Please, Do NOT Do “Silver Island”

[Freenex]

I hope it isn't too late to change/minimize this, but I suspect it is. This is an absolutely terrible idea. Pushing all of the 18+ content to the DoubleTree is going to kill all of that content.

It is too far to walk, and it's not even remotely safe to walk to the DoubleTree through San Jose at night... forget about walking there in Cosplay safely. That leaves only shuttles or driving to get people there. Unless there is a major increase in shuttles going to the DoubleTree, there is no way that the shuttles could accommodate the numbers of people trying to get into the 18+ content. That aside, who even knows how many people would want to actually go the ridiculous distance to the DoubleTree at night anyways. In previous years, people not staying at the DoubleTree already didn't bother to even acknowledge that there was a FanimeCon extension going on out there.

This is really sad. Hundreds of adults stick around the con after dark to enjoy the 18+ panels and video content. Specifically, the HMV contest is always full, and people line up hours before the HMV contest starts just to get a seat. Recent FanimeCons have even had 2-3 18+ video rooms running pretty much all night long. It may not seem like important content to some, but for a lot of adults that have been coming back year after year, certain 18+ events and panels are highlights of the con experience. Taking that away, or moving it out to the sticks, will seriously damage the adult con experience.

I can't be the only one thinking this. The twitter announcement made by FanimeCon about Silver Island has received ONLY negative feedback so far. Most of the feedback on the Facebook announcement is negative as well.

[TC X0 Lt 0X]

The Shuttle situation was my first thought when it was announced. Even if they did increase the number of shuttles going back and forth, the sheer number of people that attempt to go to the big events like hentai nights would easily strain the route beyond usability. Hentai Nights do have large lines that have and do extend the length of the convention center itself. and with the added traffic of people going back to their rooms, or going to other events at the double tree, I just can't see it working out.
This will especially be fucked for people trying to get back to their rooms, and very annoying when people waste half an hour or more to go see a line wrapping around the hotel building.

Of course, I could be wrong, and maybe people will just be so turned off by the idea that very few people will show up to the events because of the distance. Though that is also almost as bad as overpacked busses. I can understand the need to expand for the ever-growing Con, but any main events need to be in the main convention center.
I guess we will see what happens though, maybe we will be pleasantly surprised.

[CandyGirl]

They have now mentioned that there will be increased shuttle service. I have not ever actually seen a Fanime shuttle (despite standing outside for hours) so I would like to see a more specific schedule. I did plan on utilizing the shuttle for my hotel, but now am worried about the reliability :(

[The Sea-Faring Otaku]

Did anyone get the feeling this plan is an attempt to phase out the 18+ material in general?  I mean, I get that the staff want to try and separate the all ages stuff and the "adults only" stuff, but sending it all the way out to the Doubletree just seems like a death sentence. Why couldn't they have hosted this stuff over at the Fairmont or somewhere more local to the Convention Center, I wonder?

[TC X0 Lt 0X]

Did anyone get the feeling this plan is an attempt to phase out the 18+ material in general?  I mean, I get that the staff want to try and separate the all ages stuff and the "adults only" stuff, but sending it all the way out to the Doubletree just seems like a death sentence. Why couldn't they have hosted this stuff over at the Fairmont or somewhere more local to the Convention Center, I wonder?

I got the same vibes yes, though I am sure it also has to do with the con just growing in size due to the increased attendance every year. It is understandable too, but I also agree it seems a bit overkill. Smaller events should be what is being hosted over there. I guess it will be interesting to see how it turns out at least though.

[The Sea-Faring Otaku]

I got the same vibes yes, though I am sure it also has to do with the con just growing in size due to the increased attendance every year. It is understandable too, but I also agree it seems a bit overkill. Smaller events should be what is being hosted over there. I guess it will be interesting to see how it turns out at least though.

Agreed! Who knows? Maybe it will turn out pretty well and it'll run smoothly. We can only hope for the best, I suppose.

[Amanojaku]

I'm going to remain optimistic about it.  The con has more than doubled in size since I started attending every year.  With Clockwork Alchemy flying on their own now, that opens up room there for things to expand.  I've stayed at the Double Tree many times, and can vouch for the shuttle service being very reliable and frequent... if someone hasn't seen the shuttles before, they're simply not looking in the right place.  The schedule has always been available at the information tables.

