All righty, let me know if I'm going about posting this wrong or something but...
I am doing some research on the "secret treasures" of Fanime. I'm looking for places or events that don't get the spotlight they deserve or are just largely unknown. Since this isn't exactly the best description, I'll give a few examples:
We've all heard of the Maid Cafe, but how many people have actually gone and checked it out? (I haven't, ya'll may have :P)
I heard that supposedly there was a man last year around con who was advertising another convention and gave out free PB&J sandwiches to those who stopped by after a certain time of day/night
The location of the Purikura booth last year made it out of the spotlight-I didn't really know anything about it until I heard from friends
Even the artists' alley was something I didn't know much about, and only ventured to after a friend's urging
And other things along those lines. I understand this is still not the best description, but I hope you have the general gist of what I'm looking for. I'll try to come back and post other example of what I mean since I'll be checking back for what I'm looking for. So obviously, I'm asking you fanime congoers, are there any little "secrets" you're willing to give away for all to enjoy? Any events or panels you think are great but don't get enough light? Post 'em here! Any advice for how I can make this thread better can be posted here or messaged to me in some form or another. I know it's getting close but let's make this the best Fanime yet!
* the maid cafe is usually very full, however i've heard good reviews. it depends what kind of experience you're looking for. (i'm not a fan)
* the random man is Chaz Baden, he is the chairman of ALA (a popular convention held in LA in January) and he has a "peanut butter and jelly room" which, ironically enough, is more of a potluck considering he tends to run out of jelly a lot. that's usually held all day, and sometimes he'll come out into the lobby outside the main convention at night with leftovers.
* most of the booths (and game platforms) are in the HUGE hall they use for the swap meet.
* artist's alley is a MUST. it's one of the largest and best organized alleys i've ever been to. and all the artists are friendly and accessible :]
OTHER STUFF:
* the Dojo is open until late at night, usually featuring lots of martial arts panels with cool weapons and stuff.
* there was an 18+ dance last year which was nice because it was smaller and less obnoxious then the regular dance
* lots of cosplayers wander around downtown SJ just for kicks. try it :]
for the record- although the PB&J table may appear at other Conventions-
we really cant have it at Fanime- I do admit it happens and ive seen it happen before but its a major food/allergy and general liability concerns to the convention.
as much as we appreciate fans attempting to feed fellow fans down on their luck we really cant have random foods out in the open that could either be possibly contaminated or unsafe.
not to be a spoil sport, but only trust food items that you or your close friends have acquired yourself.
on a happier back on topic note---
keep in mind this convention is 24 hours for from with a preview night on Thursday, and running thru completely from Friday morning til Monday evening.
Video & Gaming rooms run 24 hours- which also includes table top gaming. playing card games or board with new or old friends can be always fun.
Check out the Panels schedule to sit, learn, rant or share interests from everything from making fun of the internets, cosplay 101, and fashion awareness like Lolitas.
the night life is VERY exciting- from Fanime Dance, Black&White Ball, The Masquerade/ Cosplay event
Dont Forget Stage Zero [also running 24 hours a day] with videos, entertainment and colorful commentary.
As already mentioned, Swapmeet is ONLY thursday and Friday, so be sure to catch that and we have a great Artist Alley room as well as our massive amount of Vendors in the Dealers room.
Maid Cafe, Music Fest on Both Friday and Sunday night.
to each is own, but theres always something going down. not to mention lots of Staff/Cosplayers general fanboys/girls are up probably 24 hours every of the Con as well.
[but we reccomend naps here and there too]
otherwise im sure others will rant about their con experiences too [though every year is different] thus always a new experience. ;D
GET HYPE 4 Fanime! :D
I'm 110% positive that Chaz has asked previous clearance from the heads of Fanime- he himself is a Con Chair of one of the more popular conventions down south, if not THE most popular aside from AX. I know there may be an allergy issue but i'm sure he's covered all his bases. it's not so much as a "feed fans down on their luck as a fellow fan" but a "hey look i'm cool come to my convention".
sorry, didn't mean to be OT but ALA is my con and i gotta support it :] i don't want any misinformation floating around about it.
im only trying to protect Fanime and the fans in case one radical decides to try to shut down Fanime Con over a PB&J sandwich.
