Anime Weekend Atlanta... Worth Attending?

[Milky Mixer]

Last year I went to my first con, Kunicon St. Louis, which was based here in the StL area. They didn't come back, so this summer I ventured up to Chicago for Anime Central. A cheap 45 minute flight, great hotel, a really fun time.

I'm now thinking about flying out to Georgia in September for Anime Weekend Atlanta, but I'm curious how this con weighs in with folks who have attended in previous years or attended other cons. I'm not a hip youngster who likes to cosplay or the "get tips on drawing your own manga" types of panels. I actually most enjoy the industry panels, the VA panels (depending who the guests are), and the 24 hr. viewing rooms. Of course, a badass Dealer's Room is also a major plus! I thought Kunicon StL had better panels/guests than Anime Central, but ACen definitely had a bigger, better dealer's room.

Just curious if I should take the plunge and get all registered and signed up for Anime Weekend Atlanta...? I noticed they've been around for a number of years which makes me think they'd be a decent con to attend. Anyone attended in previous years have any feedback?

[Suiko Eiji]

I've been attending AWA for years, this will be my 8th. So, I think I can weigh in on whether or not it is worth it.

I'll commment on the industry panels since those have a varying degree of goodness. Like you, I like a lot of the industry stuff, but I'm more willing to sit in on the marketing/sales weasels panels than the VA stuff. AWA does run some VA panels, and I'm sure they're only as good as the person presenting and the group attending. AWA is pretty liberal as to how they run the panels, they're run how the panel wants them run; one VA panel I went to had George Lowe and C. Martin Croker reading the phone book in thier respective Space Ghost voices for a good twenty or thirty minutes. The sales/marketing panels are great times, too.

Last year, I think there were only one or two VA panels and perhaps one sales weasel panel; due to hurricane season being especially bad around that time. Though, since AWA has been having serious industry guests, which has probably been for three or four years that I can recall, there are usually five or six (possibly more) industry panels on a variety of topics from sales weasels to VA to translating to working in Japan. AWA's panel strength is that it's diverse and you can find a wide array of topics from history to working to drawing manga/building pla-mo to insane comedy.

AWA has a reputation for being the party con, though; it's typically late in the season and, while biggest in the Southeast, is still small compared with something like AX or Otakon. Since its creation, it closely guarded a "by fans, for fans" reputation that was more like inviting a bunch of friends to a party and playing some anime in the background. It has changed somewhat, but what's nice is the atmosphere actually lets the con-goer mingle with most of the guests.

Dealer's Room is top notch. I believe this will be the first year in a couple that I've not heard of them expanding the room, but the shopping/vending area is absolutely huge. They've actually got enough space for some side events in the DR while keeping the aisles huge and much of the time aren't congested (crowded, yes, but not completely choked). My one complaint about the DR is that they have a few vendors that I don't think belong at an anime con; primarily one or two guys who sell wallhanger swords and boken and pay for a couple tables worth of space. To me, they don't belong at an anime con and take up space for someone else selling manga, DVDs, books, etc. But that's 1 or two guys out of a DR of 40-50 companies.

Viewing Rooms... this is almost too ecclectic to really get a feel for. In addition to the Main Events Room, which has video equipment for those in the back and runs a couple of high profile events for much of the con (AMV Awards, Anime Hell, Midnight Madness to name a few) and a 24-Hour Video Art Track [VAT] (AMV), there are probably three to four (perhaps more) viewing rooms that have actual anime playing throughout the day. Whether or not the anime they are playing is subject to tastes; usually they start from 7 AM and run 'til after midnight. Also, panels that have an A/V component to them will also have pieces playing during them.

I stopped by KuniCon ATL when it was here last year, and as far as I could tell, it was a terrible production. You sounded like you had a good time at STL, maybe that one was generally better than ATL's. I just know that KC-ATL has absolutely nothing on AWA.

Let me know if I can expound on anything else; I think I hit the major points you were interested in, but I've rambled on long enough. In short, if you can afford it, I say by all means come to AWA.

[Milky Mixer]

Hey man (or woman, heh!), I can't tell you how much I appreciated your reply. One thing about Kunicon STL I liked was the Robotech celebration and the various panels they had focusing on the show, as well as the industry panels (meeting Richard Epcar was awesome!). I'm not a big fan of FMA, but I did sit in on some of Vic Mignona's panel and he seemed like a real charmer. Like I said, it was my first con experience and I had a good time. I admit things with the programming staff seemed a bit odd, whether it was no one showing to start on anime on schedule or moving a panel from one room to another, and their Dealer's Room had maybe 15 folks altogether. Not sure how things with Kunicon Atlanta compare... I can't even remember which one came first, Atlanta or StL. With Anime Central, everything was bigger... but I'm not sure if that means it was better. I felt the panels really lacked the kind of stuff I enjoyed at Kunicon (I just like to hear the industry guys, even if it's the marketing person telling you what's coming up and you already know about it... sometimes you get a few choice remarks dropped or someone asks a good question). ACen felt like it came short in regard to panels (I think Dark Horse had a good one, but Manga Ent. was the only other one and the guy showed 20 mins. late to a 1/2 hr panel). It just seemed like the focus was mostly cosplay cosplay cosplay, which is fine and good but not really why I would go to a con. The viewing rooms were a haven, and I did catch some cool stuff I'd been curious about and not seen before.

But obviously if you've been to AWA 8 years running, it's got something going right for it. Like I said before, I noticed they'd been around for a bit longer than some of the other cons I was scouting and thought it might have its act together. I'd considered Otakon, but it looks like every hotel is sold out. Your remarks that AWA is a bit smaller and maybe a bit more laid back sound like it might be more my speed anyway. And I'm hoping the main hotel isn't booked up yet... will likely make reservations to come down and check things out! Thanks again so much for the feedback... feel free to post anything else you think I might find interesting about the con... yknow, get me excited. Would you say the age of guests is a nice mix? I'm 30...

[Suiko Eiji]

I'll tackle what I can in parts.

Hey man (or woman, heh!), I can't tell you how much I appreciated your reply. One thing about Kunicon STL I liked was the Robotech celebration and the various panels they had focusing on the show, as well as the industry panels (meeting Richard Epcar was awesome!). I'm not a big fan of FMA, but I did sit in on some of Vic Mignona's panel and he seemed like a real charmer. Like I said, it was my first con experience and I had a good time.

