Questions for attendees

[Paladin Cecil]

I'm working on attending Sogen Con for the first time this year and I have some questions that I'd like to ask those who've been there before.

1. How long have you been attending Sogen Con?
2. What are some of your favorite things about the convention?
3. What are some of your best memories?
4. How would you compare it to other cons you've attended?

[Dawnius]

1. I've been attending since the second Sogen Con in 2006. It was the first con I ever attended
2. I love the friendly atmosphere. The staff are great, really friendly and very willing to help.
3. I have so many it's hard to choose! Mostly the time spent with friends. Winning the novice division of the Cosplay Contest in 09 (I think) was really awesome too, especially since I wrote the skit for our group.
4. The only other con I've been to is Anime Detour, so I don't have too much to compare to. Sogen is definitely less crowded and the atmosphere is a lot more friendly. Since it is smaller, there's more of a chance to get to know the people and even the guests.

[stuffaeamade]

1. How long have you been attending Sogen Con?
Sogen was also my first con!  In 2009 I jumped in with an artist alley table.  I have had a table every year since then.

2. What are some of your favorite things about the convention?
Since I'm drawing commissions for the majority of the con, I'm not able to participate much in everything else that's going on.  One thing I do get to see is all the costumes and cosplay people are wearing, I love that.  Chilling in the video game room after tearing down the table for the night is fun too.

3. What are some of your best memories?
Breaking even on expenses is always a fantastic feeling for anyone who gets a table at a con.  Talking to the other artists, meeting people with similar interests, industry panels.  The looks on some of my commissioners' faces when I show them the finished piece. <3

4. How would you compare it to other cons you've attended?
I've done one larger con, and found it very overwhelming.  Sogen gets a decent crowd, and is still small enough to have a very laid back atmosphere.  Everyone is extremely friendly.

[Paladin Cecil]

1. I've been attending since the second Sogen Con in 2006. It was the first con I ever attended
2. I love the friendly atmosphere. The staff are great, really friendly and very willing to help.
3. I have so many it's hard to choose! Mostly the time spent with friends. Winning the novice division of the Cosplay Contest in 09 (I think) was really awesome too, especially since I wrote the skit for our group.
4. The only other con I've been to is Anime Detour, so I don't have too much to compare to. Sogen is definitely less crowded and the atmosphere is a lot more friendly. Since it is smaller, there's more of a chance to get to know the people and even the guests.

Sounds awesome. I'm glad Sogen has more space. There was a con I went to last year that was so cramped that you had to show up 40 minutes early to attend a guest panel. Looks like that's not a common occurrence here.

[Paladin Cecil]

Another thing I was wondering about is, how easy is it to get to guest panels?
Do you often have to get in line pretty early for them, or can you afford to show up a few minutes before they start?
And what all restaurants are there nearby?

[Eiri Yuki [Sexta Espada]]

I'm working on attending Sogen Con for the first time this year and I have some questions that I'd like to ask those who've been there before.

1. How long have you been attending Sogen Con?
2. What are some of your favorite things about the convention?
3. What are some of your best memories?
4. How would you compare it to other cons you've attended?

1. Since 2007, memories I wouldn't trade for anything.
2. Definitely the people. They're so generous and friendly. All the friends I have now, are some of my best friends, and I wouldn't have met them without conventions.
3. Meeting my friends. also, cheesecake videos, and panels.
4. definitely more close. Larger cons get hectic, and it's hard to get quality time with anyone. Sogen Con's small size let's you have a little one on one with the guests at times, and you're able to find and hang with friends.

[Drazz]

Another thing I was wondering about is, how easy is it to get to guest panels?
Do you often have to get in line pretty early for them, or can you afford to show up a few minutes before they start?
And what all restaurants are there nearby?

Due to the lower attendance, it is not hard at all to get into any panel you would like to see.  Any lines that form for panels are usually handled in a timely manner.

I do hope you come and see us this summer!

[Taline]

Hi Paladin. In terms of restaurants, it depends if you have a car. If you do not, there is an Indian restaurant right across the street, and the hotel has room service. You can also call in for pizza very easily. If you have a car but don't want to go too far, there is a Buger King, a Subway, and a Mexican restaurant less than a mile down the road. If you don't mind going a little further, you can find quite a few places along the way. Hope that helps!

[Guardiansun]

Actually I think the indian place shut down, sadly...which breaks my heart because their mango lacees were delish.

The little restaurant in the hotel actually isn't terribly priced, and it's quite yummy.  I usually eat there a couple times a con.  Pizza delivery is never an issue, and there are a few places within a couple of miles from the con as well.  :)

[jhawknh]

1. How long have you been attending Sogen Con?
Since it's first year.
2. What are some of your favorite things about the convention?
Talking with the guests, Running the Anime Dating Game panel, nothing happening in Ballroom B.
3. What are some of your best memories?
When Vic showed "Full Metal Fantasy"
4. How would you compare it to other cons you've attended?
Much more relaxed and easy going.

[Drazz]

2. What are some of your favorite things about the convention?
Talking with the guests, Running the Anime Dating Game panel, nothing happening in Ballroom B.

Wrong Ballroom my friend.  Twas Ballroom A.

[jhawknh]

Wrong Ballroom my friend.  Twas Ballroom A.

True, but doesn't the shirt say Ballroom B?

[Drazz]

No Sir.  A on the shirt too.

[jhawknh]

No Sir.  A on the shirt too.

Dang it!  I need to get a shirt so I will remember that.