Anime Vegas 2006 September 2nd - 4th (Las Vegas, Nevada)

[Rukia Kuchiki]

Hey all, the Anime Vegas Graphic Designer here to let you know all about the convention. We're having it on September 2nd - 4th this year. Hope everyone decides to spend their Labor Day weekend in Las Vegas. We are still at the Cashman Center (at Las Vegas Blvd and Washington). Can't say much else at the moment...

Don't forget the website:
http://www.animevegas.com

[B-Rad Lascelle]

[ QUOTE ]
Rukia Kuchiki said:
Hey all, the Anime Vegas Graphic Designer here to let you know all about the convention. We're having it on September 2nd - 4th this year. Hope everyone decides to spend their Labor Day weekend in Las Vegas. We are still at the Cashman Center (at Las Vegas Blvd and Washington). Can't say much else at the moment...

Don't forget the website:
http://www.animevegas.com

[/ QUOTE ]
I dig the Labor Day scheduling. Can't wait to hear what guests you've got lined up. /images/graemlins/cool.gif

[Rukia Kuchiki]

We have a few posted up on the site already. Just keep in mind everything is tentative. Our ultimate goal though... to get someone from Japan. *clenches fist*

[rcstott]

[ QUOTE ]
Rukia Kuchiki said:
We have a few posted up on the site already. Just keep in mind everything is tentative. Our ultimate goal though... to get someone from Japan. *clenches fist*

[/ QUOTE ]

Aint it the truth, I am chasing several artist in the hopes of getting one.

R

[rcstott]

Just updated the site, On-line reg is open. Dealer's page is up too. Added Sonny Strait as a confirmed guest!

R

[Vicious]

[ QUOTE ]
Rich S. said:
Just updated the site, On-line reg is open. Dealer's page is up too. Added Sonny Strait as a confirmed guest!

R

[/ QUOTE ]

Still 7 months away and you already have 10 guests lined up!! /images/graemlins/stunned0.gif

I don't know if you're taking recommendations or not, but I'd like to request Chris Ayres and Chris Patton if at all possible. Neither was a guest there last year and they are both very entertaining to have at a con.

[rcstott]

Good choices there Vicious, I will have to seriously look into it.

R

[B-Rad Lascelle]

[ QUOTE ]
Rich S. said:
Good choices there Vicious, I will have to seriously look into it.

R

[/ QUOTE ]
5 other big name VAs I'd like to see in Vegas this year... that didn't make the trip in 2005...

<font color="blue">2005 Dub Actress of the Year</font> - Luci Christian
<font color="blue">2005 Rising Star Actress</font> - Caitlin Glass

(FYI, Vicious' two suggestions won the male counterpart awards in these categories.)

Kira Vincent Davis
Nancy Novotny
Crispin Freeman

[Vicious]

[ QUOTE ]
B-Rad Lascelle said:
[ QUOTE ]
Rich S. said:
Good choices there Vicious, I will have to seriously look into it.

R

[/ QUOTE ]
5 other big name VAs I'd like to see in Vegas this year... that didn't make the trip in 2005...

<font color="blue">2005 Dub Actress of the Year</font> - Luci Christian
<font color="blue">2005 Rising Star Actress</font> - Caitlin Glass

(FYI, Vicious' two suggestions won the male counterpart awards in these categories.)

Kira Vincent Davis
Nancy Novotny
Crispin Freeman

[/ QUOTE ]

Are you trying to get Rich to break the bank again? I mean he's already got 10 and with my 2 and your 5, that makes 17. Anyone else want to throw some names out there. I think we're trying for an even 50 this year. /images/graemlins/sweat200.gif

[Shsway]

No, no. If Rich and Co. get even two of these folks that the others have mentioned to come, my presence at this year's Anime Vegas is guaranteed! And this time, I'm lining up a half hour before all of the autograph events (which means that I will have to seriously sacrifice some yet-to-be-mentioned panel events). I have to say that I'm not too thrilled about the con taking place at the same location as before, but I understand the costs and effort involved, plus knowing more or less the routine for getting there and out within a reasonable amount of time. Are you guys going to alert a taxi company or two beforehand this year? Us gentle out-of-towners would be most grateful.

