Reprint of older guide, previously published on theOtaku.com
This column, let’s talk about the meat of convention events: the panels, viewing rooms, Dealer’s Room, and Artists’ Alley.
Panels
The meat of the convention, “panels” is a term that covers most every scheduled event. The larger events will be mentioned later, so let’s just focus on the average panel.
Typically, panels are educational in some way. This might be talking about the popularity of Fullmetal Alchemist in Japan and how Christian influences shaped the show, or it might just be telling you what’s going on with Naruto around the world, from franchise options to the current storyline. Culture is also often covered at these panels, varying from playing Go to putting on an authentic tea ceremony. The variety of panels depends entirely on who is in the area to lead one. If you feel brave enough, most cons allow people to sign up to lead panels in the months before the convention.
Industry panels are another typical type, talking about what the different anime and manga companies in America are releasing in the coming years. Some groups, Funigirls is one, give out prizes and hold contests at their panels. This can be a great place to see trailers for upcoming anime. At the big conventions, like Anime Expo and Otakon, these panels might also include first time announcements about big new releases. One downside is that sometimes the panels are extremely boring, consisting of a guy, a DVD player, and a list of facts.
Creative panels are the last, most common type of panel, though they do also fall under educational. Here you can learn to draw in a new style or work on sewing a UFO catcher. Many cons provide the materials for free, though some may charge a few dollars extra for these panels, to cover the high expense of materials. These are a great way to have something to show off after the convention.
Viewing Room
Anime conventions started as a place to see new anime and watch subtitled tapes that had been painstakingly translated by fans. While there will be new releases and premiers occasionally, now it is more of a chance to watch what is currently released. Companies are getting stricter about fan subs, and many fans find that the viewing room is not as big of a draw as it used to be. AMV contests and fan videos, though, continue to be popular and draw in the crowds.
Artist – Cinnie
Keep your eye out for that life altering item from Japan. Then be prepared to explain the price tag to your parents/spouse/friends!
Dealer’s Room
Here is where you fulfill all your anime dreams and go into severe debt after the weekend. Make sure to have cash on hand, since only about half of the dealers are usually able to take credit cards, and the ATM may very well run out of money by the end of the weekend, especially if I need to use it. Trust me, going on a quest for the nearest ATM in an unfamiliar city is a bad way to kill a few hours.
Dealers tend to carry a large variety of anime t-shirts, action figures, pillows, dolls, and everything else you can imagine. While some of the stuff is available in America, many times you can find odd little things you will never see again.
In order to use your first time in the most effective way, try to have some idea of what you are looking for. If you just want to browse, late in the afternoon on Friday or on Sunday are going to be your best times. Early on Friday will be the rush, and there are typically too many people at each store to really get to browse. I always have a list in my mind of what specifically I am looking for.
Prices will vary, and unless you really want something, it might be best to keep shopping around. I have bought many a toy only to see it two stores down for ten dollars less. It is a trade-off though, because if you really want it, then you might want to get it before someone else does. Take a look around the store and see how many of the item they have. If it’s the only one, then it might be better to risk overpaying in order to get the item of your dreams.
Manga is another great thing to buy at conventions, because most stores that specialize in manga will have convention specials. There is also a much larger selection of DVDs, but since dealers don’t get them at the same kinds of discounts as Wal-Mart and Best Buy, the prices can be somewhat high. A lot of dealers will make deals with people who are buying multiple titles.
Artists’ Alley
Here is where artists show off their wares. Everything in the Artists’ Alley is going to be hand produced, though the original artwork may be being sold as prints or in a book. It’s a great place to find new artists and get costume pictures of your favorite characters. Want to see Phoenix Wright and Miles Edgeworth making out? Someone there will draw it for you.
Cosplay props and jewelry are also often sold here, along with statues, dresses, pillows, stuffed dolls, and whatever else some creative person has figured out how to bring a new anime spin to.
Dating Games, Anime Improv, Quiz Shows, Karaoke, and More
There are many different names for the things above. Some may require you to have signed up ahead of time, while others are on a first come, first serve basis. If there is a prize involved, it’s more likely that there will be prior sign up.
These events are what give a convention a new edge, and once it’s successful at one con, others will pick up on it. Recently there have been AMV Iron Editor contests, Anime Triathalons, and ramen eating contests. There will always be new, fun events coming out, so read through your program to see what the convention offers.
Next column, we’ll talk about those who are attending the con with you: the guests, the AMV creators, and cosplayers.
