[ACML] animecons Digest, Vol 54, Issue 37

[Brent Allison]

Not to derail the discussion, but when does the convention "season" begin
anyway? Is there a beginning that is accepted across North America or is it
more regionally determined? Does it start with:

1) January 1, which would put Anime Los Angeles as the opening con if you
don't count the generically-mixed MEW Convention?

2) A more established early-year con like Katsucon?

3) A con in the spring and summer since that is traditionally when fans
(did) go to cons en masse? Perhaps it was set with A-Kon as the "first con"
in the 1990s.

I am interested in a more precise definition since I hear "con season" used
frequently in fandom circles.

Brent

--
Brent Allison, Ph.D.
Instructor in the Program of Social Foundations of Education
College of Education, University of Georgia
G2-D Aderhold Hall

On Sun, Mar 22, 2009 at 1:16 PM, Douglas Trovinger
<dougerz at tsubasacon.org>wrote:

> Hi guys...
>
> Since I don't know much about the Anime side of the industry (sales,
> movies,
> etc.), I'm not sure how I could chime in with that...However, Conventions I
> hope to shed a little more light. From my viewpoint, this is my 3rd
> Convention Season in the Anime Convention business. From the viewpoints
> that
> I have, which are probably more shallow than most, it seems like the Anime
> Convention business is a growing industry with a lot of potential. The
> benefits I see from the increase exposure of Anime and other Japanese
> culture elements into American culture help both entities - increased
> awareness of a wonderful culture and opportunity for cross-cultural
> integration but also a new way of life.
>
> With my Convention, that I am a Marketing Director of, securing
> partnerships
> with others was a lot easier than if we tried one, two, or three Convention
> seasons ago. These ones though are ones we've never touched or are farther
> away than us. However, what is evident that, as mentioned, it is a fight
> for
> survival. We will continue to pursue additional partnerships and pump out
> fliers to both the local market (always precedent) and others that we feel
> we could make an impact. Conventions are great for the cities they're in
> -->
> they provide much needed tax revenues, hotels are blessed with lodgers,
> restaurants closeby receive additional business, and the city and other
> governmental entities also beneft. Hopefully, the continuance of a con and
> maybe the startup of businesses with that develop a positive relation with
> that city.
>
> There is no doubt in my mind that like businesses, some Conventions may go
> by the wayside during this downturn. However, others will spring up from
> the
> ashes and be just as or more successful.
>
> In closing, I am thinking the reason why *most* conventions increase in
> attendance is a couple of things:
>
>
>   - Diversity between themselves and another Convention (if in the same
>   city)
>   - The stuff that is offered at the Convention that makes it unique (i.e.
>   mystery dinners, chalking sidewalks, etc.)
>   - The people that run them...some that run these do it for the passion of
>   flexing their skills...
>   - Finally, it is a safe and affordable alternative that leaves a lasting
>   impression for attendees, parents, and the kids that participate in these
>   events.
>
> In a nutshell, the industry will continue to be a strong one...may be a
> different lanscape in the future.
>
> Thoughts?
>
> Douglas Trovinger
> Marketing Director / Registration Staff
> Tsubasacon - West Virginia's Premier Anime Convention (10/9/2009 -
> 10/11/2009 - Huntington, W.Va.)
> Website: http://www.tsubasacon.org
> E-Mail: marketing at tsubasacon.org
> Phone: (304) 906-8326
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