Zenkaikon V (2011) Feedback

[gamergirlx]

Hey everyone, now that Zenkaikon is over and many of the staff will be getting back online after recovering, please list your feedback in this thread. We do value your opinions and strive to make the con bigger, better, and enjoyable for everyone. Just understand, that there may not be quick responses from staff, for a few days, since it's been a long exhausting weekend putting on Zenkaikon and we need to catch up on some Z's!

Thank you all for coming and we hope to see you all next year!

[rogueintellect]

Hi. I'm a long-time con-goer (since '96) - I would call Otakon my home con, with Anime USA, Katsucon, and Animazement high up on my list. I've seen all of them grow from small, hotel-based fan conventions to huge, convention-center trade shows, and I miss the feel of the hotel-based con. (OK, technically, Anime USA is still a hotel-based con; it's only a matter of time, though. The Hyatt Regency Crystal City isn't big enough to host it anymore.) I'd been looking for a new convention, a smaller one, to sort of recapture that feel. With that in mind, we made the drive up to Zenkaikon on Saturday to give it a go, and I've got to say - we largely came away very disappointed.

Most of the issues come from the space. The VFCC/Scanticon is very clumsily designed, labyrinthine really, with decor (especially the VFCC Concourse) reminiscent of a junior high-school cafeteria. Granted, the architecture isn't under Zenkaikon's control; however, the use of the space is. For example, why were the video tracks relegated to the smallest rooms on the map? Video 2 was only rated to hold 40 people in the theater seating arrangement; it just seems to me that one would want to show Eva 2.22, Hetalia, and Fanboy Soze in a larger room than that. When we swung by the room at 8 to check seating for Hetalia, there was already a line of several dozen people waiting to get in - and that seemed to throw the staff for a loop. At least two staff members asked the line why it was there, implying that the room would not be cleared prior to the showing. We left and came back at 8:25 - not only had Hetalia started early, but people were allowed to sit along the walls, block the door - if the fire marshal had come by, the room would have been cleared out and shut down. At that point, we chose to skip the fan parodies (a shame, really, since I had told the creator we would watch Fanboy Soze) and head back to our hotel. We managed to see two things on Saturday, Anime Password (credit where credit is due - that was incredibly well-put together and fun) and the AMV Contest, which we were not aware had been shuffled to Live 3 until we had gotten near the front of the line for Live 1. The signage for that change was completely inadequate, and Live 3 was a poor choice for the contest, with a small screen, odd layout, and sunlight shining in from curtains that kept getting ruffled by someone's child (good parenting!).

As mentioned before, Anime Password was very, very good, and the Dealer's Room was well laid out, with lots of space to move around. Unfortunately for us, there were far more minuses than pluses, and I doubt we'll be back. Thank you for putting on the show, though - I know it's a lot of hard work.

[Alynsha]

I've been going to conventions since 2001, so this was definitely not my first overall, but it was my first time at Zenkaikon. That said, I'm going to try and keep that in mind as I write this, since I have no other Zenkai experiences with which to compare it.


The Good:
+ Overall feel of the convention: it was a nice change from the HUGE of Katsucon which was the last I'd attended and a nice transition into Tekkoshocon which is next. A small con with a friendly atmosphere despite its size.
+ Attendees: Not once did I encounter anybody who was rude, and the con funk was kept to a low unlike many other conventions. Also, the fact that when we stopped at the mall for food, other congoers would wave and acknowledge you as if you were all in your own social group whether you knew each other or not. Very friendly people.
+ Registration: Checked in without a hassle. Only inconvenience I had was trying to talk to the guy at the computer because we were having trouble hearing each other over the concert in the other room.
+ Parking: We left for food and returned at one of the busiest times of the day and there were still open spaces despite the fact that it looked PACKED. Now if only people knew how to drive and park, we'd be all set!
+ Staff handling the Vic Mignogna autograph line: Not only were they friendly, but they talked with you, had a sense of humor, and kept things moving quite nicely.
+ I never thought I'd hear myself say this, but... Vic Mignogna: I'm not a huge fan, but had it not been for this man, I doubt I would've enjoyed the convention as much as I did.

The Eh...:
= The food area near registration: Not the convention's fault, but why did it always smell like fish sticks?
= Staff standing around near the stairs: I understand that you want to keep traffic moving, but when somebody pauses for a moment to make sure the other people in their party are with them and then turns back to keep moving, yelling at them doesn't make them feel very welcome, and just because somebody takes a moment to get their bearings doesn't mean that they're going to congregate and block the walkway. Save the yelling for the people who are blocking traffic.
= A larger variety of things to do and better time management for those things would have been nice. Not everybody attends the Masquerade, and it's certainly never been a highlight of any con for me, but there was absolutely nothing to do while the Masquerade was going on. Putting all of the eggs into one basket for one event isn't always the best thing to do because it alienates the rest of us who might not be interested.

