FanimeCon, or Fanime, remains a popular anime convention among California State University, Stanislaus students, and is scheduled for May 24-27 at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center. The event attracted around 20,000 attendees last year, making it the second largest anime convention in the state.
For those going for the first time, a few basic pointers will help make the experience better.
Before it starts, book a motel room with friends! Some attendees attempt to drive home each night and come back. If that home is in Turlock, though, save the hassle and stay in San Jose. Try the Holiday Inn Express, which gives a nice compromise between comfort and affordability. Motel 6 sits right next door for students on a tighter budget. The official convention shuttle gives free rides back and forth from that location.
Upon arrival, expect a very long line! Last year, an unexpected power outage on the first day brought the lines for prepaid badges and walk-in registration to a halt. Bring something to help make the wait less boring, such as a smartphone or Nintendo 3DS, or just befriend fellow convention-goers stuck in line with you.
After picking up the badge, food is the next problem to tackle. Avoid the convention food prices! Simple meals from the vendors cost a premium at this convention, roughly $10 with a drink. Even buying soda at the vending machines costs at least $3. Walk across the street to Subway instead. A couple of blocks away, a Safeway market offers even cheaper food options.
Next, begin taking cosplay pictures! Cosplay derives from the term costume play. At any anime convention, many people dress up in costume, similar to how everyone wears a costume on Halloween. Always ask permission before taking pictures of cosplayers, or at least use a strong hand gesture to indicate the intent. More often than not, they want their picture taken. Double-check as a courtesy, especially when dealing with minors.
Convention-goers dress up as a wide variety of characters beyond anime, including ones from video games and comic books. Even Harry Potter costumes work. Take the time to make a great costume, no matter what character is represented.
Plan your schedule too! Music concerts are popular, and this year features Japanese-based rock bands ROOKiEZ is PUNK’D and 7!!.
The masquerade, otherwise known as Cosplay Spectacular, is also a well-attended show that brings out funny skits to help showcase the costumes and amazing crowd energy.
In terms of more laid-back entertainment, visit the Fanimaid Café for company. Not into pretty maids? The video rooms run anime shows, sometimes the mature kind during after-hours, 24 hours a day.
The gaming room stays open all night as well, and, from my own experience, is the best gaming room at any anime convention.
If you have a date, attend the black and white ball. Dress appropriately, or they will kick you out.
There are various panels run by either the guests of honor, industry-related companies or everyday fans. Read the FanimeCon website to see which panel interests you!
Some last tips include avoiding drama and being safe. At least keep some friends handy when walking through the San Jose streets. Browsing in a group always works best.
At Fanime, fun waits for everyone, even for those who do not watch anime.
Ask around for further help if needed. Most importantly, get plenty of sleep each night. Then, wake up and have a good time!