Feedback for 2011

[Hunter Gren]

Let us know what you liked and didn't like about sogen con 2011. we want to know what to keep and what to fix. if something made you mad we want to know, be nice about it and give an idea or two on how we can make it better for next time!

nothing is to trivial to mention, after all, the little things can all add up and make a good time a bad one so make sure to let us know the bad as well as the good!

[Trev]

This was my first anime convention and I thought you guys did a great job.  I could only attend for a day, but I feel like I got a good experience just from that one day alone.  The only thing I may suggest is getting things started an hour or two earlier on Friday, but I understand the regular start time on all of the activities.  I really enjoyed Sogen Con and I plan on attending again.  Everyone is friendly and I love the location.  It seems like you get a one on one time with guests as well, which I really liked.

[MommaMonMon]

This was my first anime convention and I thought you guys did a great job.  I could only attend for a day, but I feel like I got a good experience just from that one day alone.  The only thing I may suggest is getting things started an hour or two earlier on Friday, but I understand the regular start time on all of the activities.  I really enjoyed Sogen Con and I plan on attending again.  Everyone is friendly and I love the location.  It seems like you get a one on one time with guests as well, which I really liked.

First I wanted to say I am glad you had a great time at your first con. I wanted to explain the reason for things starting when they did on Friday. There was another event in the hallway until Noon. We pushed programming to make sure people had time to get their badges before anything started. :)

[Shun_Goku_Satsu]

I'm pretty sure >90% of this year's problems are pre-solved for next year. Almost everything I didn't love can be solved with earlier communication- we can ask vendors if they want to come 9 months beforehand, rather than 4 weeks. Same with guests. And panelists don't have to wait until 3 weeks before the con goes up to know if it will even happen, so we can start submitting panels/working on material sooner.

I also think the explanation of the importance of volunteering was a good point on Sunday. If more of us work on things, we can get information out sooner. I would personally like to work with scheduling, if possible, since I know there are some people who want to submit multiple panels, and a few of them (myself included) would volunteer during free time if we knew when we would have free time.

Also, bouncing off of our "Not dead yet" theme from this year, any chance of 2012 having some sort of apocalyptic theme?

[MommaMonMon]

I'm pretty sure >90% of this year's problems are pre-solved for next year. Almost everything I didn't love can be solved with earlier communication- we can ask vendors if they want to come 9 months beforehand, rather than 4 weeks. Same with guests. And panelists don't have to wait until 3 weeks before the con goes up to know if it will even happen, so we can start submitting panels/working on material sooner.

I also think the explanation of the importance of volunteering was a good point on Sunday. If more of us work on things, we can get information out sooner. I would personally like to work with scheduling, if possible, since I know there are some people who want to submit multiple panels, and a few of them (myself included) would volunteer during free time if we knew when we would have free time.

Also, bouncing off of our "Not dead yet" theme from this year, any chance of 2012 having some sort of apocalyptic theme?

I agree with the having more time to do things and needing more volunteers to run smoothly.
As for the Apocalyptic theme, however, we were not going for the end of the world so much as a saving our world theme. We were going for more of a team of heroes swoops in at the last minute and saves the day instead of the bitter sweet ending of only saving a handful of mankind and having to start over.Also I assume we would not be the only con to use this theme being in 2012.

[Guardiansun]

Yeah there are a LOT of cons going with the whole apocalyptic theme for 2012.  Rest assured, the board is reviewing options for a theme for 2012 and I look forward to finding out what it is. ;)  The artwork is going to be fun next year.

And yes, get the word out. Volunteering is a GOOD THING!!! I have been telling attendees for years at every con I go to that if you want to have the best con possible, give back to the convention and volunteer.  :) 

[Eiri Yuki [Sexta Espada]]

Well, I know it's been touched on a bit already, but I feel the need to restate that some panels were entirely ruined by people who didn't know when enough was enough, and while I don't blame staff for this at all, I do think that some people need to learn to be better behaved, and since they are so young, perhaps they need parental supervision? I don't really know.

As for feedback that can be dealt with, and I'm sure it already has been mentioned quite alot, so I'll try not to beat a dead horse too much with this. I loved the scheduling, I didn't feel too rushed to be anywhere in particular for the most part, and I'd like to see more of that next year.

The dealer's room though, was tragic, in my opinion, very small, and in regards to some things, rather overpriced in comparison to past years, for instance, where I had bought a body pillow in past years, was 35$ was now 40$. very small plushies running upwards of 30$+, and tiny [I mean TINY] keychains, that once were under 10$ were now 15$ and up. not to mention the price of snacks. I am pleased that no one raised the ramune prices, but the rest was so high :(.