Man it is. No problem on the feedback. I don't recall seeing much themed stuff back at KC-ATL, but it's possible I could have missed it. While AWA has a general theme, such as logo et al, it's not run anything like a Robotech/Macross theme (despite two concerts by Iijima Mari). It's really inclusive, so some may not look at a mecha theme and say "I'm not into that", or the other way around with something like that. The most strictly themed events for four years running have been the AWA Ball dances. It requires seperate tickets from the con and is extremely formal (tuxes, ballgowns, stirng music, etc). Other than the ball, pretty much everything else at the con is extremely informal.

I admit things with the programming staff seemed a bit odd, whether it was no one showing to start on anime on schedule or moving a panel from one room to another, and their Dealer's Room had maybe 15 folks altogether. Not sure how things with Kunicon Atlanta compare... I can't even remember which one came first, Atlanta or StL.

I remember ATL's being fairly early in the year, so probably ours did; he might have learned from mistakes in ATL for StL. I just remember the con having an empty feeling to it, more so than AWA 7 did (about a week and a half after 11 September Attacks and a lot of the industry folks had offices at WTC; everyone afraid to travel, etc).

With Anime Central, everything was bigger... but I'm not sure if that means it was better. I felt the panels really lacked the kind of stuff I enjoyed at Kunicon (I just like to hear the industry guys, even if it's the marketing person telling you what's coming up and you already know about it... sometimes you get a few choice remarks dropped or someone asks a good question). ACen felt like it came short in regard to panels (I think Dark Horse had a good one, but Manga Ent. was the only other one and the guy showed 20 mins. late to a 1/2 hr panel).

I'm hoping, barring attacks and hurricanes, the panel situation will be full again. I'm fairly sure the normal crowd has consisted of Dark Horse, FUNimation, Bandai and ADV and I hope they're all going to be back. Like I said, there are some industry things that aren't from one company; like, I'm fairly sure Neil Nadelman has hosted at least one or two panels concerning anime translation. Also, I think there are a bunch of panels that are just fun, too, such as "Dubs that Time Forgot", "Totally Lame Anime", and "Panel of Doom".

It just seemed like the focus was mostly cosplay cosplay cosplay, which is fine and good but not really why I would go to a con. The viewing rooms were a haven, and I did catch some cool stuff I'd been curious about and not seen before.

AWA actually got rid of cosplay skits between AWA 5 and 6 (this year is 12) because they were time and resource intensive (they used to shut a couple of video rooms down and closed-circuit broadcast it from the main hall) and they sucked. They've been doing a costume contest ever since, which can go through a few hundred entries in half the time it took before. They stopped broadcasting it, so it's first come first serve in the main hall.

There are a lot of cosplayers there, most anime (but that's another gripe <_<) but the lobby areas of the hotel and the Galleria are abso-friggin'-lutely huge, so the clutter that comes with a lot of elaborate cosplay costumes is greatly reduced. While cosplay is a main focus of a lot of the attendees, I would hardly say it is a main focus of the con.

Viewing rooms for me are a mixed bag; a lot of the stuff I've either already seen or already know I won't like. But, over the years, I've found some true gems. In fact, it was a viewing room at AWA 5 in which I was introduced to Kodocha.

But obviously if you've been to AWA 8 years running, it's got something going right for it.

There's a two-fold answer to this. AWA has been like a facebook account for me; part of the con involves me running into friends I typically do not see throughout the rest of the year. The parties through the night and goofing off during the day are like a mini-vacation for me. Plus, I'm a reletively sociable nerd, so I like making new friends as well. It's a good place to meet reletively like-minded folks.

But why spend the money for a con to hang out with old friends and throw back a few? Because, even after all these years, you're right - the con still has something to keep bringing me back every year. Whether it is a panel I missed last year, holding out for that one new video for Midnight Madness, or the prospect of a new dealer in the DR, there's always something I can come back for.

Like I said before, I noticed they'd been around for a bit longer than some of the other cons I was scouting and thought it might have its act together.

Yes, and what's best about it is that on Sunday, they have a ***** and gripe session during closing ceremonies for attendees to tell them what they did wrong (most of the time they take it to heart, too). It typically makes for a much better con experience every year.

I'd considered Otakon, but it looks like every hotel is sold out. Your remarks that AWA is a bit smaller and maybe a bit more laid back sound like it might be more my speed anyway. And I'm hoping the main hotel isn't booked up yet... will likely make reservations to come down and check things out!

No, I'm sure there is room still available. I think I registered my room at a neighboring hotel like a month before the con last year and I need to get hopping on mine this year.

Thanks again so much for the feedback... feel free to post anything else you think I might find interesting about the con... yknow, get me excited. Would you say the age of guests is a nice mix? I'm 30...

I think the mix is pretty good; much of the con is under 30, but I think the vast majority is 18-25 range. You see a lot more adults at night than during the day. All in all, I'm sure you'll end up blending in quite nicely. From what I hear from many of the AWA folks who travel to other cons much more than I do, AWA staff and attendees are the most friendly of the lot. I'd like to think that part of that is because we're in the Southeast; it's a regional quality, Southern Hospitality and all. I really wouldn't worry about it too much.

Hrm.. excited about AWA ... AN Forum Members Meet and Greet, of course! :lol:

Let me know if you make more solid plans about attending, I'll pass along some secrets about navigating through Atlanta weekend traffic.

[Milky Mixer]

Again, thanks for the reply...

With regard to Kunicon StL, it wasn't as if the entire con revolved around the theme of Robotech. Maybe I didn't make that clear. I just remember it was one of the bigger deals at the con, because they had some of the folks working on Shadow Chronicles previewing material, they had Richard Epcar (who VA'd a few characters), they were acknowledging the 20th anniversary, etc. But yeah, it certainly wasn't "the Robotech Convention" ... I just remember it being a subject of a couple of the panels, and it was a nice way for me to "get introduced to" my first con since like so many others, I'd grown up on Robotech and loved getting some behind the scenes stuff at the panels and so on...

It sounds like AWA is in step with ACen and Kunicon StL (well, I enjoyed it anyway), with the mix of activities, panels, guests, fun stuff, industry stuff. The formal ball... yeah, I'd skip that, probably be hanging in a viewing room or grabbing a nap so I can get up at the crack of dawn for some other activity, heh! I'd love to go to a con with Viz, Tokyopop, or Media Blasters on hand (MB was at ACen, but they only had a dealer's booth, no panel). Just 'cause I love the manga!!! But I was surprised that Dark Horse and Manga Ent. were the only industry folks at ACen. Still, it sounds like this is one of the larger cons that pulls in enough industry activity to make for some enjoyable panels. LMAO, it's so hard to plan ahead for these things since a lot of the activities and guests don't get announced until after it's too late to make reservations... so I just wanted to make sure I was getting in on something cool before I jumped on board.