The Not-so-nice (I'm not saying bad because there's always room for improvement):
- The inconsistency with the prop size rule: When it is posted on the website under Weapons and Cosplay Props that NO prop be over 5' in any direction, that should mean that NO prop be over 5' in any direction. I'm 5'3", so when I pass Hidan cosplayers and Marluxia cosplayers with their scythes that are longer than I am tall, and not just by an inch or two? NOT HAPPY. Had I known there would be inconsistencies with this rule, I'd have pre-registered for the convention and brought the costume I wanted to enter in the Hall Costume Contest. The reason I DIDN'T was because of the 5' rule I thought would be enforced and the prop for it is 5'7".
- The lack of decent signage to say what room was what: The map was confusing when you weren't sure where you were, and nothing was marked clearly enough in person to tell you what room was what. A note on the map saying "Live 1 = X room" was nice, but that doesn't help when you know what you want to see is in Live 1 and there's no sign on the door or near the room saying it's Live 1. Had I not noticed that blurb on the map, I would've been completely lost.


Thankfully, the positives and neutrals outweighed the negatives or I'd say I wouldn't be back again.

[Kirsehn]

Hey guys, thanks for the feedback! As Darlene mentioned, it might be a bit before all the staff has a chance to respond, but we do read all feedback and use it to try to improve each year. I'm going to try to try to address a few items posted here that I feel comfortable answering.

For example, why were the video tracks relegated to the smallest rooms on the map?

Unfortunately, room designations are often a factor of what rooms are available at the venue. The VFCC complex is very busy, and Zenkaikon booked pretty much every space that was available in the VFCC and the Scanticon over the weekend. We're looking into various space options for next year, and I know we would like to have larger panel and video rooms, if possible.

...the AMV Contest, which we were not aware had been shuffled to Live 3 until we had gotten near the front of the line for Live 1. The signage for that change was completely inadequate, and Live 3 was a poor choice for the contest, with a small screen, odd layout, and sunlight shining in from curtains that kept getting ruffled by someone's child (good parenting!).

I'm not sure if this is the switch you were referring to, but I know that the Saturday AMV contest was moved at the last minute because of the huge line for the Vic Q&A session. The Q&A was originally scheduled for Live 3, but there was no way all of the people in line would have been able to make it into the panel. (The length of the line was also causing hallway congestion from my understanding.) Live 3 was also the second biggest room, which was why the AMV contest was moved there. We can try to provide better signage/announcements for room changes for the future.

The inconsistency with the prop size rule: When it is posted on the website under Weapons and Cosplay Props that NO prop be over 5' in any direction, that should mean that NO prop be over 5' in any direction. I'm 5'3", so when I pass Hidan cosplayers and Marluxia cosplayers with their scythes that are longer than I am tall, and not just by an inch or two? NOT HAPPY. Had I known there would be inconsistencies with this rule, I'd have pre-registered for the convention and brought the costume I wanted to enter in the Hall Costume Contest. The reason I DIDN'T was because of the 5' rule I thought would be enforced and the prop for it is 5'7".

The prop size rule was 5' in any direction, and it was meant to be enforced. I did spend some time working at the VFCC Info Desk on Saturday (where the prop check was located), so I do know they were measuring and peace bonding props that were brought there. However, I suspect that some props never made it over to that station (such as, perhaps, the ones you saw). We can try to do better job of directing people to the peace bonding station, and making sure all staff know to direct someone to the station if they have a large non-bonded prop.

Thanks again for the feedback; keep it coming!

[rogueintellect]

Thanks, Kirsehn, I appreciate the response.

Unfortunately, room designations are often a factor of what rooms are available at the venue. The VFCC complex is very busy, and Zenkaikon booked pretty much every space that was available in the VFCC and the Scanticon over the weekend. We're looking into various space options for next year, and I know we would like to have larger panel and video rooms, if possible.

I understand - Zenkaikon was limited to what was given, and my GF and I discussed possible solutions to this thorny issue. (I apologize, I should have included a possible solution in my original post.) We thought it might have been a good idea to switch Live 2 and Video 2 (or Live 2 and Video 1) - this would give you one big room and one small room for anime, and two big rooms and a small room for panels/live events. That way, one of the video rooms would have been able to hold 100+ comfortably.

I'm not sure if this is the switch you were referring to, but I know that the Saturday AMV contest was moved at the last minute because of the huge line for the Vic Q&A session. The Q&A was originally scheduled for Live 3, but there was no way all of the people in line would have been able to make it into the panel. (The length of the line was also causing hallway congestion from my understanding.) Live 3 was also the second biggest room, which was why the AMV contest was moved there. We can try to provide better signage/announcements for room changes for the future.

