Small
Convention With Cramped Conditions
I was not expecting such
a small venue for Sac-Anime. However, the minimal space
gave us an easier range to cover the con. Well, I say
that but there was not much con to cover. Upon approaching
the Radisson Hotel, you will first notice the ungodly
heat followed by the massive unorganized lines. I got
to avoid the lines but not the crowds, which is always
the achilles heel of small venues.
My first gripe arose
when trying to make my way through the waves of human
flesh. Somebody intelligently placed the Artists Alley
in the narrowest hallway available, which happened to
be the main hallway containing the panels, Dealers Room,
and gaming rooms. The Artist Alley halved the hallway
width and caused obscenely dense traffic and was a poor
decision. There were, to my knowledge, no maps to the
other convention features.
Even the masquerade
was delayed by at least 40 minutes due to technical
difficulties. I felt that they may have waited until
the last minute to stabilize all the tech gear. It was
unfair to the people who were not able to go on because
of said difficulties. Some cosplayers toughed it out
and went on without sound but their compromised sketch
could be judged properly. Although I was glad I didn't
have to hear Hare Hare Yukai, I am still sick
of it. I did endure another round of Caramell Dansen
and a round of "the game" being lost every
5 seconds. For those of you who don't play, I thank
you. For those that do? You ruined the Masquerade for
everyone.
While the technical difficulty
and immature audiences made the Masquerade less enjoyable,
I did enjoy the Tanuki Suit Riot and their mix of game
music and old Top 40 hits. It was creative with lots
of the old school classics that brought back memories
of pouring quarters into many arcade machines. My only
complaint is how my nostalgia with that music made me
feel dated.
I know I am not saying
much good because I was so frustrated with the negative
aspects of the con. So here are some positive points
to the con:
- Good backdrop for
pictures.
- Easy access to restaurants.
- Well-stocked gaming
room.
- Generally friendly
attendees.
Imari and half of her
cosplay staff leaving after the end of Sac-Anime was
sad news for the convention. It leaves many wondering
if the con will flourish or fade after her departure.
I did have my first photoshoot with Oscar
Cwajbaum and was graced by EBK and Consplayers
lenses. Thank you to everyone who took pictures and
thank you to those who were gracious enough to let me
reciprocate the picture taking. While I enjoyed the
con for the social aspect over the actual convention,
I will give Sac-Anime another chance.
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