And yes - I really would love to see Patton in Vegas. I really thought that it would have been most appropriate and splendid for him to have been there, last October.

In terms of the Japanese guests, I thought I'd attach my impossible request for Kawakami Tomoko (http://animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/people.php?id=526) here. Man, I would be so torn between cheering, "squee"ing or crying, if that ever came true.

[Rukia Kuchiki]

[ QUOTE ]
Shsway said:
I have to say that I'm not too thrilled about the con taking place at the same location as before, but I understand the costs and effort involved, plus knowing more or less the routine for getting there and out within a reasonable amount of time. Are you guys going to alert a taxi company or two beforehand this year? Us gentle out-of-towners would be most grateful.

[/ QUOTE ]

Ah, well, you see, we shopped around and despite being the "convention center of the world" no one really wanted to help a non-profit organization out. So we're going to stay at Cashman until we get bigger.

Did you have problems securing transportation to Cashman, last year? Did they not want to drive you down to the Cashman center, or something like that? In all respects, I'll see about alerting the cab companies. Heh, I know Cashman is bit off the beaten path... despite being on Las Vegas Blvd.

Well, if we get a whole bunch of support and *ahem* more congoers this year, maybe we can score a nicer place next year. BTW, Pre-registration is up on the site... so go and pre-reg now.

[Shsway]

[ QUOTE ]
Rukia Kuchiki said:
Did you have problems securing transportation to Cashman, last year? Did they not want to drive you down to the Cashman center, or something like that? In all respects, I'll see about alerting the cab companies. Heh, I know Cashman is bit off the beaten path... despite being on Las Vegas Blvd.

[/ QUOTE ]

I had one guy get ticked off at me for wanting to be taken there (though he could have just been an asshat), and I had to more or less reassure/direct another one (luckily, a friend of mine had been in the area earlier in the year, so I had a map and a few directions jotted down, to explain adequately enough).

It was the return to the hotel that I found the most troubling. I had to hunt for the phone numbers of local companies, and of the three or four that I had right, only one was answering the phone on Friday afternoon. I think that the one guy who came for me got lost that first night, and when he arrived, some folks had him call more cabs for the con guests as well as other out-of-towners. It was honestly my biggest concern of the weekend, other than the flu that I was fighting off.

[Vicious]

[ QUOTE ]
Shsway said:
[ QUOTE ]
Rukia Kuchiki said:
Did you have problems securing transportation to Cashman, last year? Did they not want to drive you down to the Cashman center, or something like that? In all respects, I'll see about alerting the cab companies. Heh, I know Cashman is bit off the beaten path... despite being on Las Vegas Blvd.

[/ QUOTE ]

I had one guy get ticked off at me for wanting to be taken there (though he could have just been an asshat), and I had to more or less reassure/direct another one (luckily, a friend of mine had been in the area earlier in the year, so I had a map and a few directions jotted down, to explain adequately enough).

It was the return to the hotel that I found the most troubling. I had to hunt for the phone numbers of local companies, and of the three or four that I had right, only one was answering the phone on Friday afternoon. I think that the one guy who came for me got lost that first night, and when he arrived, some folks had him call more cabs for the con guests as well as other out-of-towners. It was honestly my biggest concern of the weekend, other than the flu that I was fighting off.

[/ QUOTE ]

I had to take a cab a few times, and none of the drivers I got had any problems finding the place. Maybe you're just unlucky. I suggest you don't do any gambling while you're there. /images/graemlins/catgirl0.gif

[Rukia Kuchiki]

Ah, okay. So I'll see about collecting the phone #'s of the cab companies, and making sure every staff member has them. I'll see about getting them up on the website as well. Ah, and I'll go ahead and make a simple map of the area and put it up on the website too, so everyone can have it to show to cabbies if need be.

Thanks for letting us know. Hopefully this year, we won't have this problem again. I swear, silly cabbies... if it isn't on the Strip, they don't know where it is.

