From a press member point of view I would like to share a few things on that front.- Press conferences with guests. Always a good thing. The past conventions I have attended that had separate time for press to interview guests which was excellent. Both Sakura-con and Anime Expo did a great job with that this year. This gives press the chance to ask the questions they want without cutting into or taking away time from the attendees during their panel time. This can also be resolved with individual interview time with guests.
- Photography during the Masquerade. Each convention has their rules for the press to follow. Some allow press to move about for pictures, others do not. Some allow flash photography, some say it's a no-no. Having an area for photographs of the contestants would be excellent if press isn't allowed to use their flashes or move from their seats. Anime Expo had some rules about the Masquerade that made taking photos difficult. Off to the side press seating, no flash photography (even though non press could) and no leaving our seats. They did give us the choice to get pictures when they came off stage. This meant you had to choose between clear pictures or watching the performances. One or the other, not both. It makes it tough if you want to report on the skits.
Personally I would love to have a time, let's say after craftmanship judging or something, where the contestants are in costume and we can get photos. This would allow time for close ups of the costumes and showcase their hard work much better than when they are running around on stage during skits...especially if you can't use your flash to take pictures.
I missed Kumoricon last year but the year before when I attended as press I had a very good time. I look forward to wonderful convention.
As a convention goer and long time anime fan (yes, add me to the over thirty club):- Space to move around. I know at times this is an issue that can only be dealt with by moving to a larger venue. I just hate being stabbed in the eye by a costume prop while trying to squeeze through a crowded Dealer's Hall. In 2003 at Sakura-con I almost had my eye taken out by the shoulder spikes of a Legato Bluesummers. Ouch!
- Hallway Cosplay Contest. Give more love to cosplayers. They work hard on their costumes, invested money and just because they haven't entered a competition they should still be given some love. Some are too shy to get up in front of hundreds of people. Keep in mind that these cosplayers in their costume are adding to the advertising for the convention. When people see costumed people walking around on the city streets they will wondering what is going on. It draws attention to the convention. The mainstream media loves to pick up on this type of stuff. More press means more people know about the con. Cosplayers bring this needed attention to a convention. Oh I rhymed!
- Parent panels. Panels for the parents who have tagged along with the kids. Too many times do I see abadoned parents bored out of their minds sitting in hallways. They paid for admission to the con give them something to do that is geared specifically to them. Parent's Guide to Anime type panels are always good or a Q&A about anime/manga for parents to ask questions.
- Disabled attendee services. It's always good to take into consideration that not all of us are healthy teenagers.
And as mentioned before...
-Old school anime. Not only does that give older fans a walk down memory lane it gives younger fans, those raised on Cartoon Network, a chance to see what started it all. Know your anime roots.
I must add in that the words "complimentary parking" made my day. I'm sure we can all agree that valet parking for mucho bucks is not where we want to spend our hard earned cash. It is much better spent in the Dealer's Hall. You guys get major kudos for having the con at a place with free parking. Having just gone to Anime Expo the budget is super tight right now and every little bit helps. Thanks!
I guess that is about it for now. Just my two cents, hope it helps.
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