What I learned at Kumoricon

[Raveen92]

A simple thing that you learned about con, whether it was simple, planning, or notes for yourself for the future.

Here is a list of mine.

2009: Go to panels, don't be aware
2010: Don't be a weaboo
2011: try cosplay on for more than 20 minutes to see if it stretches... I had boob related cosplay malfunctions
2012: VIP is over rated and  easily get narked on by people who are jealous -con incident unmentioned again-

[EveofAbyss]

2006: Attend with good friends.
2007: Cosplay to your body type.
2008: Avoid wigs at all cost.
2009: Location makes all the difference.
2011: The right cosplay + the right location = best con experience ever.
2012: Always schedule at least one professional photo shoot.

[CMD Productions]

2003 Don't believe the staff when they say you can use fog machines
2004 Main events needs to stay in the same room the whole con
2005 Rear projection screens are awesome
2006 Bands during opening ceremonies is a bad idea
2007 Staying at the hotel makes the con waaaaaay easier
2008 Suckering your friend to take over for you after set up makes them mad
2009 Make sure the hotel complies with fire codes and pulls permits
2010 Get the right team for the right job
2011 Video mixers and multiple screens make us way cooler
2012 Better power drops make a better show

[bunny_jean]

2004: If you're dressed as a generic character, and someone recognizes you as a specific character, go with it.
2005: Wear recognizable costumes, and don't bleach your hair.
2006: Wear a costume, not just crazy clothes.
2007: Be proud of your bada$$ costumes, and don't dye your hair black.
2008: Using the same wig for all of your costumes is very convenient!
2009: Be creative with costumes and don't be surprised if a lot of people like you for it.
2010: Go all out and get all of the details right (of your costume).
2011: Have someone to pal around with at con all the time (being alone sucks).
2012: Brainstorm a skit, practice for one night, perform at the cosplay contest; don't be surprised if you win an award. XD

Most of these are costume related because I have a great time pretty much all the time at Kumoricon (except 2011). lol

[ichigo_m.]

2006: My God this is an amazing place. Go more than 1 day next year!
2007: Wear spanks. Especially while going up the glass stairs or dancing.
2008: It's fun to jangle, but be warned of the weight of 200 gold coins...
2009: Be careful of escalators. Also Satin is the spawn of Satan.
2010: Awesome friends make for an awesome con!
2011: Long wigs suck.
2012: Be able to drive yourself to the con and or go with someone who actually wants to go and or stay at the hotel so they can escape and you can stay. Also, Day 0 = Not worth it.

[superjaz]

edit

[DSaturn]

2008: If you have giant props, make sure they don't fall and smash other people.
2009: Hotel staff makes a difference in con experience.
2010: A "friend of a friend" and her friend are not always good people to take with you to con.
2011: Cosplay isn't as hard as it seem, so don't be afraid to go for it.
2012: Making someone else's first convention amazing makes your convention amazing, and a great cosplayer who is nice can make all the difference.

[TanisNikana]

2006: Pray to god the hotel isn't double-booked with a "normal" event.
2007: Get the dealer's hall above ground level.
2008: Find a con space with wider hallways.
2009: Find a con space with wider hallways.
2010: Find a con space with wider hallways.
2011: Open more restaurants in downtown Vancouver.
2012: Rebuild that Burgerville.

[Raveen92]

2012: VIP is over rated and  easily get narked on by people who are jealous -con incident unmentioned again-

As VIP manager I am sorry to hear that, feel free to pm me and issues/concerns you had the the VIP program, it can be used to make improvements.

I just posted it in the Rant and Raves forum just now.

[SpaceCubaLikesConan]

2010: Oh my god what is this. This place is like Heaven.
2011: It's okay to cosplay non-anime things.
2012: Don't care about embarrassment, just have fun. Having long hair to put up under a wig cap SUCKS. Resting more often is a good idea so you're feet don't get tired easily.

[Rathany]

2003 - Oh, hey, one of our closest friends has an identical twin in Eugene and never bothered telling us ...
2004 - Hanging out in the lobby can be the best part of a con
2005 - Oh, hey, we can run our own little gaming area over here ...
2006 -  Sometimes, it's better to just give up
2007 - Kcon staff are amazing, we just need tons more.
2008 - Crowd management is complicated, explaining it to people who haven't been talking crowd management obsessively for month can be hard.
2009 - Spend half a day sick because last night's restaurant messed up your order and a lot happens in those hours.
2010 - People will do amazing things sometimes.
2011 - Ditto.
2012 - Leave site for a few hours and you miss everything ...

