Katsucon 2006 - FEBRUARY 17 - 19 - Washington DC

[dragonclaw]

I know this is early, but I just need a little advice. After I get a few answers go ahead and lock this.

I'm going to reg me and my niece for this con, and I was just wondering if anyone from here had been, and if it is worth my time. I can't take her to Otakon with me, and our local con is real small. I want her to actually be able to go to a larger con that isn't to far away from us. Is this a good one to take her to.
Thanks for any response. [img]/images/graemlins/sdsmiley.gif[/img]

[iserlohn]

Katsu's been going downhill for quite a while. IMHO, last year wasn't worth the cost of admission, but YMMV.

[Gatts]

The new hotel that they moved the con to is in a difficult area to reach. I enjoyed the cons in the Hyatt Crystal City, but last years con being split up between two hotels was difficult at best.

For one thing the main hotel was certainly not the type for hosting conventions (too "upscale") so there were a lot of hotel staff and guests looking down on people attending the convention (probably one of the reasons why they did not go back there this year). The secondary hotel was still under construction/renovation and this made for a logistical nightmare as there wasn't much room for people to move around within the second hotel. It was over crowded and drafty (during some very cold days no less).

I'm not normally a person to hold hotel problems against a con, but this year is not looking to be any better. I've been to the Omni in downtown DC for a couple of work related functions and this one appears to have the exact same "we are better than you" attitude that was going on with the Marriott staff at Katsu 11. But I guess I shouldn't pre-judge too much.

But enough of that. As for the if the con will be fun or good to go to, let me just say that any con is what you make of it. You can have fun at a con with only 100 people and nothing in the way of programming and you can be bored at a con with 100k people and 20 video rooms.

I'd say try it out at least once. It's the people you meet and the things you do that will make it fun for you. If the hotel staff gets uppity with you ignore them. If people talk to you speak with them. If they stink tell them to take a shower. [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] That way you will find your own fun no matter what.

[ QUOTE ]
iserlohn said:
Katsu's been going downhill for quite a while. IMHO, last year wasn't worth the cost of admission, but YMMV.

[/ QUOTE ]

It was worth the cost of admission if only because I got to see the Pandora's Cube "copyright infringement is bad" panel. [img]/images/graemlins/sdsmiley.gif[/img]

[jecca-neko]

Katsu is even closer to me this time and I WAS planning on going to a smaller con in lieu of Otakon in 2006 but $40 min pre-reg rate plus $145/night for a room? I mean, I know it's DC but come on. I'd rather deal with Otakon crowds. At least the BCC is 10 minutes from my house so I don't need to pay nearly that much. This year I didn't stay in a hotel and I rode the public bus. I might change my mind and go for a day if they have 1-day registrations, but as of right now I'll find another small anime con. Maybe Nekocon 2006? 2005 is too soon for me - I'm already doing 3 trips that'll cost me a good bit between this weekend and the end of October.

[iserlohn]

Have you considered Anime USA? The reg rate is $35 (though if you go for one of the upgraded regs you get bonuses like a free shirt and guaranteed reserved seating at major events like the concert), and the hotel is $181 for 2 nights (4 adults). It's a fun event and you'll be spared the hellish drive to VA Beach.

[LadyFae]

lets keep discussion in this thread focussed on Katsucon itself, rather than options to please [img]/images/graemlins/catgirl0.gif[/img]

there's a wonderful AUSA thread for AUSA discussion [img]/images/graemlins/happy.gif[/img]


*sprinkles*

The Lady Fae

[tstidm1]

Who is going to Katsucon in February? I have registered and am planning to go. It will be interesting to see whether they put on a better con in 2006. They have Richard Cox as the best know guests. They haven't announced any musical or Japanese guests, yet.

[Shinigamimitsuki]

I know this is intially an advice thread on the con, but I wanted to know if anyone is planning an AOD meetup.

Or you might spot me at the con as Tsunade.

[hobie]

I'll be there working in the dealer's room. Dunno if I'll see anyone I know or not. Look for the guy who looks like he drove for 27 hours right before the con, and that will be me. [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

[aquastar831]

Schedule is up online guys. I'm going to go pick up my badge on Thursday night since I have stuff to do around DC anyways.

From the looks of it, I guess Funimation is the only one having an industry panel which is on Saturday afternoon at 2 pm.

I was thinking if we do a get together, we set it for Friday at 8 pm after the Funimation Premiere panel. Anyone else have ideas for possible times?