AX 2007, unofficial AOD the Gathering thread

[Scaramanga]

Let's figure out what day will be the best for everyone. And assuming a 7:00pm start time or so (maybe earlier for Monday.)

Anyone having suggestions for places to eat is more than welcome. There are a bunch of places at The Pike (http://www.thepikeatlongbeach.com/), including Outback, PF Changs, CPK and Bubba Gump Shrimp co. (and also Mai Tai Bar for those of you favouring some liquid refreshments.)

[BULLDOG1]

Unless something changes.....based on the current schedule, anytime after 7PM on Fri, Sat or Sun would seem to work for me.

As far as Monday is concerned, it wouldn't seem to be the best time....as it's the last day and/or many people might be getting ready to depart. FWIW, I'm not leaving until the evening of the 3rd.

If there is to be one on Monday, then perhaps it might be better to have it immediately after the Dealer's Room closes.

Regarding the area restaurants.......I've eaten at the Long Beach locations of both Bubba Gump and Outback as well as eaten at other locations of PF Chang's and CPK.

Last year's AX dinner/gathering was at an Outback.....so, perhaps 1 of the other 3 might be preferable.......however, I personally would not be opposed to it.

I will admit that I'm somewhat partial to Bubba Gump (good food, decent drinks).....and have been planning to pay them a return visit during this trip. ;)

Unfortunately, IIRC their Long Beach location might not be best for a relatively large gathering.

PF Chang's might be a decent option.......unless people aren't interested in their cuisine.

Regarding CPK.......I would rather that it not be this one....since I've already eaten at CPKs multiple times this year.....including for Anime Boston's gathering (it was our 'last resort' choice).

A.J.

[Warren]

I'm game for Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. I still have to check the schedule, but I'll make time for a gathering.

As to places to eat, I'm not terribly familiar with the area so I'll leave the decisions to people who manage to get out more than I do.

[youth]

Not too many AX goers do the Day 0 (Thurs) thing eh unlike Otakon because it's four days instead of three? Likewise it would depend on the schedule, but any place with a view would be cool. I want to see an ocean sunset. :sweatdrop:

[BULLDOG1]

Not too many AX goers do the Day 0 (Thurs) thing eh unlike Otakon because it's four days instead of three?

Oh? :sd:

It's been my experience that many people who attend AX show up on Thursday to pick up their badge and/or badge holder.

Then again....it seems like even more wait until Friday.

I'm scheduled to arrive at LAX on Thursday around 11:30 AM....which gives me plenty of time to get to Long Beach and check-in at my hotel before heading over to get on the line.

FWIW, my badge has not yet arrived.......but I'm still a bit hopeful that it just might make it here by Wednesday.

A.J.

[youth]

I meant that as far as organizing gatherings & such. For big cons like AX & Otakon I think the day before is best. Though I realize for a longer con like AX ppl may not be interested in attending all four days or springing for a Thursday stay.

Anyhow I hope this badge mailing system means that at con badge pickup will be a quick affair since I regged after the mailout deadline. Than I'll have to wait in line again to pickup some premier tickets. :sigh:

[BULLDOG1]

I meant that as far as organizing gatherings & such. For big cons like AX & Otakon I think the day before is best. Though I realize for a longer con like AX ppl may not be interested in attending all four days or springing for a Thursday stay.

Ah.....yeah, I see what you mean.

Personally, I think the main reason why Otakon gatherings took place on the day before......is because Otakon is MUCH more likely to have evening programming that's worth attending. ;)

I mean......Otakon is the only con that I know of that ever had an industry panel that ended around 2:30am. :P

Then....there's also the infamous late night VA panels. :D

As for AX.....there's not too much that takes place after 8PM each night......other than some 'main events' such as AMVs.


Anyhow I hope this badge mailing system means that at con badge pickup will be a quick affair since I regged after the mailout deadline.

Last year's mailing system worked great......as the badge got to me well before I left for CA........and pickup of the badge holder went very smoothly (<20 minutes).

This year......they had some problems and ended up mailing out the badges rather late.

Despite preregistering back in February, I still haven't received my badge.

Given that fact, there's a good chance that they will have to reprint a large number of badges at the con.......which will likely slow down things to a crawl. :(

Regardless......I can't see it becoming as bad as it was back in 2005....when it took nearly 6 hours for preregistration on the day before the start of the con. :(

A.J.

[JackC]

It must be Friday, Saturday I could possibly be in AX idol, I don't know when I'll know if I am or not.

[Scaramanga]

It must be Friday, Saturday I could possibly be in AX idol, I don't know when I'll know if I am or not.
Well it's possible we may do more than one outing, if some folks are amenable. We've certainly done so in the past.

[Kevinroc]

It must be Friday, Saturday I could possibly be in AX idol, I don't know when I'll know if I am or not.
Well it's possible we may do more than one outing, if some folks are amenable. We've certainly done so in the past.