I'll double check with the Rovers Heads and even take it up the our Con Chair if I have to, I'd just rather be safe than sorry:
" oh did you hear that Fanime was shut down because of PB&J sandwich? " --- yah im sure we'd all like to avoid that. :)
Quote from: ichigocorcor on May 04, 2010, 09:03:00 AM
I'm 110% positive that Chaz has asked previous clearance from the heads of Fanime- he himself is a Con Chair of one of the more popular conventions down south, if not THE most popular aside from AX. I know there may be an allergy issue but i'm sure he's covered all his bases. it's not so much as a "feed fans down on their luck as a fellow fan" but a "hey look i'm cool come to my convention".
sorry, didn't mean to be OT but ALA is my con and i gotta support it :] i don't want any misinformation floating around about it.
This isn't a subject for attendees to talk about without knowing the actuality. Assuming things is really bad... seriously. The issue isn't only the allergy issue, but there's a lot of things that are of concern when doing something like this... so please don't continue this discussion.
Jerry: Maid Cafe is sat and sunday, not Fri and Sunday.
The food issue a non-starter. This will be addressed internally, if at all.
Move on people.... :)
Thank you Ewu!
If I had to point out a few...
- Day 0
- Art Gallery
- Purikura booths
- The Dojo
- 18+ dance (we affectionately call it the Winchester Mystery Dance)
- Night 4 - if you're staff!
- Lots of internal stuff I can't talk about. ;D
There's going to be a ton of surprise events this year, as well. Keep your eyes on the site, program guide, and twitter.
Did you say Fanime Easter Eggs for 2010? :D
Tony, you are the best!
Huzzah to you and everyone on staff. :)
Quote from: Tony on May 04, 2010, 01:36:46 PM
- Lots of internal stuff I can't talk about. ;D
What a tease. You should join Marketing. ;)
Unfortunately, most of my secret treasures of FanimeCon involve "staff-only" stuff since I've never actually attended a FanimeCon in San Jose/Santa Clara as a regular attendee. :( It is fun checking out all of the areas from Day -1 to the last day of convention and seeing it come together and be taken apart! ^_^;;
I would say that knowing great food places that are cheap is the key, but that might be because I hate living off of fast food during conventions knowing that there is better around (unless I have no choice). I guess this "secret" was ruined when Publications and San Jose Convention Center started publishing those maps and included these great food places. ;)
Secret treasures eh?
Some of mine:
Lets play the game of find the weirdest places people sleep @ in the convention center!
Find that bottle...where people hide their booze and try to sneak into the dance with it.
But let us not forget the classic. Toss the drunks, thieves, and pervs second edition.
I think all my departments are great treasures of FanimeCon.
The ballroom lessons offered before the actual Ball itself are a FANTASTIC way to learn how to ballroom for the cost of your membership. The Ball itself is so elegant and fun, filled with great music and beautifully dressed attendees.
The chance to dress up and make people laugh or smile is worth it if you participate in the Cosplay Spectacular. Or maybe just to watch great performances and even better costumes.
You can rock out to MusicFest's concerts on Friday and Sunday nights. Two GREAT bands. They aren't super crowded but a chance to see some great Japanese music being played in the U.S. should always be taken.
Of course, the FaniMaid Cafe is hugely popular but they are totally worth the visit for the experience. The maids are adorable and I always have a great time with them.
Best of all, the Opening Ceremonies gives you a great look of what's to come when we introduce each Guest of Honor while the Closing Ceremonies has a photo montage of the entire weekend that makes everyone in the room smile with fondness and wish that it wasn't ending.
There are some great events that are happening at FanimeCon besides all the ones I've mentioned and I do hope that everyone gets a chance to experience them.
P.S. Love getting boba on the concourse before heading to an event. So delicious!
i think my ex-departments are the true treasures...no one knows about them.
My current dept is a true secret of fanime too!
The cosplay gatherings are always a blast for participants and the audience. Also, there are some events that go along with the gatherings that a lot of people miss. There are dinners and games all kinds of unique fun experiences.
