FanimeCon 2024 Forums

FanimeCon Events and Discussionmentarianism => General Convention Discussion => Topic started by: Steve.Young on June 01, 2015, 02:59:51 PM

Title: Official Convention Feedback
Post by: Steve.Young on June 01, 2015, 02:59:51 PM
The form won't be used this year. I'll take on the task of organizing and sending departments individual feedback.

Please structure your feedback so it's easier for me to get the feedback to the proper departments. (No walls of text...bullet points would be great/preferred but not required).

Ideally structured this way:

Bullet Point 1
Bullet Point 2
Bullet Point 3

But if you require more explanation

Summary paragraph 1 on issue 1

Summary paragraph 2 on issue 2

This helps me organize it and that it gets sent to the proper people.

Thanks,
Title: Re: Official Convention Feedback
Post by: Admiral Donuts on June 01, 2015, 04:12:54 PM
The Cosplay Hangout should be closer to Peacebonding
My friends got denied Peacebonding and had to modify their props. This involved going to the Hilton, going to the Marriott, and then going back to the Hilton. Wouldn't it make more sense to have them close together so people who need to modify props can do it quicker?

Signs
Basic signage that tells you how to get to the shuttle, Fairmont, Swap Meet, etc. Clockwork Alchemey does it despite being a much smaller con and it works really well.
Title: Re: Official Convention Feedback
Post by: Kuudere on June 01, 2015, 04:23:55 PM
You've got your work cut out for you to take on everything by yourself! Though, the forums are a little slow by now, so if you really want to reach a larger audience for feedback, promoting this thread through social media would be a good start.

Note: Most of my largest concerns were already responded to by staff (because we have some awesome staff that check in on the forums), but I'll list them here just so that they're on the "official" feedback and don't get forgotten. And I want to mention beforehand that this year's Fanime was one of the best-run Fanimes I've been to in my 11 years of attendance. So great job, staff!

----------------------------------------------

Guests:

Artist Alley:

Guides:

Housing:

Registration/Website:

Swap Meet

Gaming Hall:

General:

--------------------------------------------------

That's it for now. If I think of anything else, I'll mention it later.

And like I've already mentioned, this year's Fanime was great overall. I hope that the staff that see these know that they're likely only going to hear the negatives, but that's because the people who enjoyed themselves don't often leave feedback. Thank you, staff, for a great 5 days!
Title: Re: Official Convention Feedback
Post by: otakuya on June 01, 2015, 08:51:17 PM
General
Crank up the fans and A/C. It may be me, but it got really hot and hard to breathe in many rooms. Especially the gaming room, artist alley, and main convention center area.

Cosplay Spectacular
Cosplay Spectacular was not in the program guide aside from a small square in the 'at-a-glance' page. The show itself had a very low attendance than what I'm used to seeing. Also, their sticker ticket system didn't really work, because of the low attendance; anyone just walked in and sat anywhere. I get that there's no more Cosplay Linecon, but at least fill the Civic.

Arcade
Most of the arcades were the same systems for the past several years. Maybe more of a selection and multiplayer co-op games, like Simpsons, X-Men, Daytona USA 8-player. At least, revamp the arcades selection. (example: California Extreme)

Registration
Don't change anything!
Title: Re: Official Convention Feedback
Post by: Sunara Ishi on June 01, 2015, 09:58:29 PM
Overall I applaud you staff and all the hard work you do. I've witnessed several years of it and am grateful for it.
As always... the Dealer's Hall, Artist Alley, Video Rooms, Gaming Hall, etc. does an excellent job.
I'll address some issues:

Guides:

Accessibility to cosplay gathering areas

More Cosplay-related stuff

Staff & Safety

Video Rooms

Artist Alley

Other

Guests

Dealer's Hall, Gaming Hall, Reg

I think that might be it for now. Unless I think of something I missed.

Edit:
I forgot about this one because I don't really attend it anymore... so mine is based off of past years and what I hear. From what I've heard, it hasn't changed.

Cosplay Spectacular
Title: Re: Official Convention Feedback
Post by: luffy77 on June 01, 2015, 10:23:25 PM

I can't think of anything else.  Like others have said this years con was run great.
Title: Re: Official Convention Feedback
Post by: Abyss1 on June 02, 2015, 11:14:37 AM
Quote from: Sunara Ishi on June 01, 2015, 09:58:29 PM
Overall I applaud you staff and all the hard work you do. I've witnessed several years of it and am grateful for it.
As always... the Dealer's Hall, Artist Alley, Video Rooms, Gaming Hall, etc. does an excellent job.
I'll address some issues:

Guides:

  • Can you please not use black text on a dark gray background? It is really hard for those of us with vision problems and/or tired to see. Especially when it is also small text. Also makes it too easy to overlook guest panels (since those were the ones in that color.)
  • Please list all major events. Swap Meet wasn't listed for Thurs. And I don't think it was listed for Fri. either.

Accessibility to cosplay gathering areas

  • Finding the exit, to the cosplay gathering area next to the Hilton, was rather confusing and no signs were put up. The upstairs exits were supposedly alarmed and un-usable. The only exit I found was through the Hilton restaurant; which isn't ideal. I know you can't do anything about the existing structure of the building but signs would've been nice.

More Cosplay-related stuff

  • It would have been really nice if Peace-bonding and the Cosplay Hangout were closer together. Ideally, it would be awesome to have Peace-bonding, Cosplay Hangout, and Item check all in the same area. It would save time for those cosplayers that have to run all over the con (for peace-bonding, costume prop/fixes, item check, etc. )before a gathering...
  • Next time, can you make some note in the guide/program book that there is a second peace-bonding station?

Staff & Safety

  • I noticed this during Thurs. night (it may not be true for all of con.) but the Staff on Thurs. let con-goers to bang on the tent walls, for hours, until I said something. Which I said, after someone on the opposite side, had hit me on my head. This should have never got to this point. Perhaps the girl was new and/or understaffed but usually dangerous behavior is seen by staff & addressed faster.

Video Rooms

  • Personally, I'd like to see more variety of types of shows. I liked someone's idea of having a room that showed a few examples of each genre. I personally would love a room that showed Shoujo/series based off Dating Sim games...
  • It seems like the number of video rooms have actually decreased over the years? I would have sworn there was a year when video rooms took up a lot of the Marriott and the opposite side (where they are now)? More video rooms again would be nice.
  • Bring back more Jdrama rooms. The Asian film one is nice but I would love one that showed Jdrama series. I hardly get a chance to watch many anymore and it would be fun to watch some during con.

Artist Alley

  • That entrance.... It was really obscure and hard to find at first. Wouldn't one of the two exits, have made a better entrance? They ended up closing off one of the exits but for awhile it was "That's an exit.. that's also an exit. Where is the entrance? Eh????"
  • Although I think artist alley was good this year, it felt really crammed. (I think it was the shear number of attendees this year.)

Other

  • Panels: It would have been been nice if you could've gotten that hotel across the street again for panels. That was nice that one year. The Fairmont seems really far to go for panels; it makes it tempting to skip that area and stay within the main building.
  • Also panels: I would love more cosplay/lolita/prop panels. And not just guest ones. Specifically, more obscure/technical ones like molds.
  • Space issues: There were a gazillion of people this year. It is really too bad the con center doesn't have a true 3rd floor (or 4th) or was twice as big... I really wish there was something the con could do about this because it really didn't feel safe. I kept getting bumped with props/items or people bumping into the bruise on my arm. I kind of worry about those with more serious issues. It also seemed like some rooms were crowded while there were also several areas that seemed unused?
  • Water fountains: What was going on with the water fountains? Some of them were turned off halfway through the con. Or had barely any water. Did the con center reach its water limit or something?
  • Signs. This doesn't affect me but affects friends: There should be signs for the Lines for Parents with young children or more mention of the accommodations offered to them. I forgot about this since it didn't affect me & I think my friends were unaware of it: There should be more mention/signs for the New Mother's Room.
  • More stuff to do: If I'm being honest, I would prefer more stuff to do over stuff to buy. Sure, Dealer's Hall was awesome this year but I didn't quite realize how much it cut into Video Rooms. Unless you can magic a 3rd & 4th floor, I don't know if we need quite that large of a Dealer's Hall.

Guests

  • I still would like more Japanese guests. I would've attended more autograph sessions but I stupidly forgot my item to be signed 6+ hrs away... -.-; But I'd love more variety of Japanese guests. Though I admit the Chalk Twins were actually pretty cool in person.
  • More music guests. I would like to have two music guests again. I understand if you get someone huge but...

Dealer's Hall, Gaming Hall, Reg

  • You're good. Don't change anything.
  • On second thought, a couple more food venders inside if Dealer's Hall remains that huge? And I'm not talking pocky and mochi. (Though I still wish that Sesame Mochi was actually the Cookie Dough Mochi I thought I saw out of the corner of my eye...) Actually, a vender selling Ice Cream mochi would be awesome... or Green tea ice cream.