Again, totally understood, and all things considered, it sounds like the best solution was found. The biggest issue was lack of signage of the change (all other bits were extra, unwarrented ranting - especially the "good parenting" dig).

Thank you again!

[ladygrimmjow]

my issue was the printed schedule. it was hard to tell what time for most of the events were. trying to tell what is on the 15 30 45 sometime even on the hour for the events on the opposite side of the sheet. maybe if you just place the minute on the bottom of the panel. so that we don't need a ruler to read the time frames.

[Bl2w]

trying to tell what is on the 15 30 45 sometime even on the hour for the events on the opposite side of the sheet.

This. I didn't find it to be incredibly difficult since I'm such a nerd that I remake the schedules of conventions after they're posted just for my own use, so I'm used to the whole 15-minute increment thing. But, for everyone's sake, I completely agree. Have the times below the panel name for next time, please (or something along those lines, at the very least)~ ^^;

[Alynsha]

The prop size rule was 5' in any direction, and it was meant to be enforced. I did spend some time working at the VFCC Info Desk on Saturday (where the prop check was located), so I do know they were measuring and peace bonding props that were brought there. However, I suspect that some props never made it over to that station (such as, perhaps, the ones you saw). We can try to do better job of directing people to the peace bonding station, and making sure all staff know to direct someone to the station if they have a large non-bonded prop.

Maybe a double station? After seeing the Scanticon, I know it's really not feasible to have one just inside the entrance at the Hotel level, but maybe something relatively near the hotel's entrance?

[Kirsehn]

This. I didn't find it to be incredibly difficult since I'm such a nerd that I remake the schedules of conventions after they're posted just for my own use, so I'm used to the whole 15-minute increment thing. But, for everyone's sake, I completely agree. Have the times below the panel name for next time, please (or something along those lines, at the very least)~ ^^;

Thanks for the feedback! I can see your point about the start/end times. This was a new schedule format for us this year, so it will need some tweaking. We'll definitely look into ways to make times easier to decipher for next year

[Fallow]

Great convention!

Cons:
The floors were very dirty by Saturday and filthy on Sunday. Every step of the stairs had a layer of fuzz and detritus that looked in danger of rolling off starting an avalanche which would bury the unfortunate con-goers on the stairs.

Pros:
Everything else - really. 3000% improvement and a fantastic job by all the staff.
You took all of the previous con's complaints and addressed them.
Thank you! Your hard work is appreciated.

[Ramothhe]

Great convention!

Cons:
The floors were very dirty by Saturday and filthy on Sunday. Every step of the stairs had a layer of fuzz and detritus that looked in danger of rolling off starting an avalanche which would bury the unfortunate con-goers on the stairs.

Pros:
Everything else - really. 3000% improvement and a fantastic job by all the staff.
You took all of the previous con's complaints and addressed them.
Thank you! Your hard work is appreciated.

Hi there! The problems with cleanliness of the hotel/convention center had us pretty upset. With the amount of $$ we were paying the VFCC to use their facilities, you would have thought they would at least keep up with the simple housekeeping. The higher-ups at the hotel were also upset by the lack of follow through by their staff and they are planning on fixing that. And, it is definitely something we are going to have changed for 2012. But glad you had fun anyway, cheers!

[AnjitheBeast]

I enjoyed the con, I only have two things to comment on.

Usually when I go to a con I've preregistered for, I make a schedule and follow it meticulously. However this year I participated in the Zenkaicon LARP.

What proceeded is the highest compliment I can give: I proceeded to abandon my original schedule and spent most of my time at the LARP. My only complaint was that we had to keep stopping to let other stuff use the room. Fair, I'm sure but frustrating when we all want to see what crazy/awesome/hilarious thing was going to happen next.

Second point: The game room was wicked tiny. And when the brawl tournament started, one of the doors ended up being blocked.

[Ramothhe]

I enjoyed the con, I only have two things to comment on.

Usually when I go to a con I've preregistered for, I make a schedule and follow it meticulously. However this year I participated in the Zenkaicon LARP.

What proceeded is the highest compliment I can give: I proceeded to abandon my original schedule and spent most of my time at the LARP. My only complaint was that we had to keep stopping to let other stuff use the room. Fair, I'm sure but frustrating when we all want to see what crazy/awesome/hilarious thing was going to happen next.

Second point: The game room was wicked tiny. And when the brawl tournament started, one of the doors ended up being blocked.

Hey there! We are definitely going to have the LARP again for future and will try to give it its own room. Game room was sadly limited by what space we could get from the Scanticon- we booked every bit of available space, but are looking to expand the game room for future. Glad you had fun, thanks for the feedback!