I'm sure price can't really be dealt with, as it seems to be the whim of the dealers, but size can be dealt with, and that would be really awesome!

:( on a less feedback-ish note, I really wish I had had a little money leftover to buy raffle tickets, the prizes were so awesome ><!

[Drazz]

Well, I know it's been touched on a bit already, but I feel the need to restate that some panels were entirely ruined by people who didn't know when enough was enough, and while I don't blame staff for this at all, I do think that some people need to learn to be better behaved, and since they are so young, perhaps they need parental supervision? I don't really know.

As for feedback that can be dealt with, and I'm sure it already has been mentioned quite alot, so I'll try not to beat a dead horse too much with this. I loved the scheduling, I didn't feel too rushed to be anywhere in particular for the most part, and I'd like to see more of that next year.

The dealer's room though, was tragic, in my opinion, very small, and in regards to some things, rather overpriced in comparison to past years, for instance, where I had bought a body pillow in past years, was 35$ was now 40$. very small plushies running upwards of 30$+, and tiny [I mean TINY] keychains, that once were under 10$ were now 15$ and up. not to mention the price of snacks. I am pleased that no one raised the ramune prices, but the rest was so high :(.

I'm sure price can't really be dealt with, as it seems to be the whim of the dealers, but size can be dealt with, and that would be really awesome!

:( on a less feedback-ish note, I really wish I had had a little money leftover to buy raffle tickets, the prizes were so awesome ><!

I know that the dealer hall was small this year.  this was a side effect of the lateness of Convention planning.  Dealers usually plan out their schedules 4-6 months in advanced.  Due to this, we were unable to get many of the dealers we would like to have had.  This will be resolved for next year.

As for prices, sadly that is a more complex issue.  Dealers charge based on what they pay to get the product.  With the way the economy is today, they are paying more, so they have to charge more.  Also, you need to remember that many of the items in the dealer hall are imported from Japan.  The Earthquake and Tsunami that happened early this year has had a dramatic effect on their ability to produce items for sale, as well as exporting them.  I was not surprised to see a 25% to 33% increase in prices on items.  I know that in the end, it seems harsh, but there really is nothing that could be done about that. 

[rosemary_river]

This was my first Sogen Con (and actually my first anime convention), and I had a lot of fun with it, between panels, hanging out with new people and closet-cosplaying.

There was one thing a friend of mine and I thought would be nice to have, and that would be maybe some Japanese cuisine? Like asking Sushi Masa or Coco Palace about bringing food? Now, I don't know if they do that for one, or if there is something with the convention center that wouldn't allow that, but Im curious to hear the Staff's thoughts. The Ramune, Pocky, and Mochi were great, but... small, limited, and snack food. I know we all got hungry for some a little more substantial then sweets.

Thank you for your time,
Ro

[Eiri Yuki [Sexta Espada]]

The Earthquake and Tsunami

Ah yeah, I hadn't considered that that would drive up the cost to import, it's been quite awhile since I personally have imported from Japan, and I guess I didn't realize that things like that stagger the economy even more.. >< I'm a derp. Thanks for that though :)

@Ro - I think the forums and people in general hear this one alot, but sadly, it can't be done to my knowledge, because it's convention center policy that there can't be outside food or drinks brought in, so I feel happy enough for the ramune, pocky, mochi and various other treats that we get at the con, but in essence, that's why the last few years, there has been the vendors out in the hall selling the soda, fruits, cookies, muffins, and usually one or two "filling" foods, like this year, I noticed it was bbq pork sandwiches and egg rolls [three tiny eggrolls and a fortune cookie, YES!] but last year, it was something else, and these mediterranean wraps that I thought were AWESOME. but yeah, that's why asking asian food places to sell food at the con will most likely never happen. Sorry.

p.s. I thought Coco Palace is Chinese? at least that's what I assume from the website, it has a huge section on chinese culture.. not important! my bad, I got sidetracked. on the other hand though, there is both a Casa del Rey and a burger king not too far from the con, so that's a thought for next year, if you feel hungry and don't want to eat snacky foods, also, I know that the hotel will give you flyers for places that deliver to the hotel, I think there's a chinese food place, and also alot of pizza places that deliver.

