types of conventions: Anime conventions

I attend conventions.

Even though I still have a narrow view on conventions compared to other con-goers, I can honestly contest that anime conventions are fascinating, amazing places. There are colors, sounds, people, and new experiences to be gained that one would not normally be able to gain anywhere else.

With the exception of two years, I have attended Anime Detour in Minnesota since it's opening. The forums, presentations, showrooms, discussions, and venues pose a new experience unlike any other. After the three times I have gone to Detour, I have determined that it is almost impossible to attend an anime convention and not meet somebody new. The enormous lines, hotel rooms packed full of convention attendees, panels discussions, and various other circumstances are opportunities to converse with people all over the state, if not the nation.

I have discussed politics while standing in the line for the costume fashion show, sat in the corner of hotel halls until four in the morning with groups of people I have never met talking about the weather and school, trading latest rumors of serializations of new comic books and shows with people dressed as samurai, fairy princesses, school-girls, and gun-toting, armor-plated warriors.

Conventions for anime, comic, science-fiction, or any other subject are seen by many people as pointless, unproductive, and overly expensive. Every time I mention to my parents that I am once again registering for Detour, I get a roll of eyes, and another half-an-hour debate about how to spend my time on more wise pursuits. However, those who go to the conventions bring memories and experiences back that are much more valuable than the price of any convention fee.

If you get the chance, go to a convention. They offer the chance to meet people, learn of news and viewpoints that may not have otherwise been easy to come by, talk about current events, trade secrets, and take the opportunity to see a completely different culture within today's society.

Meeting a person, becoming friends, and exchanging information is just as beneficial at a convention then it is at any other place. Even if that person is dressed in a six foot costume made out of a styrofoam, grocery bags, and chicken wire.

Different types of conventions: Anime conventions

Cosplay is a bit more involved than you may originally think. It's not just a matter of looking like the character, a good cosplayer has to be very knowledgeable about the character. Lots of time and effort go into making the costume, as well.
Cosplay, however, is not the only thing you'll find at an anime convention. In fact, there's actually a real rift many of the people that cosplay and many of those that don't.

Video games are a big draw at anime conventions. Alas, I can only say good luck in trying to get your hands on a game if you're going there to play. You'll find the extremely popular games like DDR and Para Para and you may see some old school favorites as well. Unfortunately, you're also likely to find the same group of kids cycling through the same game over and over and over again (I have yet to be able to sit down and play Halo, and I've been attending anime conventions for 4 years).

Non-video games also have their place. You can usually find a group of Yu-Gi-Oh or MTG players hanging around as well as an RPG or two. There is almost always some sort of LARP as well.
The two types of discussion panels you'll find are industry and fan based panels. Industry panels are panels run by companies. This is where you go to find out what's going on with any particular company (ADV, for example). These are highly attended as it is well known that the panelists tend to hand out prizes to audience members that know their trivia.
Fan run panels cover everything from guest of honor speeches right down to individual items such as kimonos, video games, Japanese language, voice acting tips, AMV making tips, and many more.
There may be workshops in which you can learn how to construct and/or paint a mecha miniature model.
In larger anime conventions, you will almost always find autograph sessions with the guests of honor. Show up early to get in line or you may not make your way to the front to get the autograph.
Game shows are also popular at anime conventions. These are based on your favorite television game shows but the questions are all based on anime.
Dealer's rooms will vary in size depending on the size of the convention. The larger the convention, the more variety you'll have in what's available. You can find anime, manga, CDs, clothing, backpacks, bags, action figures, statues, toys, wallscrolls, posters, and all manner of collectibles, and many of them straight from Japan.
And, of course, what would an anime convention be without anime. The amount of viewing rooms depends on the size of the convention. Larger conventions will have at least three rooms, each showing a variety of anime.
Just remember, anime isn't just for kids. Adults do attend as well, and they have just as much fun reminiscing about the older anime as the kids do talking about the new anime.