I certainly wouldn't have much of a problem with that, provided we at least get proper notification first. :)

[BULLDOG1]

It must be Friday, Saturday I could possibly be in AX idol, I don't know when I'll know if I am or not.
Well it's possible we may do more than one outing, if some folks are amenable. We've certainly done so in the past.

I certainly wouldn't have much of a problem with that, provided we at least get proper notification first. :)

I'm up with that as well........and notification shouldn't be too much of an issue given the fact that many of us will probably attend similar panels (i.e. Industry). ;)

Also....there's a bunch of new movies coming out around this time (Transformers, Die Hard, etc.)......

A.J.

[LOUiE]

I'm good for anything. I'd prefer Saturday night though don't know how it'll work. I have two others with me that may or may not want to come, though they could go off together somewhere else.

[Fieri]

I'm not too sure of my schedule yet except that I'll definitely not be able to go on Monday as I need to head back so I can work the next day.

[kamillebidan]

I just went over the schedule and it doesn't look like I'll have a whole lot of free time! I'll hardly get to go in the exhibit hall!

Saturday, some time after 7:30 would be best.

[Scaramanga]

OK, where are we going to meet? I'm not as familiar with the LBCC as Anaheim. I notice on the LBCC's website there is a huge broad stairway; does anyone know if that's a viable place to meet? Maybe someone who is picking up their badge today could scout it and report back (I won't be leaving until early tommorrow morning.)

But based on the looks of things it looks like we will be meeting on Saturday, with a possibly smaller meeting on Friday, if that's OK with everyone (as I know there are some people who can make it one day but not the other.)

As far as Monday is concerned, it wouldn't seem to be the best time....as it's the last day and/or many people might be getting ready to depart. FWIW, I'm not leaving until the evening of the 3rd.

If there is to be one on Monday, then perhaps it might be better to have it immediately after the Dealer's Room closes.
I didn't originally indicate it, but I would be available for a certain amount of time on Monday evening (I will be leaving that night, but I don't want to have fight rush-hour traffic back down.)

I will admit that I'm somewhat partial to Bubba Gump (good food, decent drinks).....and have been planning to pay them a return visit during this trip. ;)

Unfortunately, IIRC their Long Beach location might not be best for a relatively large gathering.
Even for our small-ish 12 or so? That's a bummer as I've always wanted to go as well. Maybe we could do this with a smaller group on Friday or on Monday?

PF Chang's might be a decent option.......unless people aren't interested in their cuisine.
I'm down with PF Chang's too, but people should be aware it's not your average Chinese cuisine, and can cost from $10-15 for an average dinner plate (with drinks, appetizers, et al, extra.) Of course it's still cheaper than that place in the Hilton. :D

Regarding CPK.......I would rather that it not be this one....since I've already eaten at CPKs multiple times this year.....including for Anime Boston's gathering (it was our 'last resort' choice).
I'll be blunt: I can't stand CPK. I just mentioned it in case people had a strong preference; I know a lot of people DO like it.

EDIT: Oh and if anyone feel slike they won't be able to make it or whatnot, PM me and I can give you my cell # so I can be reached if there's a change in plans or, you know, whatever. Actually come to think of it, I've probably posted my mobile # right in the thread. :sd:

[Fieri]

OK, where are we going to meet? I'm not as familiar with the LBCC as Anaheim. I notice on the LBCC's website there is a huge broad stairway; does anyone know if that's a viable place to meet? Maybe someone who is picking up their badge today could scout it and report back (I won't be leaving until early tommorrow morning.)

But based on the looks of things it looks like we will be meeting on Saturday, with a possibly smaller meeting on Friday, if that's OK with everyone (as I know there are some people who can make it one day but not the other.)

As far as Monday is concerned, it wouldn't seem to be the best time....as it's the last day and/or many people might be getting ready to depart. FWIW, I'm not leaving until the evening of the 3rd.

If there is to be one on Monday, then perhaps it might be better to have it immediately after the Dealer's Room closes.
I didn't originally indicate it, but I would be available for a certain amount of time on Monday evening (I will be leaving that night, but I don't want to have fight rush-hour traffic back down.)

I will admit that I'm somewhat partial to Bubba Gump (good food, decent drinks).....and have been planning to pay them a return visit during this trip. ;)

Unfortunately, IIRC their Long Beach location might not be best for a relatively large gathering.
Even for our small-ish 12 or so? That's a bummer as I've always wanted to go as well. Maybe we could do this with a smaller group on Friday or on Monday?

PF Chang's might be a decent option.......unless people aren't interested in their cuisine.
I'm down with PF Chang's too, but people should be aware it's not your average Chinese cuisine, and can cost from $10-15 for an average dinner plate (with drinks, appetizers, et al, extra.) Of course it's still cheaper than that place in the Hilton. :D

Regarding CPK.......I would rather that it not be this one....since I've already eaten at CPKs multiple times this year.....including for Anime Boston's gathering (it was our 'last resort' choice).
I'll be blunt: I can't stand CPK. I just mentioned it in case people had a strong preference; I know a lot of people DO like it.

