I’m back from Ohayocon and it was really good overall! Even saw a few
friends that I haven’t seen in awhile, since my last Ohayocon which I
think was in 2009. Wow, it’s been 3 years since I’ve last seen some
people! It was good to be back though. I’m going to keep this brief
since it wasn’t exceptionally eventful for me but I had fun socializing
with friends. I wonder if it’s because I’m getting older and the fact
that I haven’t kept up with any popular Anime or Manga lately that it
wasn’t as riveting.
Friday – So I got
there early around 2:30pm and it was kinda empty but there were people
running around. It was weird, the pre-reg line at the time was longer
than the at-the-door line, the staff member said it was a weird time of
day for that to happen. Anyways, got my badge and ended up wandering
around. Somehow I managed to find the Dealer’s room and got a little
lost there trying to find the Artist Alley. Mind you, they changed the
layout from 3 years ago but it is the same as it was last year to those
who have been to Ohayocon more recently. Bought a few things from
friends in the AA. I met up with friends and we followed each other
around the Dealer’s Room, AA, and panels. It was good times. 😀
Saturday –
Much more eventful, there were mass amounts of people that day. I was
also super busy that I wasn’t able to hit the AA more than once or twice
that day. XD Ended up wandering the Dealer’s room and panels the most. I
would have been completely bored without my friends. I came by myself
since I didn’t come with anyone in particular. When I first arrived I
ended up wandering the Dealer’s room but it was so crowded that I left
and I was hungry so I went to eat a snack.
Was still
trying to wake up so I went to sit down and sketch until my butt was
numb from sitting on the floor. lol I decided to go to the Dealer’s room
again because I wanted to look more seriously at things to buy. It was
funny because I didn’t expect to run into some friends so quickly after I
went into the Dealer’s room. It was difficult to try to dodge people,
took forever sometimes to cross through. I didn’t buy anything at the
Dealer’s room, ended up spending most of my money at the AA! Woot! lol
The AA was actually pretty busy too. The day was long but fun, went to a
few panels but hardly stayed the whole time for most of them. I think I
only stayed for one panel the whole time. XD
Oh man,
the lines for the Food Court were so long for lunch! I don’t remember it
being that long 3 years ago. lol I’d recommend bringing your own food
if you don’t like waiting in lines. Even around 5 or 6pm when I went to
eat there were still lines. XD Shorter lines but still a line where I
had to wait around 15 minutes for Subway. Not sure if there ever was a
moment when there wasn’t a line. There were shorter lines than others
but it also depended on where you went to eat.
are some pictures I took on Saturday of the Dealer’s room and the AA.
Not sure if you can tell it’s busier than Friday. This was probably more
during one of the down times where it was less crowded. lol
Shots of the AA
Went to a GaiaOnline Panel. XD
Some Balloon Artist made some awesome Balloon Sculptures. There was another but forgot to take a picture.
A Mari Iijima concert. 🙂
Sunday –
Was sad that it was nearing the end already. Went to talk to some of my
artist friends in the AA since I didn’t really get a chance on
Saturday. Strolled both the AA and Dealer’s room for any deals but there
weren’t that many so I held on to my money. Tried to limit my budget
but was able to pre-reg for the next Ohayocon. Was looking around to
pre-reg for Matsuricon on Sunday but never ran into the guys running the
booth. I ended up just pre-regging online.
This day
was more of a last chance to hang out and talk with for some friends.
Some older friends I didn’t even see until Sunday afternoon since I
didn’t know they were there. lol A lot of people left early on Sunday
because of work and what not. Was a bit of a relief with more space and
air circulating, although you could still get whiffs of some con funk
and B.O. floating around in which I just hold my breath until it passes.
All in all, it was good to see old friends and make new ones. Was sad
to see everyone go but to see friends is one of the reasons for me to
attend a con. Definitely going back next year and maybe next time I’ll
get a table! Hopefully by then I’ll have more art and merchandise. 😀
That
was pretty much it from a less personal perspective! If you have any
questions concerning Ohayocon or want to know more about my experience
there. Feel free to comment or email me! 😀
Ohayocon looked like it was crazy packed, especially the dealers room. From the photos you posted, it seems like the try to get as much vertical space as they can, which would make me feel a bit claustrophobic. It sounds like you had a good time though!
If you don't mind me asking, did you recognize any of the artists in the AA? If so, how'd they seem to be selling? I was accepted for their artist alley, but my friend wasn't, so we opted out of attending, but I'd like to give it a shot sometime.
It was pretty crowded, the dealer's room for sure. Although personally I think they could have fit a few more tables in the AA but maybe there was an occupancy limit? I don't know. lol Yeah I agree, considering I'm so short, things seem bigger to me. XD
I did recognize artists at the AA but it may be because I've gone to cons where I've seen them before. There were a few who I haven't seen before though. They seemed to sell fairly well but I don't know anyone that well to ask…^^; Aww that's unfortunate you weren't able to go because of that. Good luck! Maybe we'll see each other next year! 😀