LMAO @ "clutter that comes with elaborate cosplay..." Yes, that does happen, but it's all part of the fun, right?

I think I'm probably IN on this! As for traffic, I'll probably fly so shouldn't have to deal with too much of that. I could fly in on Thursday evening after work, do the con on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and head back on Monday... a nice little trip away from the day to day of my real life, soaking in the anime goodness. Thanks so much for the long replies and the info. I was hoping someone would have some good feedback and not just say "I've been before, it's fun" or something... So thanks, I think you've sold me on this one!

[Suiko Eiji]

I think I'm probably IN on this! As for traffic, I'll probably fly so shouldn't have to deal with too much of that. I could fly in on Thursday evening after work, do the con on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and head back on Monday...

You've obviously never been to Atlanta... more to come on this...

[Spirit]

Yes you should go to AWA. I had never been to an anime con until I went to AWA 10, and it was very impressive. I didn't get to see everything though.... I'll probably go this year since I have the time for it. I heard last year it was 25% bigger so that'll be great if it is just as big this year at AWA 12. It's still $20 to get in right?

[Suiko Eiji]

Concerning Atlanta traffic:

I highly recommend coming in Thursday afternoon and leaving on Monday. Mostly because rush hour(s) are typically shorter than on Friday. One problem with the location is that there is no good means of public transport nor easy way of getting up from the Airport. If you can rent a car (probably the best way), pending on when your flight arrives and you can get out of the Airport, it is a pretty straight shot from either of two interstates. But if you arrive too late in the afternoon (anytime after 4), one can expect about a hour or so of traffic moving through Atlanta. I don't recommend taking a taxi because of the cost of driving some 30 miles from SW ATL up to NW ATL. Airport shuttles, as far as I know, are right out.

Spirit, I think the 3-day Pre-Reg passes are up to $30, but single day door passes will probably be $20 a piece. If you are only going for one day, I suggest the door pass but if you are staying the weekend, I highly suggest the Pre-Reg passes.

[Milky Mixer]

According to their website, pre-Reg is currently $35 for the full 3 days or $25 for a single day.

Suiko, regarding traffic: well, I'd likely work Thursday and take an evening flight, plus factoring in the time zone change, I'm sure I wouldn't get there 'til after rush hour was long over. I'd probably just catch a cab to the hotel, since it looks like they don't offer a shuttle service. It's been a few years since I've taken a cab (and that was in Chicago) so I'm not sure what the standard fare would be in Atlanta, but I'm guessing I could swing it... check in Thursday night, hit the pre-reg if I have time, catch a drink in the bar, and up bright and early for the con. And after the hellish ACen checkout line on Sunday, I'm thinking staying over on Sunday night and catching an early afternoon flight on Monday (sleep in, skip morning rush hour) would be the way to go.

And hey, it looks like the guest list already includes a Viz editor!

[Suiko Eiji]

According to their website, pre-Reg is currently $35 for the full 3 days or $25 for a single day.

Suiko, regarding traffic: well, I'd likely work Thursday and take an evening flight, plus factoring in the time zone change, I'm sure I wouldn't get there 'til after rush hour was long over. I'd probably just catch a cab to the hotel, since it looks like they don't offer a shuttle service. It's been a few years since I've taken a cab (and that was in Chicago) so I'm not sure what the standard fare would be in Atlanta, but I'm guessing I could swing it... check in Thursday night, hit the pre-reg if I have time, catch a drink in the bar, and up bright and early for the con. And after the hellish ACen checkout line on Sunday, I'm thinking staying over on Sunday night and catching an early afternoon flight on Monday (sleep in, skip morning rush hour) would be the way to go.

And hey, it looks like the guest list already includes a Viz editor!


Yes, I think that would be a decent plan. Rush hour(s) on Thursday typically end between 7 and 7:30 provided there are no massive accidents. I've no idea what cab fares are, either, so best of luck. I also recommend a mid-late morning flight on Monday, not just so you miss morning rush but so hopefully you won't get stuck in Security lines. I say plan about an hour and half before flight to arrive at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, rush hour typically ends about 9:30 AM.

Thursday evening they have a badge pick-up for pre-reg guests, so you can skip the lines on Friday (hopefully). There are a couple of bars in the hotel, both are quite nice, plus some decent restaurants (well, mostly a Jocks and Jill's Sports Bar) to grab a bite should you be hungry.

Thanks for actually checking the costs.

[Milky Mixer]

Yeah, I noticed they had a restaurant and a sports bar. Anything else around within walking distance? Since I'm probably not going to rent a car or want to get out in traffic, I just thought I'd ask. I don't mind eating in the hotel restaurant the entire time I'm there if that's the way it goes...

[Suiko Eiji]

Cumberland Mall is right across the street (easy access over the highway), so I am sure there are a few restaurants there, but I'm not sure if its much more than typical mall eateries. I am sure there are a couple of other restaurants in the immediate area, so you won't have to eat hotel food the entire time. Though, most everything I can think of right off of the top of my head is a block or two or more; I'll have to do some more research on it.

[Milky Mixer]

Nah, you don't need to do any extra research. You've been fantastic with all of the info already. There's always pizza delivery, and mall food is ok too, but more than likely I won't wanna leave the con. At ACen, I planned my eating schedule around con activities I wanted to attend, with the occasional nap thrown in, but leaving and walking somewhere... there wasn't really time for that. I'll be fine with the hotel stuff, I'm sure.

[kiyomi]

Never been to one before..but since I only live a few hours south of ATL, guess I'll attend..thanks for the info you guys!!

[Suiko Eiji]

Awesome, the potential AN Meet and Greet looks like it'll be great.

[kiyomi]

Be afraid...be VERY afraid..

I'm bringing my frying pan.....

[Milky Mixer]

Ok, I tried to reserve a room at the Waverly and it's already completely full!!! I'm not sure about the spillover hotels... that just seems lame, that you can't even stay in the same hotel as the con. I mean, I understand things get booked and that maybe I'm jumping on the bandwagon too late, but this thing isn't until September! I wasn't planning on renting a car or having to deal with driving and parking (and paying for parking), since I know zilch about Atlanta. If I stay at a spillover hotel, do they provide shuttles to and from the con? Would I have to be leave to go back to my hotel at a certain time? Would I be missing the stuff going on in the late evening at the Waverly because I'm off in some other dumbass hotel? I'm kinda pissed. I mean, one of the things I liked about ACen was hanging out in the viewing rooms til 1, going back to my room and crashing whenever I wanted, and being able to get up and go whenever I wanted (yknow, I got up to catch stuff in the viewing rooms at like 5 or 6 am). This just feels really inconvenient, especially if I'm going to pay to travel all that way to go...

