Katsucon is one of those conventions you need to do at least once to say you've done it. It goes with no saying that this is truly the cosplayer's convention. Smaller cons have tried to claim that title, but this has two competitions, plenty of locations for private and fan type photoshoots, and useful panels to improve one's skills and craft. However, even if you're not into cons for the cosplay, this still has plenty of things to do, especially if you're looking for some nightlife in your con scene.

First of all, just to clear this out of the way. As a former West Coaster, I've been seeing resposes and reactions from the West Coast scene concerning the BBYO contreversy. Shortly after Katsucon, I was asked by a multitude of my colleagues what exactly happened. In short, Katsucon shared space with BBYO, a Jewish youth conference. While it's not really a surprise for anime cons to share space with other events, this ranks as one of the worst war stories. Other than cosplayers being called freaks, tweens from the other event outright physically harassed cosplayers. In turn, Katsucon attendees retaliated by making racist and ignorant remarks to the BBYO. In truth, there were bad seeds on both sides. I did not hear about this until after the event. Go to tumblr and search "BBYO" and you'll find horror stories from both sides. Thankfully, both sides have made official statements of apologies.

With that out of the way, I had a really great time at Katsucon. I do have some notes for masquerade staff. I wish we had a live feed in the green room. I wanted to see everyone's masquerade acts while waiting. I also wish we had things clearly written out on the masquerade rules that we would turn in thumb drives with our music on it. The thing is, no one really uses burned CD's anymore. It took me a while to find a blank CD, but I had to settle with making a wav version of my act. Otherwise, masquerade fly by really fast before I knew it was over. I was impressed by everyone's hard work in their costumes. I look forward seeing everyone's acts online.

I really liked the location. I wouldn't mind coming back for MagFest if it means going back to the Gaylord. Even while I was exploring, I wanted to get a spa package. It was really fun to explore around, but I got turned off once cosplayers started flocking to the gazebo when it opened up. While I get that the gazebo is THE place for private shoots and fandom meetups, photographers were very territorial on the gazebo. I wanted to get a few photos of the gazebo and cosplayers posing with it, but one rude photographer acted as if he owned the cosplayers he was shooting with. He would not even let me compliment people's costumes. Last I checked, the gazebo was public space and it was not like photographers can rent it out.

However, I did have an awesome time doing private shoots with Eurobeat Kasumi, i360, Fenyx Design, Cosplay Shinkou, and TLY Cosplay. All of you were really great to work with. I'm also happy to see more lady cosplay photographers too. I enjoyed working with you all and I am forever grateful for your artistic talent. I look forward seeing the photos and to one day shoot with you again.

The other critique I have for Katsucon was why in the world there were five Homestuck panels. I get really particular when it comes to the convention's mission and vision statement. While Katsucon has a much more flexible mission statement, I don't think Katsucon should have allowed five Homestuck panels. This really limited time allowed for other panels. As huge as a fandom as it is, five is not necessary. As much as I enjoy Hetalia, there really was no need for multiple Ask a Nation panels. I get that both fandoms are huge, so I can see maybe one or two related panels in a live programming 1 type of situation, but more than two is enough. Make way for other fandoms, please.

With that said, I really did enjoy the panels that I attended. I was bummed that the Sailor Moon panel got canceled. I was really looking forward to it on Sunday. There were other panels I wanted to attend, but they conflicted with a few main events (ie: ballroom dance and masquerade). There was even a "It Gets Better" panel which I thought was a very nice addition to anime con programming because of the number of LBGTQ otaku who attend. I enjoyed that there were cosplay community themed panels that engaged into hot topics in the cosplay scene. I'm quite intrigued to run a panel or two at next year's Katsucon.

With that said, there were plenty of things to do at Katsucon. I regret I was not able to sign up for one of the Japanese Cultural Institute workshops early on and make a reservation for the maid cafe. It's wise to reserve these in advance, particularly when you know you are going to have a busy schedule. I wish I could have done more, but even wandering around the hall taking cosplay photos made it still worth attending this event.

The nightlife was really poppin'. I wish I could have stayed up later to try some of the 2AM panels, but my age is catching up to me where I can no longer pull all nighters as I used to. However, I had a pleasant time at the ballroom dance. This was one of the better run ballroom dances I attended and I hope to return again. I look forward to my next ballroom dance, so look for the Lady Oscar. Special thanks goes out to my hotel roomies - Jen and Steph for being awesome and it was wonderful hanging out at the ballroom dance with you ladies.

Overall, I had an awesome time at Katsucon. I would do it again and it's the best con to kick off the year. I liked that there were late 20-somethings that still want to engage in fandom rather than make a drinking party of it. I liked that there was something for everyone at this con. Katsucon does run on the more expensive side - if you do stay at the Gaylord, save up. It's worth every penny. There's not many cheap food options, but there is a CVS Pharmacy to supply snacks and drinks. I do reccomend the omelette bar at Viendi's at the hotel - it will fill you up for a good chunk of the day. If you are a cosplayer, bring your A-game. Bring your best out here. Most of all, keep an open mind and be open to new friendships. Katsucon is one of those rare cons with that vibe that I got when I first started attending conventions - everyone is pretty approachable and willing to talk fandom with you.

Until then, I will hopefully see people again at Anime Boston and Otakon!

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