It was nice to return to Arisia after a year long hiatus. It was not intentional, I just forgot it was going on in January. I decided to give hosting presentations a try for 2015. Signing up for panels is very different from anime cons. You pretty much have to be invited to be a presenter - this was hard for us since we've only done Anime Boston panels for two years and we were very new to the New England area. However, I'm thankful that Arisia-senpai noticed us and gave us a total of almost 10+ panels to partake in! Panels are different at Arisia. You sign up for various topics that are proposed. I didn't know what to think of this system at first, but I thought it worked for this style of con. Arisia tends to attract the more intellectual geek - the well rounded type who wants to dish out different perspectives on a geeky topic. I was very happy to do several anime panels and presentations - thank you to everyone I worked with and to those who came to our presentations.

In addition to anime, I was on board with two cosplay panels. It was nice to discuss the problems behind Heroes of Cosplay without resorting to tumblr whinning and to discuss messages that the reality show may be communicating to the general public about cosplay without resorting to personal attacks on the people involved. At first I thought it was intimidating to be on panels with experts in the field - most of which were older than me, but it was one of the most humbling experiences I've ever had. I felt home at Arisia because for the first time in forever, I was not the old coot at anime conventions.

Arisia had plenty of programming offerings. There's simply so much to do in so little time. If you consider yourself a fan of something, there's a panel there for you. Unlike comic cons, community and social engagement are highly encouraged. Panels that delved into outlandish and oftentimes marginalized lifestyles were brought to the forefront. Who needs 50 Shades of Grey when you have workshops on how to get started with BDSM? There were a few social justice related panels that looked like they came from Tumblr - seeing tweets that aired on wanting Katniss (The Hunger Games) to be played by a person of color kinda threw me off guard (I thought Jennifer Lawrence was a fine choice and District 12 is technically in Appalachia). However, if Tumblr types of programming weren't your jam, there were still plenty pickings to choose from.

I did like the community vibe or Arisia. For the first time in a while, it was nice to talk to local New England costumers. Though I have no issue with cosplayers buying costumes, it seems (at least in Boston) that sewing and DIY costuming is lessening more and more. I learned about the ICG and the local chapter. Again, I really felt at home talking to others just wanting to be a part of an organization that catered to mature and advanced costumers. Hence, I really enjoyed making new friends and talking to people backstage and masquerade. As mentioned in the report, this was a great way to meet people and to learn new skills. At Arisia, I'm always impressed with everyone's handiwork - I wish to be on that level some day.

Overall, I would reccomend Arisia to older, mature fans who want a different experience. If you intend on going next year, prepare for a culture shock from anime cons. One colleague was surprised to see people knitting in the panel rooms. It is worth it if you want to be inspired by costumes and attend programming that's not always centered around Japanese animation. As much as I love doing anime panels, I do appreciate attending programming wherein I can enjoy and learn more about other sides of fandom. This con was very welcoming and super open minded. Anyone can walk in and feel welcomed.

Scarlet Rhapsody looks forward attending Arisia next year. We would love to do panels and presentations. Perhaps we'll consider getting a room next year to kill the commute time and be able to make it to some morning Tai Chi and Yoga. Until then, we'll see you at the con!

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