Mara
Vice Chair
Loc: Brockton, MA
Reg: 08-30-07
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11-14-09 10:08 PM - Post#7118
As everyone no doubt knows, Providence Anime Con 2008 was not a clone of Anime Boston 2003 in terms of attendance. Actually, it was kind of the opposite; instead of preparing for a tiny con with tiny attendance numbers, we initially prepared for a humongous event with standing-room-only crowds. If you were there, well, you know that didn't happen. What we do know is that it was a lot of fun, it's something that the staff who worked on it want to see happen again, and we've even heard that some of y'all would like to see it happen again. Obviously, we're going to do some things verrrry differently... if it happens again. Anyhow, feel free to sound off here. Should PAC happen again? What would you want to see? Would you come? Why or why not? What would make you want to do this again?
Discuss!
Mara Karapetian, Vice Chair
Providence Anime Conference 2008-201x
Asst. Mgr. Publications, Anime Boston 2010 |
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PatrickD
2008's Director of Programming
Loc: Yatta Con
Reg: 05-19-07
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11-28-09 10:31 PM - Post#7139
In response to Mara
Stuff that worked well:
* Releasing a preliminary programming schedule 6 months in advance (even if specific panels or videos weren't listed yet).
* Alcohol available at a reasonable price for decent quantity
* Can bring alcohol to other events while it's being served. (I actually didn't know if this would be allowed and hadn't considered the possibility ahead of time, but they allowed it and it worked well for the other panels/events scheduled at the same time)
* Best selection of panels I've ever seen at any con ever. Inviting panelists instead of merely waiting for them to come to you clearly is the better option.
* Best video screenings I've ever seen at any con ever.
* 21+ = far fewer squealing fangirls and annoying fanboys. The maturity difference was obvious.
Stuff that needs to be fixed:
* More people and all that...obviously. PAC was like the best kept secret in anime cons.
* Dance floor moved so it's not in the corner. (That was both an accident and an oversight.)
* Not only an excess of space due to attendance difficulties, but an excess of rooms. For example, press doesn't need a dedicated room at a con the size of PAC.
* Needed more cross-promotion at AB. Almost everyone 21+ at AB should have been at PAC.
* Hotel room rates were too high.
Hopefully this list is something others can build off of.
-PatrickD
Former Director of Programming - Providence Anime Conference 2008 |
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 LadyHawke
Dedicated
Loc: Bethlehem, PA
Reg: 10-17-07
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11-30-09 10:37 AM - Post#7140
In response to PatrickD
Definitely MOAR PR in general.
I think more people would have come had they KNOWN about it. We got off to a good start getting the initial word out by announcing at AB2007, but after that we really didn't KEEP the word out...
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PatrickD
2008's Director of Programming
Loc: Yatta Con
Reg: 05-19-07
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11-30-09 02:47 PM - Post#7143
In response to LadyHawke
A lot could have been done at AB2008, but at that time online pre-registration hadn't opened for PAC. If we had opened it earlier, we would have realized there was a problem and could have done more promotion at AB.
The first sign of a problem was really the low attendance at the PAC-specific panel held on Sunday at AB2008. At the time, we just attributed it to the fact that it was Sunday and there was other stuff going on.
When online pre-registration opened and the numbers were far below expectations, that's when we started to realize there was an issue.
-PatrickD
Former Director of Programming - Providence Anime Conference 2008 |
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LadyHawke
Dedicated
Loc: Bethlehem, PA
Reg: 10-17-07
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11-30-09 05:21 PM - Post#7144
In response to PatrickD
When online pre-registration opened and the numbers were far below expectations, that's when we started to realize there was an issue.
And by that time the contracts had already been
signed and the committment was made to the RICC/Westin. 
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pulsedemon
Dealers' Room guy (oh yeah, and Con Chair)
Loc: Brockton, MA
Reg: 01-09-08
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12-01-09 01:00 PM - Post#7149
In response to LadyHawke
Obviously, we know a bit more about scope now, so any plans for the future will keep this clearly in mind. The RICC is definitely a nice facility, but it might be overkill at this point. That said, there's definitely nothing firm.