I like that they're trying new things.  And if it doesn't work out, they don't have to do it that way again.  No big deal.

[CandyGirl]

I'm going to remain optimistic about it.  The con has more than doubled in size since I started attending every year.  With Clockwork Alchemy flying on their own now, that opens up room there for things to expand.  I've stayed at the Double Tree many times, and can vouch for the shuttle service being very reliable and frequent... if someone hasn't seen the shuttles before, they're simply not looking in the right place.  The schedule has always been available at the information tables.

I like that they're trying new things.  And if it doesn't work out, they don't have to do it that way again.  No big deal.

Paper schedules lol? That would explain why there is 0 info available online. No signs posted for pick up and drop off either? Oh boy, now I really am nervous.

[InsaneDavid]

I'm going to remain optimistic about it.  The con has more than doubled in size since I started attending every year.  With Clockwork Alchemy flying on their own now, that opens up room there for things to expand.  I've stayed at the Double Tree many times, and can vouch for the shuttle service being very reliable and frequent... if someone hasn't seen the shuttles before, they're simply not looking in the right place.  The schedule has always been available at the information tables.

I like that they're trying new things.  And if it doesn't work out, they don't have to do it that way again.  No big deal.

Paper schedules lol? That would explain why there is 0 info available online. No signs posted for pick up and drop off either? Oh boy, now I really am nervous.

Um.... there have been signboards where all the shuttles stop on the side of the Hilton (Almaden Ave) for years now, with each route clearly marked.  Additionally the schedules are posted there as well and I believe they've been in the pocket guide for a few years now too.  The shuttles pick up and drop off over there for good reason, they don't have to deal with the traffic in front of the convention center.

[Amanojaku]

I'm going to remain optimistic about it.  The con has more than doubled in size since I started attending every year.  With Clockwork Alchemy flying on their own now, that opens up room there for things to expand.  I've stayed at the Double Tree many times, and can vouch for the shuttle service being very reliable and frequent... if someone hasn't seen the shuttles before, they're simply not looking in the right place.  The schedule has always been available at the information tables.

I like that they're trying new things.  And if it doesn't work out, they don't have to do it that way again.  No big deal.

Paper schedules lol? That would explain why there is 0 info available online. No signs posted for pick up and drop off either? Oh boy, now I really am nervous.

Um.... there have been signboards where all the shuttles stop on the side of the Hilton (Almaden Ave) for years now, with each route clearly marked.  Additionally the schedules are posted there as well and I believe they've been in the pocket guide for a few years now too.  The shuttles pick up and drop off over there for good reason, they don't have to deal with the traffic in front of the convention center.

Ah, you are correct, beat me to it :)

[CandyGirl]

I'm going to remain optimistic about it.  The con has more than doubled in size since I started attending every year.  With Clockwork Alchemy flying on their own now, that opens up room there for things to expand.  I've stayed at the Double Tree many times, and can vouch for the shuttle service being very reliable and frequent... if someone hasn't seen the shuttles before, they're simply not looking in the right place.  The schedule has always been available at the information tables.

I like that they're trying new things.  And if it doesn't work out, they don't have to do it that way again.  No big deal.

Paper schedules lol? That would explain why there is 0 info available online. No signs posted for pick up and drop off either? Oh boy, now I really am nervous.

Um.... there have been signboards where all the shuttles stop on the side of the Hilton (Almaden Ave) for years now, with each route clearly marked.  Additionally the schedules are posted there as well and I believe they've been in the pocket guide for a few years now too.  The shuttles pick up and drop off over there for good reason, they don't have to deal with the traffic in front of the convention center.

Oh that's great news! I asked around and have only gotten "I've heard there was a shuttle or something" as an answer. I had asked a volunteer in the Marriott how to get to the Fairmont and they told me I was I the Fairmont, so I was pretty lost until I just gave up and went to to stand in lines. I now see the 3 stop markers from the digital guide from last year, but maybe they will stick some shuttle info in there as well this year for other nervous newbies. As far as I knew, the DoubleTree was a myth lol. Although it looks like it will stay a myth as I'm not about that 18+ life. The update said that the shuttle will be 24 hours. Is that normal, or also new with Silver Island? Might be worth it just for that.

