Fanime 2011 Official Cosplayer Gatherings & Events List *6/02*

[BSaphire]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Post # 1 = Cosplayer Gatherings/Events List
Post # 2 = Q&A about this thread
Post # 3 = Cosplayer Gatherings &/or Cosplayer Event Time Submissions Request information
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Fanime 2011 Official Cosplayer Gatherings & Events List
Follow the Cosplayer Gatherings and Cosplayer Events on Twitter!!! http://twitter.com/BsGatherings
**Rain or Shine!! Organizers check in at gatherings table 1/2 hr before you gathering/event please.**

Times will be added after January 2011. (see Submission Request dates)
Large 60+ gatherings from 2010 will have first choice of time slot for any given day pending same organizer. **see list below**

Submission Requests open: Thursday January 6, 2011
Submission Requests close: Thursday May 19, 2011
Confirmation Starts: Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Confirmation Ends: Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Official Cosplayer Gatherings & Events List ~ Final post: Sunday May 22, 2011
*Dates are subject to change so check this post for updates*

Be sure and check back here often for updates to any of the following three posts. I will update them accordingly and then post which have been updated.

BSaphire

BOLDED & BLUE Gathering Name = 60+ cosplayers @ gathering 2010.
BOLDED Time =  time slot is full
"Unofficial" Gathering = gathering information/request is incomplete
MP = Meeting Place
L = Location See Location Abbreviation Key
~ CE: = Cosplayer Event (See Cosplayer Events section for more info)

LOCATION ABBREVIATIONS Key:
FMS = Front Marriott Side of the Convention Center Lobby (tree area)
FHS = Front Hilton Side of the Convention Center Lobby (tree area)
FiF CE = Fountains in Front (Convention Entrance)
FiF MS = Fountains in Front (Marriott Side)
FiF HS = Fountains in Front (Hilton Side)
CPMS = Concourse level Patio Marriott Side
1FCC RS = 1st Floor Convention Center (Riser Stage)
1FCC LA = 1st Floor Convention Center (Lobby Area by center pillar just inside the entrance)
1FCC GET = 1st Floor Convention Center (Gatherings/Events Table)
CCPFH = Park across from Fairmont Hotel (Caesar Chavez Plaza)
FH = Fairmont Hotel
FH L = Fairmont Hotel (Lobby)
FH B = Fairmont Hotel (Ballroom)

"1st for Submission Requests" pending verification & same organizer returning:
Thursday (Day 0):
Friday: Vocaloid ~ error00004/bunnykiller321, 
Saturday: Naruto ~ BrightHeart76, Final Fantasy ALL ~ BSaphire, Pokemon ~ luluuxduplica1223, Code Geass ~ kannazuki, Katekyo Hitman Reborn ~ An Pham,
Sunday: Bleach ~ Yukari Kiba, Shonen Jump ~ BSaphire, Hetalia Axis Powers ~ Kyra Ensui, Kuroshitsuji ~ Hellangel,
Monday:

Official Fanime 2011 Cosplayer Gatherings & Events List!!!

Thursday (Day 0) May 26, 2011:
Friday May 27, 2011:
Saturday May 28, 2011:
Sunday May 29, 2011:
Monday May 30, 2011:

Fanime 2011 Cosplayer Events Section:
Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday:
Sunday:
Monday:

[BSaphire]

This is the Gatherings/Events Q & A post:

What is a gathering?
A "Cosplay Gathering" is where a group of cosplayers from the same group/title/game/subject come together for photographs from the press/media/photographers @ a particular time/location/date during the convention.

Most gatherings are open for other like/similar cosplayers to join in.
For example a Naruto gathering would be open to all Naruto characters being cosplayed from the anime, manga, or game. A Resident Evil character wouldn't be in a Naruto gathering.

Why are there gatherings?
Many cosplayers like to get together with others who are cosplaying from the same thing and have pictures taken.

By doing a gathering it helps to plan out what to cosplay during which time and day during the convention. It helps the photographers to get many of the cosplayers photos with similar characters from a series/game/etc. It is a fun way to meet new cosplayers who are interested in the same thing as you & to meet up with old friends from previous gatherings.

What makes a gathering?
A gathering consists of 4 or more people from the same anime/manga/game/title/organization/subject in costume who would like to be photographed by press/media/photographers/fans.

