Anime Central '07

[KitsuneMaryohki]

...Is all I can think about! I'm going. Anyone else? *squee*

[hiei_kurama27]

Im going to try getting there again this year seeing it is it's 10th anniversary. I went last year, and it was fun.

[KitsuneMaryohki]

whee! someone posted! It'll be my 1st Acen *excitement*

[Lady Vader]

Man Id love to be there again, but Im not sure if I'll make it, I have a wicked Con list this year!!

[Animexcel]

I draw the website art for ACen :P
So, I'll be there.

[Milky Mixer]

I wanted to go, but I've got a friend's wedding the same weekend and can't really skip out on that... so I'm going to Anime Boston instead. Woulda liked to have seen Jan Scott Frazier again, her panel was really interesting (despite it not really having much to do with anime). So far the Anime Boston guestlist isn't wowing me, but I know last year they had Mary Elizabeth McGlynn and Richard Epcar so I'm crossing my fingers they return this year. I'll be back for ACen again next year, for sure!

[Kaoru-sama]

Yeah, I'm going.

This'll be my fourth year down in Chi-town. Always look forward to this convention, even if I don't know a soul down there.

'Animexcel', nice job with the site graphics too.

[Tonyx35]

I really want to try and go this year. I live within the area but I've just never went to a con before.

I'm going to send my pre-registration form out soon-_-; I'm going to try attending on the weekend. Even though I scanned through the Acen website and forums

I still have a few questions:

1) What time should I arrive at the Convention Center?
2) What time does the con usually die down for each day?
3) where do they usually setup the Information Center or do they handout a program guide or site map?


Any other assistance/suggestions for this first timer would be greatly appreciated :)

[hiei_kurama27]

Show up whenever you want, cons usually start early on Fridays. ACen is a 24-hour con and doesnt stop running til Sunday evening. There is stuff to during the night, so I dont think it dies down much. (I wouldn't know though. Im usually sleeping then.)

The information center will be in the Stephen Donald Convention Center where the registration-line, dealers room, and artist alley is located. They do hand out a bag of pamphlets, a color-paged guide and a map.

Other events take place in the Hyatt (game rooms, panels, masq, etc etc). Take a camera. There were some really awesome cosplays there last year, so you might find someone you want a pic of.

P.S. To AN: Please attends this year, that would be so awesome.

[Tonyx35]

Thank you hiei_kurama27 for the information. :)

It just that I wouldn't want to come in too early and find the door closed (or see no one else around) or come to later in the Morning and find that I missed some fun programs/ activies -_-;

[Abhwarriornut]

Well, You've got me curious, where is this con!!!

[Tonyx35]

I just got finished reviewing my registration form...
and I have yet another question -_-;

How should I fill in my "Badge Name" ?
Should I user my Real name (full name ?) or will a Nickname be alright?

Thanks again for helping out this foolish first timer-_-;

[hiei_kurama27]

In the 'badge name' slot you can fill in a nickname, like Tonyx35 or anything you want. On the badge itself will be:

Badge Name
Real Name
Badge Number

My badge name is always 'Katsuya-kun'. ^_^

[CyberNinja5]

I might be going with about 10 friends. Don't know how we are gonna get there tho I am the only one who can drive as of right now.

[tater salad]

http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=153378200&albumID=0&imageID=1837363740
Looks like there's something else going on as well
2 BIG cons in three days and in my home town of Chicago...can't get no better.

[KitsuneMaryohki]

Well, You've got me curious, where is this con!!!

Chicago <3.

[Animexcel]

Rosemont, IL

[Killua]

http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=153378200&albumID=0&imageID=1837363740
Looks like there's something else going on as well
2 BIG cons in three days and in my home town of Chicago...can't get no better.

?? What's that??
It didn't work.

[KitsuneMaryohki]

Rosemont, IL

that too. I keep forgetting the name of Rosemont.

[HUMAN0ID75]

1) What time should I arrive at the Convention Center?

These are the hours for the dealers room/artist alley this year.

Friday 9:00 AM-7:00 PM
Saturday 8:00 AM-6:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 AM-4:00 PM

This will be my 3rd year at the con, and 3rd year in Artist Alley. I'm excited about having so many hours to sell. This may be the last year I can do AA at Acen, possibly the last year I can attend.


2) What time does the con usually die down for each day?

It doesn't die down til people started leaving on sunday. LITERALLY. the first year I went I met some people to stay with (long and funny story ha) and ended up hanging out with them both night around the game room til 1-2am before we went back to the room and nothing was really died then.

And there's always the rave on Saturday night, which my friends last year (we had like 15 in one room HA) well half those people were at the rave til 6-7am. about an hour later I was getting up to go set up my table.

hopefully that puts it in some perspective, you decide when the day is over for you. My friend AJ chugs energy drinks and caffiene pills and stays up from when he gets there friday til when he leaves on sunday. no joke.

