UlasanAnime.com – The newly announced Otakon Vegas convention, set for January 2014 as an offshoot of the main Otakon in Baltimore, is still too early to definitively assess. However, the concept itself appears sound, with the convention’s FAQ addressing common concerns directly. Otakon’s distinct focus on the “anime” aspect of anime conventions, cultivated over years of attendance, sets it apart. This focus translates into a planned experience with a clear purpose, though it also introduces unique constraints, such as the difficulties encountered with live streaming the event, as discussed on the ANNCast. The membership structure, where attendees are considered members of Otacorp attending an annual meeting, also contributes to Otakon’s unique identity. Otakon Vegas, in this context, can be viewed as a smaller, independent anime convention run by the experienced “Otakon bros,” serving as a testing ground for their extensive con-running expertise.
The Maid Cafe serves as an excellent illustration of what to expect from Otakon Vegas. For years, Otakon attendees and staff desired a Maid Cafe, a feature present at other conventions like Anime USA. However, logistical hurdles, primarily related to serving food and triggering labor contracts with the convention center, prevented its implementation. The opening of the Hilton as part of the BCC complex removed this barrier, allowing Otakon to host its first Maid Cafe. Yet, managing a Maid Cafe at a 30,000-attendee convention presents significant logistical challenges, as evidenced by the overwhelming demand that left many unable to attend. This “too successful” outcome highlights that such activities do not easily scale with large conventions. To execute a Maid Cafe effectively, it requires not only the right expertise and freedom from contract constraints but also careful scaling to the convention’s size. This is precisely where a new convention like Otakon Vegas can excel, potentially offering other programs that Otakon might not currently provide.
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Another significant challenge, as highlighted on the ANNCast, is logistics, particularly concerning the convention’s timing rather than its size. Otakon has grappled with the idea of a four-day convention for some time. Planning a convention schedule is a complex undertaking, and Otakon’s schedule is notably more compressed than, for example, Anime Expo’s. Anime Expo’s extra day allows for better distribution of programming across its larger capacity rooms and a more spread-out physical venue, despite a significantly larger headcount. Otakon, conversely, consistently features strong panels but in a more condensed timeframe. This often leads to a perception of rooms being too small for the programs offered, as the larger rooms can only host a limited number of panels per day. The reduced time exacerbates logistical issues with programming, making it harder to juggle more dynamic content. By starting from scratch, Otakon Vegas has the opportunity to implement more programming with fewer of the logistical constraints associated with a 30,000-attendee convention, addressing issues beyond just supply and demand.
Furthermore, Otakon Vegas presents another avenue for Otakon to leverage its Japanese industry contacts, build its brand, and facilitate the overseas appearance of more Japanese guests, similar to the Music Fest initiative. Given Otakon’s established reputation, these aspects are expected. Financially, Otakon Vegas is unlikely to be a major factor for Otakon and its existing affiliated events. As a spin-off convention, it could potentially operate at a lower cost than a similarly sized independent convention due to economies of scale and other advantages. The way Las Vegas is being presented to Otacorp in podcasts also hints at potentially revealing insights into the convention’s strategic direction.
By examining a convention’s priorities—contracting venues, managing staff, allocating resources for crowd control, securing overseas guests, and balancing these with membership fees—one can gauge its focus. For a membership-driven convention like Otakon, where the money goes, the attention follows. The true nature and impact of Otakon Vegas will become clearer as the convention begins to announce its detailed plans, guests, and events.
PS. Otakon has historically faced marketing challenges. The development of Otakon Vegas appears to be a deliberate effort to address and improve this aspect, at least to some extent.