[Shsway]

[ QUOTE ]
Vicious said:
Maybe you're just unlucky. I suggest you don't do any gambling while you're there. /images/graemlins/catgirl0.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Ha, I'll only ever do so with a limit. A low limit. I had my fun, but lost every dollar I planned to put forth. /images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[ QUOTE ]
Rukia Kuchiki said:
Thanks for letting us know.

[/ QUOTE ]

Oh, thank you for the extra effort. I realize that it's really tough to fund and organize things, and I really don't mean to be a pain or anything. I just know that this will help makes things easier for folks who are coming from all over, and I do have sincere hopes that AV will only get larger and more popular with time. Seeing so many interesting guests in one place last year was amazing (which reminds me: I still have to develop those busy photos).

[bctaris]

[ QUOTE ]
B-Rad Lascelle said:
[ QUOTE ]
Rich S. said:
Good choices there Vicious, I will have to seriously look into it.

R

[/ QUOTE ]
5 other big name VAs I'd like to see in Vegas this year... that didn't make the trip in 2005...

<font color="blue">2005 Dub Actress of the Year</font> - Luci Christian
<font color="blue">2005 Rising Star Actress</font> - Caitlin Glass

(FYI, Vicious' two suggestions won the male counterpart awards in these categories.)

Kira Vincent Davis
Nancy Novotny
Crispin Freeman

[/ QUOTE ]

What? You really don't pimp Canadian talent anymore? /images/graemlins/wink.gif

People are always going to want the Texas crowd, and they're the most likely to show up outside of LA (Jaffe and Klein again would be nice, on that note) but I'd love to see more from New York, or someone dragged down from Vancouver. Choices in that category, B-Rad? (I want Anna Cummer as usual, but who's most likely to make a draw down south?)

[B-Rad Lascelle]

[ QUOTE ]
bctaris said:
People are always going to want the Texas crowd, and they're the most likely to show up outside of LA (Jaffe and Klein again would be nice, on that note) but I'd love to see more from New York, or someone dragged down from Vancouver. Choices in that category, B-Rad? (I want Anna Cummer as usual, but who's most likely to make a draw down south?)

[/ QUOTE ]
When it comes down to Vancouver talent, cons always seek out the guys. Scott McNeil, the Dobsons, the Inu Yasha leads and the Gundam guys being the usual suspects.

Now personally, I'd love to see Jocelyne Loewen at a con... based primarily on her enthusiasm and personality from the Nurse Witch Komugi commentary with Scott McClennen. I'm also a huge fan of both Kelly Sheridan and Anna Cummer. But hey, if cons are looking primarily for draws, it's always about the guys. Like usual. /images/graemlins/relief1.gif

[rcstott]

It's nice to have Rukia on staff to keep the thread updated. I just do not have a lot of time to do all the posting. I am taking notes on all the guests mentioned, but I won't be announcing anyone new until I tie down a guest from Japan. I have a short list (of 12) that I am sending invitations to. Sorry I cannot tell you whom is on the list on-line. I don't like rumors to spread.

Rich

[bctaris]

[ QUOTE ]
Rich S. said:
It's nice to have Rukia on staff to keep the thread updated. I just do not have a lot of time to do all the posting. I am taking notes on all the guests mentioned, but I won't be announcing anyone new until I tie down a guest from Japan. I have a short list (of 12) that I am sending invitations to. Sorry I cannot tell you whom is on the list on-line. I don't like rumors to spread.

Rich

[/ QUOTE ]

No problem. Thanks for the effort.

Vegas tends to be a fairly large destination for Asian tourists, doesn't it? I would hope someone goes along with your invitation. Good luck!

[Natahka]

hi all, I was jest wondering if there was a Anime Vegas Forum on the site? or is there a forum somewhere out there where people who are planning on going can talk? if anyone can answer my question I’ll give you a cookie ^_^. Ty

[Rukia Kuchiki]

Okay, we have a forum. Its quiet at the moment. Because it's more of a hub for all the anime/manga/Japanese culture events that take place in Las Vegas. But there is a section on the forum dedicated to Anime Vegas (Its practically empty because we are still planning things and they are not exactly ready to be released to the public, yet. We probably won't start really buzzing until April-ish, I hope.)