I keep hearing about this 18+ dance but have no idea that there was such a thing until now. :< Where was/is it, and will it be back?
My hidden treasures? Hmm~ it's hard to say. I really like taking a soak in the hotel hot tub on Sunday evening before the Ball, that's always nice. I also like getting up really early in the morning and taking a walk around the concourse. All the late-night stuff has closed and all the daytime stuff hasn't opened yet, and there are very few people around. It's fun to pop into random video rooms, watch people game in the gaming room, etc.
The lolita events are always my favourites, though. <3
last year, the 18+ dance was on the bottom floor of the Hilton, across from the dojo.
i assume, if they hold it, that it will be in the same place this year.
Ah, no wonder I never saw it. I don't think I set foot into the Hilton except for an autograph session. Was it advertised at all, or was I just not paying attention?
Another fun thing at Fanime -- try to see what you can do and how much you can do before your karaoke song is called. :D
i don't think it was advertised, actually- the only reason i knew about it was because a panel i attended in the dojo got out just as the dance was starting. and the bouncer guilted me into coming xD
i've never done karaoke at fanime- i feel like it would take too long for your song to come up :/ how late is it open til do you remember?
I think it is usually open from 4PM-6AM? It usually takes a long time for your song to come up, even if the room is deserted, but often the wait times are shorter than they estimate because a lot of people sign up and then never show up. I typically spend Saturday night singing 3-4 songs, doing things like the dance in between songs while waiting. You can always go up and ask where you are on the list if you have been waiting a while so you can know how much longer you have before your song.
It's a lot of fun. I always make a point of singing at least something~
Oh wow this got more replies already then I'd imagined... :D (-.-')
Let's see...
I suppose letting the regular attendees in on staff stuff isn't really necessary when it doesn't pertain to them, although I guess I'm a complete newb as far as staff goes to figure out they had so many treasures and fun of their own. I hadn't wanted to say so earlier (or at all really >~<'), but I'm part of Stage Zero staff and am collecting ideas for part of our (WHACK's) newscast this year, so I've heard of the mainstream and big ongoing stuff and am noting as much as possible in other projects. ;)
I don't really know what I'd say about Day 0, but just the set up or something I suppose could be noteworthy, although I bet it'll all be up by the time I get there. I heard something about an art gallery but have no clue about it, do you have more on that umm Tony? I think I read something somewhere about the Dojo but don't know what it is either ( I didn't get out much last year at Fanime, being my first time there. -.-') I'll have to see if anyone else wishes to handle the 18+ dance I think...Winchester Mystery Dance huh? Interesting.
But um yes! Wow, thanks everyone! Hopefully I can catch a few more things before con comes around :P
Quote from: Somebody on May 05, 2010, 09:14:16 PMI heard something about an art gallery but have no clue about it, do you have more on that umm Tony?
It's in artist alley. There's art on display and for sale! People tend to miss it in the sea of artists, but there's great stuff there.
Another secret treasure: flying hands massage. Oh man. Ray is usually right in front of stage zero. Heaven.
The Fairmont lobby is great... 21+ though...
Karaoke is a great one - lots of fun. Great for late-night shenanigans, and a proud and long-standing department.
People seem to miss the game show - we actually have difficulty giving away thousands of dollars worth of prizes... ???
This isn't really secret nor a treasure, but anyway: the water fountains. Lots of people get dehydrated every year, and the water fountains are a free and easy way to prevent that. (No, not the ones outside - the drinking fountains all over the facilities!)
Last year they had this game that two people a guy and a girl were carrying around these bags with a bell on them. It had a paper with rules. Pretty much you had to find the person with the bag of your gender and challenge them to rock paper sissors and the winner held the bag until the next person challenged them and so on. When the event was over the last person holding the bag gets a prize.
I learned about this because my friend (male) went to voulenteer and he was holding the bag. No one came and challenged him. In the end he had the bag the entire time. He waved it around and was openly sitting down next to a wall near the stage. He ended up getting a lot of pockey and other snacks. The girl was challenged once and that one person got the prize.
I don't know if it'll be around this year though.
Bump, sorry!
We're so close to Fanime ya'll! ;D Just heard that FLOW is coming-so excited!