[Dawnius]

I had an amazing time this year at Sogen. I do agree that the break in between panels is great, especially for running a panel, you get a chance to set up and review before the panel. A big thanks to Drazz for being cool with last minute projector needs! Gotta remember to ask for that in advance next year. :P 

[Knowltey]

Con center vendors need to bring back the Grilled Cheese of Doom! So we can go back to being GrilledCheeseCon (at least in my mind)

[Hunter Gren]

This was my first Sogen Con (and actually my first anime convention), and I had a lot of fun with it, between panels, hanging out with new people and closet-cosplaying.

There was one thing a friend of mine and I thought would be nice to have, and that would be maybe some Japanese cuisine? Like asking Sushi Masa or Coco Palace about bringing food? Now, I don't know if they do that for one, or if there is something with the convention center that wouldn't allow that, but Im curious to hear the Staff's thoughts. The Ramune, Pocky, and Mochi were great, but... small, limited, and snack food. I know we all got hungry for some a little more substantial then sweets.

Thank you for your time,
Ro

I don't know why they didn't have rice and grilled cheese in the concession stand considering they where the only items I requested I met with them.  They did adjust and extend the hours though, so at least they half listened. 

I did let them know that the absence of the usual grilled cheese and last years very successful rice was sorely missed.

[dustins111]

The only problem I had with the con besides not being able to get work off Sunday was what ever happened with mystery anime theater. It was suppose to be in the Main Programming room and for some reason got moved to one of the small anime showing rooms. And a bunch of people got directed to the 6/7 room by the room guard were nothing was happening. I assume the projector messed up or something but it caused a bit of confusion.

Besides that I was happy and still sore from mock combat and the rave.

[lelia12]

I think everything went pretty well considering the short notice. Grilled cheese was missed, the rice not so much. What we got last year was practically frozen and tasted terrible, even after adding sugar at the concession stand guy's suggestion.

Anyways....lots of the panels were fun for everyone, but I would have liked to seen them distributed throughout the weekend better. For instance have the beginners mock fighting on Saturday and the advanced on Sunday so you can go to both. I felt like the general go and have fun panels were all on Saturday and at the same time so I sort of felt like I missed out. For instance the cosplay chess, 4-square, and mock combat were all at 12:00 so you could really only go to one.

I would also like to see the return of the large schedule in the main area. It made it super easy last year to see what was going on when and where. I liked that because in addition to the panels it also had the gaming rooms on it so everything was together.

[MommaMonMon]

I think everything went pretty well considering the short notice. Grilled cheese was missed, the rice not so much. What we got last year was practically frozen and tasted terrible, even after adding sugar at the concession stand guy's suggestion.

Anyways....lots of the panels were fun for everyone, but I would have liked to seen them distributed throughout the weekend better. For instance have the beginners mock fighting on Saturday and the advanced on Sunday so you can go to both. I felt like the general go and have fun panels were all on Saturday and at the same time so I sort of felt like I missed out. For instance the cosplay chess, 4-square, and mock combat were all at 12:00 so you could really only go to one.

I would also like to see the return of the large schedule in the main area. It made it super easy last year to see what was going on when and where. I liked that because in addition to the panels it also had the gaming rooms on it so everything was together.

Mock combat is set up ,every year he is here doing it, by Chris A that is the way he requested it. It's hard to program things in the right time frame for everyone to see everything. As far as the big schedule being posted rest a sure it will be back next year.

[jhawknh]

I agree with everyone else.  The lack of grilled cheese was a major mistake by the convention center managment.  I hope they saw their profits drop significantly this year and that spurs them to bring it back nest year.  I know last year they could barely keep the grilled cheese in stock.

[Drazz]

I for one was quite sad that there was no grilled cheese this year.  I will see what I can do to bring it back for next year!

[Shu-chan]

...I find it surprising that our biggest complaint is the lack of grilled cheese on this forum. XD

[Guardiansun]

On the note of Mock Combat, it's very true.

Chris requests that the intermediate class be listed first, and the beginner class take place afterward.  I actually asked him about that at another convention we attended last year.  :)


...AND I MISSED THE GRILLED CHEESE TOO!   

[Eiri Yuki [Sexta Espada]]

...I find it surprising that our biggest complaint is the lack of grilled cheese on this forum. XD

oddly enough, I was thinking that earlier..

[Hunter Gren]

...I find it surprising that our biggest complaint is the lack of grilled cheese on this forum. XD

Clearly you had not partaken of the golden melted cheesy goodness enough to lament its absence.

[Shu-chan]

Clearly you had not partaken of the golden melted cheesy goodness enough to lament its absence.

XDDD I actually haven't had any.... *Brick'd* Not from the stand, at least.