Its http://www.lasvegasotaku.org

The board is run by one of the other Staff members, not by Rich (though he is there from time to time). I'm a mod on that board and also go by Rukia.

[Natahka]

ok Thank you!! /images/graemlins/catgirl0.gif

[rcstott]

[ QUOTE ]
Natahka said:
hi all, I was jest wondering if there was a Anime Vegas Forum on the site? or is there a forum somewhere out there where people who are planning on going can talk? if anyone can answer my question I’ll give you a cookie ^_^. Ty

[/ QUOTE ]

Why yes! Thanks to Tony our Gaming Director (and the Boss at Las Vegas Otaku), he has graciously given us space on his forum page. http://www.lasvegasotaku.org/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&amp;file=viewforum&amp;f=6 is the link. Slow Poke Rich!

[rcstott]

More guests announcements are on the way (just a week away!).

R

[Mr. Nail Bat]

[ QUOTE ]
Rich S. said:
More guests announcements are on the way (just a week away!).

R

[/ QUOTE ]

Just booked my flight and hotel. Bring on the announcements!

[bctaris]

[ QUOTE ]
Geoduck said:
[ QUOTE ]
Rich S. said:
More guests announcements are on the way (just a week away!).

R

[/ QUOTE ]

Just booked my flight and hotel. Bring on the announcements!

[/ QUOTE ]

Hmm...and just last week I received a pretty good promotion from the hotel I stayed at last time that covers that weekend.

How're you going to reel me back in, Rich? /images/graemlins/wink.gif

[Shsway]

Well, I'm a bit cheery due the fact that Mary McGlynn is now on the roster. I was a bit sad at having to pass on Anime Boston and miss her, but now I might be be able to say, "Hello" and, "Dang, your Motoko voice is sexy."

[BigPants]

Hmm, Shsway is going to be there. And now Mike McFarland... I'm starting to think this might be a good weekend-before-birthday celebration now.

[Mr. Nail Bat]

[ QUOTE ]
BigPants said:
Hmm, Shsway is going to be there. And now Mike McFarland... I'm starting to think this might be a good weekend-before-birthday celebration now.

[/ QUOTE ]

And, now, Jennifer Sekiguchi too.

Yay!

[BULLDOG1]

[ QUOTE ]
Geoduck said:
[ QUOTE ]
BigPants said:
Hmm, Shsway is going to be there. And now Mike McFarland... I'm starting to think this might be a good weekend-before-birthday celebration now.

[/ QUOTE ]

And, now, Jennifer Sekiguchi too.

Yay!

[/ QUOTE ]

Hmm...

Vegas in September.....

Originally, I was planning to go to Portland, OR in early Sept..........

Methinks I might want to reconsider my destination.... /images/graemlins/sdsmiley.gif

A.J.

[Nfcpm]

I'm thinking about going but am unsure.

More importantly I am trying to convice others to go.

Can someone tell me what makes this con worth going to?

How big is this con?

If I had to choose a first con to go to would I be better off going to Otakon next year or this con? Why?

Also it appears right now that there are less guests than last year anyone know why?

Do industry reps from the major anime companies go to this con? Funimation, ADV, Geneon, Bandai, Manga?

I know the panels aren't listed yet but does anyone have any idea what kinda stuff to expect?

I hope I get a few answers because I'm really interested but need to convince others.

Thanks

[Vicious]

[ QUOTE ]
Nfcpm said:
I'm thinking about going but am unsure.

More importantly I am trying to convice others to go.

Can someone tell me what makes this con worth going to?

How big is this con?

If I had to choose a first con to go to would I be better off going to Otakon next year or this con? Why?

Also it appears right now that there are less guests than last year anyone know why?

Do industry reps from the major anime companies go to this con? Funimation, ADV, Geneon, Bandai, Manga?

I know the panels aren't listed yet but does anyone have any idea what kinda stuff to expect?

I hope I get a few answers because I'm really interested but need to convince others.