The lesson I should have learned by now is 'With my allergies I should plan food as if I will have to live off only what I bring', but I am a slow learner.  My bacon was saved by that multiple-allergy friendly food cart.  

[That_Guy]

2008 - Wow! Being Yojimbo is hard work! I would like to go to a panel next year if I have free time.
2009 - Wow! Being Yojimbo is hard work! I would like to go to a panel next year if I have free time.
2010 - Wow! Being Reg Staff is hard work! I would like to go to a  panel next year if I have free time.
2011 - Wow! Being Assistant Reg Manager is hard work! I would like to go to a panel next year if I have free time.
2012 - Wow! Being Assistant Reg Manager is hard work! I would like to go to a panel next year if I have free time.


I actually got to go to a panel in 2011 but had to leave 15 minutes in because I got called out for a emergency and couldn't get back to it in time...

[TanisNikana]

Maaaauuugh, line management...

[LtCommanderRichie]

2007: Cons are the best thing.
2008: Binding with Ace bandages will kill you, especially if you get glomped by a landwhale that hits you right in the ribs with her giant hamhock shoulder.
2009: Stilts are a no-no when it comes to cosplay.
2010: fake beards are itchy and gluing them to your face will make you unable to eat things or protect yourself from the evils of salt and vinegar Lays.
2011: To properly photograph princesses, the princess must hold her scepter out in front of her like a beautiful queen and photos must be taken from the ground up. A homeless man taught me this at 11pm Sunday night of con in the middle of a private photoshoot.
2012: Judo throw high-speed glompers first, ask questions later. Also, when cosplaying someone of vaguely French origin that you want to be blingy, go Louis XIV-big or go home.

[Tsukinya]

2007: Actually look at the schedule ahead of time and pick out some panels you'd like to attend
2009: Don't do the scavenger hunt; it eats up the entire weekend, and you get nothing from doing it (not the case anymore ).  Don't expect to simply walk into an 18+ panel - get there EARLY.  Next year, plan ahead for a cosplay
2010: Con is so super amazing when you've made an awesome costume for your husband (who's never been into cosplay) and he's so loved at con that he vows to never go without a cosplay again.  (Also, be sure to cosplay with said husband so you can be loved too ).  Buy sake tickets as early as possible.
2011: Staying AT the hotel makes for a much more enjoyable experience!  Paper mache isn't very comfortable to sit on.  Yellow face paint wreaks utter havoc on your skin.
2012: Try not to cosplay such a new character.. no one recognizes you.  Staffing has its perks; do it again!  Take Day 4 off from work...

[Kimiski]

2004: Cosplaying IS ok!! 
2005: Sleep is a GOOD thing
2006: FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!! STRETCH MY WIG CAP!!! T__T
2007: Don't trust your roommates to pack your stuff for you....
2008: Hentai panels are not what I thought they were. They're AWESOME!!
2009: People can be downright rude...
2010: Do testing with items and paint WAY before con time
2011: Getting involved can be fun!
2012: *now knows the feeling of a sleep deprived staffer*

[Chromophobic]

2008: PRE-REGISTER NEXT TIME, YOU FOOL!!
2009: Cosplay? I think I'll do that next year.
2010: Ohkay. Lets try comfortable cosplays next year...
2011: HOTEL ROOM NEXT YEAR, PLEASE.
2012: No more fakeblood on skin, especially on the first day. So. Many. Stains. On. Face.

[Wrath-Chan19]

2008: The existence of kcon!
2009: Don't break wheelchairs you are borrowing and try to fix it with packing tape.
2010: Finally joined the forums!
2011: High Heels suck (Although I still wore them this year)
2012: EAT

[enchiladas]

2008: Preregister, only take certain few of friends. Don't be so damn shy.
2009: Don't let others drive. (car accident), Don't go from southern oregon to downtown portland without filling up gas at some point (ran out of gas), do not lock keys into a car (did right after running out of gas),  Don't expect parking is free, Portland does not believe in left turns, take charge and not be too nice to where your friends take advantage of you. A back up cosplay would be a nice thing to have
2010: arriving late on day 0 means nothing, banks dont do automatic deposits on day 3 (labor day), a 2nd cosplay would be nice to have so im not the same throughout.
2011: Day 0 for me is quite enjoyable, staying at hotel is quite nice, subway can get very old very quickly, subway pizza is amazing though, a 2nd cosplay would be nice to have so im not the same throughout.
2012: no matter how much money I have I WILL spend it ALL, get in contact with people before i go to any place planned just in case they cant make it. took 3 outfits, wore 1, apparently last 3 years i was mistaken about myself.