I think that might be it for now. Unless I think of something I missed.

About the water...You do know California is facing a severe drought right?
Title: Re: Official Convention Feedback
Post by: aetherltd on June 02, 2015, 12:33:16 PM
Quote from: Abyss1 on June 02, 2015, 11:14:37 AM
About the water...You do know California is facing a severe drought right?
Fanime may have an obligation to provide free water. See Food and Agricultural Code (Concert and Music Festival Safety Act) sec. 11000.10. That law is aimed at big raves and music festivals, and applies to any event with over 10,000 people on state property.
Title: Re: Official Convention Feedback
Post by: Nina Star 9 on June 02, 2015, 12:43:43 PM
I'll write up more later, but I want to get this one out before I forget:

Facilities/general safety:

- Outside the Hilton restaurant, there is a small step up (just a couple of inches) that is not marked as such with reflective tape or paint and is not well-lit at night. In order to access the "slab" area for cosplay gatherings and shoots, I had to go through the restaurant because my path in previous years (through the cosplayer hangout) no longer exists/was blocked off now that the hangout has moved. I ended up tripping over this small step Friday night while coming back inside from a late-night photoshoot (where I did not want to walk out on the street and around the entire building to get back inside in my skimpy costume) and falling flat on my face. Thankfully I wasn't injured except for some slight bruising on my palms, and none of my possessions were damaged, though it could have easily been far worse. This may be something to take up with the Hilton itself, but since that area is probably trafficked more during con than other times, is it possible to get some temporary reflective tape or other marking on that step during con, especially if people are forced to take that path back inside again? I believe there is a change in pavement type and a small metal edging on the step in question, but in the dark, it is difficult to tell that there is a difference in ground level and not just a metal barrier between two different types of pavement.

(Also, agreeing with the difficulties in accessing that area for cosplay gatherings. I didn't like having to go through the restaurant and disturbing everyone, but I didn't have much of a choice most of the time, other than walking all the way around the outside of the building.)
Title: Re: Official Convention Feedback
Post by: Abyss1 on June 02, 2015, 04:50:50 PM
Quote from: aetherltd on June 02, 2015, 12:33:16 PM
Quote from: Abyss1 on June 02, 2015, 11:14:37 AM
About the water...You do know California is facing a severe drought right?
Fanime may have an obligation to provide free water. See Food and Agricultural Code (Concert and Music Festival Safety Act) sec. 11000.10. That law is aimed at big raves and music festivals, and applies to any event with over 10,000 people on state property.

Missing the point...Any public meeting center has to provide potable water by building code!  But yea the complaint about the water flow rate is what I was referring to...really who cares if it takes you 2x as long to fill your bottle, if we can reduce water demand and the sink...remember not everyone is as savvy as you about not wasting water, A high GPM flow rate can lead to more water wasted by more people.
Title: Re: Official Convention Feedback
Post by: Sunara Ishi on June 02, 2015, 08:05:29 PM
Quote from: Abyss1 on June 02, 2015, 04:50:50 PM
Quote from: aetherltd on June 02, 2015, 12:33:16 PM
Quote from: Abyss1 on June 02, 2015, 11:14:37 AM
About the water...You do know California is facing a severe drought right?
Fanime may have an obligation to provide free water. See Food and Agricultural Code (Concert and Music Festival Safety Act) sec. 11000.10. That law is aimed at big raves and music festivals, and applies to any event with over 10,000 people on state property.

Missing the point...Any public meeting center has to provide potable water by building code!  But yea the complaint about the water flow rate is what I was referring to...really who cares if it takes you 2x as long to fill your bottle, if we can reduce water demand and the sink...remember not everyone is as savvy as you about not wasting water, A high GPM flow rate can lead to more water wasted by more people.
What I was referring to was turned off fountains and water so low that you couldn't refill a bottle or drink out of the fountain. So those fountains were essentially not usable. It wasn't a complaint but more asking what was going on.
To my knowledge, SJ hasn't started water restrictions? But I wasn't sure if it was different for businesses. I thought maybe they reached their rationed amount or something.

I said nothing about water flow. I was talking about fountains (which were usable at the beginning of con) that were not usable later.

I am quite aware of the drought. I live someplace that has high fire danger because of the drought. But dehydration isn't the answer. At large crowded events, you need to drink lots of water. Just because I'm asking doesn't mean that I don't cut back as much as I can.

Now that I remember, I think the con center frequently cuts off water to infrequent areas of the con. But the Marriott also was having problems.
Title: Re: Official Convention Feedback
Post by: Imperial on June 02, 2015, 09:30:00 PM
Quote from: Sunara Ishi on June 02, 2015, 08:05:29 PM
Quote from: Abyss1 on June 02, 2015, 04:50:50 PM
Quote from: aetherltd on June 02, 2015, 12:33:16 PM
Quote from: Abyss1 on June 02, 2015, 11:14:37 AM
About the water...You do know California is facing a severe drought right?
Fanime may have an obligation to provide free water. See Food and Agricultural Code (Concert and Music Festival Safety Act) sec. 11000.10. That law is aimed at big raves and music festivals, and applies to any event with over 10,000 people on state property.

Missing the point...Any public meeting center has to provide potable water by building code!  But yea the complaint about the water flow rate is what I was referring to...really who cares if it takes you 2x as long to fill your bottle, if we can reduce water demand and the sink...remember not everyone is as savvy as you about not wasting water, A high GPM flow rate can lead to more water wasted by more people.
What I was referring to was turned off fountains and water so low that you couldn't refill a bottle or drink out of the fountain. So those fountains were essentially not usable. It wasn't a complaint but more asking what was going on.
To my knowledge, SJ hasn't started water restrictions? But I wasn't sure if it was different for businesses. I thought maybe they reached their rationed amount or something.

I said nothing about water flow. I was talking about fountains (which were usable at the beginning of con) that were not usable later.

I am quite aware of the drought. I live someplace that has high fire danger because of the drought. But dehydration isn't the answer. At large crowded events, you need to drink lots of water. Just because I'm asking doesn't mean that I don't cut back as much as I can.

Now that I remember, I think the con center frequently cuts off water to infrequent areas of the con. But the Marriott also was having problems.

The only thing I can say on this matter, not to take away from you guys on this, but we had a water cooler in Cosplay hangout that we made sure was always full. and on a personal note, I had low pressure at my dorm room at SJSU, so it may be the block, although I doubt it.
Title: Re: Official Convention Feedback
Post by: Sunara Ishi on June 02, 2015, 11:28:59 PM
Quote from: Imperial on June 02, 2015, 09:30:00 PM
Quote from: Sunara Ishi on June 02, 2015, 08:05:29 PM
Quote from: Abyss1 on June 02, 2015, 04:50:50 PM
Quote from: aetherltd on June 02, 2015, 12:33:16 PM
Quote from: Abyss1 on June 02, 2015, 11:14:37 AM
About the water...You do know California is facing a severe drought right?
Fanime may have an obligation to provide free water. See Food and Agricultural Code (Concert and Music Festival Safety Act) sec. 11000.10. That law is aimed at big raves and music festivals, and applies to any event with over 10,000 people on state property.

Missing the point...Any public meeting center has to provide potable water by building code!  But yea the complaint about the water flow rate is what I was referring to...really who cares if it takes you 2x as long to fill your bottle, if we can reduce water demand and the sink...remember not everyone is as savvy as you about not wasting water, A high GPM flow rate can lead to more water wasted by more people.
What I was referring to was turned off fountains and water so low that you couldn't refill a bottle or drink out of the fountain. So those fountains were essentially not usable. It wasn't a complaint but more asking what was going on.
To my knowledge, SJ hasn't started water restrictions? But I wasn't sure if it was different for businesses. I thought maybe they reached their rationed amount or something.

I said nothing about water flow. I was talking about fountains (which were usable at the beginning of con) that were not usable later.

I am quite aware of the drought. I live someplace that has high fire danger because of the drought. But dehydration isn't the answer. At large crowded events, you need to drink lots of water. Just because I'm asking doesn't mean that I don't cut back as much as I can.

Now that I remember, I think the con center frequently cuts off water to infrequent areas of the con. But the Marriott also was having problems.

The only thing I can say on this matter, not to take away from you guys on this, but we had a water cooler in Cosplay hangout that we made sure was always full. and on a personal note, I had low pressure at my dorm room at SJSU, so it may be the block, although I doubt it.
Hmm... perhaps it was a city wide thing. It may just not be as easily noticeable outside large events.

Well on this note, I'm happy to just let this issue drop. I wouldn't have asked if I knew I'd get flamed for asking about the water situation.
Title: Re: Official Convention Feedback
Post by: pantsu on June 03, 2015, 03:43:10 AM
Masq/Cosplay Spectacular

Artist Alley:

Guests:

Guides:

Housing:

General:
Title: Re: Official Convention Feedback
Post by: Ruzuki on June 03, 2015, 09:34:28 AM
I volunteered a bit throughout the weekend, so I had a couple of ideas about things I had encountered during that.