Dealers' Room Manager, Providence Anime Conference 201X
Con Chair, Providence Anime Conference 201X (they actually chose me to do this.)
It's my last.fm user profile. |
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BosoxJoe
I'm New!
Loc: Connecticut
Reg: 12-12-09
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12-12-09 02:23 AM - Post#7155
In response to PatrickD
I was not able to attend, however I would really like to attend in the future.
It does help to have more notice than just the spring. Also, the price was a bit high compared to other Cons. I think a big one year ad and worth of month campaign, hitting all the New England Cons would really help. As a person who ran a college con, I worked with other colleges to get students out to my con, I go to their's. In this case work with the people of CTCon, PCM, NAAC, and even some the New York and Mid-Atlantic Con to really make it like a partnership between all the older con-goers and con-runners. I guess another way to phrase is mike it seem like the next step in the con going experience not true competition to other NE cons.
I understand why you needed to have that price point however it would make more sense to have a more modest event with a more modest entry fee. I really like the idea of the late start on Friday. Since you are pulling from a base outside of Providence a 7 PM start could work better. It works for the Red Sox.
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jim
Attendee
Loc: Cambridge
Reg: 09-03-08
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12-14-09 11:04 AM - Post#7156
In response to BosoxJoe
Well it was still the greatest con (by far) I have ever attended. If you ever have another one, you can count me in.
The year of the PAC was my last time attending ComicCon. It was interesting seeing the largest and what is likely the smallest. Yet I will unlikely return to ComicCon as the crowds are ridiculous and the focus is shifting away from what drew me there in the first place.
I'm sure with the buzz this conference created that the next one will be much better attended. I've heard it called the greatest con you never attend (except I was one of the lucky ones that did attend).
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animespic9
I'm New!
Loc: Rhode Island
Reg: 12-28-09
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 12-28-09 12:22 PM - Post#7157
In response to Mara
I would love to attend the Providence Anime Conference in 2010! Or even 2011 if need be! I missed out on the opportunity in 2008. I have a couple friends who went and they enjoyed themselves so much that they are looking forward to attending again. So if votes are what you're looking for then you have mine!
AnimeBoston: 08, 09, 10
Connecticon: 06, 07, 08
AnimeNext: 08
Providence Anime Conference: have yet to attend |
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Master of NERV
Attendee
Loc: Somewhere in MA
Reg: 03-27-08
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12-29-09 01:57 PM - Post#7158
In response to Mara
I just had a thought: banners!
As soon as the date and venue is set in stone, large banners could be printed and travel wherever there is a con willing to display them. Even at events where no in-person pre-reg for PAC is planned, the banner could at least get the word out. I figure the dealers' room would be the most logical place to put them.
As for AB, I would think three large banners could be placed at strategic locations: above the din in the dealers' room, at or above the door of the main auditorium, and at registration.
Of course, I have no idea how much banners of the appropriate size would cost, nor any issues with the various venues as to how big they can be/where they can be hung/fees for hanging, etc. If the budget only allows for a limited number, they can still circulate, and careful scheduling could go a long way.
Anime Boston '03 - '09 (pre-reged for '10!)
Pre-reged but couldn't make it to PAC '08; would love to go to PAC 201x! |
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GMSenpai
Attendee
Loc: Gloucester MA
Reg: 04-08-08
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02-01-10 05:48 PM - Post#7171
In response to Master of NERV
I figure since there is over 3 hours of audio of me talking about how awesome the event was over the internet, I'll just stick to answering the specific questions presented before us.
Should PAC happen again?
Wholeheartedly and without a doubt, yes. Aside from poor attendance, there was really nothing wrong with the overall content and spirit of the event and the attendees who attended. It was a masterfully planned event with loads of interesting and enjoyable content. The best way to explain what happened here was that you planned the best birthday party on the block. You had balloons, cake, the clown and a bouncehouse and only got a couple of kids to show up.
