I didn't go because of financial reasons but even if it weren't for money reasons, I'm not sure I would have gone. Reading about the news and panels was cool. I've never gone to a Botcon or TF convention before it seems to me that this convention had great panels. But after seeing the botcon picture thread, I think the most fun was hanging out with other Transfans. So my question is, for those folks who went, especially the ones that spent the dough for the complete package-- was it worth it? This was a pricey convention. I'm wondering if I should save up for next year or just be content reading about the news from home.
Meeting up with people ALWAYS makes it worth the trip, for me. But that aside, the Hasbro Panels, speaking to the Dobsons, and the voicing contest all made it worth it, to me.
I've been to every Botcon/OTFCC/Transcon since 1997. It wasn't the best - it wasn't the worst. There were a lot of things different - But that's not necessarily good or bad, just different. On the plus: It did run smoothly and the exclusives available were far more numerous than in any previous convention. On the down side: The location was so-so and the whole hurricane issue was a complication no one would have predicted... All things considered, I'm certainly happy I went.
Oh, I'd definitely say it was worth it. The panels were good. They had a wider assortment of panels, and that was a big plus on the part of the organizers. Besides the usual fare of comics, art, and voice acting, they had a Hasbro/Takara presentation (sort of a behind-the-scenes look at how they work together), a presentation on rare figures, among others. Of course, the people made it worthwhile. I really can't put my finger on it, but this seemed to be a "more sociable" convention. That really made it more enjoyable. Overall, definitely worth the money. Worth the 13+ hour drive from Indianapolis...??? You bet.
It was completely worth it. The hotel was awesome. The room was a suite with a small kitchen. The complimentary free breakfast (w/ an omlet bar) and free alcohol during happy hour. The execution was seemless. Everything happened on time and the the exclusives were really nice. Plus they had multiple sessions for autographs as well as the panels. Like Vangelus said, the voice acting contest (w/ Wally Burr) and meeting all sorts of new people was worth it!
The Good: Organization was OUTSTANDING, variety of panels, some cool exclusive toys. And casino night was really fun. The hotel was fantastic. Free made-to-order breakfast, and free drinks at happy hour. Lots of great fans. The convention organizers and staff were very courteous, very responsible people. The Bad: The dealer Room. Much smaller than previous years. Very very disappointing. Awards Dinner--everybody gets beef. Also, I found the script reading to be a bit lame. And it was very hard to understand with the sound system. Lastly, having to pay $30-35 EACH WAY just to travel between airport and hotel. The Ugly: Public prayer before the Awards Meal. Not the worst BotCon ever, but not the best.
One thing to keep in mind: The attendance was also much smaller than in previous years. If there had been as many dealers as there were during the biggest years, we would have had even bigger problems because dealers who lose a lot of money are not going to come back next year. As it was, a lot of dealers did very poorly and we may have lost them... The hurricane threat aside, if MC can select a better location and get the show back into the summer months where it belongs (something Brian has already admitted he is NOT planning on) we may get back to the bigger shows - Otherwise, these smaller shows may be what to expect from now on.
One of my top 3 greatest experiences ever at a convention of any sort. The exclusives were great, not the best IMHO, but great nontheless. Ratchet and Ironhide should go down in history as how good exclusives need to be done. The dealer room was less than awe inspiring and no one had 2 of the 3 items I went to BotCon in search of, but I still found some good deals and ended up spending way too much on some very cool toys. I couldn't be happier. The food served at the dinner was great even though there was no choice. I know a few people were very dissapointed by not having a choice, but personally I thought the food was so good that I really didn't mind at the end of the day. Loved the cheesecake, yum. I loved the location. Once my anxieties about Rita lessened, I realized just how nice Frisco was. The people I talked to from the area were so friendly and polite, I loved it. I wish the people in Jacksonville were as nice. The Hotel was just fantastic too. I loved the layout, it was fancy without being pompous. The free breakfasts and happy hours were top tier. I'd be happy if they held it there again next year to be honest. Casino night was a blast and should have happened every night. To everyone at the craps table: thanks for explaining the game to me countless times, but I still can't remember the rules. Did I mention there was alcohol? That stuff doesn't really aid in knowledge retention. Meeting Michael Chain was just too cool. When he told me who his inspirations were for the voices of Powerglide and Red Alert I wanted to crack up. I hope he makes it out to even more Botcons. I enjoyed the panels that I caught. I wish more people had dressed up in costume. But the greatest aspect of the con for me was finally getting to meet you guys from the boards, and even those not from the boards. I've been to more conventions than I care to admit, 2 of which (including 2005) were Botcons. I have never met as many cool people or had as much fun hanging out and just shooting the breeze with my fellow man as I have at this con. Draven, MotorMaster, Vangelus, Alphie, Thomas, and everyone else who I had the pleasure of meeting, you all rock hard and make me proud to be a TransFan. I promise to be a lurker no more. Was it worth it? Hell yes!
Wildridimus Prime - and it was a pleasure to hang with you as well! Im not a gambler so the casino night was just meh, but a lot of people had a good time and cleaned up on the boards (esp given the bids!). and IIRC Powerglide - Ralph Cramden, Hoist - uptight and british (don't remember if he was modeled after anyone) RedAlert - Richard Nixon
Hahahaha, I knew someone was gonna complain about that. My dad was skeptical, but do I know my Transfans or do I know my Transfans? (Remember folks, whenever there's a public prayer you're forced to join in or everyone will look down on you. FORCED, I tell you!) Anyways, YES. Totally worth it. BEST BOTCON EVER. (Of course, the fact that Paul Dobson just came over and handed us 68,000 gaming credits during the auction from gambling he had done all night, and right after we had talked to Brian Dobson for about an hour [Awesome guy!], and my group managed to snap an essentially free Blue Binaltech Prowl AND MIB TM Rhinox with the credits, may have colored my perception of it a little. Just a little.)
Why thank you. You are correct sir. I didn't recognize the British actor's name, but when I asked if "he was essentially Little Lord Fauntleroy type of guy?" Chain said yup.
Hey, who won that (The voice acting contest)? I remember doing that for Botcon 2004, and it was a lot of fun.
As my first convention it was pretty good. There was some rough points, like the auction after the casino night. Let's just say that I am not going to attend that next year. And the art contest. But I'm still going to enter in next year. The major plus side for me was that I got my name out there to several people with my products (check sig). I was completely blown away at the response I had. And the best part was meeting people and making friends. The whole reason why I want to come next year is to hang out with the people that I met this year. All in all, though I had my major ups and downs I would attend next year.
2005 was my first BotCon, and it was well worth the trip. I got the meet a lot of great people and had a blast. Thanks to Draven and Double T.