What is "Confirmation starts/ends" on the first post for?
Confirmation starts/Confirmation ends dates are for finalizing the list. ALL Organizers should make a note of those dates when they PM their Time Submission Request.
Gatherings and Events listed in the " CONFIRMATION " area should post in the Gatherings & Events List thread the following information:

Name of gathering/event:
Changes to gathering/event info:
Possible attendee count:
Gathering/event photography order:
 
After confirmation, all that is left is to check in to the Gatherings Table at 15 - 30 minutes PRIOR to the start of their Gathering/Event @ Fanime.

When Confirmation ends I will clear the list of unwanted information and have it in a simplified format. This helps those that want to copy it for printing with out unwanted information.

Do we have to have all the info when we pm you?
Yes.
If you are a gathering/event organizer you must follow the submission guidelines (post #3) when requesting a day & time. If there is any incomplete information your gathering will be listed in the "Unconfirmed Gatherings" section or I may delay posting your info.

If you DO NOT respond to me with the missing information you will stay on the "UG" list. If you stay on the “UG” list then your gathering/event will not be listed on the FINAL VERSION of the Gatherings List. It is best to check back at the gatherings list to make sure your gathering info is complete and located where you requested.

If you want to meet up in a different location than the location (where you are having the photos) you need to say that the MP is different than the L, otherwise the MP & L will be listed as the same. If the MP is unknown &/or undetermined say that MP is TBA (To Be Announced).

What if our time/date/meeting place/location changes?
The organizer needs to pm me with the changes so that I can change it on the Official List. If the change can NOT be completed due to conflict then I will pm &/or post in my update post.

I requested a time, but when I checked the list I saw that it was moved up/down a half an hour from the time I requested. Why was this done?
Sometimes a time requested is full. I will then try to put it in either a half hour before or a half hour after. I will then let you know in my update post or by pm.

There have been times where I have updated the list and posted the info incorrectly by accident. It is always good to re-check the list periodically to make sure your info is correct.

I requested a location, but when I checked the list I saw that it was moved from the location I requested. Why was this done?
Since I do see the master list before con I may move you gathering/event to another location close to the area you requested. If it is a huge conflict I will try to resolve it with any/all parties involved.

What does MP mean?
MP = Meeting Place
The meeting place is sometimes done for gatherings that want to meet in one place but move to another location for the gatherings photos.

What does L mean?
L = Location
The location (L) for a gathering is where the cosplayers of that gathering will be located for photographs. Locations vary for gatherings. Also note that some gatherings may list more than one location to do photos. This is normally because of other things the gathering cospeeps wish to do.

For example:
The Naruto gathering may have the official group photos at the fountains in front of the convention center, but later move to a near by park for fun/random photos of their own. Photographers/press/media may choose not to attend the second location and only photograph the official group photo gathering, while other may go to the other location.

If a time is in bold, can I still get my gathering listed at that time?
You can always request the time, but most often if a location is full then I will not list it.

I may move it a half an hour before or after if the time is available or move you to another location close by. Look for my last post &/or a reply via pm to find out why you were not listed.

The person who started the thread for my gathering has not been on, what do we do?
Many thread starters stick with their threads, however on occasion a thread starter no longer keeps the thread updated. An active person on the thread should take over updating the list and reposting the updates for the others.

Organizers do change and many times it is someone ambitious who really wants the gathering to happen. PM me and let me know that you haven't received word by post/pm/email from the thread starter and would like to do it. I will then try to reach that person and find out why the delay. REMEMBER Life happens and can keep us from doing things, so kindness and patients is the rule in such cases.

What is a "Unconfirmed" gathering?
This is a gathering that has submitted their request, but does not have all the required information. If left on this section past the confirmation deadline, that gathering/event will not be listed on the final version and will not be seen around Fanime on the Gathering Info boards.

What is a "Cosplayer" Event?
These are events that the cosplayers are doing and NOT a Fanime Con run event. These may include parades, picnics, games, and dancing to name a few. Many of these events are included during a gathering and fall either before or after the official photo time. Events also change locations, and may be required to, especially during peak cosplay gathering times at a particular location.

How do I get my gathering/cosplayer event on the Official Gatherings/Cosplayer Event List?
#1 Read the Gathering/Event URL Thread list to see if there is a like gathering/event taking place already.

#2 Then follow the guidelines in Part 1 of post # 3 for setting up the thread.
If you set up the thread then I will presume you are the organizer. If you don’t want to organize a gathering please make sure your thread title reflects that it is not a gathering or post in an appropriate thread for cosplayers looking for cosplayers.

#3 Read posts 1-3 of the Official Gatherings List thread.
Many of your questions will be answered by becoming familiar with the information.

#4 Follow all the guidelines on the third post to submit your gathering.
This is the information in Part 2. Please make sure your information is complete when you submit.