And also, for the pocket guides, they need to be sure to include everything! Quite a few things I tried to find was missing.

And the digital full guide should be available on a service that doesn't require an account to download the guide... and even once i made an account it still wouldn't let me save it to my iPad, which was frustrating because I dont have mobile service on my iPad so I rely on wifi to access the internet...

It would also be nice if the Manga Lounge was open longer hours, I often wanted to read in there late in the evening after Artist Alley and Dealer Halls had closed.
Title: Re: Official Convention Feedback
Post by: Enkai on June 03, 2015, 01:12:51 PM
Title: Re: Official Convention Feedback
Post by: Steve.Young on June 03, 2015, 01:57:57 PM
Oh boy that was a long list of items for Cosplay... thanks for the very thorough feedback!
Title: Re: Official Convention Feedback
Post by: Sunara Ishi on June 03, 2015, 02:25:24 PM
Edited my list for Cosplay Spectacular. Forgot about that one.
Please see the last item here (http://"http://forums.fanime.com/index.php/topic,20228.msg486793.html#msg486793").
Title: Re: Official Convention Feedback
Post by: Takoyaki Sauce on June 03, 2015, 03:51:04 PM
Facilities

- Some standard signage seemed to be missing or misplaced like the end of access hallways "no access" or if a fire exit should not be breached to get to the cosplay hangout area, perhaps an incorporated map.
- Water pressure low in the water fountains.
- Some attractions/departments should have their own water stations (i.e. back of the gaming hall/ex hall 3)
- A decision should be made on whether people are permitted on the 2nd floor patio/balconies on the hilton side.
- why is convention center staff allowed to smoke or vape there while attendees are not.

Fan Storage
- Guidelines for what can be stored (dimensions) and the cost should be in the guidebook/program guide.
- hours of operation and location was wrong in the pocket guide

Shuttle
- Signage with CA shuttle times and clear designation of shuttle area would've been helpful.  I walked around the outside asking different people where the shuttle stop was and ended up waiting for an airport shuttle at the hilton.

Concessions
- A bit pricey
- Lady who got my hot dog was still wearing the same gloves she wore when collecting my cash.
- Peete's coffee seemed to close early on thursday instead of being 24 hours like the rest of the days

Day 0
- Needs more attractions; maybe an exclusive showing/preview at stage zero; or a giant icebreaker
- I know it's not a real day, but it seems like some things could be arranged to help get us attendees out of the way of staff setting up.

Day 1
- Why 2PM? Couldn't the dealer's hall open sooner?

Musicfest/Guest of Honor
- The offering was weak this year.  More guests=More money/Costs/Overhead, but perhaps this either justifies a higher ticket cost or charging at the door of some sub-events like AX.

Exhibitions
- I know it's a convention and not a trade show, but the small industry presence and lack of exhibitions other than a sponsored panel seems to maintain a "small con" feel unless that's what you are going for.

Video Programming
- What happened to jdorama?

Badges
  - Maybe your staff or volunteers didn't care, but I forgot my badge in my room and I was still able to walk the main strip, enter video, dealers, gaming, and artist alley...
Title: Re: Official Convention Feedback
Post by: Enkai on June 03, 2015, 05:36:39 PM
Quote from: Steve.Young on June 03, 2015, 01:57:57 PM
Oh boy that was a long list of items for Cosplay... thanks for the very thorough feedback!

It's because I care.  ;) (seriously. I don't think I'd have that much to say if I was apathetic)  Masquerade has often been my favorite thing in conventions, and I want that back.

Quote from: Sunara Ishi on June 01, 2015, 09:58:29 PM

Edit:
I forgot about this one because I don't really attend it anymore... so mine is based off of past years and what I hear. From what I've heard, it hasn't changed.

Cosplay Spectacular

  • I never particularly cared for how skits and certain walk-ons were mixed. I think the ones showing off their costumes & singing should be part of a separate event. I'm talking the individual ones (not the group ones.) I used to go for the skits and only the skits. I'm ok with singing if it is part of a skit but I don't think they should allow "I think I can sing so I wanna show off" individuals. Honestly, they should be taking part in karaoke not masquerade. Or maybe Stage Zero.
  • At least make the costume thing a separate event... it doesn't do well on such as large stage and I think would do better in more of a cat-walk/fashion show setting. Have these people sign up for a "Cosplay Fashion show" instead. Plus, it gives you another event at fanime.
  • Judging: I have no first hand experience with this but I've heard judging is rigged & biased. I think it should either be done by an independent party or an audience vote. We don't need to know the results right away; the fact that they already know who won just shortly after the show ends just screams "fake." We the audience aren't dumb and know the results aren't true.
  • You know what... make the results a separate thing. If it isn't a audience vote, make it into a panel or event where it is one of those over the top judging shows. Where the judges have to explain what is great or bad about a skit.

I'm okay with splitting up the event.  An idea I had was a cosplay fashion show on Stage Zero each day, and the winners of each day could show up at some point during Cosplay Spectacular and walk-on while the MC talks about the awesome parts of their costume that's why they won.  'Cause being honest, as a crazy craftsmanship cosplayer, that's what I want people to know about.  However, that wouldn't work if, like this year, people don't want to do skits.

Also, I don't think singing skits have been allowed since at least 2009 (I seem to recall some live audio in 2008?).  The rule's always been pre-recorded audio.  For some reason, even though it was explicitly against the rules, some skits were allowed to do so anyway. Don't ask me why.

On your judging suggestions though - As somebody who competes and does attend these things, I'm certain that what you hear about judging is hearsay.  There is a separate panel doing judging.  I have a lot of problems with Cosplay Spectacular this year, and the judging is not one of them. Masquerade staff does not judge these things - it's an outside panel, although they do often repeat (I think Wayne Kaa's local).  Wayne Kaa's from ACparadise, I believe, and he's been judging at least since 2009 when I was competing.  This year, the cosplay GOH was one of the judges (as it should be).  I don't have any issue with the panel.

Additionally, one reason judging doesn't take as long as you might expect is because all the workmanship judging is done outside of the main show.  It's not like the judges are doing their craftsmanship evaluation when the competitor is onstage.  If the judges have a sheet where they score performances as they perform, judging is a simple matter of tallying points.  And announcing in the same event makes sense because that way you have the competitors in their winning costumes for publicity photos.  And this is still a costume competition, even if skits are involved, so that part should absolutely not go away.

I do like the judges saying when the awards are given why they gave that award, and I know in years I've competed, they often have.  I did have to duck out for the announcement of the winners this year, so I don't know if they did or didn't.  I just heard about who won, and nobody who won surprised me. 

An audience vote beyond a single crowd favorite winner should never occur in a convention of Fanime's size.  Then the winners would be, in many cases, a case of what anime or game is popular at the time, and dramatic skits wouldn't be given a fair shot.
Title: Re: Official Convention Feedback
Post by: otakuya on June 03, 2015, 06:55:31 PM
Quote from: Takoyaki Sauce on June 03, 2015, 03:51:04 PM
Exhibitions
- I know it's a convention and not a trade show, but the small industry presence and lack of exhibitions other than a sponsored panel seems to maintain a "small con" feel unless that's what you are going for.

I actually second this. I do want sponsors and industry presence from anime, distribution, video game, media, etc companies, so that Fanime becomes more than just a hangout. Fanime has grown up and shouldn't maintain the 'small con' feel anymore. Talk to people from Funimation, Sega, Capcom, Crunchyroll, Viz, Nintendo, YouTube, etc so that they can be part of this. More convention exclusives.


Also, have more of a promotion and marketing presence before the con. There are usually signs plastered over places like SF Japantown and libraries. The FanimeCon light rail was fun to see, but I don't think it helped with promotions. Which is why the industry presence is important, (example) where Sega can promote themselves being at Fanime with demos of their new game on Facebook and magazines. It fits the demographic they are going for.


With over 27,000 attendants, maybe also use a professional event planning company for issues like crowd control, signage, promotions, marketing, social and industry presence, and other things.


Take WWE Wrestlemania Axxess for example:
(https://heavyeditorial.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/wmx3-5.jpg?quality=65&strip=all&w=642)
Title: Re: Official Convention Feedback
Post by: Amarok on June 03, 2015, 10:40:05 PM
Before I blast you guys with some negative feedback, I wanted to say that I absolutely had a fantastic time at Fanime this year! I can't wait to come back next year. My hat goes off to everybody for their hard work in making it happen, and I appreciate all the hours and effort that it took. My negative feedback is just because I feel Fanime suffers from some poor organizational problems that hurt its reputation and experience for attendees. Fixing some of these things would really help make it an even better con and one that people can look forward to not only for the fun, but for being well-organized and responsive.