Thoughts?

EDIT: Was poking around on AWA's website and it looks like the spillover hotels are in 1/2 mile distance... so that's not too bad. Is it just like a cluster of hotels all kinda next to each other, with one actually attached to the convention center and the rest sorta surrounding it? I guess I would just walk over? I'm sorry to be such a nag about all this... Also, is there one you'd suggest over the others, in terms of being nice/closer/safer/offering something like a bar or restaurant/etc? Or do I just pick one? Heh!

[Suiko Eiji]

Ok, I tried to reserve a room at the Waverly and it's already completely full!!! I'm not sure about the spillover hotels... that just seems lame, that you can't even stay in the same hotel as the con. I mean, I understand things get booked and that maybe I'm jumping on the bandwagon too late, but this thing isn't until September! I wasn't planning on renting a car or having to deal with driving and parking (and paying for parking), since I know zilch about Atlanta. If I stay at a spillover hotel, do they provide shuttles to and from the con? Would I have to be leave to go back to my hotel at a certain time? Would I be missing the stuff going on in the late evening at the Waverly because I'm off in some other dumbass hotel? I'm kinda pissed. I mean, one of the things I liked about ACen was hanging out in the viewing rooms til 1, going back to my room and crashing whenever I wanted, and being able to get up and go whenever I wanted (yknow, I got up to catch stuff in the viewing rooms at like 5 or 6 am). This just feels really inconvenient, especially if I'm going to pay to travel all that way to go...

Thoughts?

EDIT: Was poking around on AWA's website and it looks like the spillover hotels are in 1/2 mile distance... so that's not too bad. Is it just like a cluster of hotels all kinda next to each other, with one actually attached to the convention center and the rest sorta surrounding it? I guess I would just walk over? I'm sorry to be such a nag about all this... Also, is there one you'd suggest over the others, in terms of being nice/closer/safer/offering something like a bar or restaurant/etc? Or do I just pick one? Heh!


Last year I stayed at the Sheraton Suites right across the street. The price was good for the room I got there, which was like a 6 or 700 sq.ft suite. I am sure they have smaller rooms available. I really like that hotel and I plan on staying again this year. Don't know too much about the Sheraton's food selection, though, I would usually do my eating at the con and my drinking either at the RenWaverly bar or in friends' rooms. The walk to the Sheraton isn't bad at all; there are a couple of safe spots to cross 41 at; a pack of friends and I did it about 5AM Sunday drinking constantly for the past six or seven hours.

I stayed at the Ren Waverly the year before, the rooms aren't fantastic for what you pay for (I actually think what the con-block rate goes for should be the market price for the room, but that's just me), but like you said, it's hard to beat the proximity.

[Milky Mixer]

Well, it's nice to indulge on vacation. I thought the hotel room I stayed in at ACen was fantastic. I didn't wanna come back home... hehe. But really, my only requirements are that it's clean, safe, and not a zillion miles from the con. I noticed the AWA site has the different hotels linked so I'm gonna browse around, look at the prices, look at the pictures. It sounds like most are pretty much right there in the same spot so I'm sure it'll be fine.

At first I thought, lord, I'm not going to want to take a taxi or a bus or something over to the con hotel from some hotel in downtown Atlanta... but this sounds like it's just walking distance which is totally cool with me. I'll scout their sites and make my reservations by this weekend.

Hehe, cool... I'm going to Georgia. For an anime convention. Hehe. Cool.

[Suiko Eiji]

At first I thought, lord, I'm not going to want to take a taxi or a bus or something over to the con hotel from some hotel in downtown Atlanta... but this sounds like it's just walking distance which is totally cool with me. I'll scout their sites and make my reservations by this weekend.

That's actually the one thing I like about AWA - they're not in downtown ATL. The mailing district is still Atlanta, I believe, but the CObb Galleria is on the fringe of the suburbs, so the walk isn't bad either in terms of distance or safety. The one main problem, I think, is the distance from the main airport. Of course, the hotels and convention centers at the airport were nowhere near as large or nice as the RenWaverly and Galleria.

Hehe, cool... I'm going to Georgia. For an anime convention. Hehe. Cool.

We're glad to have you!

[Milky Mixer]

I'm looking forward to it.
Again, thanks for all of the tips!

[Khorell Nataz]

Well now I have to admit Suiko certainly has all the info. I'd just like to add that it was a pretty cool con and I enjoyed it. I'd just moved to Atlanta and I live like 3 minutes away so I had to check it out. It was well worth and I hope you enjoy it when you attend it.

I had planned to attend the AN meet and greet but I guess I missed it. Anyways good luck and I hope to see you and everyone else there Milky!

On a side note the solid snake box and "need gil 4 phoneix down" peeps ruled. Not to mention the giant Al...it scared me....

[Milky Mixer]

I reserved my hotel room... hoohoo! I'm going to Georgia.
I suppose I need to register for the con, as well. :P

[Suiko Eiji]

Awesome, hope you enjoy you're little piece of Georgia when you're here. Look forward to seeing you at the con.

[Milky Mixer]

I'm sure it's gonna be a good time...
Thanks again for the tips, Suiko Eiji.

[Suiko Eiji]

No problem!

[kiyomi]

all right peeps..looking forward to meeting those of you who are going..this is gonna be interesting..*snicker*

[Khorell Nataz]

Hey check out these photos for those who didn't go. Many are kind of crappy but perhaps all of you might like em:

AWA Photos (http://photos.yahoo.com/ph/themadmanbunji/slideshow?.dir=/436c&.src=ph)

[Suiko Eiji]

Nice photo album; most of mine are on another computer, so I can't post the few I have to add to that. Here are some worth mentioning (to me at least):

Slide 2: HEY THAT'S MY FRIEND!
Slide 7: Fails Hard
Slide 32: I think that's another friend of mine!
Slide 67: I went to school with a guy who knows that guy...
Slide 70: AWA used to have their speakers in the main room designed like that years ago, it makes for a good, humor cosplay.