What would you want to see?
Aside from more attending people... more guests. While the guest list in 2008 was enjoyable, it was on the small side. In addition, this guest list was comprised with guests who many would consider 'regulars' to Anime Boston such as Chris Ayers and Tom Wayland. It would have been interesting to have seen guests who don't make it to the east coast very often and could have added something unique to the experience. Not to say that the guests who attended in 2008 didn't do that, however it would have helped the 'Its a 21+ version of Anime Boston.'
More promotion and PR. If there is one thing that was the demise of the attendance levels, it was the lack of anyone knowing about PAC in the first place. There just wasn't any PAC presence anywhere, at other conventions, in the blogosphere, even at Anime Boston. I'm a little shocked that PAC wasn't making the rounds at other conventions(to my knowledge, if I'm wrong please, please correct me) in the same way AB does for registration or even promotion. There are quite a few anime conventions in the New England area.. it seemed weird that there was no envoy to set up a table in the Dealers room, or panel set up to discuss the viability and enjoyment of a 21+ event or even a dude handing out flyers. To be honest I think the best buzz came from the internet with blogs and podcasts like AWO, SHAFT and AoD contributing time to cover the event, before, after and during.
This time around there is a lot of word of mouth promotion that came from the experience of those who went in 2008 and that could help if a future event is held.
Would you come?
If its held again, in a heartbeat. It was an exceedingly interesting experience to say the least and offered a very unique experience that was fun, entertaining and educational at the same time.
Why or why not?
I'd come back for the expectation of what went right to go right again with more people in attendance. The original event had a more tight knit community feel to it, but again there were less people so that helped it. I think that was the amazing strength of what made everything fun. In addition, the content presented was, fun, engaging, educational and in most cases very interactive.
Other points from people who posted:
I agree with Patrick, I was stunned to find a big huge massive room put aside for press. Though we did our best to make it feel useful. Upon examining the layout after I got back, I realized the entirety of Artist Alley could have fit in that room. Then again, the fact that the AA was out in the open instead of in some dark corner that you have to quest to find was an extremely refreshing concept.
I also agree with the folks who mentioned the high price. When you took registration AND hotel into account it was quite a costly commitment to make. Taking that into account, it made spending money in the dealers room all the more difficult to do.
One more thing I don't think anyone mentioned was the sort of trek you had to take between the event and the hotel. It might just have been me, but it felt as though it was a bit of a walk. I realize it was all still connected but going between the hotel and the convention center felt like a large trek. Or maybe I'm just lazy.
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PatrickD
2008's Director of Programming
Loc: Yatta Con
Reg: 05-19-07
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02-02-10 09:04 PM - Post#7172
In response to GMSenpai
Aside from more attending people... more guests.
Part of the problem there is that guest plans had to be drastically cut back once we realized that attendance would not be what was originally expected.
While the guest list in 2008 was enjoyable, it was on the small side. In addition, this guest list was comprised with guests who many would consider 'regulars' to Anime Boston such as Chris Ayers and Tom Wayland.
Tom's hentai dubbing seemed like an obvious fit for a 21+ event. ...and Chris had only been to one Anime Boston at that point. With his directing AND acting credits, plus his awesome Mock Combat for Cosplay workshop, he was able to give us quite a bit of bang for the buck.
however it would have helped the 'Its a 21+ version of Anime Boston.'
We never wanted to be a 21+ version of Anime Boston. I think that's why it was so amazing. They're two very different beasts.
I'm a little shocked that PAC wasn't making the rounds at other conventions(to my knowledge, if I'm wrong please, please correct me) in the same way AB does for registration or even promotion.
We had a table in the dealers' rooms at NYAF2007, Anime Boston 2008, and ConnectiCon 2008 and were at First Night Boston 2008. We also did a panel about the con at AB2008 and put flyers out at a number of cons like PortConMaine. (We didn't hit up Another Anime Con because that con has mostly teen attendees.) ...but you're absolutely right, we needed at lot more.