[Black~Rose]

2007: One day is just not enough.
2008: Cosplay more than one character.
2009: Do not bring your internet with you.
2011: Share a room with people you know wont be a total jerk.
2012 Sakura-Con: Go explore the park more.
2012: Do not get a hotel room a 15 minuet walk away if you have more than one cosplay to wear in a day.

[bunny_jean]

Another thing I learned this year: Go to the rave even if you're exhausted.

[veraca]

2007: One day and alone, lamesauce.
2008: Cosplaying causes issues with shoes.
2009: Don't change costumes during the day when you aren't in a hotel room and one involves special make-up.
2010: Don't argue with a person you're going with when you're normal face looks "angry". Have camera out more. Real metal weapons are too heavy.
2011: Camera out more often, must take more then 20 pictures.
2012: Cosplay needs pockets or better bag/purse. Just leave the camera in your hand at all times, it's easier.

[AllyKat]

2009: If Problems Exist, be a Part of the Solution
2010: Convincing others to do the same can be fun!
2011: When convinced to take on more responsibility, doing it with a smile helps!
2012: Having staff assigned to remind you to eat is a double edge sword.

And overall:
If you think you don't know how/where to make friends - randomly attend membership meetings for nerdy things.

[TanisNikana]

I'm still not convinced you actually ate that sandwich...

[Tankou001]

Keep an eye on your armor...

[Washougal_Otaku]

06 - Hydrate yourself
07 - Take your job seriously
08 - Don't do everything in your department
09 - Test out your cosplays before the con
10 - Downtown Portland sucks!
11 - If  you're gonna be a sailor scout, make sure your outfit isn't an overgrown t-shirt
12 - Don't use a clothespin to keep your tail on your butt

[JaegerDarkness]

2010 - THIS HOTEL SUCKS AND I ONLY GOT TO ATTEND TWO DAYS!!!!!!!!
2011 - Don't stay at the Red Lion. You miss out on lots of fun. Also, I LOVE THE CHAIR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2012 - NOTE TO SELF: Must pay for hotel room, myself, so I can choose the check-in date.

[Valkyrie542]

2010: Make sure you register for the con in advance and have a plan. (This was my first time and I had NO CLUE what to expect!)
2011: Spend more time picking out/assembling a costume, don't just throw something together. Also, it's better to stay at a hotel.
2012: If you plan on going to the photobooth, pick one day to go-the wait is murder and wastes time you could be spending hanging out.
Key Tip: You go to have fun, so have fun! Wear a costume (trust me, you'll feel awkward and uncomfortable walking around without one), and go to the events/play games (you'll have lots of fun and make new friends!). 

[GregAtlas]

2011: Don't use splat hair products, the bleach doesn't even bleach. The only way to consider it is if you leave the color in all day.
2012: Wigs make things so much easier and can even be quite fun. Regular makeup isn't that hard as long as you don't go overboard. If you airbrush makeup for full body makeup, make sure to go with a spray gun rather than an airbrush.
2013: Staffing is a lot of work and lessens the experience, but is very fulfilling. (Sakuracon learned, not K-con)

[Chibiorochimaru]

2008: Ninja shoes are not REAL SHOES
2009: Freeze is the best drama game to play in cosplay
2010: Eating is good....it keeps you from being ill....
2011: Have I mentioned somthing about wearing real shoes......
2012: Tentecle rape jokes get annoying in 3 seconds flat.

[baka-imouto]

2012: Small conventions are awesome!!
Wear costumes that are made for warm weather (Damn you Bleach Shinigami uniforms)
Make sure you packed those extra wig caps BEFORE heading out of Seattle.

Seeing how last year was my first Kumoricon, this list is painfully short...

[Lylandra76]

2010- Staffing is Awesome! I should have done this at Sakura-Con. I'm so glad I got out of my comfort zone and did this. Sleep is over-rated except if your the one driving home!  Cosplay is fun!
2011-Staffing is Awesome! I Should do this at Sakura-Con! Sleep is over-rated but food is important! Cosplay is lots of fun!
2012-Staffing is Awesome even at Sakura-Con (better at Kumo though)! The Hilton is the best hotel ever!! Cosplay is still lots of fun! What happens at con stays at con!

[RoriLei]

2012- Always have a friend. Don't wear big props in the Art Gallery. Bring an extra pair of shoes. Coffee!!