[miakarayne]

Awesome, the potential AN Meet and Greet looks like it'll be great.
On this particular topic; AnimeNation is planning on attending AWA this year. If you all would like to arrange a Meet and Greet among forum members, feel free to make a time and date during the convention that works for you all. You can meet at our booth in the dealer room, or, once AN panel information is available, you could all plan to attend it. This would make for a great gathering!

I, personally, look forward to seeing you all there this September!

[Suiko Eiji]

On this particular topic; AnimeNation is planning on attending AWA this year. If you all would like to arrange a Meet and Greet among forum members, feel free to make a time and date during the convention that works for you all. You can meet at our booth in the dealer room, or, once AN panel information is available, you could all plan to attend it. This would make for a great gathering!

I, personally, look forward to seeing you all there this September!

I think it would be great if we could plan something after the DR closes so you workers can relax a little bit with us. Also, see if you can't get John to come again, I missed him last year and wanted to say hi.

[kiyomi]

On this particular topic; AnimeNation is planning on attending AWA this year. If you all would like to arrange a Meet and Greet among forum members, feel free to make a time and date during the convention that works for you all. You can meet at our booth in the dealer room, or, once AN panel information is available, you could all plan to attend it. This would make for a great gathering!

I, personally, look forward to seeing you all there this September!

Woooooooooooooo-hoooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!

This means I get to smack all the mods and admins from AN!!!! :devil:

Gonna be a hot time in the old city~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ :P

[Milky Mixer]

So Anime Nation is going to have a dealer's booth setup? That's pretty cool!

[Scandiadream]

AWA is my favorite convention ever. It is the best. Totally worth it.

[miakarayne]

I would like to emphasize the word "planning". We plan on attending and having a dealer booth and panel(s). Tentative plans since September is still far off for us. More solid plans will be provided when they come available.

[Suiko Eiji]

^That's fine, but we know now that if you are planning on coming, it might be best to try and plan something in the evening so the AN workers will have a chance to attend and not be swamped by customers.

Just something we can all try to plan together. All this talk about the con has gotten me so excited and it's only June :cries:

[Khorell Nataz]

Agreed....as it was my first time going last year I was a little cautious. Now I am ready to cut loose and have fun at the next one! Perhaps I might try my hand at a bit of cosplay though I don't know who I would go as.

[kiyomi]

I'm gonna go there as a nun..scare the beegezus out of everyone..

[Milky Mixer]

FYI - For anyone (like myself) who is going to be flying in for the Atlanta con...

I've been told that taking a taxi from the airport to the con center area will probably run about $100 one way (this came from a coworker of mine who is from Georgia).

It looks like there's a shuttle transport service from the airport to the con center and all area hotels that runs $25 one way or $40 two ways. More info can be found here: http://www.galleriadirect.net/

I am going to call my hotel to confirm all of this, but just thought I'd post the info as I maneuver through planning my own trip.

[kiyomi]

Thanks MM!! good info to pass along and to have!

[Suiko Eiji]

Yeah, I knew it would be expensive, but I didn't think it would be that expensive!

[Milky Mixer]

Although AWA's website says the airport is only 17 miles away from the convention area, my coworker said there's no way... so I don't know. He talked like the convention center and the airport were on opposite ends of Atlanta (one being north, one being south)... but I have no idea, really. Anyway, I'm probably going to take the shuttle just to make it easier on myself and to not be surprised by some ridiculous cab fare when I get to the hotel, yknow? I'm probably going to buy my airplane tickets tonight... which is gonna be pricey already. But once I know more about the shuttle stuff (like I said, I am going to call the hotel just to verify) I'll post what I find out for anyone who is planning to fly in (and might be lurking but not posting).

I suppose I should actually register for the convetion, too... :P
I need to write my check out and mail it in.

Hey, I am also thinking of entering the AMV contest. I've only made one AMV before, am currently working on my 2nd one, but what the heck - I might as well give it a shot, just for fun, right? If nothing else, at least my AMV will be shown at some point during the con (or so the website says).

[Suiko Eiji]

(one being north, one being south)

Actually, that's exactly right. That's why I advised perhaps renting a car or somethig, but if you can get a shuttle up from the airport to the Galleria and back, then that would be best.

The 17 mile is probably straight across a map; not accounting for actually how one would follow the highways. I work in downtown and pass the exit that the Galleria's at and that's probably in the 15 mi range. Actaully taking the highway through the city would probably up that rage to about 30; perhaps longer if one took the Perimeter.

I've never entered the AMV contest but I say go for it; though I think the deadline is coming up here in a couple of weeks.

[Milky Mixer]

Yeah, that's what my coworker said...

As for the AMV contest... the cutoff dates on their website are:
Expo Contest: Deadline August 26
Pro Contest: Deadline July 25

I'm about 1/3 done. Of course, I have no idea if these dates are accurate, and I am unable to join their forum. I've registered twice, using different email addresses, and I never receive email confirmation so I can activate my account. I've tried emailing the admin and keep getting returned mail error, too, so I'm guessing their email is dorked up? Man, I hope this is not a sign of things to come... I really wanna have fun at the con!

Oh, and I bought my airline tickets last night... Should arrive Thursday afternoon (I just took the whole day off work). Figure I can pick up my badge and knock around a bit in the evening, then be ready to go first thing Friday when the con starts!

[Suiko Eiji]

Yeah, that's what my coworker said...

As for the AMV contest... the cutoff dates on their website are:
Expo Contest: Deadline August 26
Pro Contest: Deadline July 25

They're pretty serious about the dates and deadlines and such; sometimes leeway is granted, sometimes not.

I'm about 1/3 done. Of course, I have no idea if these dates are accurate, and I am unable to join their forum. I've registered twice, using different email addresses, and I never receive email confirmation so I can activate my account. I've tried emailing the admin and keep getting returned mail error, too, so I'm guessing their email is dorked up? Man, I hope this is not a sign of things to come... I really wanna have fun at the con!

It's possible the forums are dorked up; I registered only one year for the forums and hardly ever went to them. I remember the User Name but no password or anything like that, so I don't think I could go and check it. If the forums are dorked up, then there's nothing we can do; besides, at this stage of the game, they'll probably keep the rules set in stone unless it gets them into trouble somewhere towards that date. If this is nothing new, then it won't effect the general running of the con.

Oh, and I bought my airline tickets last night... Should arrive Thursday afternoon (I just took the whole day off work). Figure I can pick up my badge and knock around a bit in the evening, then be ready to go first thing Friday when the con starts!

Sounds like a plan to me!