Swap meet:
*Signs for swap meet at the convention center were vague/confusing. Would've helped a lot to have a clear indication of where it was and how to get there, especially considering signs for most other things were put right near where their events were.
*spread out the seller spots more? There was a lot of space in there not being used, and with the crowds of people looking at stuff, it was rough to get around at times.
*thumbs up to the bigger space and to getting people in there quickly after it opened. I don't know how it was on the seller end, but as a general attendee, I thought it seemed to be going really smoothly!

Guests:
*Better moderation/enforcement of policies and behavior in guest panels. Making it clear to attendees at start of Q+A panels what is and is not acceptable. (should be common sense, but didn't seem to be... :( )
*Putting guest panels in the larger panel rooms, especially if they are a popular guest.
*I really want to see more Japanese guests, but if it's going to be mostly Western guests, I'd at least love to see more who aren't related to dubs or localizations of things so people like myself who aren't interested in dubs can still have guests to look forward to. Youtubers/Let's Players are a great potential group of guests, for example.

Guides:
*Offer information on big events that aren't included in the time schedule more consistently and prominently. These seemed to be completely glossed over. Things like the swap meet, dance, casino night, cosplay spectacular, karaoke room, etc would be randomly mentioned in a small note somewhere, and that was it. Give them the space/mention they deserve in the pocket guide. These are major things, so why aren't they given any emphasis with their times and locations stated?
*don't force people to sign up for an account on some random site just so they can download the guidebook, if possible. The guidebook app is a great solution if the concern is that you need to be able to update it at the last minute.

Artist alley:
*please be more put together, on time, and transparent with registration for the artists. I saw a lot of people freaking out and stressed out by the poor timing and organization, and I think the guidelines for judging people's entries need to be made more clear.
*more helpful signs for where the entrance is, as it was out of the way and hard to find. Or use a more prominent door as the entrance instead of a side door way in the back.

Misc thumbs down:
*Cosplay hangout seemed kind of removed and maybe could've been in a more central location.
*Everything announced last minute, complete lack of updates until last couple of weeks before con, poor responses/lack of responses from Fanime staff regarding lots of things. It is really difficult to place any faith in the convention coming together when it seems like everything only gets finalized or announced at the last second, and the responses from Fanime never give good, factual information and just seem to be excuses or stock responses. I'm sure even if it's something unfortunate like a confession of something gone wrong, people would appreciate a genuine explanation rather than a, "When it's set in stone, you guys!" sort of line regarding concerns or questions.

Misc thumbs up:
*Registration is awesome now, keep it up. Going through the empty lines felt like doing a victory lap. :D
*Stage zero stuff was great and entertaining to watch when I was killing time. Nice variety!
*LOVED that gaming hall was open Thursday night.
*Nostalgia video room had a great selection.
*Dealer's room had a huge selection and was spread out enough that it wasn't crazy trying to walk through.
*A lot of the staff members at the con were really friendly and helpful.
*actual convention seemed to be running well despite the poor pre-con organization!
Title: Re: Official Convention Feedback
Post by: trickstersgambit on June 03, 2015, 10:42:48 PM
Registration:

Accessibility:

Signage:

General:

Mod edit: its called a dance
Title: Re: Official Convention Feedback
Post by: Sunara Ishi on June 04, 2015, 04:21:33 AM
Quote from: Enkai on June 03, 2015, 05:36:39 PM
Quote from: Sunara Ishi on June 01, 2015, 09:58:29 PM

Edit:
I forgot about this one because I don't really attend it anymore... so mine is based off of past years and what I hear. From what I've heard, it hasn't changed.

Cosplay Spectacular

  • I never particularly cared for how skits and certain walk-ons were mixed. I think the ones showing off their costumes & singing should be part of a separate event. I'm talking the individual ones (not the group ones.) I used to go for the skits and only the skits. I'm ok with singing if it is part of a skit but I don't think they should allow "I think I can sing so I wanna show off" individuals. Honestly, they should be taking part in karaoke not masquerade. Or maybe Stage Zero.
  • At least make the costume thing a separate event... it doesn't do well on such as large stage and I think would do better in more of a cat-walk/fashion show setting. Have these people sign up for a "Cosplay Fashion show" instead. Plus, it gives you another event at fanime.
  • Judging: I have no first hand experience with this but I've heard judging is rigged & biased. I think it should either be done by an independent party or an audience vote. We don't need to know the results right away; the fact that they already know who won just shortly after the show ends just screams "fake." We the audience aren't dumb and know the results aren't true.
  • You know what... make the results a separate thing. If it isn't a audience vote, make it into a panel or event where it is one of those over the top judging shows. Where the judges have to explain what is great or bad about a skit.
Also, I don't think singing skits have been allowed since at least 2009 (I seem to recall some live audio in 2008?).  The rule's always been pre-recorded audio.  For some reason, even though it was explicitly against the rules, some skits were allowed to do so anyway. Don't ask me why.

On your judging suggestions though - As somebody who competes and does attend these things, I'm certain that what you hear about judging is hearsay.  There is a separate panel doing judging.  I have a lot of problems with Cosplay Spectacular this year, and the judging is not one of them. Masquerade staff does not judge these things - it's an outside panel, although they do often repeat (I think Wayne Kaa's local).  Wayne Kaa's from ACparadise, I believe, and he's been judging at least since 2009 when I was competing.  This year, the cosplay GOH was one of the judges (as it should be).  I don't have any issue with the panel.

Additionally, one reason judging doesn't take as long as you might expect is because all the workmanship judging is done outside of the main show.  It's not like the judges are doing their craftsmanship evaluation when the competitor is onstage.  If the judges have a sheet where they score performances as they perform, judging is a simple matter of tallying points.  And announcing in the same event makes sense because that way you have the competitors in their winning costumes for publicity photos.  And this is still a costume competition, even if skits are involved, so that part should absolutely not go away.
Wow... I think it has been longer than I thought since I last attended Masquerade. I must be basing things off stuff prior to 2009. -.-; The years have really flown by. I guess judging has maybe changed.
Title: Re: Official Convention Feedback
Post by: AngelWings on June 04, 2015, 04:29:13 PM
Quote from: trickstersgambit on June 03, 2015, 10:42:48 PM
Registration:

  • Disabled attendees who are registering at con are supposedly supposed to be able to register at con on day zero. Unfortunately my disabled, missing a piece of muscle in his leg unable to do registration lines friend, was NOT allowed, and turned away day zero, then had to march through the line, and the day one large crowd, just to be able to get his badge.
  • Names for badges are a problem. People have been have been harrassed on facebook after con by way of people matching your badge to facebook accounts. Furthermore there have been issues with trans members of con not knowing or being able to put their preferred name and facing issues that way. General local consensus is that it would benefit the attendees and con in general to have legal names placed on the back of badges where they won't be displayed to the public.
  • Disabled registration??? Please??? see below

Hi.

At con reg- I answered this in the hotels and facilities post you made. I am curious about where this miscommunication occurred, would you happen to remember who told you it was possible to buy a badge at con on day zero? Or where you found that information?

Harassment-  One ways of ensuring your legal name is not a major focus is having a fan name. Not every attendee utilized this, but with a fan name your legal name is very small on the badge. This is still a concern and I will bring it to my head's attention. However there may be several issues regarding this.

Trans- We are a trans friendly convention! What this means is that a trans member may come to the special registration booth and we will have the legal name match their preferred name. Though we do require having the legal name on file. If they intend to preregister they may email us for directions. And while the registration faq online did reflect this we may reword it for clarity.

Thank you for your feedback
Title: Re: Official Convention Feedback
Post by: AngelWings on June 04, 2015, 04:47:40 PM
Quote from: Kuudere on June 01, 2015, 04:23:55 PM

Registration/Website:
  • Require a user-generated password for registration accounts.

    Explanation:
    It is way, way too simple to figure out how to log into someone else's account when all that's required is an email and zip code. This is a big area of concern for privacy, since private information is stored in these accounts. Also, hotel reservations are kept under this account and can be changed by unauthorized people if a person were to want to, say, get back at another person or just to be malicious in general.


Hi

This is a concern and I will bring it to my head. Though it would be nice if Steve.Young still passes it along to webteam!

Thanks for your feedback
Title: Re: Official Convention Feedback
Post by: AngelWings on June 04, 2015, 05:01:15 PM
Quote from: Ruzuki on June 03, 2015, 09:34:28 AM
I volunteered a bit throughout the weekend, so I had a couple of ideas about things I had encountered during that.

  • Better Signs! A lot of the jobs listed were 'Door Guards' which basically just pointed people away from the wrong set of doors. Entrances were marked, but there were very few signs that said 'Exit only' or such.
  • For at-con registration, the receipt machines should be labeled to say that people need to tear down. I think 90% of the jams I fixed were because people tore the receipts the wrong way and made the machine jam for the next user. (I mentioned this to one of the staff but I didn't get the impression they really cared much.) Like it wouldn't even be hard, just print some labels and stick them on the machines.