3) where do they usually setup the Information Center or do they handout a program guide or site map?

You get a bag with the program and booklets and all that through registration. Which this year you can get your badge mailed to you if you pre reg for like $2 extra or somethign like, so you don't even have to wait in the reg lines.

Acen is a great con.


There's a big list of guests on Acen.org so check that out if you haven't.

And to all who are going. Be sure to check out Studio Night Flower's table in the artist alley!!!!! (and buy something from me too! ha)



Seeya there,
~Hannah
Studio Night Flower

[Animexcel]

Oh hey Hannah! You're on here too I see lol

Jason

[Tonyx35]

1) What time should I arrive at the Convention Center?

These are the hours for the dealers room/artist alley this year.

Friday 9:00 AM-7:00 PM
Saturday 8:00 AM-6:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 AM-4:00 PM

This will be my 3rd year at the con, and 3rd year in Artist Alley. I'm excited about having so many hours to sell. This may be the last year I can do AA at Acen, possibly the last year I can attend.


2) What time does the con usually die down for each day?

It doesn't die down til people started leaving on sunday. LITERALLY. the first year I went I met some people to stay with (long and funny story ha) and ended up hanging out with them both night around the game room til 1-2am before we went back to the room and nothing was really died then.

And there's always the rave on Saturday night, which my friends last year (we had like 15 in one room HA) well half those people were at the rave til 6-7am. about an hour later I was getting up to go set up my table.

hopefully that puts it in some perspective, you decide when the day is over for you. My friend AJ chugs energy drinks and caffiene pills and stays up from when he gets there friday til when he leaves on sunday. no joke.

3) where do they usually setup the Information Center or do they handout a program guide or site map?

You get a bag with the program and booklets and all that through registration. Which this year you can get your badge mailed to you if you pre reg for like $2 extra or somethign like, so you don't even have to wait in the reg lines.

Acen is a great con.


There's a big list of guests on Acen.org so check that out if you haven't.

And to all who are going. Be sure to check out Studio Night Flower's table in the artist alley!!!!! (and buy something from me too! ha)



Seeya there,
~Hannah
Studio Night Flower

Thanks for the info :D This will definately help me plan my trip there... I'll also try and check out the table in the Artist Alley, If I don't get lost first-_-;

[KitsuneMaryohki]

I hope some Japanese guests get announced soon!

[Animexcel]

I hope so too, the last couple years have been disappointing.

[Killua]

ACEN is awesome =)
I'm going to be in the Artist Alley this year so stop by XD

Anyway, this is the tenth anniversary for ACEN, I wonder what the celebration will be like.

[Samurai Drifter]

I'll probably be there for a day or two (it will actually be my birthday).

[Open_Get]

I shall make an appearance!

[Samurai Drifter]

So, do you think we could get some sort of AN meetup going?

[Nialo931]

I'll be there as well, snagged myself a group room with buddies.

[KitsuneMaryohki]

IT'S TOMORROW!!!!!

Well, not really. It's actually two days from now. But I still say it's tomorrow! Because I'm leaving tomorrow and I won't have internet access until it's over. <3!

[Nialo931]

I'll have internet if they have Wi Fi in the hotel, but yes its so close now and its going to kick ***! Me and my buddies are going to meet at our college COD early in the morning and head out there! Sadly I've decided not to put on any big cosplays this year, too much hassle and the weather is so hot that it'd be hell with all the layers even if the Convention is inside...

Who all has a room reserved?

[Samurai Drifter]

COD? Are you referring to College of Dupage, perchance? If so, I used to live in the neighborhood right next to it.

[Nialo931]

COD? Are you referring to College of Dupage, perchance? If so, I used to live in the neighborhood right next to it.

Yes actually I am. I'm finishing up my first year there come May 12th. I live in the Roselle area by Bloomingdale. College of Dupage, great place for poor students, Lol.

[Nialo931]

The Con is tomorrow! EXCITEMENT! I will be there possibly for part of friday as Miroku and the rest of the weekend in casual clothes. Look for the short white guy with long black hair and a beard with a name tag that says "Kanada-jin" and thats me, or look for someone in a giant Pikachu costume, I know that person. Hope too see some of you there even if ya don't know it and that everyone enjoys their time at Acen. Lets laugh at Narutards a plenty and enjoy the booths.

[Samurai Drifter]

Heading over there late tonight, possibly early tomorrow. Look for a blond haired guy with glasses dressed as either Kisuke Urahara or in normal clothes. The badge will say "Samurai Drifter."

[ZeroRyoko1974]

Just saw this on ANN
Funimation has informed ANN that it will be bringing several upcoming releases to Anime Central this weekend and selling them at its booth before they are available in stores.

All of the DVDs will be available at Funimation's booth on Friday, May 11. The sales will be handled by a Transworld outlet.

