Anime Expo 2009
Convention Feedback Session
by Evan Miller,
Panelists: Anime Expo Convention Staff
After the staff introduced themselves, the first question - and many subsequent questions - focused on the registration process and lines that stretched outside. The first attendee mentioned that 2008 was better, but 2009 was a repeat of 2007 where people were forced to line up outside under the sun. The staff responded by citing the requirements set forth by the Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC). Since the shaded area would block emergency exits and they need to have the concourse clear for emergency vehicles, they had to put the registration line outside. "We know people don't want to be in the sun, so we have misters and we are looking into getting people sunscreen, so long as we can afford it," said one staffer. The registration system had problems since the LACC internet went down one hour before registration opened, and had to be hardlined to get everything up and running.
The next question came from a disabled person, who wants the LACC to be more friendly to disabled attendees. He stated that none of the escalators from the parking garage were running and only one elevator operational. Furthermore, there was no place to sit in the South Hall except the floor. One security person yelled at him for sitting on the stairs. In response, the staff admitted that the convention has a reputation for "killing" escalators, and that red-coated staff and volunteers are always on hand to help disabled attendees find their way.
Another question focused on the shuttle system the convention runs to the convention hotels. One attendee said that they were able to board the buses to visit restaurants around the hotels last year, and they were unable to. The staff answered that the contractor for last year's buses didn't check badges as they should have, and that buses are intended only for hotel guests and people who purchase a shuttle pass. As one staff person put bluntly, "we don't have the resources to run the shuttle system for everyone."
The subject of event ticketing came up numerous times during the session. One attendee called the system the "most confusing system I'd ever seen in 25 years of going to cons," and involved a series of lines that seemed just as troublesome as the standby lines. The person in charge of ticketing said that he will look into drafting and publishing a better version of the ticketing rules, and that anyone with further suggestions can send an e-mail to the department address at [email protected].
Other complaints focused on the lack of new anime screenings at this year's convention. The staff admitted that a few screening agreements they were working on fell through at the last minute, and that they will work on getting more quality programming for next year. In another programming-related gripe, attendees complained that signs outside programming rooms were non-existent, and that directions to some autograph signings - Morning Musume in particular - were unclear. In response, the staff suggested that people check with the info booths and promised to look into better signage and posted materials for next year.
Near the end, one attendee brought up the issue of the "four people per hotel room" limit set by the hotels. The staff responded that this information should have been disseminated sooner and that they will work with the hotels to reach an agreement that works for everyone.
After the staff introduced themselves, the first question - and many subsequent questions - focused on the registration process and lines that stretched outside. The first attendee mentioned that 2008 was better, but 2009 was a repeat of 2007 where people were forced to line up outside under the sun. The staff responded by citing the requirements set forth by the Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC). Since the shaded area would block emergency exits and they need to have the concourse clear for emergency vehicles, they had to put the registration line outside. "We know people don't want to be in the sun, so we have misters and we are looking into getting people sunscreen, so long as we can afford it," said one staffer. The registration system had problems since the LACC internet went down one hour before registration opened, and had to be hardlined to get everything up and running.
The next question came from a disabled person, who wants the LACC to be more friendly to disabled attendees. He stated that none of the escalators from the parking garage were running and only one elevator operational. Furthermore, there was no place to sit in the South Hall except the floor. One security person yelled at him for sitting on the stairs. In response, the staff admitted that the convention has a reputation for "killing" escalators, and that red-coated staff and volunteers are always on hand to help disabled attendees find their way.
Another question focused on the shuttle system the convention runs to the convention hotels. One attendee said that they were able to board the buses to visit restaurants around the hotels last year, and they were unable to. The staff answered that the contractor for last year's buses didn't check badges as they should have, and that buses are intended only for hotel guests and people who purchase a shuttle pass. As one staff person put bluntly, "we don't have the resources to run the shuttle system for everyone."
The subject of event ticketing came up numerous times during the session. One attendee called the system the "most confusing system I'd ever seen in 25 years of going to cons," and involved a series of lines that seemed just as troublesome as the standby lines. The person in charge of ticketing said that he will look into drafting and publishing a better version of the ticketing rules, and that anyone with further suggestions can send an e-mail to the department address at [email protected].
Other complaints focused on the lack of new anime screenings at this year's convention. The staff admitted that a few screening agreements they were working on fell through at the last minute, and that they will work on getting more quality programming for next year. In another programming-related gripe, attendees complained that signs outside programming rooms were non-existent, and that directions to some autograph signings - Morning Musume in particular - were unclear. In response, the staff suggested that people check with the info booths and promised to look into better signage and posted materials for next year.
Near the end, one attendee brought up the issue of the "four people per hotel room" limit set by the hotels. The staff responded that this information should have been disseminated sooner and that they will work with the hotels to reach an agreement that works for everyone.
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