[TuxedoMonkey]

My account is dead, long live my account! Some of these were addressed to a greater or lesser degree above, but I won't try to compensate for that because it might make me leave something out.

1) If possible have some "time-wasters" ready as soon as registration opens. If somebody picks up their badge at 2:30 and nothing starts until 4:00, having the screening room or game room open helps a lot. I personally enjoy commiserating during that gap, but it seems like a sensible idea.

2) The half-hour gap is brilliant.

3) Raffling for specific prizes was also brilliant.

4) Aside from the cosplay panels and a couple of the pony ones, I made it to almost all of the panels. I was impressed with how well they were run. So you don't think I'm a softy, I had a LOT of complaints about how panels, especially the volunteer ones, were run last year. In comparison this year everything started quite close to schedule (I'm thinking the gap helped this), everybody brought actual material to present, nobody vamped just to fill out the allotted time, nobody was insulting to audience members, and no panelists suggested that attendees pirate material (ack!).

5) The dealer room wasn't impressive, but I assumed this was due to the short notice for the con.

6) Compared to previous years I felt that the Guests of Honor were more ninja than usual; I didn't see them around much outside of panels. Then again I avoid smoking areas, so that might have been where they were.

7) I liked the room layout (2 and 3 with ops and the screening room off by themselves).

8) The pork sandwich was very derp. As soon as you pick it up all the meat slides out leaving you with two moist bun halves and a hot pile of pork goo. Grilled cheese is the obvious solution.

On a few occasions random attendees acted like buttheads, but that's life and not at all something that is the responsibility of the staff. Good show, all. 

[jhawknh]

In response to TuxedoMonkey:

1. The time differance between the opaning of registration and the first panels is due to two reasons.
       A. This gives people a chance to get thier badges and not miss a panel they wanted to see.
           How would you feel if a panel you really wanted to see started at the same time reg opened and you
           were stuck in line waiting to get your badge?
       B. The convention ceter would not let us into the rooms until about 3 to 4pm due to the morning convention.

2. I totally agree.  Expect those back next year.

3. *see #2

4. I didn't really have any problems with last years panels, but I was still ammased by the number and qulity of panels that we got on such short notice this year.

5. The short schedule killed us on this.

6. We had few guest then normal years due to the short schedule and one of them  (Richard Townsen) was also on staff so they were rarer.  You could actually find them outside often.

7.  That did work out very well.

8. I want my grilled cheese back! 

[Shun_Goku_Satsu]

Another thing that might be nice is setting a cap on how many times you can win with the raffle. I won two things this year and told Kim to draw again on the second because I wanted someone else to get a chance to win. Winning >10% of the prizes just seems wrong, and it almost seems like there should be a rule against it.

[Dawnius]

I think you're right Shun Goku Satsu and I'm happy you gave someone else a chance to win. Not that I won anything, but I only bought 5 raffle tickets, so I'm not surprised. I really did love having the raffle for specific prizes, because there were a few things I really wouldn't care to get, and it makes sure that people are excited about their prizes. It is nice to see such good improvements like that. I've always know the staff was awesome, but they've outdone themselves this year, and I have the feeling next year is going to be even better, since there won't be the short notice problem.

I miss the grilled cheese too, and they were idiots not to have them. I made my own grilled cheese sandwiches the other day after reading this thread! But I lack a panini press so they weren't quite as epic.

[TuxedoMonkey]

The time differance between the opaning of registration and the first panels is due to two reasons.

I'm not talking about panels; I completely understand why there wouldn't be any panels during that time. I'm talking about the screening and game rooms, i.e. things to pass the time until opening ceremonies.

[Drazz]

They too were not available to us due to a convention going on Friday morning.  We didn't have access to any of the smaller rooms until 4 PM on Friday.

[bludlovesfear]

I thought this years convention was pretty much epic! Everyone did an amazing job when they had such short notice!!

Now here are my pros and cons

Good:

1. Pannels were really fun this year! I think my fav one was the Death Note game we played. I love those fun panels! ^_^

2. The time between panels was a great idea!! 

3. Even though everything was a little more expensive than normal, (which isn't anyones fault really...) they did have everything that we needed available!

4. The different classes for the cosplay contest was great too! So not just one person won :D

5. The rave was so much fun! And it wasn't too late at night either which was awesome. The panels the next day were later in the morning, so we didn't have to worry about waking up early and rushing! XP

6. I loved how the Raffle was done this year!! Great change! You don't have to worry about getting something you don't like! A++   

Not as goods:

1. NO GRILLED CHEESE!!!!! T_T not really anyones fault.... but still