There are not many conventions that I actually look forward to attending. Some I stress about, some I want to avoid, some just come and go. However, when it comes to Pacific Media Expo, I am always awaiting the next event. I was a bit stressed about my panels, but that did not make me any less excited about hitting this fan party event. This year the event was back at the LAX Hilton, which feels like coming home to anyone who has gone to this event over the years.

The location is the key to what makes PMX work. The Hilton is easy to navigate, close to food places, and plenty of rooms for the guests. In fact, this hotel is so well designed that multiple events can occur and you would not even notice until you ride up the elevator and interact. There is plenty of room for all the panels and events. The lobby is spacious and works well for photos and hanging out. I never feel lost or overwhelmed at this hotel and I hope that PMX remains at the Hilton for awhile.

There was a great line up of panels and events at PMX. I was running around all day on Saturday hitting different panels, in addition to running my own panels. The majority of the panels were held in rooms that fit the crowd. There were only two problems that occurred with panels this year. The first problem was that Convention War Stories was held in the autograph room. The room was plenty large, but I was informed that there were not chairs in the room prior to the panel. While chairs were gathered for the panel, it would have been nice if a stack was set in the corner waiting to be set up prior to the panel. The second issue was the Roast of Sir Richard Epcar. The event was great, but it ran long, which was expected by this reporter. However, the room was crowded and setting of the panel for one hour was not a great idea. Next time a roast is held it should be slotted for two hours and held in a very large room.

I was also able to hit some of the other events at PMX. The swap meet was well put together with several venders a nice variety of goods and even though I did not find anything that I wanted I could tell that people were happy with how things were handled. The fighting tournament was great as well. It is always fun to see some live fights and the competition this year was more intense than previous years. Congratulations to all who were tough enough to compete in the tournament. Finally, there was the dance. This year seemed better than previous years. The music was kicking, the dance floor was decently sized, and there were plenty of chairs. I also loved how some ladies jumped up on stage to give a go-go dancer type of show. Overall, the dance was fun and it helped recharge me after a busy day.

The secondary entertainment locations were a mixed bag this year. While the game room was great and the staff was fantastic, the karaoke room next door was not so great. I am not a big fan of karaoke to begin with, but being in the room was just painful. Not that the singers were bad (though I am sure some were) but it was the speakers being set way too loud for comfort. After leaving the room my ears would still be ringing for a little time until I normalized again. The music at the dance did not affect me as much as the noise at the karaoke room. The Pocky tasting room was not as good as I remember either. It was more of a sales booth and less of an experience. The Pocky room was fun back in the day now it just seems like a buy your stuff and get out room.

The guest line up was really good this year. On the old school side there was George Takei promoting his new stage project. On the music side there was fan favorite band D. On the voice acting side there was the Tenchi gals and Richard Epcar with those who performed at the roast. Finally, from the world of anime, there was mecha designer Tsuyoshi Nonaka and director Yasuhiro Imagawa. This year there was something for everyone and it was great going to the various panels and press conferences. I hope that PMX will keep up the great guest line up so I can have just as much excitement about next year.

This year was crazy for me, not only was I busy with my panels, but I was also running around to meet guests and hit events. I am rarely disappointed with PMX and this year is no exception. The convention was great, there was a nice vibe, and there was so much to do that when I look over my notes I am surprised to know how much I actually did. Thanks go out to everyone who made this year a blast for me especially Austin Wright, the Wars Stories panelists, everyone who attended my panels, Ray, Gretel, Miguel, Becky, Chocolate Covered Cosplay, George Takei, the Tenchi Muyo girls, the PMX staff, the Scarlet Rhapsody staff, and everyone who performed at the roast.

Thank you for reading the report and look for us at future events. If you need to reach me for any reason feel free to not e-mail me at Jared (at) Scarlet-Rhapsody.com. Until next time, I give you my list so give my love to the Tenchi gals!

The List
1. Good work PMX
2. Jedi or Sith?
3. I need a copy of Ultimatum
4. RE: 3 – Not that Ultimatum!!
5. I should have bough that figure
6. How can dancing make me feel less tired?
7. Doggie!
8. Wig, wig, wig!
9. I could go for some pancakes
10. Next Cosplay: Mr. Champloo, boom!
11. I love my jacket
12. Taco Party!!
13. I forgot the apron, sigh…
14. Good to meet you Mr. Takei
15. I got to meet the Tenchi gals, good times
16. TRUCK NORRIS!!
17. Somehow I did not spend much time in the lobby
18. Too many panels…
19. History of Lupin, total success!
20. The Roast was great, looking forward to the next
21. Team Rocket is rocking?
22. Great guests this year
23. Fire, fire!
24. I need to do more old school gaming
25. Quite a few people stopped by my room, not expected
26. Red Robin, yum!
27. Three in a row, how did I survive?
28. Did not party as much as I thought I was going to party.
29. Thus another year of reporting comes to an end.

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