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When you say "moving mouths" do you just mean statically posable? or do you actually want to try to puppet them while you are in the costume?

I would fall under the category of "just pretty damn creative". I think the way I would probably approach this is with high density foam and/or EVA foam and armature wire. The foam is going to be an ultra light option and believe me that is really going to make a difference. It will also be durable because it will just absorb any abuse it might take. putting armature wire in it will make it posable and can be used to give it more structure. You might even consider building it off of a bike helmet to help you wear it securely. But at the same time I would be really cautious with that because if you accidentally hit a door way or something and it makes your head jerk you might really hurt yourself (Fanime recommends/requires having a handler present for any costume that impedes mobility). I would suggest making it so that all of the neck stocks actually semi-join at the base. So they technically become a single opening that you fit over your head but they would still be semicircles to imply the shape of the separate necks. I hope that helps or even makes sense. lol.

Awesome topic! I agree 100% Something I would love to see is a panel about the history and evolution of anime. There are always some hidden gems when you dig into that sort of topic.

i like it!

Thanks! I really hope this idea garners some interest. It should be fun :)

Cat-Aclysm 2017 : Cat Themed Gathering
This Gathering Includes :  The theme for the gathering is "cats". So all cat characters and characters noted for being cat lovers (e.g. Sebastian from Black Butler).

Day : Friday
Time : 5 PM
Meeting Place (MP) : G3 (Tiered Platform 1st floor lobby by West stairs)
Location (L) : G3

Cosplayers :
SquishyK - Pusheen
Nili - Litten
Christy - Nyan Cat

Legal Statement-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.

Photo Order :
I'm not quite sure what the photo order will be. It will greatly depend on who shows I guess, but I'm open to suggestions.
My general idea was something like:
- all cosplayers
- cats
- cat lovers
- video game characters
- anime characters
- comic book characters
- meme cats
- hero characters?
- evil characters?

Link to Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/895714767236815/
Link to other gathering relevent things : (I will probably make a cosplay.com a gathering and fill it in here)
News of the gathering : (if an update happens, or if you want to confirm something with your cosplayers, post here, or your next post in your thread)

Will it be a prrr-fect success or a cat-tastrophy?? Who knows!

(Disclaimer: I can't take full responsibility for this idea. It was actually inspired by a piece of art I saw at artist's ally this year. But the bad cat puns are all me.)

(also in the process of preproduction of making a video as to HOW TO RUN A GATHERING, A PHOTOG AND ORGANIZER PROSPECTIVE.)

That would be awesome! Running a gathering can seem intimidating at first but when I did it I actually ended up having a lot of fun with it (I didn't do a perfect job, there were things I would do better next time, but i still had fun with it). I think if people had a guide to go by and some direction they might be less intimidated and willing to give it a try.

• Rewards members get free wifi! :)

Wish I had known that!!

San Jose Marriott
Friday-Monday

Pros:

• I also noticed the lack of late night parties! Fantastic!
• Short wait for elevators
• I love being right by the con
• No trouble getting extra room keys. I stay by myself but I give out keys to my friends so they can crash or freshen up during the day.
• Personally had no issues un-locking my door (takes a little finess) or with the water.
• Even when I didn't want the room cleaned out they still nocked and asked if I needed more towels.
• Free bag check on Monday
• Starbucks in the lobby

Cons:

• For the second time I have had an issue with my luggage at this hotel that has literally brought me to tears. The first time was 2 years ago. They were going to keep an eye on my stuff while I ran bags up to my room and my things were moved and temporarily misplaced. I was in a hurry and freaked out. This time I was waiting for a bell hop to come to my room on Monday. I waited one hour and then called to make sure someone was coming. They re-assured me that I was on the list, they were backed up but someone should be there in 15 min. Half an hour later I called again and they said they would radio someone and make sure they got to me right away. I was in the room all by myself and going stir crazy. After another half an hour I called again to just tell them "forget it, I can't take this waiting" but in my sleep deprived state I broke out in tears and they said they would personally come up right at that minute. 2 minutes later she showed up with someone I think she had grabbed from the bag check area and a luggage cart. To the Marriott's credit in both situations the staff was very friendly, understanding, and helpful. Even though I was in a very difficult situation I felt like the staff was doing their upmost to help me and provide excellent service.
• Walking past the badging line was a bit awquard. But all-in-all a two second minor inconvenience.