Is there an easy way to see if the Official Gatherings/Event List has been updated?
Yes there is. On the thread title I will put the new date of any changes to the first three posts. If the date is different from the last time you looked, then look for either my last post (which has the corresponding date in the title) or check the first three posts for changes. I will post what has been changed so looking for my last post and the end of the thread will help you to locate where any changes have taken place.

[BSaphire]

The following information is in two parts. Part one is "How to Set Up your Gathering/Event Threads" and part two is "How to Format your Submission Requests" in your pm to me.

PART 1
For those who wish to organize a gathering or event

How to Set Up Gathering/Event Threads on the 1st post:
#1 Make sure your 1st post on your thread contains the following:

Fanime will be taking group pictures during the Gathering/Event this year. If you do not want to be included in those pictures please step aside for those photos. By remaining with the group when the pictures are being taken you give your consent to be photographed.

Day:
Time:
MP:
L:

Title of...

List of attending ~ Character of attendee
#2 When this is done you need to post it in the thread for "Gathering/Event Threads List" in the following way:

Gathering/Event Name
URL from Fanime Forums &/or Cosplay.com Fanime thread
Your Forum name (for both forums if different)

PART 2
For those who are the gathering/event organizer

How to Format your Submission Requests

#1 ONLY the organizer sends me a pm with the info. Posting in the thread only lists you as unofficial.

The PM to me should be set up the following way:

#2 In the SUBJECT line:
Put your gathering or event name.

If you are organizing more than one the SUBJECT line should read:
MULTI Gathering

#2A List your information in the pm in the following order: List each gathering/event you are organizing separately.

Gathering or Event Name:
ALL URL's for the gathering/event:
Requested Day & Time:
Meeting place &/or Location:

If there is a Cosplayer Event included then list each event:
Any URL's:
Day & Time:
MP & L:
Who may join the event?

Example:
Shonen Jump:
http://forums.fanime.com/index.php/topic,4426.0.html
Sunday 3 PM
MP & L: FiF CE HS (Fountains in Front Convention Entrance Hilton Side)
EVENT:
Shonen Jump Cosplay Checkers
http://forums.fanime.com/index.php/topic,13720.0.html
Sunday 9:45 AM ~ 11:45 AM (Possibly Longer if people want more!)
MP & L: FiF CE MS
Open to Jump cosplayers first two games and then we open it up for other cosplayers to join.
 
#2B After the gathering/event info list:

First & Last Name (yes, your real name)
Your Forum Name (s)
Badge Name if different

#3 Each organizer MUST check in to the cosplayer gatherings table 15 minutes prior to their gathering/event. DO NOT send someone else to the table because you will be on my list not them. The table is located on the first floor of the convention center. Check in will only take a few minutes and you never know what surprises I might have in mind for you

After you check in, Please advise your gathering that Fanime will be taking photos of the group and if they do not wish to be in them to step aside. If they stay then they are giving consent to be photographed.

That is basically it. After you contact me I will double check your URL and info then post your requested info if available.

Take Care
BSaphire

[BSaphire]

Holding space...

[BSaphire]

WOW! 2009 is over and it will take me a week to recover from all the fun!

Thank you to everyone for all your hard work, patients, understanding, support, and compliments. My staff and I appreciated it! I loved the pictures everyone drew and all the kind words they really helped get me through some tough moments and brightened my day.

So now is the time for feed back and to vote in the new poll. I look forward to EVERYONE's comments, suggestions, and eagerness to take 2010 over the top!

Love to ALL
BSaphire

[fanime_lo-ve]

I'll be hosting soul eater again! XD

[Yukari Kaiba]

I'll be leading the Bleach gathering again. Time and location TBA at a later (much later seeing as when I'm posting this XD) date.

[RyuSan777]

*KISS KISS FALL IN LOVE* lol the host club is ready to re-open its doors next year for 2010 and i will be hosting it again time place and location are TBA since its kinda early and fanime did just end 3 days ago

[konataFTW]

konataFTW here leading the Code Geass Gathering along with kannazuki for 2010 XD info's TBA =)

[BSaphire]

So... how was it this year?

Some, if not most, cospeeps may be aware that there were two certificates given out this year. A B&W certificate signed by me and a color certificate signed by Fanime 09 con chair & the live programming director. I would like to personally thank Tony and Jason for recognizing the organizers of gatherings/events for all the hard work they do. If you attended one of these gatherings as a cospeep you may be aware that there was a special reward from the con chair and live programing director that went along with a colored certificate of recognition. I had the privilege of presenting these certificates and all were well deserved.

