacks, and since nobody else was there, I took off for fabric shopping.
Overall, I'd say my experience was better this year than the last. I just know from now on, I'm gonna be a panelist at Arisia. No need spending for a badge when attending panels that you would go to anyway, plus get the badge for free. I'm willing to go again; but like any con, it's best to go with people who you know. Just so you have those moments of making your own fun.