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My Life At ACen – a Look Back
There’s a thing on social media called Throwback Thursday. It’s a way to have a post that isn’t involved and detailed by just showing something from the past, usually a photo. Of course much like The Bloggess, I’m not really good at following directions so this post will be pretty detailed. My first Anime Central was way back in 2003. The specifics are fuzzy on how we found out about it but I do know that we ended up driving to Illinois with a friend of a friend (hi Nicole) and stayed at her friend’s place (hi Shannon and Rich) who I’m happy to say are now our friends. We…
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ShutoCon 2014 – After Con Report
ShutoCon is held in Lansing, MI. It has a particular focus on promoting artists and cosplayers as well as being a designated “safe space“. This was their 4th year in operation. Last year we had decided it was time to change our displays and had converted one board over to a magnet system instead of the clips we previously were using. We found that the clips made it confusing to customers who were able to pull up the buttons a quarter inch, along with it being a tedious thing to set up each time. After some deliberation we decided on magnets instead. They are rare earth and have a 9lb…
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After Report – Anime Park
This was our second year selling at Anime Park. It’s very well organized for such a new anime convention, and being a High School student run one at that. There were a good mix of panels and a great Maid Cafe, and seemed to be a decent turnout of attendees. We’re here! With that in mind, there are definitely some things that can be improved. Some I expect is out of their hands. For instance, we were in a different school this year. Still on the same campus, because the city of Canton has this unique setup where there are three high schools all on the same land. I’ve never…
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After report – ShutoCon 2013
ShutoCon in Lansing, MI is a newer anime convention with a good focus on artists and cosplayers. The AA coordinator (and convention chair) is a long time artist herself and strives to make her con have all the best available for us. She was extremely understanding about feedback and complaints (I had few, and most weren’t under her control but felt should be noted), and definitely has a good thing started. It was held at the Lansing Center and the connected Radisson Hotel from April 5th-7th, 2013.
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Go!Daiko-con – after report
Go!Daiko-con is a smaller convention based in Michigan, but is showing steady growth. It started in 2009 as Anime Detroit, and changed to its current name in 2011. They had a general Zombie theme throughout and so there were various decorations to that effect. The doors for the Main Ballroom.
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JAFAX 2012 – after con report
JAFAX was, as always, a delight. We were at the end table just inside the doors which was great for my back problems as I could easily get up an walk frequently. The chair out front is for customers to DIY their own buttons.
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AnimePark – after con report
New this year was a one day free admission convention in Canton MI. Organized by some of the students at Canton HS, it was a surprisingly well organized and busy first time con, and we enjoyed our day there very much. The main cafeteria area held the Dealer’s booths, and a side hallway had the Artists. They had a video room, some panels, and a maid cafe. I hope they are able to hold the event again next year, and if you’re in the area, I recommend checking it out.
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Convention Appearance – Anime Park
We’re in the Dealer’s Room at AnimePark – selling our full roster of buttons. Come by and get a pin or make your own! Please share with anyone in the area – it’s FREE admission! 9am-9pm Saturday only – Canton HS Canton, MI http://animeparkcon.webs.com/aboutus.htm
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ACen – after con report
It’s amazing how long and short something can seem at the same time. Anime Central is like this – even with being there for almost a full week nowadays it still flies by. Chris and I got in on Wednesday, and after checking in to the hotel unpacking, and getting our staff schedule sorted we headed to a lovely little Japanese place up the road as suggested by a local friend. View from our room
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Convention appearance
New designs printed and integrated into the stock folder. I am now at over 170 button designs. See how I slave for you people? That’s averaging 10-20 new designs a year to keep things fresh. Make sure you stop by and see what’s new Anime Central in the Artist Alley. Table 001 and 002.