The available DVDs will be the following:
Afro Samurai: Spike Version (street date May 22)
Afro Samurai: Director's Cut (street date May 22)
Free exclusive Afro sticker with purchase of any Afro Samurai DVD
Dragonball Z Season 2 (street date May 22)
MoonPhase Volume 6 (street date May 15)
Tsubasa Starter Set (street date May 22)
Tsubasa Volume 1 (street date May 22)

[Samurai Drifter]

Missed out on the first night; didn't get in until after reg. was closed. However, I did end up playing chess with some guy in the lobby and eating pizza in the middle of the night.

Way bigger than any con I've been to so far. Let's see how today plays out...

[Nialo931]

Well I had the highlights to my day in the Con. I got killed by Dokuro-chan, totally the best part other than bumping into someone dosplaying ME-chan of OS-tan. On Saturday afternoon from 12pm to 3pm I was in Miroku gear and I have a beard so if you saw a bearded Miroku that was me. I found this Con to be alot of fun and growing alot in such short time, it took me 3 hours to just pick up my badge! Needless to say I blew so much money but it was worth it for the merchandise I got. Best fun I've had in a long time.

[Samurai Drifter]

If anyone was in the karaoke room when it opened on Saturday night, I was one of the two guys that did an acapello version of the Super Mario Bros. theme before the staff got in. Other than that, you probably wouldn't have recognized me.

Other highlights included guitar dueling Hangar 18 on expert in the gaming area, a chaotic Magic draft, playing and observing chess near the entrance, watching that band in the lobby playing Freebird, and wasting massive amounts of money in the dealer's room.

Also, I saw a few guys matching Nialo's description, but none dressed like Miroku (that I remember). Looking for a guy with long hair and a beard at an anime convention is like... like... I dunno, but it doesn't narrow it down all that much. -_-;

[Nialo931]

If anyone was in the karaoke room on Saturday night, I was one of the two guys that did an acapello version of the Super Mario Bros. theme before the staff got in. Other than that, you probably wouldn't have recognized me.

Other highlights included guitar dueling Hangar 18 on expert in the gaming area, a chaotic Magic draft, playing and observing chess near the enterance, watching that band in the lobby playing Freebird, and wasting massive amounts of money in the dealer's room.

Also, I saw a few guys matching Nialo's description (not dressed as Miroku though, that I remember).

The rest of the time I was in a black shirt with white sleeves, Lol. I pretty much checked out the anime viewing room, the hentai theatre at 12am until 3am. My friends were worried about me sitting in there so casually that it was funny. I hit the dealer rooms and was happy about choices except for the lack of merchandise from Key Studio. If it helps for most of Saturday I was hanging with a tall Asian guy in a black suit and on Sunday I was with a girl dressed as Misty, a girl dressed as Pikachu and a guy in Military uniform. Apparantly my friend got busted for "dropping" a penny off the top floor of the Hyatt Hotel, IRT was pissed at him, luckily he wasn't kicked out of the Con. I also poked into the Speed Dating room, I got pissed when they said "Lets restart it" after an hour and a half of sitting there so I walked out. Damn incompetent hobo's!

[KitsuneMaryohki]

That was so cool! I wasn't too recognizable, but I had a shirt with Riku and Sora kissing on Friday ^^.

[Milky Mixer]

I really wanted to go to this con this year but wasn't able to. I went last year and it was awesome. But man, I've been looking over the feedback forums over on ACen's site and it seems like they had some major problems this year between the registration, not having schedules printed, lack of communication, and vandalism. I would like to attend next year, but I don't know... is ACen getting too big? Their guest list was huge this year. Did they try to do too much for the big 10 year anniversary?

I'm going to Anime Weekend Atlanta in September. Hope they don't have too many problems. Seemed very smooth when I went to AWA last year, but I guess ya never know. I hope ACen pulls itself together again for the next one. Again, since I wasn't there I can't really speak for how things went down but it looks like they had a lot of upset folks.

[Nialo931]

It doesn't help that on Saturday alone an extra 10,000 people registered at the lines for Acen. Nor does it help the fact that by the end of Friday that half of their new staff members quit, not having expected to actually do work. They lost alot of their help in this and it caused problems in organization and everything. I had stopped by the office and the lady in charge of security was on the edge of losing it. They were horribly understaffed and over crowded this year. Even the hotels had major problems with rooms due to all the guests coming to Acen, we ourselves had a huge fiasco with the hotel rooms and ended up in a downgraded room in which we were trying to fit 7 people while the girls of our group got their room upgraded to a suite...

I hope that Acen can find more reliable staff next year that won't go up and leave on the Con just because they don't enjoy working it. One of my friends who works it had to take extra work shifts due to all the hectic madness of it.

[Animexcel]

My staff work is all done before the con =P