I liked the little metal men. I feel they are both decorative and functional. If you wanted you could probably hang out your cloths for the day on them. Or a small purse.

I posted photos from Fanime weekend (including the ones I took at the gathering and of other yona cosplays) to my tumblr account: http://squishykreations.tumblr.com/post/145312454234/photos-from-fanime-weekend-some-of-me-and-my

Fullmetal Alchemist is listed under Saturday and Sunday on the "official" list posted on the forums. You might want to shoot the gathering department an email and make sure the right day is scheduled/recorded.

I don't have a Yona cosplay (yet) and am unlikely to have one by Fanime this year. But I would love to stop by and see cosplays made by other fans. (I love this series so much  ;D)

In the past they asked about pickup location so that they could get an idea of how much traffic to expect at each location (you could still pick up at either place no matter what you designated when you registered). They probably have enough of a handle on the system now and a decent idea of what to expect based on previous years so they no longer need to collect that information beforehand.

Badges are printed on site with the cards that are stocked in the machine at the location. Fanime pick up location will print badges with Fanime art and if Clockwork Alchemy has different art then badges printed at Clockwork Alchemy will have Clockwork Alchemy art. When you specify Clockwork Alchemy or Fanime when you register it does not determine where you plan to pick up your badge. It is to tell the convention your primary reason for attending.

Edit: I just remembered that in the past Clockwork Alchemy has had a separate line for Fanime people if you want the Fanime artwork (at least that was the case 2 years ago).

I voted for Friday but Monday would also work for me.

Check the Weather - It's typical sunny in May in California but it has rained in the past.

Bring Water - Lines for food and refreshments can be long and it's no fun to hunt down a water fountain when you're feeling dehydrated.

Wear Sunscreen - While most of the convention is indoors there are some events where you will have to line up outside, possibly for several hours.

Schedule Breaks - especially if you'll be there all 4 days you need to take time to get off your feet. In the past there has been a manga reading room and the cosplayer hangout. These are great places to get away from the crowd and take a few minutes to rest and recoup.

Monday Price Drops - if you are budget conscious be aware that on Monday sellers at the dealers hall and artist alley will sometimes offer discounts to move merchandise. You risk missing out on items if they sell out before Monday but if that is not a concern you might be able to get a deal.

If there is trouble contact fanime rovers - the number to contact Fanime rovers is printed on the back of your con badge. If you are being harassed at the convention or feel a situation is not safe contact the rovers.

... do you know if the Marriott will hold on to my luggage from my Sunday checkout time until Monday?

There's an official answer to this question. See "Where can I store my luggage?"

That information is incomplete because virilevocalist is correct, in the past Fanime has offered it's own luggage check service on Monday. Which is not mentioned in that FAQ. They have it in the Marriott and my understanding is that you do not have to be staying at the Marriott to use Fanime's bag check service. (Just an FYI in case someone interested in Monday bag check runs across this convo)

Disclaimer: I am not a Fanime official and cannot confirm this was implemented last year or that they will definitely be doing the same this year.

I think normally they don't hold stuff over night. Though you might at least be able to get the Marriott to hold it most of Sunday. I would suggest just calling up the hotel and asking them directly.

Chibitainment.

What in gods name Chibitainment?

My guess would be that the department organizes smaller events. Ones that other departments would normally pass up not for lack of interest but because they are occupied running larger more complicated events.

as OtakuAngel said it depends on the hotel. I would suggest calling the hotel directly for specifics in this case. My personal experience has been that they charge me only when I check in and also put an additional hold on my card at check in (in case of damages to the rooms or any purchases billed to the room).

Yep,I just checked it,and the nearest available is just shy of 3 miles away. Good thing I'm getting back in shape.  >:(

Fanime has a free shuttle service to most if not all of those 3+ mile hotels. I've used it in the past to get to Clockwork Alchemy and it really wasn't that bad.

Just a hunch, but I kind of feel like Fanime shoved too many people into one time slot, at 12pm today. Juuuust a teeny tiny hunch. Just a little one.

My theory on this is that today's 12 PM time slot included most of the people who rushed to buy badges right away when they found out it would affect when they could get a hotel. While most of the previous time slots were a mix of people interested in getting a hotel and locals that just happened to purchase their badge early but have other lodging plans. So the noon slot probably didn't have any more people in it then previous time slots but everyone in the noon slot rushed the servers.