[chelseahavoc]

2008: just cuz you have 40 cosplays you made at home doesn't mean your awesome. also if you see a cool sailor moon thing for sale buy it that day. dont wait.
2009: dont leave your wallet in a friends car. mascot costumes get you THE MOST love <3 also TIDUS CAN EAT
2010: dont change into 4 differnt costumes in one day, you could ruin a chance for a romantic gesture because your feet hurt.....
2011: meeting a forum friend after a few years is totes worth it. "professional" photos are a must for each costume....
2012: even if your bored DO NOT spend all day walking back and forth from red lion to the park..... sailor moon photo shoots freaking rock and if you cosplay from a popular anime as a outfit worn once by a side char NO ONE also cosplaying from that series (but like 3 people) will know who you are.

[TalaRedWolf33]

2006: Don't go to only one day if its you'd first time. (Sakuracon)
2007: OMG THIS IS THE BEST DAY EVER!
2008: Don't go alone on the last day, its not fun.
2009: Don't fight with your boyfriend in the middle of pioneer square.
2010: save money so you can go ;-; missed it cuz i was broke
2011: Bring more money!
2012: Don't let the fact that your boyfriend is Mrs. Potts and is getting way more pictures than you get you down.

[iBubbleTeax3]

2011: ALWAYS style your wigs beforehand. Don't wait til the last min. It came out horribly but everyone loved my Len spikes.
- When you're going with a friend, like one friend, always have them in the pictures with you. It starts feeling awkward when one photo is taking more than you as well as disappointing!
- LEAVE YOUR CELLPHONE ON. Dang, it was near impossible meeting with people.
- Never wear all Leather. Lesson learn.

2012: -ALWAYS PAY FOR YOUR TICKET BEFOREHAND.
- or use a friend Ticket when you forget yours.
- DON'T FORGET FOOD AND MONEY D:
- Don't go with drunkards. Unless you're one yourself.
- Dont use your costume twice. No one will recognize you the year after OTL

[KingOfSassgard]

2011: Know the difference between regular scissors and fabric scissors unless you want to be yelled at.
2012: You don't have to go to panels. Coffee is your best friend.

[Pumpkinziggy]

I've only been to Kumoricon once, in 2012. I learned something useful: how to run a photoshoot. I somehow saw someone running a photoshoot, and didn't pay much attention, but on Day 2 when the person who was going to run the Vocaloid photoshoot apparently didn't show up, eventually I just took over and got groups together. I had no clue what I was doing, but it was awesome and actually worked. xD

I also learned, have some panels in mind at least, so you're not sitting in a parking garage the entire day.

[Kdskc]

2012: I swear I'm in heaven~ Also long wigs suck and must be constantly untangled.

[fairly_foxy]

Things I learned in 2012.
1. Having friends that are cosplaying from the same anime might make your character more recognizable.
2. Have friends that aren't also working the con be your con buddies.
3. Think of more than one pose for pictures.
4. OMGA THERE ARE PANELS UPSTAIRS? xD (seriously happened on day 2.)
5. Wow... that "lucky bag" had NOTHING anime in it. There was a 2Pac poster in it and a diary of the wimpy kid bobblehead. Pretty much learned to only get lucky bags that might actually be remotely lucky.

Things I learned in 2013.
1. Having friends who actually want to hang with you for most of the con is better than simply having your friends hang out with you a couple hours.
2. Lucky bags at Kumoricon aren't ever lucky.
3. That Jason Thompson needs to come back to Kumoricon every year so I can go to his panels that made me so happy.
4. That there really needs to be a yaoi panel for those of us who want consent in our yaoi or for consent to be taken seriously in our yaoi.
5. Some yaoi fans are total nutjobs.

[Tranny]

2009: Location is key
- Don't lose your event tickets
- Always know your way out of the vendors hall
- learn the bus system so you don't end up in the wrong side of portland

2010: Don't have a mental breakdown{missed con because my doctors deemed it dangerous for me to go}

2011: Don't get a hotel that's 15 min. away when your in heels
- Don't wear heels!
- Outdoor pools are cold
- There will always be some kind of drama

2012: Sailor moon shoots are amazing!
- You don't need to go to panels to have fun
- Leaving room signs on the room door is the best way to meet new people
- Leave tip for the maid who managed to get the hair dye stains out of the bathtub
- Don't finish cosplay at 5am the day of con then sleep for 2 hours.