[Milky Mixer]

Nah, I won't have a problem getting my AMV to them on time. Especially if it's not due until July... I'll probably have it done by next weekend, if I can get a little time to work on it some more. I'm not sure how confident I am about entering it in a contest or how good it's all coming together, but what the heck, right? If the song fits the footage and the footage is carefully picked and coincides with the song, then I don't need a bunch of bells and whistles and flashy effects, right?

I'm just entering for the fun/hell of it anyway, heh!

As for the forum, I really just wanted to join so I could ask more questions about the con (as they come to me)... I was just kinda surprised that their email wasn't working. But they have a whole list of different email addys so I sent an email to the info addy and haven't got a returned undeliverable mail message. So I guess we'll see... Yeah, I probably won't post there much, but it'd be nice to be able to ask some questions to the folks running the show if I need to...

[Milky Mixer]

Ok, someone from the forum emailed me and I'm able to post over at AWA now. Evidently AOL thinks AWA's emails are spammy.

[Suiko Eiji]

Ok, someone from the forum emailed me and I'm able to post over at AWA now. Evidently AOL thinks AWA's emails are spammy.

Kind of odd, but I can't say I blame them.

[Rurouni Saiyan]

I'll be there this year. I plan on going as either Bob Makihara from Tenjho Tenge or Baki Hanma from Baki the Grappler.

[Catalyst-40]

An anime convention in Atlanta? Interesting. I've never been to such a convention before. Maybe it would be fun.

[Milky Mixer]

Ahhh, I'm so bummed...

The Phoenix Anime Festival has announced that Tsutomu Nihei, creator of Blame! and the author/writer of Marvel's Wolverine: Snikt, will attend the December event as a guest of honor.

Why couldn't he be going to Atlanta?? I love Blame! Man, I hope we get some cool guests... or I'll be wishing I had waited and gone to Phoenix. Heh!

[demonic]

Although I'm not too sure how the guest lineup will be, I'm definitely looking forward to AWA again. I drove about 12 hours to this con last year and came home extremly satisfied. Eventhough we were sent to an overflow hotel, it was probably one of the nicest hotel rooms I've ever stayed at. I can't wait to go again this year.

[Suiko Eiji]

The one thing I've liked about a lot of AWA Industry guests is that they tend to have more of the "behind-the-scenes" type of people in addition to VAs and the upfront marketing types. In one respect, it's bad because there aren't very many higher profile manga-ka or directors or such like that very often, but at the same time, Niel Nadelman has hosted panels and such about the nitty-gritty of anime translation.

[Milky Mixer]

Heh, well, I'm sure I'm going to have a blast regardless of the guest list... and I also enjoy as much the behind-the-scenes type guests as the VA's or whatever. But man, I love Blame!, I was just thinking it would be really cool to meet Tsutomu Nihei! But I think going to a con in December would be completely out of the question. Ah well, Demonic says he drove 12 hours to go to Anime Weekend Atlanta and didn't regret it, so I'm certain it'll be worth the few hours of flyin' I'll be doing to get there.

[Milky Mixer]

Hurrah! I have finished my AMV! I'll be mailing it off to AWA on Monday...

Man, I got my plane ticket, my hotel reservation, I've sent in my registration, and now I've got my AMV done. I guess the only thing left to do now is... pack. Heh! Nah, I think I'll wait til September gets here to do that. I do still need to check up on transit from the airport to the hotel, but other than that... I can just kick back and look forward to the con!

I wonder if any additonal guests will be announced, perhaps closed to the con date? It seems like a lot of guest announcements have been happening lately, but for other cons, not AWA. Maybe they'll sneak a few surprises in as the con gets closer...? Like I said before, I don't really go just for the guests and if it's someone TOO huge (like CLAMP at Anime Expo or whatever), I doubt I'd want to stand in line for 3 hours to get an autograph anyway... :P But I'd love if they could get someone linked to GitS in some form (that's what my AMV is, by the way... a kickass actiony GitS video... well, it turned out alright for an amateur, heh!).

[Suiko Eiji]

I'm telling you, it cannot come fast enough for me.

[Khorell Nataz]

Indeed...I'm also looking forward to it. To think a con, 3 minutes away lol...a dream come true...again!

[Milky Mixer]

I don't know, the Events Director posting over at the AWA message board seems kinda snotty... I thought this con was supposed to have all that legendary Southern hospitality to it... ;)

Here's the guest list so far, in case anyone is curious:

Luci Christian - VA
Lauren Goodnight - VA
Vic Mignogna - VA
Sasha Paysinger - VA
Monica Rial - VA
Jennifer Sekiguchi - VA
Travis Willingham - VA
Amy Howard Wilson - VA
Robert and Emily DeJesus (Studio Capsule)
Fred Perry (Gold Digger)
Carl Gustav Horn (Viz and Dark Horse editor)
Neil Nadelman - translator
David Williams - ADV director and producer
Peelander-Z - "band" (this looks more like a spoof to me, but whatever)

So far I'm not incredibly impressed, though I don't really put the guest list at the top of my priorities for the convention. I can be content just checking out the viewing rooms or scoping things out in the dealer's hall. I'd rather see more industry folks with cool "inside scoops" than the VAs anyway, but I made a remark/suggestion that I tend to buy less ADV dvds and thought it would be nice if the VA guest list had some diversity to it (nothing against Monica Rial, but is she like at every con or what?). I also don't like the way ADV seems to be trying to "sell" their female VAs as this group of hotties, like they're the "ladies of ADV" - gimme a break, they're Voice Actresses - but I have issues with ADV anyway. So I guess my whole point was I just mentioned I'd like to see some VAs from Geneon or Bandai and I feel like the reply was a bit short. But maybe I'm just misreading him and he's just putting the info out there. But then again, quoting the rules on guests "before they'll ever think to consider them" seemed kinda snottish. But oh well... I'm sure this person is probably working very hard to put together a nice con for everyone.

I also got my register confirmation in the mail yesterday... cool, cool! I'm mailing my AMV out this week. Now I just gotta coordinate getting from the airport to the hotel and I'm set.

[Suiko Eiji]

To be completely honest, Nadelman is my favorite person on the guest list (well, actually, Carl Gustav Horn's panels are good, too). AWA does seem a little more overloaded with VAs than usual, but VAs do make up the majority of guests who attend. And I guess most of the con likes them there, otherwise they probably wouldn't keep inviting so many of them back.