Thanks

[/ QUOTE ]

First off, it's in Vegas!!! That's all the reason you should need. The con is def nowhere near as big as Otakon. But then again, very few are. Otakon is probably a bit confusing to go to as your first con. It is so big and there are so many people there and it is so packed that you will be easily confused and overwhelmed. I wouldn't worry about the amount of guests. Vegas will always draw guests, because they're smart enough to know that it's Vegas!!! The con still has a bigger guest roster than pretty much any other con I can think of.

[Rukia Kuchiki]

[ QUOTE ]
Nfcpm said:
I'm thinking about going but am unsure.

More importantly I am trying to convice others to go.

...

I hope I get a few answers because I'm really interested but need to convince others.

Thanks

[/ QUOTE ]

Hi! I'm a staff member from Anime Vegas. The Graphic Designer to be specific. We've been very quiet this year so far as to what we're doing. So, let's see I'm going to try to answer your question as best as I can... as there are some things I am NOT allowed to make public just yet. *exciting stuff, really!!*

Las Vegas in September is very nice climate wise. And then again, it is Vegas... there are many things to do and sites to see. Because we are still generally a small to medium sized con the main benefit of coming is the fact that you actually get to meet the guests... no really insane lines here. (I survived the CLAMP panel line at AX!!)
I don't think I should make the decision of where your first convention is. I don't know what side of the country you live on... but since I live in Vegas... I like to stay on the west coast because I'm more comfortable here. Honestly, I suggest doing research, and talking to people that have gone to the conventions. (Because I might be just a little biased... *heh*)
Yes we have a smaller guest list this year. For a good reason too... but this is what I cannot get into at the moment. However, expect a press release soon.
Most conventions (I've noticed) do not release their panels/events until almost right before their convention... so please expect the same from us, on that aspect anyway. But you know expect some interesting panels, guest panels, cosplay and amvs... at the least. I'm not really at liberty to say just how much industry support we get. And I don't want to get in trouble with my boss... *heh*

We are about 1 month away from the convention... so the staff is very busy at the moment. (Especially me... having to get certain things ready for print and what not) But we are going to have an awesome convention this year. (I can feel it!)

http://www.animevegas.com

[rcstott]

[ QUOTE ]
Nfcpm said:
I'm thinking about going but am unsure.

More importantly I am trying to convice others to go.

Can someone tell me what makes this con worth going to?

How big is this con?

If I had to choose a first con to go to would I be better off going to Otakon next year or this con? Why?

Also it appears right now that there are less guests than last year anyone know why?

Do industry reps from the major anime companies go to this con? Funimation, ADV, Geneon, Bandai, Manga?

I know the panels aren't listed yet but does anyone have any idea what kinda stuff to expect?

I hope I get a few answers because I'm really interested but need to convince others.

Thanks

[/ QUOTE ]

As Rukia (our great graphics designer, all hail) wrote, we are holding off on a lot of announcements until final confirmation of guests. You may want to check the web page each day. Today we have posted the confirmation of Hirano-san, creator of Hellsing is attending Anime Vegas this year. So let me answer your questions.

What makes this con worth going to?

We are a small convention between 2000 and 3000 attendees (estimates for this year). It is always fun for me to go to small conventions as there is a lot more time to visit the guests and relax knowing I am not pressed to make a panel. At larger conventions, like San Diego Comic-Con, I worry that two panels I want to go to are opposite each other (plus those crowds!). I would say Yes!

How big is this con?

We estimate 2000 to 3000 attendees this year. I am conservative and I estimate 2000 (but I have known to be wrong, as I estimated 350 in 2004 and we ended up with 1013).

If I had to choose a first con to go to would I be better off going to Otakon next year or this con? Why?

Wow that is a tough one. By sheer impression of the size and volume a convention can bring in; Otakon and AX are by far the best. They always have excellent programming, fantastic live events, and guests that us smaller cons would sell our souls for (or even our first born). I have always wanted a more personal touch and give the fans a reason to come to Vegas, knowing we are doing our best to serve you and the guests to a wonderful time. We know there is so much to do in Las Vegas, and try to balance our convention with events outside of the con hall for you (so hey, you can see the free pirate show at the Treasure Island!) So guess what? Your answer is really depended on your preference.

