Metrocon 2009 Wrapup

[Sharp]

One more Metrocon is now in the books. Unfortunately, this one is more like to be remembered for controversy and cancellations, rather than fun and anime. There was definitely a shadow over the con this year, despite efforts by many to support it. Those people wanted everybody to know that Metrocon isn't supposed to be about one person; it's about the fans.

Putting all that aside, let's discuss TBA's role this year. We get better at our table every year, but this year was a sales challenge. We made only a little more than we spent and a good deal less than last year. We also ended up having fewer players than prizes in our raffle. One person contributed to over 75% of our Anime Bingo sales.

Rather than focusing on our problems, however, Kyoko-sensei and I have been analyzing what worked, what didn't, and what we can do to make things better next year. We've got lots of good ideas to work on throughout the year, and we'll likely be coming to you, the members, to aid us along the way. In the meantime, always feel free to post any ideas or questions you have to the Comments and Suggestions forum. We always love to hear them.

I spent most of my time behind the table in Artist's Alley. I'd like to hear about the con from those who really experienced it. Many of you were there and saw the Chess Match, AMVs, Costume Contest, Metrocade, and more. How did the con feel for you? Let's chat.

We're also looking for any pictures you took at the con. Either send them to me at webmaster@tampabayanime.org, or bring them to a future meeting on CD, DVD, SD card, or USB drive. We'll pull them all together and make a gallery.

[Kyoko_Sensei]

I snuck away from the table for the AMV show. That's really one of my favorite things at conventions. They were mostly good but I disagree pretty much entirely on which videos won awards and which didn't.

No Linkin Park though! SCORE!

[Titan_X]

EGADS! New forum?

I only experienced Metrocon for a day, and I was mostly disappointed. The panels and events for the most part were pretty lame. Granted, I went on a Sunday, and by that point the convention is winding down.

I've never been big on the anime human chess match, and it's usually way too crowded to really enjoy; nothing much that can be done there.

I went to a couple panels and only found one of them was pretty well done. There needs to be a lot more screening to make sure panels are quality. Perhaps have folks wishing to host a panel submit a proposal with a brief outline of what they hope to accomplish with the panel. Too often, I go into a panel and it's some person running it that's hardly knowledgeable on the subject matter, says a few words and pops a video up on the TV. Bo-ring!

AMV contest was a train wreck to be honest. The AMVs weren't terrible, but the lady running it got on my nerves a bit with her "touch screen doesn't work with my fingernails" and "computer doesn't want to cooperate with me, I'm soooooooo sorry." I'm sure she had a rough weekend with all the Metrocon events and was trying her best, but in the future, they need to make sure to take time to prepare the people who are going to be hosting events like this. If she's got long fingernails, give her a mouse or a trackball rather than having her rely on a touchscreen.

I guess I'm just the Andy Rooney of anime conventions.

[chobit_03]

The girls I had with me enjoyed the chess match, and the fire show was great. They were bored with the masquerade. It was OK, I prefered megacon, and would like to go to AFO again, but metro is the easiest one for me to take the kids to

[BLACKANGEL32076]

I, for one, enjoyed Metro. Yes, the ending of the Chess match was semi predictable, but I do admire the choreography. The fire show was good and I found some good stuff at the dealer’s room.

For some reason the Chess Match was better on Saturday than Sunday, (I went both days out of Sunday boredom). I guess everyone was tired by then. They also need to either install mics in the chess board itself or mic all the actors.

As for Ashley, (the woman running the AMV contest), I’ll have to say his. I have known her for quite a few years now and everything she does is a labor of love and is very professional about her work. The Fairytale Theater that hse had shown the night before at 10pm was testament to this. Combine that with the resulting sleep deprivation, and the so-so equipment she was given to work with, she apologized for her what was to her own standards a less than satisfactory performance as the hostess of the AMV contest and she apologized to the audience who expected better than what they were given.

Speaking of the Fairytale Theater, it was a real treat and a fun change of pace to see Japanese folklore presented in a theater setting. It was probably the highlight of the con. I can't wait to see what Ashley brings next year and invite all of you to come.

[matisleonhart]

I for one had a great time. I unfortantly didn't have much time to help at the both, but that was becuase I was running around doing interviews for AnimeSHAFT podcast.

I thought the chess match was awesome. The Captin Falcon vs. Merel was the best fight. And the ending totally shock me. I can't wait for darth Hitomi next year.

Overall, I had a great time.

[Kitsune_rei]

I pretty much spent my whole time in Artist Alley other than a couple quick trips to the dealer room (which I'd probably been better off without.) The dealer's room was there, it had an ok selection but I'm usually rarely excited by anything at Metrocon. Most of it is easily gotten stuff that's not any cheaper (like manga). But I'm also spoiled by having been to Otakon a couple times. I saw a couple dealers I really thought were asking too much and then making a big deal about how they'd discount it (to about normal price.) Things are probably hard on the dealers too lately though.

I thought at least for AA there was a good turnout of artists. Tables sold out really early last year so it looks like they made a token effort to open a second artist alley section, but it came kinda late. From when I was checking they couldn't have opened those up earlier than a month or so before the con so there weren't enough artists over there to draw any attention, plus I think those tables were more expensive. So it was kind of a lose for them, other than the ones who were able to move over to the main AA section. There was definitely a good variety of talent and wares in the AA, I'm glad Metrocon isn't one of those cons that restricts craft offerings because it 'conflicts with the dealers'.

To me it really felt like the con was kinda slow all around. It seemed like there'd start to be a rush, but it'd never fully get going. (Usually there's a bit of a surge after main events let out or the dealer room closes.) Some of the later night traffic I usually get didn't really happen. I don't know if the dance and other stuff was in a different area this year. I saw they had some more booths set up above so maybe people just weren't moving away from that area as much.
I think between the economy and the scandal it just was less busy. I had a good amount of traffic but not very many buyers. I've done better in past years. I know there's always people who are like 'I like your stuff but sorry I spent all my money already' but it seemed like there was more of that.

I think the reason there isn't more screening for quality panels is sometimes its hard to find enough people to run panels. Its like that or nothing, so they need to fill up time. I really rarely went to panels even when I did go to cons to do stuff.

Sunday is always a slow day so its not really good to judge on. I think it being Father's Day didn't help things.

[Kyoko_Sensei]

I missed the Nana panel this year, but if it was run by the same girls that ran it a couple years back then I am sure it was good. (hopefully fewer technical issues this time)

[Titan_X]

Originally Posted by Kitsune_rei

Sunday is always a slow day so its not really good to judge on. I think it being Father's Day didn't help things.

That's not the point. If they're going to hold a convention on a Sunday and still charge $25 for it, they better make it worth $25. What I saw was hardly worth $25; I would have been reluctant to even pay $10.

If it were me and I were holding a 3-day convention, I'd make sure I had a ton of events on all three days. That way, someone coming in on a Friday or Sunday would have the same great experience as someone who comes in on a Saturday.

[Kyoko_Sensei]

Most cons wimp out on Sundays. Although that's usually the "sale" day and everyone flocks to the dealer's room.