[Milky Mixer]

Here's the finalized guest list, with the red guests being folks added since I posted the previous list:

Keitarou Arima - creator of Tsukuyomi - Moon Phase
Masahiro Aizawa - character designer and director
Luci Christian - VA
Lauren Goodnight - VA
Vic Mignogna - VA
Sasha Paysinger - VA
Monica Rial - VA
Jennifer Sekiguchi - VA
Michael Sinterniklass - VA
Travis Willingham - VA
Amy Howard Wilson - VA
Robert and Emily DeJesus (Studio Capsule)
Fred Perry (Gold Digger)
Carl Gustav Horn (Viz and Dark Horse editor)
Neil Nadelman - translator
David Williams - ADV director and producer
Peelander-Z - "band" (this looks more like a spoof to me, but whatever)
Tsu Shi Ma Mi Re - band

I have to say, I am somewhat underwhelmed by the guest list, especially since in addition to Tsutomu Nihei coming to the Phoenix con, Yoshitoshi ABe is also supposed to be coming to a US con. Wow, they'd both be incredible guests... imo, anyway. Tsu Shi Ma Mi Re was at Anime Central this year and I didn't go see them then. And I don't know about the Moon Phase manga-ka either. Not that it's a massive deal to me who the guests are, and I actually would probably hate waiting in a long line to get ABe's autograph or something (though if he had a panel, I'd be all over that!), but I just felt the lineup seemed a little bit of the same ol' same ol'. Monica Rial... again... But Suiko Eiji, your assurances that the US industry folks tend to be pretty strong at AWA will keep me happy. I might be cheesy, but I like going to, say, the Dark Horse panel and hearing what they've got waiting in the wings. I find that interesting and sometimes their enthusiasm about their upcoming projects will turn me onto something I might have otherwise passed up on. So I guess ultimately, though I woulda loved Nihei and ABe since they're two of my faves and I might be kicking myself for missing out on them (how often do they come to cons, anyway), I'm not screaming and crying since I know the con will be good anyway. (Would it have killed them to get Mary Elizabeth McGlynn or Richard Epcar though, hehe, big GitS fan here!)

Just a little over a month away. I'm excited, except for the whole "can't bring toothpaste on an airplane anymore" crud I have to figure out. Also still need to figure out about that transport from the airport to the hotel. Maybe I'll call about that this week!

[Suiko Eiji]

though I woulda loved Nihei and ABe since they're two of my faves and I might be kicking myself for missing out on them

I'm still kicking myself for missing Watsuki Nobuhiro at AX in 2002, so I can understand the feeling.

I don't know anything about Tsu Shi Ma Mi Re; I don't know if they're another parody type act like Peelander Z or if they are a more "serious" act. Aizawa-san is about the only one who's done any series I like, so I suppose my outright favorites to see are Mr. Nadelman and Mr. Horn.

Also, I think you can keep toothpaste and such in your checked bag (along with all of the other newly banned items) but not in carry-ons. However, I'll admit, I've been lack-lusterly paying attention to the ban-hammer listings.

[Scandiadream]

I don't know if to change my costume line-up. I will be wearing the exact same costumes to Amano's World a month later, so I do not know if it would be too redundant. But I have not shown off Terra or Rosa at AWA yet.

[Milky Mixer]

I'm still kicking myself for missing Watsuki Nobuhiro at AX in 2002, so I can understand the feeling.

I don't know anything about Tsu Shi Ma Mi Re; I don't know if they're another parody type act like Peelander Z or if they are a more "serious" act. Aizawa-san is about the only one who's done any series I like, so I suppose my outright favorites to see are Mr. Nadelman and Mr. Horn.

Also, I think you can keep toothpaste and such in your checked bag (along with all of the other newly banned items) but not in carry-ons. However, I'll admit, I've been lack-lusterly paying attention to the ban-hammer listings.

I'm going to doublecheck the flight rules closer to when I leave. Typically I'd just take a carryon bag with me, but with all of this banning of hairgel and stuff, it sounds like I'm going to have to check my bag. Oh well, I guess that means I can just bring a bigger bag to fit more goodies in from the dealers room, right? But yeah... it hopefully won't be too much of a pain.

AND FYI FOR ANYONE FLYING IN FOR THE CON: I checked with Galleria Direct... http://www.galleriadirect.net/ ...regarding their transportation services. Called them this morning. It's 40 bucks roundtrip. They offer reservations on their website, but I called to see if they were required and they are not. The gentleman on the phone told me you just go to ground transportation at the airport and they are "green island 13 and 14." Sounds like they run pretty much all day, from 7 am to 10 or 12 at night or something like that... Hope the info is helpful to anyone else who isn't a "Georgia native."

[Suiko Eiji]

Hope the info is helpful to anyone else who isn't a "Georgia native."

Careful how you word that; you just described all of the out-of-towners and 60% of the Metro Atlanta area. :lol:

[Milky Mixer]

No offense intended toward anyone... But I haven't been to Georgia in years and certainly don't know my way around. I guess I should have said "Anyone who is flying in from other parts of the country." :P

[Suiko Eiji]

No offense intended toward anyone... But I haven't been to Georgia in years and certainly don't know my way around. I guess I should have said "Anyone who is flying in from other parts of the country." :P

No offense taken; a lot of people just don't realize that while most parts of the South have people who were born when cousins married in a certain area and stay their most of their lives there, Atlanta is made up of people from not only all over the country but all over the world.

[kiyomi]

Thank God I don't have to fly up for this event. When is it again??

And look forward to meeting all you guys.

[Suiko Eiji]

September 22-24, Fri-Sun. I look forward to seeing everyone, too in just under a month!

[Milky Mixer]

Less than a month, hurrah! I'm not very good at meeting new people (and certainly don't want to have to duke it out with Kiyomi over Batou, har har!) but is there an Anime Nation meet n' greet set up? Anymore word on if AN is going to have a booth at the con?

[Suiko Eiji]

There's been talk of one before; I think most of the forum members who will be at the con are up for it; I think we are waiting on the AN staff to see if they will have a table at the con. If we do hold a forum meeting, then I think we should certainly invite them as well.

Do you suppose that a seperate thread specifically about a forum meet would be an abuse of an otherwise mildly active sub-forum?

[Scandiadream]

The AWA location is extremely easy to find. It is right off an interstate exit. I stay at a hotel 5 minutes away because I'm too stingy to stay at the con's one- plus it has free breakfast.

And I have not heard whether they received my music video or not.