[TC X0 Lt 0X]

Alright I would like to extend this thread for 2020


Please, Do NOT Do "Silver Island"

[svatoid]

If you recall last year they gave out tickets for the for the first two hours of the hentai and yaoi rooms at the convention center. Those tickets were gone pretty quickly ( they started sitribution at 10am each day). This year the first two hours were ticketed as well. I noticed that there were plenty of tickets available at the video room table late into the afternoon each day. So I think tha attendance was probably down this year at the Doubletree

[CandyGirl]

and the shuttles were terrible :/

*I should add that it was stated by the chairdude himself they moved shuttles from other hotels to prioritize those going to the double tree and even that was not enough to meet demand. he did not offer to even consider making changes if they were to continue "silver island"

[tesla]

I didn't go to Silver Island; that aspect of the con doesn't interest me. From my friends who went, they seemed to have a good time with no complaints (besides just having to go over there, which is given).

How would y'all like to see the DoubleTree space utilized?

[Barnes]

I'd say that Silver Island was underwhelming. An okay idea, with not-so-good execution.

- The "advance tickets" idea, I'm fine with. Keep that.
- Starting the events at 8pm felt weird. Especially for the screening rooms.
- Night Market: you can go to Artists Alley and get a similar, if not the same, effect. It didn't even have a Fakku booth XD
- Casino Night looked cool at least. The table games seemed to be more Vegas casino style rather than Indian casino style.
- Adult Game Room: meh.
- Didn't bother watching the stage shows. No further comment.
- The HMV show was run just fine...but something about the line for it, I didn't like...

Overall, I say bring the Hentai events back to "the mainland." Take back the Marriott rooms, lol. But what should take its place at the DoubleTree, you ask?  ;D

[TC X0 Lt 0X]

I'd say that Silver Island was underwhelming. An okay idea, with not-so-good execution.

- The "advance tickets" idea, I'm fine with. Keep that.
- Starting the events at 8pm felt weird. Especially for the screening rooms.

Eh I don't mind the start time besides it conflicting with other events.

- Night Market: you can go to Artists Alley and get a similar, if not the same, effect. It didn't even have a Fakku booth XD

That was my take as well. I was expecting 20 inch Dragon Dildos and got Artist Alley with some nipple slip

- Casino Night looked cool at least. The table games seemed to be more Vegas casino style rather than Indian casino style.
- Adult Game Room: meh.
- Didn't bother watching the stage shows. No further comment.

I didnt check any of those out other then passing by them. Didnt even know where the Adult Gaming Room was.

- The HMV show was run just fine...but something about the line for it, I didn't like...

Didnt get to go, our driver was too lazy to get into the car and we were going to stand in the shuttle line.
The general hentai video rooms were easy to get into. No real complaint on the setup except perhaps the rooms being too small for larger scale events.

Overall, I say bring the Hentai events back to "the mainland." Take back the Marriott rooms, lol. But what should take its place at the DoubleTree, you ask?  ;D

I agree. It isnt like they segregated the 18+ panels that were just Hentai Video Rooms with commentary. What did they even use the Marriott rooms for this year?
The DoubleTree just cant host any large events given the distance and its apparent capacity. Odd events are fine (perfect location for the JoJo Escape room last year, as an example), and perhaps the Casino setup they had was alright too. Don't know what they could shift over there though. The Manga Lounge? Artist Exhibit (if they are still doing that)?

[svatoid]

"What did they even use the Marriott rooms for this year?"

The 3 rooms they usually used for Hentai/Yaoi continued to run the regular video programming until 2AM. however they were closed from 2AM-8AM

[DankLordPopo]

Along with this, the Night store wasn't really a night store but felt like more of a mature artist alley. The only 18+ items being sold were a box of doujins and some hentai being sold in the corner of the room but hardly any. I was expecting more based on the description of the night store, somewhat similar to one of the 18+ sellers in the dealers hall which I was expecting prior to seeing the night store. 

[DepressedSniper123]

Heard it was shut down.  Anyone know what happened?