[Shenanigans]

2006: Attend with good friends.
2007: Cosplay to your body type.
2008: Avoid wigs at all cost.
2009: Location makes all the difference.
2011: The right cosplay + the right location = best con experience ever.
2012: Always schedule at least one professional photo shoot.

A lot of good lessons learned on this forum. I've been  taking some tedious notes. Kumoricon is my first Anime Convention/ first time I plan to cosplay. I am curious to your 2007 list. I have been debating back and forth if I should go the wig route and what in your aspect influenced you to say nay  to the wig?

[Runa]

I've only been to Kumoricon once, in 2013. I learned something useful: how to run a photoshoot. I somehow saw someone running a photoshoot, and didn't pay much attention, but on Day 2 when the person who was going to run the Vocaloid photoshoot apparently didn't show up, eventually I just took over and got groups together. I had no clue what I was doing, but it was awesome and actually worked. xD

I also learned, have some panels in mind at least, so you're not sitting in a parking garage the entire day.

ZMOG!!! Pumpkinziggy is a TIME TRAVELER!!!
(given that according to my perspective it's only 7/3/2013....)  Please tell me how 2013 went? I hope there were no snafus.

[Pumpkinziggy]

I've only been to Kumoricon once, in 2013. I learned something useful: how to run a photoshoot. I somehow saw someone running a photoshoot, and didn't pay much attention, but on Day 2 when the person who was going to run the Vocaloid photoshoot apparently didn't show up, eventually I just took over and got groups together. I had no clue what I was doing, but it was awesome and actually worked. xD

I also learned, have some panels in mind at least, so you're not sitting in a parking garage the entire day.

ZMOG!!! Pumpkinziggy is a TIME TRAVELER!!!
(given that according to my perspective it's only 7/3/2013....)  Please tell me how 2013 went? I hope there were no snafus.

Relax, I just get confused because I already went to Sakura-Con 2013. xD I meant 2012.

[superjaz]

5. Wow... that "lucky bag" had NOTHING anime in it. There was a 2Pac poster in it and a diary of the wimpy kid bobblehead. Pretty much learned to only get lucky bags that might actually be remotely lucky.

Yes, my brother got one too same vendor cuz the exact same stuff, sad thing is that when unsure about buying we mention our concern about bags not having Japanese or anime things the vendor said their garb bags had only anime things in it, brother bought one only to see the staff running the booth was a big fat liar, he was all like "I didn't say all the time"

[scarlingrose]

2007.what the **** am i doing hear.
2008.this is not to bad and way more fun than last year
2009. wigs are ITCHY and i hate them... but they sure comply a costume.
2010.Making your first home maid costume kinda rocks when you do it right.. ( but sucks when ur props get smashed)
2011.Roming with your sister firends is not always that fun.....
2012. metting new firends is ASUME and i cant wait tell next year xoxox

[The_Geek]

Everyone has such cool things to say! Poor staff though. You guys are fantastic, and so don't forget it. 
Here's my bit:
2009: So that's what a glomp feels like. Don't take people to cons who don't really like geek culture.
2010: Friends more sociable than you are an asset, but also unwittingly force you to follow them following other people. Gender can be mistaken even by people who also have their genders mistook on occasion. "The Pocky Game" is generally a bad idea.
2012: Cosplays made within 24 hours can be acceptable. Those people you met two years ago will remember your friend and not you, it's okay. Panel attendance is not necessary. Cosplaying at a con is not necessary either.


This doesn't hold a candle to what I learned at CTcon 2011, which was a load of rules concerning flags, safety, and also finding out where my personal boundaries laid. Also, figuring out that I liked women way more than previously suspected.   

[Prinz Eugen]

I've only been to Kumoricon once, in 2013.

ZMOG!!! Pumpkinziggy is a TIME TRAVELER!!!

Relax, I just get confused because I already went to Sakura-Con 2013. xD I meant 2012.

Dammit!
We just got 113 AMVs for the AMV contest, and I would have loved to ask you which ones made it into the contest, so I can just tell the judges next week and send them home!

:-)

[Bresslol]

2009: Going to a con and not staffing is boring.
2010: I made sure my boss slept!
2011: Whose Line at this con is WAY more fun!
2012: Waking me up at 2am causes me so much rage, it burns abandoned hotels down.

[JaegerDarkness]

2012: Waking me up at 2am causes me so much rage, it burns abandoned hotels down.

So, you started the hotel fire. O.o

NOTE TO SELF: DON'T wake Jon Bressler, at 2am. ._.