Otakon 2016: Bon Voyage came to an abrupt end. Looking over the con report, we did so much in three days. I felt that we did not cover too much, but looking back, being press always keeps us busy and time tends to come and go. I would have loved have taken more pictures, but again, panels kept me busy from taking cosplay photos. Overall, Otakon's final year in Baltimore was all right. I had a great time seeing east coast friends and partaking in convention activities, but there were a few things that did sour the experience.

The heat was one of the worst I've ever experienced at an anime convention. Normally, the heat and humidity is bearable in Baltimore. So much so, that I wore Erica Fontaine one year when it was 90 degrees. The humidity would not leave. Our roommates had props that were falling apart because the humidity would kill any adhesive. Photographers would also retreat to shooting indoors; the humidty kept fogging up lenses. Thus, many attendees retreated back into the convention center than staying outdoors. It also didn't help that major cosplay photo shoot sites were being demolished and rennovated making the indoor fountains much more crowded and chaotic than usual. A lot of foot traffic going through the convention center brought in a lot of congestion. This year was one of the more uncomfortable years of so many people sardined in. However, having Otakon in DC will remedy this if next year continues to be this hot.

I was very fortunate to work with so many photographers during the weekend. On the west coast, it's taboo to charge for photos, but I digress. If you're talented and can produce an amazing product, I'd be more than happy to pay for your services within reason. East coast tends to have photographers that charge for private photoshoots. I've seen some amazing work done and I have also seen schlock being charged for. I was able to do some research to find out who was coming to Otakon that would be worth my dollar to work with. I'm looking forward to my shoots as Persian (Pokemon) and Nico (Love Live). You can read more about what photographers I reccomend here.

One of the other negatives about Otakon was the Baltimore Convention Security. I noticed there seemed to be some sort of passive aggression in the attitudes of some convention security. Example: a guard would give us the stink eye at first glance and ask us where we packed our badge. Being cosplayers, we usually tie the badge to our bags. We would proceed and show them, but even as we were getting out badge in plain sight, the guard would continue to yell and berate us. I get that there's a lot of people coming in, but this attitude should not be called for. I also ran into this attitude at the Hilton lobby bar where a waitress and the manager were giving us the stink eye. I always thought that Baltimore loved us, but there were certain people that were giving us some really bad vibes.

Programming was wonderful as always. I feel there's a lot to do and see at Otakon. Otakon always delivers quality programming. However, I would like to see more international and Japanese guests. Otakon had a ton of American voice actors. As much as I don't mind American voice actors represented, I'd also like to see some A-listers from Japan. Panels were very well run, but a lot of the panels I wanted to see were at 9AM. Normally, I don't mind a 9AM start, but I feel this is too early to start things off. I would prefer a 10AM start time for panels. This would give me more time in the morning to get ready and get to and from the convention. I'm also hoping the 18+ wristband line will improve for next year. It seems ridiculous having to go from registration to the Hyatt to enjoy the ballroom dance when your ID is going to be checked anyway for 21+. I'm hoping that the logistical layout for 2017 in DC will improve.

I do like the Baltimore location, but I regrettably do not have the same level of nostalgia and sentiment as many long time attendees do. I even feel this way at Anime Expo's move from Anaheim. Granted, I'm not too thrilled about downtown Los Angeles, but I don't get too attached to locations. Then again, I've been attending Otakon for only four years. There were people at the gripe session that were attending Otakon for 17 years in Baltimore. It was bittersweet reading posts from friends about memories in the Inner Harbor. This place actually did mean a lot to the attendees. I haven't seen this much outpour for sentiment in a while. There seemed to be something special about Baltimore being Otakon's home.

I'm optimistic about the move to Washington DC. I'm looking forward to the larger venue. I'm hoping to also have a closer hotel. The walk from the Radisson to the convention center was not fun at all. I'm hoping for A-listers from Japan. I'm also looking foward to the espionage theme for 2017 and what Otakon will do with it. Granted, Otakon is not as gung ho as Anime Boston when it comes to theming, but I wonder what type of guests and programming they would bring in to tie in with the theme. Most of my complaints this year should hopefully be remedied with the new location in DC.

I look at this Otakon as "good, but not great." Granted, Otakon cannot control the heat. Last I checked, there is no department that controls the weather that Otakon has any jurisdiction for. The crowds and being sardined in kinda dampered the vibe and mood. Even still, I always manage to have a good time at the con. I look at 2017 with high hopes. Thank you very much for another splendid year, Otakon.

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