[Technowraith]

I'll cover the various areas separately:

Registration: Absolutely bang out awesome. I can tell from the activity in this area, the new system worked out exceptionally well. The new "Resolution" station seemed to work well, as anyone with an issue was brought to this station and taken care of by the Head of Registration. This prevented backing up a regular station with a problem that couldn't be easily solved. With easily twice the number of stations, the lines moved quickly. The decision to have the con bag pick-up at a separate table was another great move as well. Efficient and fast.

Security: Badge checking was spot on about 99% of the time. The one or two times the badges weren't checked were no real issue to me, as it's nearly impossible to capture badges 100% of the time. but great work on maintaining badge integrity and such.

Traffic Control: The staff did an excellent job at maintaining order, keeping traffic moving and not allowing high traffic areas to be clogged up with idle attendees. Yeah, it got annoying, but the staff was professional and courteous. Not once in my experience was I yelled or rudely addressed by a staff member regarding moving to keep the high traffic pathways open.

Hydration: The water stations were available about 60% of the time I visited them. Either they were out of water, or out of cups. While it's hard to keep these stations completely up and running all the time, there was once or twice where I felt a slight inconvenience at having to go find another source of water. But in general, there were more of these stations then there have been in the past. So logistically speaking, keeping more water stations up and running may or may not be feasible depending on communication, and availability of hotel/venue staff to replen the required items to keep the stations open.

The Dance/Rave: A vast improvement over the dances of past years. Excellent usage of space, and having some chairs to sit on for resting is a good idea. While I only stayed for about an hour, during that hour, the DJ's choice of music was rather odd and somewhat non rave friendly. Faster songs sandwiched between slow songs broke up the pace too much. This is more of a DJ issue than a con issue. While every DJ has preferences for music, when you break up the pulse pounding pace of good, fast rave music too much, the quality of the experience drops like a rock.

Videogame Room: Excellently handled! A wide range of games, both old school and modern. Rockband was there, which was good. Except the drums didn't have a foot pedal. >.< And on late saturday afternoon, i noticed there were no drums at all! Not sure what happened there. But a nice mix of games. I will say it did get very crowded in there. might make the suggestion of giving the videogame room additional room to breathe next year.

Venue Food offerings: While not cheap, the venue food offerings were actually pretty good. With today's rising fast food prices, the costs of eating at the venue are pretty much in line with eating a full size premium meal at a fast food restaurant. A wider variety was offered as well. The only real grip i think people had was the vending machines in some of the entrances reached the capacities of their dollar bill slots (the machines only accepted coins, which people didn't have), and they weren't replenished sunday either. So between those two problems, many people were left irked at not being able to get a drink from the snack machines. More a venue problem then direct con related.

Dealer's Room, Artist Alley: Wide and spacious. Plenty of room for sure. No complaints here. Will say that both were neat and organized. The artist alley seemed a bit too wide open. Probably could have moved at least half the artist alley B artists to the main artist alley and been just fine. It seemed that there was a lot of unused space in the Artist alley section. With moving things just a tad closer, you probably could fit 4-6 more artist tables down there, and then opened up more artists spaces in artist alley B. Not really a gripe, though. Just an observation. The dealers side of the hall was well organized and wide open. Probably could have fit a few more dealers, but what was there, worked well enough for me.

Rubik's Hallways: The VFCC/Scanticon's habit of booking multiple events on the same day had my head spinning as to where I could and could not go over the course of the 3 days of Zenkaikon V. I will say the staff did a good job at posting signs and informing attendees as to where they were and were not allowed. That alone is a very good thing, as a lot of confusion was evident on saturday when certain halls were closed for the other events.

Staff: The staff was very friendly, courteous and helpful. Only on a couple of occassions did volunteers not know an answer, but they directed me to the information tables in the scanticon or down near registration. so they knew were to direct people for answers they didn't have. In the end, the staff scored exceptionally high on my ranks this year.

Overall, a good improvement over last year. More space, more things to do. A great con just got better.

Some notes:

The VFCC/Scanticon is horrid with double booking events. We all know we had to put up with "normies" walking through the convention areas because the Scanticon/VFCC was booked with other events. Nothing we can do about that, really. Until Zenkaikon is big enough to OWN the VFCC/Scanticon we'll have to put up with that. While greeted here and there with some random rude comments from "non-otaku", I just let it go in one ear and out the other. Rubik's Hallways are a direct result of the double booking. But the staff was instrumental in making sure Zenkaikon attendees were kept to the proper areas.

[gamergirlx]

The only real grip i think people had was the vending machines in some of the entrances reached the capacities of their dollar bill slots (the machines only accepted coins, which people didn't have), and they weren't replenished sunday either. So between those two problems, many people were left irked at not being able to get a drink from the snack machines. More a venue problem then direct con related.

Those aren't controlled by the venue either, they are filled by outside vending companies who stock them every few days, and almost never on weekends.