Then again, the fact that the AA was out in the open instead of in some dark corner that you have to quest to find was an extremely refreshing concept.
Yeah. We didn't want to just stash them in some room. Plus, when we were planning to have tons of people, we didn't think they'd really fit in a room well. (We had planned to put multiple rows of tables in that area of the lobby at first. Unfortunately, we didn't need them.)
-PatrickD
Former Director of Programming - Providence Anime Conference 2008 |
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danim
I'm New!
Loc: Lincoln, RI
Reg: 02-12-10
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02-12-10 04:03 PM - Post#7176
In response to PatrickD
I must say that I am quite disappointed in the fact that there hasn't been another one since 2008. I would definitely attend! I didn't attend last time since I was not 21 and couldn't. I believe that most of my friends would attend if there was another one held ^_^.
I do think more advertisement would help since I've mentioned "Providence Anime Conference" to some people and their response was "There's a convention in PROVIDENCE??!!" ^^;
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tasogarenootome
I'm New!
Reg: 02-17-10
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02-17-10 09:12 PM - Post#7177
In response to Mara
I would love for you guys to hold another Providence Anime Conference. Unfortunately I wasn't able to go to 2008 but I was kinda banking on 2009 because I really like the idea of a 21+ anime convention. As for why I would want another PAC, other cons like Otakon, Anime Boston, etc are great, but I feel like a 21+ crowd would be a refreshingly different con-going experience and a chance to meet other anime fans who are adults. In terms of guests, events, and the like, I'm interested in the standard con fare (workshops, guest Q&A, an Artist's Alley, etc) - on a smaller scale - sounds fine to me.
I realize a con needs the ticket money from attendees (and thus, more attendees) so I hope you guys get enough support to consider having another.
Edited by tasogarenootome on 02-17-10 09:16 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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danim
I'm New!
Loc: Lincoln, RI
Reg: 02-12-10
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02-19-10 10:15 AM - Post#7178
In response to tasogarenootome
Is it possible to consider having it IN a hotel instead of at the convention center? I know hotels hold events frequently and the first two years at Anime Boston were held at the Park Plaza (which I know you are aware of Pat since you ran it lol).
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trueraven
I'm New!
Loc: Woonsocket, RI
Reg: 09-04-08
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02-21-10 01:47 PM - Post#7179
In response to Mara
I had a great time at PAC and would love to go again. This is a sentiment shared by my wife and a close friend of mine as well.
My wife has been to AB twice and really didn't enjoy it. However, she had a blast with the more adult atmosphere at PAC. Watching guests act like adults instead of wary custodians who don't want to offend the children was really helpful to enhancing the atmosphere.
RICC was overkill, I think. The venue is nice but the Hilton or Westin could have handled the events easily with their conference facilities. I love that you dreamed big but think that it will be a few years before RICC is worth it. Of course, you didn't know that RICC would be overkill at the time...
I think I'd like to see you try it again. AB is so large that I feel bad going up to the panelists or visitors after they've spoken. David Williams and I had a great discussion about investing strategies after one of his panels. That's the kind of thing you'd never see happen at any other Anime Con and I'd hate to see it die.
So to boil it down, "If you build it... I will come... and bring friends..."
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PatrickD
2008's Director of Programming
Loc: Yatta Con
Reg: 05-19-07
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02-24-10 09:01 PM - Post#7180
In response to trueraven
Wow, lots of activity on the PAC forums lately!
RICC was overkill, I think. The venue is nice but the Hilton or Westin could have handled the events easily with their conference facilities.
We had considered the Westin, but their function space actually would have cost us MORE than the RICC! (Yeah, that's crazy, I know...but true!)
There is an executive staff in place to plan another PAC in a different venue, but there are a number of factors they have to consider before moving forward.
I know they're all distracted by Anime Boston at the moment, so definitely don't expect any news until they've recovered from that.