Unfortunately, not all the B & W certificates of recognition were distributed because several organizers did NOT check in with the table. I must stress the importance of check in so that my staff can do their job and we/I are/am able to locate your gathering. If you would like your B & W certificate still please pm me with your 09 gathering and info on how I can get it to you.

As for my highlights running this new area:

THANK YOU for the use of your Megaphone. I still have it... ? PM me ^^)

Loved it when someone would look at one of the gathering info boards and get a puzzled look on their face. For three years now I have set up the info Manga style and every year it takes someone a while to figure it out. This year was no exception. My staff and I loved it when a small group were staring for a few minutes at the board and one person looked over and said, "I think your papers are out of order?" They were told that it was set up like a manga and the look of "OHHHH!" that came over the group put smiles on everyone's face. If that was you and your friends... thank you for making my staff smile ^^) It did get a bit crazy at times... especially Saturday but more on that later... and many of you stopping by to pick up the wordsearch, asking questions, signing or drawing cool pictures or just saying hi helped all of the gatherings/event staff feel appreciated. Many of us are cosplayers too and missed being out there participating at times.

Loved the table signage and I am putting it together into a 09 gatherings/events memory book that can be seen next year.

Loved the recognition given to the organizers by the other cospeeps for the hard work &/or for those few peeps that stepped up to save a gathering and took on the roll 24 hrs before con to keep it on the official list.

Loved seeing so many new and well done cosplays. I wish I could recognize everyone that I saw, but as a costumer some just got props from me on construction &/or ingenuity.

Loved all the hugs! Squidges are the best and sometimes it gives me the strength to keep going!

I am deeply appreciative and thankful to all those who listened to my staff and all the Fanime staff, especially when God's disciples showed up Saturday and everything shifted to a sharp left. The patients and understanding that everyone showed proves to me that the hearts of the attendees, cosplayers, and the rest are truly good. Thank you

Cons...

Lots to work on for this department with things to tweek, things to dump, and things to surprise all of you! ^^)

All in all I loved every crazy minute of it! I look forward to feedback and thank all of you for your attendance at the 65 gatherings and/or 16 cosplayer run events that were listed this year!

Squidges & Smootchies
BSaphire

[BrightHeart76]

Gotta say that going to Gatherings is some of the most fun I have at Fanime.  Running a rather large Gathering (Naruto was 100+ cosplayers this year) really keeps me on my toes...but I love it.  Every year the thought runs thru my head, "Am I going to come back to Fanime next year?"  and I immediately answer myself with, "Heck yeah!  What would I do without my Naruto Cosplayers?"

B, I gotta say you rock.  This year I really felt like things went so much smoother and we had so much more support from the convention.  You did it and I can't thank you enough.  I framed my certificate and put it on the wall.   

The "witnesses"...well I don't like them.  Nothing we can do but turn the other cheek and ignore them.  I wish the Bleach! Gathering great luck with them next year.  I'm excited to have Sunday for 2010!   

Long story short, I love Gatherings.  This year was like Gatherings to the extra degree and I had a total BLAST!  Thank you B and Staff, you guys are THE BEST!!!  I owe you guys a soda next year.   

[redroses3164]

It was greatly organized and the boards around the area really helped when I forgot when a gathering was. I don't really have much to say other than it was done swimmingly awesome. Keep up the good work.

As for organizers not coming to the table, I suggest making that particular statement stand out more in the third post. Not to be a prude but a lot of people probably think your posts are tl;dr so they may just skim that part over even if it's in bold and underlined. The third post in particular has lots of things underlined and bolded so I think you should change it up so things stand up more. I would keep a consistent name for the organizer person instead of having "gathering organizer/thread overseer &/or cosplayer event organizer." Yeah, they may be different people for every single thing but underlining all that defeats the purpose of emphasizing that part when a good majority of the sentence is underlined.

[XpHoBiaX]

I didn't realize there was a special format to the boards. It was pretty easy for me to look it over and find what I wanted. This year was the first time I had to go check one, so I thank you very much. (It was also my first time to a gathering.) It was very simple and easy to read. For me at least. I am definately planning on cosplaying next year.

[BSaphire]

As for organizers not coming to the table, I suggest making that particular statement stand out more in the third post. Not to be a prude but a lot of people probably think your posts are tl;dr so they may just skim that part over even if it's in bold and underlined. The third post in particular has lots of things underlined and bolded so I think you should change it up so things stand up more. I would keep a consistent name for the organizer person instead of having "gathering organizer/thread overseer &/or cosplayer event organizer." Yeah, they may be different people for every single thing but underlining all that defeats the purpose of emphasizing that part when a good majority of the sentence is underlined.