[Milky Mixer]

The AWA location is extremely easy to find. It is right off an interstate exit. I stay at a hotel 5 minutes away because I'm too stingy to stay at the con's one- plus it has free breakfast.

And I have not heard whether they received my music video or not.

I haven't heard if they received my music video either. :crybaby:

[Michael]

I've never really cared for AWA. Been to a number of them, but with large groups of friends who pretty much spent the entire day having to make our own fun. Just a personal thing-- but I have very little interest in the stateside anime industry.

Since I live locally, it's an easy con to go to just to get out of the house. I don't see $35 and gas a bad investment to hang out with friends and make our own fun, considering we never really had much related to the con itself anyway. Guess conventions aren't really our thing. :p

P.S. Anime Hell is completely worth going to, if they even still do it.

Probably not going to make it this year though. I spent all my money going to Otakon. MUCC as a musical guest was completely worth driving from Atlanta to Baltimore to see. I'm hoping AWA will eventually become large enough to host some really great guests, musical or otherwise. Best they've ever had, in my opinion, was Mari Iijima. And she pretty much got torn apart by the avid Macross fans when she wanted to promote her own solo career. The next year, she didn't make it, and claimed 9/11 and fears of terrorism as her reasons. So she says. I believe otherwise. :p

[Suiko Eiji]

P.S. Anime Hell is completely worth going to, if they even still do it.

Yeah, Hell is still going strong; they keep filling up the main room with it, why would they stop? It's been followed by Midnight Madness now for,what, five years? Maybe 4 Years; not quite as funny as Hell, but still just as good.

Best they've ever had, in my opinion, was Mari Iijima. And she pretty much got torn apart by the avid Macross fans when she wanted to promote her own solo career. The next year, she didn't make it, and claimed 9/11 and fears of terrorism as her reasons. So she says. I believe otherwise. :p

Yeah, we tore her apart so bad she came back two years ago. It took her a while since her appearence at AWA 6 but she finally made it back.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v304/Akaisuisei/Misc/MyselfandIijimaMari-san.jpg

Three weeks away!

[AnImEmAnIaC]

ok i have HUGE question about tickets...on awa-con.com they have an online membership thing...and i was wondering whether...if you sign up for this membership if you get tickets for all 3 days for the price you pay for the membership? or how do you get tickets before the convention? cuz i REALLY do NOT want to pay $45 to go all three days and $35 (which is the fee for online membership) for all three days would be a much better deal....so someone help me out here PLEASE...

[Suiko Eiji]

ok i have HUGE question about tickets...on awa-con.com they have an online membership thing...and i was wondering whether...if you sign up for this membership if you get tickets for all 3 days for the price you pay for the membership? or how do you get tickets before the convention? cuz i REALLY do NOT want to pay $45 to go all three days and $35 (which is the fee for online membership) for all three days would be a much better deal....so someone help me out here PLEASE...

Yes, all advanced memberships are for the entire weekend, essentially a three-day pass. Usually though, by the beginning of August, the online/pre-registration memberships are closed for processing reasons...

Ack, I take that back - online registration is good until Tuesday, the sixth. Or, you can pre-reg this weekend at Dragon*Con if you'll happen to be down there.

Pre-Reg is always a deal and I especially like the tiered systems where the earlier you get your stuff together the cheaper you pay. You can register on Sunday this year for next year's con for like $15 for all three days.

[Suki]

Announcement


I cannot make it to AWA due to school.

[Milky Mixer]

Only 2 weeks to go...

Yesterday I was sitting here at work (I know, I'm such a slacker) struggling to make it through the day and I thought, "Man, 2 weeks from now I'll be on a plane..." I guess today the thought is, "Man, 2 weeks from now I'll be in the goodness of the anime con." I can't wait to get away from here for a few days!

[Suiko Eiji]

Yesterday I was sitting here at work (I know, I'm such a slacker) struggling to make it through the day

Each and every day I spend on Office Space: The Ride known as my current job assignment is a relief, so I know exactly where you are coming from.

And look at it this way, you at least have the entire weekend off; I'll still have to come in for a half day on Friday! Speaking of which, I might want to tell that to my boss today...

[Milky Mixer]

Each and every day I spend on Office Space: The Ride known as my current job assignment is a relief, so I know exactly where you are coming from.

And look at it this way, you at least have the entire weekend off; I'll still have to come in for a half day on Friday! Speaking of which, I might want to tell that to my boss today...

I'm taking off Thursday (flying out to Atlanta that day), Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday (flying back), and Tuesday (recovering). It will be a wonderful break, but it'll go by too quickly and all that plane-hopping... not exactly the choicest way to spend a day off. But yknow, it's better than being in a cube.

[Suiko Eiji]

I'm taking off Thursday (flying out to Atlanta that day), Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday (flying back), and Tuesday (recovering). It will be a wonderful break, but it'll go by too quickly and all that plane-hopping... not exactly the choicest way to spend a day off. But yknow, it's better than being in a cube.

Yeah, I just asked my boss if my half-day would cause any problems and he said it wouldn't, so I'll live in my cube for about four or five hours on Friday and then head up to the con about lunchtime.

And, since The AN Staff (http://www.animenation.net/forums/showthread.php?t=196264) isn't attending, I suppose if anyone is interested in an AN Meet and Greet at AWA, we should set something up.

New thread or should it stay here? I'm leaning against new thread...

[Milky Mixer]

Probably a new thread would get more attention. I might be up for a meet and greet, just depends on how caught up I am in the convention activities. Plus I'm a shy/anxious guy, not so good at meeting new people so yeah, I could just chicken out too. Heh. If I'm a no-show, no one be mad at me. -_-;

[AnImEmAnIaC]

bwahahahaha i only have to travel an hour down from college to my house in sandy springs..then the cobb galleria is only 5 mins from there :-D and it's funny how they continue to call it "Anime Weekend in Atlanta" when truly...since the part of town i live in has just recently been given citiship...the event SHOULD be called "Anime Weekend in Sandy Springs" ;)

[Suiko Eiji]

bwahahahaha i only have to travel an hour down from college to my house in sandy springs..then the cobb galleria is only 5 mins from there :-D and it's funny how they continue to call it "Anime Weekend in Atlanta" when truly...since the part of town i live in has just recently been given citiship...the event SHOULD be called "Anime Weekend in Sandy Springs" ;)

Until they get a new contract out of the Galleria... :lol:

[Milky Mixer]

FYI... It was worth attending. :naughty:

[Suiko Eiji]

FYI... It was worth attending. :naughty:

Awesome, glad you had a good time.