Also it appears right now that there are less guests than last year anyone know why?

Last year we went Guest Crazy, and we had a lot of fun doing it. This year we wanted a few less American Guests, and more guests from Japan. In doing so, it costs us more $$$ to bring people from Japan than America. Thus we have to have fewer guests. This and the fact we are not a sponsored convention.

Do industry reps from the major anime companies go to this con? Funimation, ADV, Geneon, Bandai, Manga?

Last year we had FUNimation, Manga and Tofu Records (hard to beleive for such a small convention). This year we have FUNimation ane Media Blasters out in the Dealer's Room. FUNimation and New Generation Pictures both have panels. Geneon will be bringing a couple of Representatives to handle their guests (I did say that right, we still have more guests to announce, so be patient). Other reps may attend in person, as last year we had Bang Zoom Entertainment come out to photograph and even Anime on DVD stopped in. Forgive me if I missed anyone else.

I know the panels aren't listed yet but does anyone have any idea what kinda stuff to expect?

You can expect a great time and a lot of personable time with practically all the guests. I know with some of the guests their time is limited, so we will have to cap lines, but for most of them, they are so happy to meet their fans, take pictures and sign autographs (maybe we can get JYB to dance again this year!). The events guide should be online soon, we are just finishing the Japanese Guest pages (last minute rush, arrrgggghhhh!). We have yet to announce a lot of events still (which will be a happy surprise for everyone attending this year).

Rich

[Jonathan Klein]

You still haven't announced your latest and biggest guest of honor (sadly it's not me /images/graemlins/wink.gif ).

http://www.animevegas.com/guests.html

Regards,

JK

[rcstott]

[ QUOTE ]
Jonathan Klein said:
You still haven't announced your latest and biggest guest of honor (sadly it's not me /images/graemlins/wink.gif ).

http://www.animevegas.com/guests.html

Regards,

JK

[/ QUOTE ]

Jonathan is not quite right on this. He is one of the Biggest guests anyone could get (and we got you again, and maybe next year to boot, {see carrot at end of the stick leading you to Vegas in '07}).

However I think he is talking about the other side of the Pacific Ocean, namely Japan. Yes, it is not yet on the website, as I am awaiting an image to post. So once it is posted on the web, I will announce it here.

R

[Judeau]

Sounds like a blast. If I can get out of work, I'll drive over to Vegas this year. Usually isn't too hard talking friends into sharing a room there either.

[rcstott]

As promised, we are posting the (I hope) Final Guest List for Anime Vegas! Jonathan did mention another Guest and that is Hideyuki Kurata (Kamichu!, Gunsword, Read or Die).

Final Guest List

Guest List Confirmed for Anime Vegas:

Japanese Guests

Kouta Hirano - Hellsing Mangaka
Hideyuki Kurata - Read or Die Creator

Japanese Bands and Musicians

Higuchi Makiko
Miami
Samurai Delicatessen

American Artists

Dominique Martinez (web comics)
Jim "Gozer" Yee (web comics)

American Performer

Stephanie Yanez (AX Idol 2004 winner)

American VA/Directors/Scriptwriters

Laura Bailey
Troy Baker
Johnny Yong Bosch
Colleen Clinkenbeard
Quiton Flynn
Sandy Fox
Jerry Jewell
Jonathan Klein
Lex Lang
Rich McNanna
Mike McFarland
Mary Elizabeth McGlynn
Jeff Nimoy
Jennifer Sekiguchi
Michael Sinterniklaas - Awaiting Final Confirmation
Sonny Strait

For more visit www.animevegas.com/guests.html (http://www.animevegas.com/guests.html)

R

[Rukia Kuchiki]

*small bump*

Just a reminder. We are a week (A week!!!) away from the convention. Remember we also have Hideyuki Kurata and Kouta Hirano coming out.

Our events/panels list will probably be up Monday sometime. We had some things to change and move around. Everything is so hectic. But I suppose I can say... our big day will be Sunday.