Hi!
Thanks for volunteering at Reg we were happy to have you.

Signs- My head has already made a note of this in our department, but we are glad you mentioned it.

Data Entry Printer Jams- Thank you for your observation and I'm sorry you may have felt ignored.  I will bring this to my head's attention. [/list]
Title: Re: Official Convention Feedback
Post by: trickstersgambit on June 05, 2015, 08:50:06 AM
Quote from: AngelWings on June 04, 2015, 04:29:13 PM
Quote from: trickstersgambit on June 03, 2015, 10:42:48 PM
Registration:

  • Disabled attendees who are registering at con are supposedly supposed to be able to register at con on day zero. Unfortunately my disabled, missing a piece of muscle in his leg unable to do registration lines friend, was NOT allowed, and turned away day zero, then had to march through the line, and the day one large crowd, just to be able to get his badge.
  • Names for badges are a problem. People have been have been harrassed on facebook after con by way of people matching your badge to facebook accounts. Furthermore there have been issues with trans members of con not knowing or being able to put their preferred name and facing issues that way. General local consensus is that it would benefit the attendees and con in general to have legal names placed on the back of badges where they won't be displayed to the public.
  • Disabled registration??? Please??? see below

Hi.

At con reg- I answered this in the hotels and facilities post you made. I am curious about where this miscommunication occurred, would you happen to remember who told you it was possible to buy a badge at con on day zero? Or where you found that information?

Harassment-  One ways of ensuring your legal name is not a major focus is having a fan name. Not every attendee utilized this, but with a fan name your legal name is very small on the badge. This is still a concern and I will bring it to my head's attention. However there may be several issues regarding this.

Trans- We are a trans friendly convention! What this means is that a trans member may come to the special registration booth and we will have the legal name match their preferred name. Though we do require having the legal name on file. If they intend to preregister they may email us for directions. And while the registration faq online did reflect this we may reword it for clarity.

Thank you for your feedback
We don't know if the person who told the individual this was an attendee or staff. All we know is they were down near the registration lines while my roommate was trying to figure out if he could get his badge.

I think part of the problem arises when the words 'fan name' are used. One friend didn't input it so their fan name just came up as their legal first name and they spent most of con with their badge tucked into a pocket only pulling it out when they needed it because it was causing quite a bit of problems for them.

I'll pass that along though. We weren't aware that was a way you could do it, so for next year everyone will be made aware and no one will have to deal with that again, hopefully.
Title: Re: Official Convention Feedback
Post by: hikanteki on June 05, 2015, 09:49:36 AM
Great job Fanime! I've gone every year since 2010 and in my opinion this was one of the best run years (about on par with 2011.) I don't have very many complaints and they're all minor.

Registration: No complaints here! I'm glad that Fanime stuck with whatever worked in 2014, as getting through this quickly is the single most important factor for an across-the-board enjoyable con.

Dealers Hall/Artists Alley: No complaints here either. I liked the use of the new exhibit hall for Artist's Alley. Both the Dealers and Artists rooms had perfect spacing.

Video Rooms:

MusicFest:

Panels:

Also, I'm wondering if it isn't time to spin off Clockwork Alchemy to a separate organization/badge system/weekend...whether it's true or not, there's been the impression that CA is using up Fanime's resources. It's been a little disconcerting to see the CA portion of the website ready WAY before Fanime on the combined website. The AnimeCons people have disqualified Fanime from the most-attended cons list due to suspecting that Fanime shares attendance with CA. In any case, it does cut into the availability of hotels.
Title: Re: Official Convention Feedback
Post by: kookiekween99 on June 05, 2015, 10:41:37 AM
Dance
- A friend of mine was working as a dealer, so his badge said something along the lines of "Toys Logic 8". He was not let into the dance because his badge didn't have his name on it. If that's the official policy, it should be communicated to dealers and their helpers that the badge they get from selling doesn't grant them as much access as an attendee badge.
Title: Re: Official Convention Feedback
Post by: eHash on June 05, 2015, 11:37:14 AM
Quote from: kookiekween99 on June 05, 2015, 10:41:37 AM
Dance
- A friend of mine was working as a dealer, so his badge said something along the lines of "Toys Logic 8". He was not let into the dance because his badge didn't have his name on it. If that's the official policy, it should be communicated to dealers and their helpers that the badge they get from selling doesn't grant them as much access as an attendee badge.

There were a few dealers attempting to skip the line and enter through the exit.  This would not have been allowed, however if they waited in line, they should've been allowed in.  Do you know which rover or troubleshooter turned them away?
The line was closed off at 3:15 AM on Sat. due to an issue inside and 3:00 on Sunday because of capacity issues.
Title: Re: Official Convention Feedback
Post by: Kyra_Maverick on June 05, 2015, 05:42:22 PM
Great job this year everyone, I had a major blast!

Pros:
- Reg pick up. It's so great to quickly pick up your badge and guide and then check out the great restaurants and such in the area before the whole place gets mobbed.

- Swap Meet. Please keep this in South Hall. The location is spacious and the staff are fantastic.


Cons:
- Housing. Without exaggerating, I was on the phone for 5 hours trying to book my room this year. And I wasn't even able to get the room I was after.  Even the waitlist failed me this year. This experience was singlehandedly the worst FanimeCon experience I have had in my 10 years of attendance. Something needs to be done about that, either a different company that is better equipped to handle such and influx, or increased call center support from the current company.

- Online Reg. The website this year was a bit confusing. For those that were able to book a hotel online, they then had to purchase their registration even though we were told that wouldn't be in effect this year. Needing to be paid and registered to book a room can work, but we need to know that ahead of time. Also group registrations. I also had difficulty removing a member from my group and ultimately had to wait for the whole process to expire.

- Pocket Guide. I feel some vital info was missed in the pocket guide, like where Swap Meet and Masquerade was and times for both. These may have been in the guide book, but when you're out on the concourse the pocket guide is much more convenient

Video Room - Asian film room had a hard time playing the Kenshin movies. Either the file was corrupt or the computers just couldn't handle the bitrate and high action sequences turned into a mess.

Title: Re: Official Convention Feedback
Post by: aetherltd on June 06, 2015, 12:42:10 AM
Quote from: hikanteki on June 05, 2015, 09:49:36 AM
Also, I'm wondering if it isn't time to spin off Clockwork Alchemy to a separate organization/badge system/weekend...whether it's true or not, there's been the impression that CA is using up Fanime's resources. It's been a little disconcerting to see the CA portion of the website ready WAY before Fanime on the combined website. The AnimeCons people have disqualified Fanime from the most-attended cons list due to suspecting that Fanime shares attendance with CA. In any case, it does cut into the availability of hotels.
I've heard the opposite complaint. There are people who want combined Fanime/Clockwork Alchemy/BayCon registration.

Clockwork Alchemy has its own resources. Everyone, including the con chair, is unpaid. All those elaborate props are built by volunteers. After four years of CA, and some previous steampunk cons, we now have a lot of props. Many steampunks are makers, after all.  We have fun overdoing that. Our directional signs are antique lampposts. We have big clocks on tall posts. Our author's room has a (fake) fireplace and shelves of books.  The tea room has a large Tea Engine making boiling water.  I'm behind the Telegraph Office and its brass machinery. We don't get any funding from CA, just staff badges or volunteer hour credits. All this may give the impression that CA is draining Fanime's resources, but it's not. (I admit that we're trying to get the Fanime side to up their game on signs and ambiance.)

It's hard to tell about attendance. Some people registered for CA thinking that was needed for badge pickup at the Doubletree. It's not; anyone can pick up their badge at either location. Which con you register for just determines the badge artwork you get. So nobody really knows how many people went primarily to CA vs Fanime.

At CA, Friday was too empty but had full programming, Saturday was busy, and Sunday was busier. Some Fanime members complained that Fanime didn't have enough to do on Friday. Fanime members, please come over to CA on Friday. There's stuff to see and do. It's not overcrowded. We have tea. (And water. The Doubletree is really good about putting water dispensers all over the place. We had a least a dozen of them.)

Mixing Fanime and Clockwork Alchemy has its amusing moments.  CA had Congress of Vienna, a very good classical quintet (harp, violin, viola, flute, and lute) playing. They're all Sword Art Online cosplayers, with Asuna on the harp, mixing classical music with anime themes.
Title: Re: Official Convention Feedback
Post by: Love Sign Master Spark on June 06, 2015, 09:42:31 PM
Coming into Fanime, all that mattered was that it was close to where I lived and that it was a cosplay friendly environment.  With a vague idea of what to expect, I'm focusing on various things Fanime got right though a few quibbles will sneak in.