EDIT: Oh and if anyone feel slike they won't be able to make it or whatnot, PM me and I can give you my cell # so I can be reached if there's a change in plans or, you know, whatever. Actually come to think of it, I've probably posted my mobile # right in the thread. :sd:


Heh, if you haven't changed your number, then I might still have it. Although I might hit up a Japanese restaurant that isn't close to the convention center too. Supposedly they have some good okonomiyaki. ;)

[Scaramanga]

Heh, if you haven't changed your number, then I might still have it. Although I might hit up a Japanese restaurant that isn't close to the convention center too. Supposedly they have some good okonomiyaki. ;)
No, it's a new one. Man, I should just post it, as it's so close most likely everbody is there on en route already.

OK, no 2am calls people (at least have the decency to wait until 4:30am, when I wake up): (619) 252-8912

[lockmastah]

I'll be attending AX on only Saturday and Sunday this year, and won't be sticking around Saturday evening due to a previously planned commitment. So Sunday is the only day I could meet up for dinner. Looks like Sat. is the best day for a gathering based on the poll. But hopefully there will be more than one gathering since I would like to meet up for dinner with AOD people. :)

On Sunday, I plan to attend the Funimation, Bandai and Geneon (Producer's) panels. So I'll probably see some of you guys in any of those panels. ;)

[Kevinroc]

I just need to know where we'll be meeting up this year before we decide what restaurants to go to or whatever we'll be doing.

I ended up having this rather twisted thought in my head that some of you folks would think Matthew was dead and being surprised that he is indeed alive. Matthew kept insisting that everyone here would know that it was Larry who died. If any of you guys are twisted enough, you have my permission to act surprised and say you thought he was dead. :>

[JackC]

Didn't get into AX Idol so I'm free, I will be doing the Black Cat Panel at 8:00-9:00 though.

[Scaramanga]

I just need to know where we'll be meeting up this year before we decide what restaurants to go to or whatever we'll be doing.
OK, how about the main entrance area of the CC, right where the escalator going up to the second floor rooms is? IIRC it's right next to the main entrance of the dealer hall (which will be closed by then, hopefully making it easier to find each other.) I might make a sign that says 'AoD' in big letters (but you know how the con is this year on signs.) Just look for a weird guy holding an AOD sign (Kev, you don't mind holding the sign right?) :D

Hope to see a bunch of you there.

EDIT: I will also be at the Geneon, ADV and TRSI panels as well, so you could probably find me there.

[wingednike]

So, how was the gathering? Will there be another one on Sunday or Monday? I'm really bummed out that I haven't seen any of you guys this year.

[Kevinroc]

So, how was the gathering? Will there be another one on Sunday or Monday? I'm really bummed out that I haven't seen any of you guys this year.

The gathering was... very small...

The SOS Brigade Concert was massively delayed. And someone did call Scaramanga but he had trouble hearing who it was (I also listened to the call but had no idea who it was, but I have hearing problems) so we never got back to that guy.

We might want to do another meeting tonight. It can't be any smaller than Saturday's... I guess we'll meet at the same place, or at least try to... Around 7-8 at the escalator that goes up.

[BULLDOG1]

So, how was the gathering? Will there be another one on Sunday or Monday?

Possibly....7PM tonight....same location as previously mentioned.


I'm really bummed out that I haven't seen any of you guys this year.

Still bummed out? ;) :P

You know the old saying......."Be carefull with what you ask for....." :D

A.J.

[wingednike]

LOL...Not so much anymore but I still haven't seen the AX "regulars" and I have to skip, again, out on the potential meeting tonight.

[guyver83]

PICS PICS PICS! :D

[Kevinroc]

PICS PICS PICS! :D

These gatherings were so small, you don't want pics. They would make you sad.

Well, ask Fieri if she'd be willing to post her picture from Saturday night. That would be the only thing worth seeing. :P

[Fieri]

PICS PICS PICS! :D

These gatherings were so small, you don't want pics. They would make you sad.

Well, ask Fieri if she'd be willing to post her picture from Saturday night. That would be the only thing worth seeing. :P


Oh no. Please don't post that. That night was my birthday and I split a bottle of really smooth sake that night.... so my face is all red :blush:

And for the people at the gathering..... Thank you. :)

[lockmastah]

Well there was another small gathering on Sunday night which I was able to make (there were 7 of us). However, I left around 9 PM because of work on Monday. Everyone else was still waiting for food, I ended up ordering something for take-out. It was still nice to meet up with familiar faces. We'll have meet up again next year at LA Convention Center (that will be interesting).

[lockmastah]

These gatherings were so small, you don't want pics. They would make you sad.

Well, ask Fieri if she'd be willing to post her picture from Saturday night. That would be the only thing worth seeing. :P


Oh no. Please don't post that. That night was my birthday and I split a bottle of really smooth sake that night.... so my face is all red :blush:

And for the people at the gathering..... Thank you. :)
I wish I could have been there too, and not just to see you get half-drunk. ;)
Glad you guys had a fun time Saturday night.