Also heard about the photo booth at the B&W ball-very cool. :D
The Console gaming area. Specifically, the game selection that isn't fighting games or rhythm games. It's a great chance to play games that you probably rarely ever get to play, like NiGHTS, Radiant Silvergun, Tetris: The Grand Master, various Cave shooters, and various 3rd/4th/5th-generation console games that may have eluded your memories for ages. Sure, you can play most of those on an emulator or an actual console in your bedroom, but there's something about playing them in the presence of or with others who have also played these games.
I usually hang around there if there isn't much to do.
Whenever I hear people talk about con gaming rooms, they, 2 times out of 1, say "oh, the gaming room was great, they had Guitar Hero, Street Fighter IV, DDR, etc.", as if those are absolutely the only kinds of games that exist at cons.
I always hear about Maid Cafe, but this year will be the first time I'll actually be going.
I LOVE the the Artist Alley. I try to spend as much time there as in the Dealer's room, and always try to hit it first. If you want to commission artwork you want to be there early too, since the wait lines can get long, and by Sunday you might not even be able to something done. I get a custom badge each year. :3
And I wanna check out the tabletop (card games mainly) and e-gaming rooms more this year, and spend less time at the Arcade room; maybe just go there Thursday or late late at night when there's less people.
OH! And the swap meet. :o I've never been to it, so want to check it out on Thursday after picking up my badge.
So nothing that hasn't been mentioned. :x
[edit]
Quote from: Steve.Young on May 04, 2010, 02:54:46 PMLets play the game of find the weirdest places people sleep @ in the convention center!
Just felt like adding for those who don't know, you're not allowed to sleep inside the convention center. I dozed off near stage zero and in a video room and both times was woken up by staff. ^^;;
Quote from: kohana ichibana on May 06, 2010, 09:07:25 AM
Last year they had this game that two people a guy and a girl were carrying around these bags with a bell on them. It had a paper with rules. Pretty much you had to find the person with the bag of your gender and challenge them to rock paper sissors and the winner held the bag until the next person challenged them and so on. When the event was over the last person holding the bag gets a prize.
I learned about this because my friend (male) went to voulenteer and he was holding the bag. No one came and challenged him. In the end he had the bag the entire time. He waved it around and was openly sitting down next to a wall near the stage. He ended up getting a lot of pockey and other snacks. The girl was challenged once and that one person got the prize.
I don't know if it'll be around this year though.
That sounds like the catch the barrel game.... Naruto cosplayers were doing it and it was open to everyone last year I think. It's really funny cause it's a play on the test early in the Naruto series.... My friend organized it :D
And I'm no good at gameshow questions :/
Quote from: Nephilim on May 17, 2010, 09:53:30 AM
I always hear about Maid Cafe, but this year will be the first time I'll actually be going.
I LOVE the the Artist Alley. I try to spend as much time there as in the Dealer's room, and always try to hit it first. If you want to commission artwork you want to be there early too, since the wait lines can get long, and by Sunday you might not even be able to something done. I get a custom badge each year. :3
And I wanna check out the tabletop (card games mainly) and e-gaming rooms more this year, and spend less time at the Arcade room; maybe just go there Thursday or late late at night when there's less people.
OH! And the swap meet. :o I've never been to it, so want to check it out on Thursday after picking up my badge.
So nothing that hasn't been mentioned. :x
[edit]
Quote from: Steve.Young on May 04, 2010, 02:54:46 PMLets play the game of find the weirdest places people sleep @ in the convention center!
Just felt like adding for those who don't know, you're not allowed to sleep inside the convention center. I dozed off near stage zero and in a video room and both times was woken up by staff. ^^;;
Hours of operation are 12-6pm ( Think I forget right now) so be sure to come early as the lines can get a little long. Don't forget to catch our stage performances 1-2pm on stage zero sat and sunday 1-1:30 PM as well as our game show where you can win prizes 1:30-2pm
We'll be playing a game where you have to cooperate with a maid to guess what anime a song is from to win prizes. (Anime spanning from the 80s to today).
A few things I've found in my time in downtown SJ, both during and outside of Fanime...
