Otakon Vegas 2014

[kndy]

http://j-entonline.com/anime-related-ne ... -3-5-2014/

Baltimore, MD (February 20, 2013) – Otakorp, Inc is proud to announce a brand new event by fans, for fans – Otakon Vegas! Otakon Vegas will be held at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada from January 3-5.

Otakon Vegas Convention Chair Victor Albisharat says that, “Otakon Vegas is a new event that will allow us to further our mission. We’re nearing the capacity of our home in Baltimore; the next logical step would be to expand. As well, we wanted to create a smaller and more intimate setting where we can try out new things. With that in mind, we’re working on some exciting new events and formats that might not lend itself to our larger event in Baltimore.”

Hotel room reservations are now available and event registration will open in the next few months. For more information, keep an eye on our facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/otakonvegas or go to our website at http://www.otakonvegas.com.

ABOUT OTAKON VEGAS AND OTAKORP, INC.: Otakon Vegas is the first annual celebration of Japanese and East Asian popular culture presented by Otakorp in Las Vegas, Nevada. Otakon Vegas celebrates popular culture as a gateway to deeper understanding of Asian culture. Otakon Vegas is a ticket based convention sponsored by Otakorp, Inc., a Pennsylvaniabased 501(c)3 educational nonprofit whose mission is to promote the appreciation of Asian culture, primarily through its media and entertainment. Otakorp, Inc. is directed by an allvolunteer, unpaid staff – we are run by fans, for fans.
For more information about Otakorp, Inc., see http://www.otakon.com/otakorp/index.asp

For more information and the latest news on Otakon Vegas 2014, see http://www.otakonvegas.com/
###

[megazone]

OTAKON being on the east coast has always been something intriguing that I haven't ever been able to attend.

Question to those whom have attended recently:
Do they have any Old stuff either in the dealers room or panels?

[SteveH]

OTAKON being on the east coast has always been something intriguing that I haven't ever been able to attend.

Question to those whom have attended recently:
Do they have any Old stuff either in the dealers room or panels?

Panels, yes. Dealer's room, completely variable based on who shows up but my guess would be figure on 98% current stuff. As I don't go (but would like to) I don't know if there are any repeat sellers who have a rep for bringing the old.

There is a sameness to the dealers I see nowadays, the majority seeming to get the exact same stuff from the exact same wholesellers, whoever that may be. And it's generally way overpriced. I mean, $99 for this 4,500 Yen kit http://www.hlj.com/product/BAN967077/Gun that's just nuts.
(seen first hand at a dealer AWA 2011. LOTS of Gundam kits, ALL at 100% over cost, some even more. Oddly, guy didn't sell much Gunpla)

Some long-lived dealers have stock they bought years ago and they keep the prices at crazy level. It seems they would rather carry the boxes in, set up, stand around and see nobody buy stuff, box it back up, and do this over and over, years to year, con to con, rather than knock some prices down and SELL the stuff. Dave can tell tales of this.

I'm afraid that your best bet for old stuff, the stuff we love, is Yahoo Japan auctions and a Japanese middleman.

OK, as to Otakon Vegas. Really? Can the staff run a con by remote control? Are they relying on Vegas locals to handle the day-to-day ramp up and work? I'm kinda surprised Otakon is looking for such 'brand expansion'.

[davemerrill]

The last Otakon I went to (2010? 2009?) had a fairly typical large-con dealers room. A few dealers had old-school toys, books, cels. I picked up a Tetsujin 28FX cel for a reasonable price. Most of the dealers were DVDs, manga, shirts, new toys, figures, etc.

I have no idea what it's like running a show in Vegas, but if anybody can pull it off, it's Otakon; their show is well-run and professional. They seem to treat both staff and attendees right. We attended the show on a last minute spur of the moment kinda thing and we bought badges at walkup reg on Friday. I was expecting giant lines, but it took about eight minutes. It's a good show.