Cosplay Hangout: Love it and the intentions behind it.  Specific high points are the water station and knowing the room is there as a place to rest my feet and/or eat a takeout meal.  Winning something in the cosplay raffle was a bonus.

Badge: Reading about it online, I felt apprehension about my real name being on the badge.  When actually looking at it, felt batter about it.  I stuffed it in a bag, pulling it out only when entering places that required one for entry, and never got hassled about doing so.  Problem solved.  I trust the staff to not give me a hard time or do anything shady so the current system works well.

Maps: The ones in the larger guide really helped me find my way around.

Panels: Having all of them in a separate location felt organized.  The walk didn't feel too far though I'll admit to not considering how inconvenienced people with mobility limitations would be.  I did plan ahead to minimize the number of times I traveled between the convention center and the Fairmont.

Pocket Guide: I was happy to find the panel times there.  Had some difficulty reading print on the darker grey backgrounds.  Felt a bit odd seeing the times for private dance lessons and not finding the location in the guide.  ?

Gaming hall: 50 cents a credit for Strikers 1999 is a ripoff.  Greedy arcade vendors.

Props policy: Unusual testimonial here.  My cosplay included a broom (I have a heavy-duty broom from Home Depot for this purpose).  Feeling it would not meet peace bonding requirements, I left it at home.  In the end, I had a better experience having an extra hand free for the weekend even if my cosplay felt a little less complete.  One of those experiences that appeared negative on the surface ended up as a positive one.

Black and White Ball: Being able to stop by Idira's closet to check if my cosplay met the dress code I treat as a benefit. (wouldn't have been upset if it didn't)  As it did, I visited on impulse out of curiosity.  I appreciated how the music volume didn't hurt my ears. (seems small yet matters as I am protective of my hearing and stay out of places where I would likely damage it)  The callers were fantastic about creating an environment welcoming people who enjoy partner dances yet have more passion than technical skill.  Mixers that encourage changing partners is a practice that really appeals to me and would enjoy seeing that at other dance events.  I'm borrowing that idea for the future.
Title: Re: Official Convention Feedback
Post by: echoshadow on June 10, 2015, 02:06:27 AM
Alright time for my feedback.

The good.
•Badge pick up.
•Black and White Ball.
•uh.....guess that's about it.

The bad

• The pocket guide.
Honestly I'm going to throw a few people under the bus for this. It was a huge cluster, things where all over the place. Major events there little 3 words on random pages. It looks like some ADHD had a major say on where things go. The entire time table system is just bad. While the online option was ok, I hated the fact it had sneaky ads. This wouldn't be much of an issue if Guidebook was used. 

• Complete lack of/interesting panels.
There where only about a couple hours of panels that where not the same stuff from the last 5 years.

• Deals hall.
Some how it seems it is getting smaller every year. ( could be due to SJCC and their retarded union fees/policies )

•Music fest.
Seems like it's becoming musical guest and not much of a "fest".  (Kind of sad after reading that thread on how awesome music fest was with all those bands , and how it's low it's become) I say drop the music fest name and call it what it is. Feature musical act.

• Late info/late schedule.
Come on people. It's been 4 straight years. Time for change, obviously a lot of people worked very hard only to be bottle neck for weeks.  Come on, not like there's tons of stuff to put in.

• Video Rooms.
(I know it's hard to compete with online sites) but, this year I had zero interest on anything video related.

•Artist Ally/ Swap meet.
I wanted to check it out but,
1. No clear map where it was nor the entrance was. 2. Pocket guide info was lacking.
So in spite I chose not to set a singe step in those. I did figure it out after a minute or two, but I shouldn't have to. I did see a correct sign for where the AA entrance was but it was on Saturday.

•Black and white ball.
The only thing that I would like to see more of is mixers and more "commercial" or radio hits songs being played. When downtown funk was played the whole dance floor was filled and was played twice, twice!. As much as I like anime/video game soundtracks, it's not that fun meant to dance too. You can't get that hype to dance from it.

•Also I would to add that body paint not be allowed. I had a green stain on my suit due to some one with body paint. I knew who it was and I avoided that person while dancing but guess it wasn't enough. Also seen some poor girls white dress with black and green smears on her back.

That's pretty much my key points. With that being said, this made the top boring con I have been too. All my time spent at Fanime was a total of 4 hours over the four days besides the black and white ball. If your not into cosplay there is jack-diddly to do at Fanime. 

Now to be brutally honest seems to me that Fanime should be a 3 day con. With little to nothing to offer on day 1 and 4 let's cut the fat and just focus on the 3 solid days worth. Let's face it Fanime can't put more content that is not cosplay related anymore. Having 4 days with little to do I rather spend my time and money somewhere else. And guess what? I did.  I was exploring downtown more than being at Fanime. I treated Fanime just like it says on it's FB page "as something to do" not as an event as it used to be. To that's a slap in the face to every staffer that put in long months into the con only to be labeled as such.

Just to add "why not go to Clockwork? Spend some time there?" To answer that, it's a complete and utter hassle to go to clockwork. You spend more time waiting for shuttles rather than enjoying Clockworks programing.
I came to Fanime for it's anime/Japan pop culture. (What's left of it anyways) not to get hustled into going to Clockwork.   If I wanted to go to a steampunk con I would go. But not during the same time as Fanime. If the goal of clockwork was to make up for Fanime's lack of programing then it's a sad band aid. If not then I would like to see clockwork completely separate from Fanime and not share it's program guide, pocket schedule, and even the forums.

In the end Fanime lives up to its rep, the biggest hangout con on the west coast. If your looking to buy cool anime stuff, great panels, want to see great japanese/American guests, want to see japanese rock/pop bands/groups, then looks somewhere else. But if all you want is to cosplay, hang out at gatherings and care for little else, then this is the place for it. You don't really need to pay for it.
Title: Re: Official Convention Feedback
Post by: aetherltd on June 10, 2015, 01:16:45 PM
Quote from: echoshadow on June 10, 2015, 02:06:27 AM
• Video Rooms.
(I know it's hard to compete with online sites) but, this year I had zero interest on anything video related.
Someone talked about the history of Fanime on Stage Zero. In the early days, you had to go to an anime event to watch anime. That's what Fanime was originally for. That's over. Anything you could see in the video rooms you can probably get on your phone. There was even a late night Kill la Kill marathon on hotel cable during Fanime. (CA side video is worse; all of us have seen all the good steampunk movies.) Video at Fanime should be new stuff you can't see online. Contact the Cool Japan Fund (the government of Japan is funding anime promotion - really) and Daisuki.net; maybe they can help.

Quote
Just to add "why not go to Clockwork? Spend some time there?" To answer that, it's a complete and utter hassle to go to clockwork. You spend more time waiting for shuttles rather than enjoying Clockworks programing.

Shuttle history:
* 2012 - Huge luxury buses, mostly empty. Bus stop in front of convention center. Great service. Nobody at Fanime knew about Clockwork. 7 minutes, Fanime to CA.
* 2013 - Short buses from Corinthian Parking. Bus stop moved outside Hilton due to construction.Totally lost drivers trying to navigate using Google Maps printouts. Detours around Sharks Stadium. 1.5 hours, Fanime to CA.
* 2014 - Short buses from Corinthian Parking again. Drivers now less lost. Less direct route, convention center to Fairmont to freeway to CA. Shuttles heavily used. Long lines for shuttles. About 30-40 minutes, Fanime to CA.
* 2015 - Longer buses from Corinthian Parking. Drivers now know route. Good route and schedule info in pocket guide. Loop around Hilton and Fairmont adds about 10 minutes. Shuttles heavily used. Standees in buses not built for that. About 25 minutes, Fanime to CA.

25 minutes is too long. That needs to come down. The extra stop at the Fairmont, with the loop around the park, doubles the transit time. From the convention center it's easy to get to the freeway; then it's 5 minutes to the Doubletree. Few people get on at the Fairmont to go to CA anyway.
That will up the capacity, with buses making twice as many trips per hour. Get this right, and during peak periods, there's a bus every 6 minutes. (Round trip time 20 minutes, 3 buses.)

This is the era of frictionless transportation, like Uber. Waiting for the bus is so last-cen. Fanime buses should be as efficient as the Yamanote Line.
Title: Re: Official Convention Feedback
Post by: Dajoo on June 10, 2015, 11:53:59 PM
Quote from: echoshadow on June 10, 2015, 02:06:27 AM
• Deals hall.
Some how it seems it is getting smaller every year. ( could be due to SJCC and their retarded union fees/policies )

Actually in the three years I've been running it we've been continuously growing. The easiest way to show this is we used to be in just in Hall 2. Last year, '14 we broke through the wall. This year '15 we ran wall to wall side ways. Next year and, so forth is just more back fill.