Bijan's Bakery - This place is down from the con across from the fountains of Caesar Chavez plaza. They're good for breakfast, but their real treasure is their princess cake. My wife and I almost got our wedding cake from here, but it was a little too expensive. Their single slices of cake are awesome and pretty cheap. They also make good coffee.
7-11 - There is a 7-11 only a few blocks from the con, so you can get snacks and drinks without having to pay a fortune inside of the con. Look them up online.
Hydration - I don't know how secret this place is, but they have excellent bento boxes.
For those on a budget who drive to Fanime - Park in the lot across from the Hilton. It's cheaper than underground and has in and out rights. You can take mini breaks and not go too far to get excellent food. I highly recommend taking a 15 minute drive to either Mitsuwa off of 280 on Saratoga for delicious Ramen or to downtown Mountain View to visit either Ryowa or Maruichi for more Ramen. I find all of them are much better than SJ Japantown sadly :(. There are also lots of other good places (honest to goodness BBQ on Bascom) that range from expensive to cheap. Not that I'm saying people should leave Fanime, but it is sometimes nice to get away for an hour and get GOOD food nearby.
Quote from: HunterZero on May 18, 2010, 04:24:41 PM
I highly recommend taking a 15 minute drive to either Mitsuwa off of 280 on Saratoga for delicious Ramen or to downtown Mountain View to visit either Ryowa or Maruichi for more Ramen. I find all of them are much better than SJ Japantown sadly :(
If anyone is looking for excellent ramen, Kahoo around the corner from Mitsuwa is superior in every way. Just sayin'. c:
As for secret treasures of fanime, for me it's the people I meet wandering around in the middle of the night. I've met some of the coolest people that way.
Quote from: pandrogyny on May 19, 2010, 12:11:00 AM
If anyone is looking for excellent ramen, Kahoo around the corner from Mitsuwa is superior in every way. Just sayin'. c:
Grah, I beg to differ, but ramen preferences are more contentious than political views. I think that the Meiji restoration might have been caused by a disagreement over ramen broth. In any event, I think we can both agree that people should visit both and make up their own minds!
Also, I would be remiss to my co-worker if I did not mention that Santoka ramen at Mitsuwa is one of the few places around to get a ramen/natto combo. Not that I recommend natto <vomit>
Both ramen places suck. I've yet to eat ramen in norcal that was really good. Though I'm hearing good things about Ramen Dojo, everywhere else has be "Ok" or "kinda good" at best.
And to get back on subject.... the recent surge of lolita gatherings and events are my not so secret treasures of Fanimecon :D
Quote from: Lizchan33 on May 19, 2010, 06:38:52 PM
And to get back on subject.... the recent surge of lolita gatherings and events are my not so secret treasures of Fanimecon :D
With that in mind, there will be a lolita boutique open to FanimeCon attendees over in the Fairmont! It's in partnership with Oneesan, Inc.
I'm gonna go out on a limb and say the H-room. Not so much for the obvious, but rather the MST3K'ing.
Although I will warn you: you're gonna need a strong stomach; the stuff they show is fairly difficult to watch even by H standards. (Which is perhaps the whole point.)
Quote from: Tony on May 19, 2010, 10:00:10 PM
Quote from: Lizchan33 on May 19, 2010, 06:38:52 PM
And to get back on subject.... the recent surge of lolita gatherings and events are my not so secret treasures of Fanimecon :D
With that in mind, there will be a lolita boutique open to FanimeCon attendees over in the Fairmont! It's in partnership with Oneesan, Inc.
I am very excited about that new event!!! :D
Oh, last year I chased a random stray balloon down the escalator and it had the words written on it, "Come to Stage Zero." When I did, some kind volunteer lady gave me a prize. I thought that was a pretty interesting hidden treasure. No idea if it'll happen again this year!
Quote from: ichigocorcor on May 04, 2010, 10:09:26 PM
i don't think it was advertised, actually- the only reason i knew about it was because a panel i attended in the dojo got out just as the dance was starting. and the bouncer guilted me into coming xD
i've never done karaoke at fanime- i feel like it would take too long for your song to come up :/ how late is it open til do you remember?
did you try to get an anon to dance?