Duely noted ^^) and your not a prude Thank you for the feedback and I updated the third post. Tell me what you think.

Squidges
B

[redroses3164]

Duely noted ^^) and your not a prude Thank you for the feedback and I updated the third post. Tell me what you think.

I definitely think it is an improvement. There are a few font size and color changes I would do personally but it's just my humble opinion/suggestions.

For example, I would make:

Cosplayer Gatherings/Events Submission Guidelines:

bigger to stand out as a title. Yeah, it's bolded and underlined but it's the title. Titles should really, REALLY stand out.


Also, I would make the steps a bit bigger too so it stands out compared to the text in each section:

#1 Make sure your 1st post on your thread contains the following:
-snip-
#2 ONLY the organizer sends me a pm with the info. Posting in the thread only lists you as unofficial.
-snip-
#3 Each organizer MUST check in to the cosplayer gatherings table 10 minutes prior to their gathering/event. DO NOT send someone else to the table because you will be on my list not them. The table is located on the first floor of the convention center.

As for the lettered steps in step number 2, I would change it in a different color since it's a step within a step so it isn't confused with the three original, "important" steps. But I don't think it's necessary if you make the original steps (like in my second suggestion in this reply) bigger.

#2A In the SUBJECT line:
-snip-
#2B List your information in the pm in the following order:
-snip-
#2C After the gathering/event info list:

All the quotes have been edited to my suggestions and snipped so this post won't be long. =)

[RyuSan777]

well if anyone i could personaly thank it have to be you B. (well your staff too =]) not only did the gatherings list help me bunches but i was able to make a complete and right on time schedule list.
my apreciation really goes out to you because i know like us cosplayers and event organizers like myself, you put alot of work into what you do for the staff and yourself to make sure us cosplayers are satisfied and happy. again your dedication to all the gatherings (Espicially to the Host Club) was mostly gratified and to be honsest we couldnt possibly have a better organizer than you to keep us on track with the whole con and against those wacky protesters , the certificates were really nice to have allong the rewards that came with were highly apreciated by most of gatherers. (i know i was completly happy)
its thanks to people like you B that you make us come back every year and continue to have the greatest expirence of all time.
you have my sincerest gratitude,
Ryu

[Yukari Kaiba]

The "witnesses"...well I don't like them.  Nothing we can do but turn the other cheek and ignore them.  I wish the Bleach! Gathering great luck with them next year.  I'm excited to have Sunday for 2010!   

lol thanks for the encouragement ^^ I'm sure we'll be able to hold our own against them (and they aren't the only ones with a megaphone >D lol).

[BrightHeart76]

The "witnesses"...well I don't like them.  Nothing we can do but turn the other cheek and ignore them.  I wish the Bleach! Gathering great luck with them next year.  I'm excited to have Sunday for 2010!   

lol thanks for the encouragement ^^ I'm sure we'll be able to hold our own against them (and they aren't the only ones with a megaphone >D lol).

LOL.  I know you guys can handle it.  Honestly the cosplayers were doing fine.  I think I was the only one getting frustrated by them...but I'll have a better megaphone next year so the noise won't be such an issue anymore.  If you need some Ninja backup or an extra megaphone, just let us know.    I'm usually at the Bleach! Gathering for pictures anyway.

[BSaphire]

I am working on alternative solutions to the problem and I will be in contact with both of you about something soon. I only ask that while planning your gatherings this year neither of you get set on a specific time just yet I will explain more later to both of you, but the current project I am working on needs to be concluded before I can run with it. (I know what a teaser I am *LOL) but it should be a whole lot of fun if I can pull it off (oh, and work for the department... but fun for all the attendees!) XD

Thanks to Brightheart I have a megaphone for next year SO with 3 megaphones things should prove to be more equal on our side *LOL

Squidge
B

[BrightHeart76]

I am working on alternative solutions to the problem and I will be in contact with both of you about something soon. I only ask that while planning your gatherings this year neither of you get set on a specific time just yet I will explain more later to both of you, but the current project I am working on needs to be concluded before I can run with it. (I know what a teaser I am *LOL) but it should be a whole lot of fun if I can pull it off (oh, and work for the department... but fun for all the attendees!) XD

Thanks to Brightheart I have a megaphone for next year SO with 3 megaphones things should prove to be more equal on our side *LOL

Squidge
B

oooo....this sounds interesting.  I'm looking forward to hearing what you have in mind.