Is there something lacking that you're looking for. I'm always trying to make the Hall more diverse to meet the needs of the attendees.
Title: Re: Official Convention Feedback
Post by: Dracil on June 11, 2015, 12:12:07 PM
Quote from: aetherltd on June 06, 2015, 12:42:10 AM
Quote from: hikanteki on June 05, 2015, 09:49:36 AM
Also, I'm wondering if it isn't time to spin off Clockwork Alchemy to a separate organization/badge system/weekend...whether it's true or not, there's been the impression that CA is using up Fanime's resources. It's been a little disconcerting to see the CA portion of the website ready WAY before Fanime on the combined website. The AnimeCons people have disqualified Fanime from the most-attended cons list due to suspecting that Fanime shares attendance with CA. In any case, it does cut into the availability of hotels.
I've heard the opposite complaint. There are people who want combined Fanime/Clockwork Alchemy/BayCon registration.

Clockwork Alchemy has its own resources. Everyone, including the con chair, is unpaid. All those elaborate props are built by volunteers. After four years of CA, and some previous steampunk cons, we now have a lot of props. Many steampunks are makers, after all.  We have fun overdoing that. Our directional signs are antique lampposts. We have big clocks on tall posts. Our author's room has a (fake) fireplace and shelves of books.  The tea room has a large Tea Engine making boiling water.  I'm behind the Telegraph Office and its brass machinery. We don't get any funding from CA, just staff badges or volunteer hour credits. All this may give the impression that CA is draining Fanime's resources, but it's not. (I admit that we're trying to get the Fanime side to up their game on signs and ambiance.)

It's hard to tell about attendance. Some people registered for CA thinking that was needed for badge pickup at the Doubletree. It's not; anyone can pick up their badge at either location. Which con you register for just determines the badge artwork you get. So nobody really knows how many people went primarily to CA vs Fanime.

At CA, Friday was too empty but had full programming, Saturday was busy, and Sunday was busier. Some Fanime members complained that Fanime didn't have enough to do on Friday. Fanime members, please come over to CA on Friday. There's stuff to see and do. It's not overcrowded. We have tea. (And water. The Doubletree is really good about putting water dispensers all over the place. We had a least a dozen of them.)

Mixing Fanime and Clockwork Alchemy has its amusing moments.  CA had Congress of Vienna, a very good classical quintet (harp, violin, viola, flute, and lute) playing. They're all Sword Art Online cosplayers, with Asuna on the harp, mixing classical music with anime themes.

You all keep saying this, without addressing the fact that if you can't separate the attendee numbers, you can't allocate badge money properly, and thus there will *always* be a feeling that resource allocation is being leeched away from Fanime from those of us who have no desire to ever step into CA

Staff and whatever may be unpaid, but that's not the same as CA uses no money (renting rooms and whatnot also costs money, as well as any guests that get brought over)
Title: Re: Official Convention Feedback
Post by: echoshadow on June 12, 2015, 12:32:34 AM
Quote from: Dajoo on June 10, 2015, 11:53:59 PM
Actually in the three years I've been running it we've been continuously growing. The easiest way to show this is we used to be in just in Hall 2. Last year, '14 we broke through the wall. This year '15 we ran wall to wall side ways. Next year and, so forth is just more back fill.

Is there something lacking that you're looking for. I'm always trying to make the Hall more diverse to meet the needs of the attendees.

Thanks for your response, but opening up the other hall was just common sense.  As much as I want to ask for specific vendors I don't. You have an ok diverse selection already I just want to see the entire hall packed.


Quote from: Dracil on June 11, 2015, 12:12:07 PM
You all keep saying this, without addressing the fact that if you can't separate the attendee numbers, you can't allocate badge money properly, and thus there will *always* be a feeling that resource allocation is being leeched away from Fanime from those of us who have no desire to ever step into CA

Staff and whatever may be unpaid, but that's not the same as CA uses no money (renting rooms and whatnot also costs money, as well as any guests that get brought over)
Agreed. As long as they share the same program/pocket guide I can't help but still think some of the money is being funneled to Clockwork. That some how raises the question with that money gone we only had one band play for one hour, and only a few Japanese guests.
Title: Re: Official Convention Feedback
Post by: Takoyaki Sauce on June 12, 2015, 05:58:01 AM
Quote from: Dajoo on June 10, 2015, 11:53:59 PM
Actually in the three years I've been running it we've been continuously growing. The easiest way to show this is we used to be in just in Hall 2. Last year, '14 we broke through the wall. This year '15 we ran wall to wall side ways. Next year and, so forth is just more back fill.

Is there something lacking that you're looking for. I'm always trying to make the Hall more diverse to meet the needs of the attendees.

Dealer's Hall looked awesome, I'm sure there is a reason it can't go all the way back (perhaps safety or number of booths for tax and sales codes).  Expansion is great!

Quote from: Dracil on June 11, 2015, 12:12:07 PM
You all keep saying this, without addressing the fact that if you can't separate the attendee numbers, you can't allocate badge money properly, and thus there will *always* be a feeling that resource allocation is being leeched away from Fanime from those of us who have no desire to ever step into CA

Staff and whatever may be unpaid, but that's not the same as CA uses no money (renting rooms and whatnot also costs money, as well as any guests that get brought over)

I think everyone is asking the wrong question;  The right question  is "Is Clockwork Alchemy really a separate sister convention? or is it really just a division of FanimeCon?"  which would then explain and justify why money is budgeted for (and not funneled to it).  Perhaps there is a separation to attract the older crowd (that has a higher spending demographic than FanimeCon attendees)?" 

It should be pointed out that if an attendee chose to purchase their badge through CA instead of FanimeCon (for whatever reason.."linecon*cough*) it would mean that they already directed their interest in putting money into CA.  I go for Fanime not CA so I didn't switch to reg at CA like is suggested by other posters in the forum. 

As a person who works with talent agencies I can offer this tidbit: In the last 5 years, the inflation in the price of top talent and the cost of transportation (especially for entourages) is greater than we have seen in the price of badges.  I'm not sure if this is the case for FanimeCon (maybe they were in the red, or maybe they couldn't book an artist <- this is the artist's choice as well), but the overall point is that people don't know what to expect for their money (or do they and they just aren't reminded that there are some pleasant surprises).  I'd like to see at least 2 musical guests (and not a DJ like some other cons), but providing this entertainment in the original cost of the badge seems like it's worth it rather than waiting in line and buying an additional ticket (like at other cons *AX*CoUgH).

I guess on a side note, if you were to look at the price of badges for AX at twice the cost of a FanimeCon Badge, you can't just expect half the offering.  With an attendance of 2x or 2.5x that of Fanime, the budget is exponentially larger.  However, I'll point out that at AX you also have pay for some of the special attractions (in general it's a just a different type of Con).  At SDCC, the huge celebrity draw, media and industry presence gave birth to the opportunity to show screeners and special previews, while "By Fans for Fans" indicates that it's more of a community based convention.  The physical increase in CA's attendance is perhaps a testimonial that the attendees have outgrown the current offering of FanimeCon by itself rather than the popularity of CA.  Not to sound like I don't appreciate the option of going to CA, but the point of it taking up half the Program Guide shows me that a heavy investment was made there.  Perhaps it's time someone offers an official explanation why (even if the answer is that only 1/3 of a CA badge goes to the costs of CA and 2/3 go to Fanime).

but then again....

Why does it seem like there are so many people "ghosting" on the concourse.  I realized this year that with the exception of MusicFest, panels,  the dances, and the Dealer's Hall and Artist's Alley (where I spent money to spend money), I didn't really need a badge (stage zero, video rooms, swap meet, maid cafe, and even gaming).  It's hard for me to believe any posted attendance number is anywhere close to accurate.  I see how hard my roommate works as a staffer so I'm willing to pay for my badge, but seeing the "ghosters" pisses me off more than the thought of part of my badge going to CA.
Title: Re: Official Convention Feedback
Post by: hikanteki on June 12, 2015, 11:33:42 AM
Quote from: Takoyaki Sauce on June 12, 2015, 05:58:01 AM
I think everyone is asking the wrong question;  The right question  is "Is Clockwork Alchemy really a separate sister convention? or is it really just a division of FanimeCon?"  which would then explain and justify why money is budgeted for (and not funneled to it).  Perhaps there is a separation to attract the older crowd (that has a higher spending demographic than FanimeCon attendees)?" 

This is indeed a pertinent question, and it would do the organizers good to figure out what they want the answer to be. If it's a separate event, then move it to a different weekend, and separate the website and marketing materials (it's not a good use of resources to add a couple of extra glossy Clockwork pages to all 25000 Fanime program guides...nor is it a good use of resources to add 30 upside-down Fanime pages to CA program guides). If it's a division of Fanime, then treat it like one and have all the badges be Fanime-branded, lose the dual registration system and move CA programming to the Fairmont or Mariott or one of the hotels near the convention center, since nobody who attends Fanime goes to the DoubleTree for programming. As it stands now, it's got one foot in Fanime and one foot out, which isn't doing Fanime (or CA, for that matter) any good.
Title: Re: Official Convention Feedback
Post by: aetherltd on June 12, 2015, 12:35:33 PM
Quote from: hikanteki on June 12, 2015, 11:33:42 AMmove CA programming to the Fairmont
Oh, I wish... The Fairmont decor fits so much better with steampunk.
Title: Re: Official Convention Feedback
Post by: InsaneDavid on June 12, 2015, 06:58:05 PM
Getting this thread back on topic....