-PatrickD
Former Director of Programming - Providence Anime Conference 2008 |
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jim
Attendee
Loc: Cambridge
Reg: 09-03-08
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03-02-10 05:49 PM - Post#7181
In response to PatrickD
Well this is the most promising news so far. I wish them the best of luck as I hope they can pull off another convention.
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Inuyasha
Attendee
Loc: Coventry, RI
Reg: 12-28-07
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03-11-10 11:51 PM - Post#7183
In response to Mara
I'm glad to hear that the PAC is not dead! It was a smaller than expected audience but I had a great time. I do agree the venue needs to be smaller and word on the con needs to be spread. But maybe also consider lowering the age limit to 18+? There are many College campuses with Anime clubs and that age bracket would include them. I mean, you only need to be 21 to drink.
Anime Boston:05,06,07,08,09
Anime Next: 05,06,07,08,09
Connecticon: 04,05,06,07,08,09
Otakon: 08
I actuly do have a life, I just enjoy this more! |
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danim
I'm New!
Loc: Lincoln, RI
Reg: 02-12-10
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03-26-10 10:08 AM - Post#7184
In response to Inuyasha
I do agree with possibly lowering the age limit. I know a number of people who would have gone in 2008 (including myself) but we were underage at the time. It also shouldn't hinder the ability to have alcohol and carry it from event to event (that was one of the upsides, wasn't it?) since I believe, legally, you can be allowed into bars when you turn 18 but you cannot drink. I could be wrong, but I thought that was the case.
But then you need to question liability? What if someone underage gets ahold of a drink? If they aren't allowed in, it limits the liability.
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Jen526
I'm New!
Reg: 10-09-08
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04-06-10 08:00 AM - Post#7188
In response to Mara
I'm late popping in here, but for what it's worth...
I missed the first one due to a previous commitment, but I've promised myself that I will make it to the next one (if it happens) come hell or high water.
In the last year, I reached a point where I've stopped attending other anime cons, because they all just feel like the same event over and over again. I *adore* the idea of something a little more intimate and unique that's actually aimed at my demographic. 
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Mara
Vice Chair
Loc: Brockton, MA
Reg: 08-30-07
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04-15-10 12:22 PM - Post#7196
In response to Jen526
As a quick update, we're still working on this, guys. We've still got to settle the books for AB2010, but we should know within a couple months (or hopefully better) if we can do this crazy thing again. Stay tuned!
Mara Karapetian, Vice Chair
Providence Anime Conference 2008-201x
Asst. Mgr. Publications, Anime Boston 2010 |
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danim
I'm New!
Loc: Lincoln, RI
Reg: 02-12-10
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04-15-10 01:59 PM - Post#7197
In response to Mara
Sounds great! I hope there will be another one!
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Superdeformed
I'm New!
Loc: New Orleans, LA
Reg: 06-02-08
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04-19-10 05:33 PM - Post#7200
In response to danim
I think a good investment would be to do some cross promotion with some of the Anime podcasts that are more geared to the older fans like AWO, Fast Karate, Anime82, Anime3000, ANNCast or DAPDX. Maybe even some of the old timer blogs like Helen McCarthy, let's anime, or Hokuto No Fogie.
There is a size-able niche of older disenfranchised fans out there.
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Mara
Vice Chair
Loc: Brockton, MA
Reg: 08-30-07
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04-20-10 04:52 PM - Post#7201
In response to Superdeformed
I think a good investment would be to do some cross promotion with some of the Anime podcasts that are more geared to the older fans like AWO, Fast Karate, Anime82, Anime3000, ANNCast or DAPDX. Maybe even some of the old timer blogs like Helen McCarthy, let's anime, or Hokuto No Fogie.
There is a size-able niche of older disenfranchised fans out there.
Excellent ideas: thanks much! Myself and Mr. Daly are friendly with some of these folks or have friends who are friends, that sort of thing.
Mara Karapetian, Vice Chair
Providence Anime Conference 2008-201x
Asst. Mgr. Publications, Anime Boston 2010 |
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