General: Had an outstanding time this year.  Although attendance was more than ever, the entire convention still had a low-key and relaxed feel.  Any issues that I had would disappear from memory shortly thereafter.  Any event like this is what you make of it - plain and simple.  Inconsiderate people are inconsiderate people - nothing the convention can really do about that. (I'm looking at you, woman with the wallscroll in your backpack at Thursday swap meet who nearly took one of my eyes out a dozen times, even after I politely mentioned such many times)  Big crowds? Step to the side and let them pass, there are plenty of different routes to get around the Convention Center and attached facilities.

Registration:

Artist Alley:

Dealer's Hall:

Video Rooms:

Swap Meet:

Peacebonding / Cosplay Hangout:

Casino Night:

Gaming Hall:

Guide:

Stage Zero:

General:

Thanks for taking time to hear feedback!  Fanime was outrageously enjoyable this year and I cannot wait until the next.  Thank you to all staff and volunteers for your efforts to put forth a great convention!
Title: Re: Official Convention Feedback
Post by: eHash on June 13, 2015, 03:29:48 AM
Quote from: InsaneDavid on June 12, 2015, 06:58:05 PM
  • Restrooms over by Peet's on the upper floor should be open.  It's a long trek to the nearest lower level restroom or even to the nearest restrooms in Gaming.  I get that during a dance or something taking place in those rooms you'd need to restrict access but there needs to be easily accessible facilities on that side of the convention center otherwise.
For Safety and Security reasons this hallway was supposed to remain closed during the day.  These bathrooms were reserved for use by Convention Center Staff only during the day.  The closer restrooms to Peete's would have been on the 2nd floor of the Hilton right inside the doors from the convention center.

First Aid was marked with the traditional plus on the map.
Title: Re: Official Convention Feedback
Post by: InsaneDavid on June 13, 2015, 06:49:58 AM
Quote from: eHash on June 13, 2015, 03:29:48 AM
Quote from: InsaneDavid on June 12, 2015, 06:58:05 PM
  • Restrooms over by Peet's on the upper floor should be open.  It's a long trek to the nearest lower level restroom or even to the nearest restrooms in Gaming.  I get that during a dance or something taking place in those rooms you'd need to restrict access but there needs to be easily accessible facilities on that side of the convention center otherwise.
For Safety and Security reasons this hallway was supposed to remain closed during the day.  These bathrooms were reserved for use by Convention Center Staff only during the day.  The closer restrooms to Peete's would have been on the 2nd floor of the Hilton right inside the doors from the convention center.

First Aid was marked with the traditional plus on the map.

I figured it was something like that for those restrooms. Thanks for clarifying!  However the First Aid stations are not marked anywhere on the map.  I have both the pocket guide and program guide in front of me, no First Aid marked on either map of the Convention Center.  An oversight?  Not knowing before hand where they would specifically be when the maps were drafted?  This didn't turn out to be a huge problem as I know there's a permanent First Aid station in the Gaming Hall but they should be marked.
Title: Re: Official Convention Feedback
Post by: Admiral Donuts on June 13, 2015, 10:41:56 AM
Quote from: eHash on June 13, 2015, 03:29:48 AM
First Aid was marked with the traditional plus on the map.

Where is it marked?
Title: Re: Official Convention Feedback
Post by: otakuya on June 22, 2015, 05:38:59 PM
WEBSITE
-Main point that I would like touched is updates and information on the main website. For 2016, I hope to see at least some progress made for next year. At least a splash screen, logo, countdown, and the usual information (hotels, location, etc...) as soon as possible in 2015. Hopefully very soon. Update now ~?
Title: Re: Official Convention Feedback
Post by: Steve.Young on June 24, 2015, 09:55:12 AM
Good suggestions everyone, keep them coming if you have them. No post is too late :)
Title: Re: Official Convention Feedback
Post by: otakuya on July 07, 2015, 08:02:11 PM
WEBSITE (again)

Is it possible to at least update the main site to FanimeCon 2016? Nothing is too early anymore (plus it would be a perfect way to show us that staff is working hard as of now). Plus, there are threads asking when and where FC is. It's already time for an update.
Title: Re: Official Convention Feedback
Post by: eHash on July 08, 2015, 02:01:26 AM
I stand corrected in my earlier response.  The first aid station was NOT marked on this year's maps.

I know this isn't the right place for me to post this, but I feel like it could catalyze additional helpful comments from other non-staffers.

A simpler Mobile Website (that didn't necessarily have the tremendous amount of images eating away at my data plan) which was a little more straight to the point.

After Con starts, a section on the website (mobile and full browser)  specifically for corrections to the program guide/pocket guide should be created.  2 of the biggest errors in the printed versions were the time and location of Fan storage (naming was also not consistant).  This is important because while con ops/prog ops might have been notified of the change, infodesks still use the published sources (website -> prog guide/pocket guide -> then radio escalation to prog ops) as a reference.  That means that if something is printed wrong and a change is reported to prog ops, that information didn't seem to get passed on to the infodesks unless asked to escalate over the radio.  Ideally, this would include errors (i.e.: fan storage, first aid), changes (i.e.: fan storage hours of operation, dance bag rule), cancellations (i.e.: who wants to walk to the fairmont just to discover the panel was cancelled), or warnings/notices (i.e.: corridor 3 Bathrooms for SJCC staff use only until 3, access elevators out of service, water fountains near artist alley have low water pressure, APBs on individuals of interest that people should be careful of, and perhaps one day even shuttle or parking lot status).

Perhaps a randomizer button app on the mobile website for "I don't know what to do <right now> or at <time>" that picks something random on the schedule and responds with "Why don't you try ...."

I guess a side question...how come the concessions in the back of ex. hall 3 are never open?  Even though it's not much healthier, it's gotta be better for late night snacks then whatever is left of the pastries at peete's.

It might be cost prohibitive or not work with the current registration system, but perhaps people who take photos of cosplayers should register (when they pick up their badge) getting a visible registration number for their camera strap (similar to peacebonding) so that if someone has a problem with them they are more easily identifiable (this would require attendees to recognize this effort and always ask for a photographer's reg # before posing).  Additionally, if photographers later post their galleries, they could label it based on their photographer reg# and people would know where to look.

Title: Re: Official Convention Feedback
Post by: brohamjeff on August 10, 2015, 01:30:05 AM
Overall I thought Fanime was great.  It was my second time going and its my first convention so I don't really have anything to compare it to.  There is only one point I'd like to bring up:

Why doesn't Fanime do more to incorporate the theme into the convention.  2014 was a beach theme and 2015 was mythology but I didn't really see anything from the convention that represented those themes.  Sure, 2014 sold beach towels but what about decorations? What about filling the convention the theme to give cosplayers the incentive to design and/or make variations of their cosplay to go with the theme?  2016 is martial arts.  Why not put up some dojo style photo booths or something?  Maybe decorate the halls better.  I feel that if the convention lived up to its theme we would see some spectacular cosplay designed around it (not that the cosplays aren't already spectacular).  It just seems like the theme is irrelevant when the only thing the them covers is a new tshirt design and badges.
Title: Re: Official Convention Feedback
Post by: fanimefreak on September 16, 2015, 02:49:50 PM
Quote from: brohamjeff on August 10, 2015, 01:30:05 AM
Overall I thought Fanime was great.  It was my second time going and its my first convention so I don't really have anything to compare it to.  There is only one point I'd like to bring up:

Why doesn't Fanime do more to incorporate the theme into the convention.  2014 was a beach theme and 2015 was mythology but I didn't really see anything from the convention that represented those themes.  Sure, 2014 sold beach towels but what about decorations? What about filling the convention the theme to give cosplayers the incentive to design and/or make variations of their cosplay to go with the theme?  2016 is martial arts.  Why not put up some dojo style photo booths or something?  Maybe decorate the halls better.  I feel that if the convention lived up to its theme we would see some spectacular cosplay designed around it (not that the cosplays aren't already spectacular).  It just seems like the theme is irrelevant when the only thing the them covers is a new tshirt design and badges.

I agree!  I see people getting excited for the new theme already but it doesn't really matter.  Why have a theme at all when its not even utilized or represented throughout the con halls.  I'd love to see the theme incorporated with the con!  It would be really cool to have something more to spruce up the San Jose Con center.  That whole area by the artist alley entrance was poorly utilized this year, maybe put up a photo booth in that area? Or something!  Come on, guys!