[ccaccus]

Sorry if this has been posted before... :sweatdrop:

I just found that Acen will be held April 27-29 next year... which is, to me, really early. Last year, I got home from college the Thursday before Acen and basically unpacked my college stuff, repacked for Acen, and left again the next morning. If it had been any earlier, I couldn't have gone. Luckily I'm a graduate now and wouldn't have to worry about missing Acen while away at school, but many congoers are college-age and would still be away at college that weekend, including several of my friends.

Any particular reason for the early date?

[Washu Takahashi]

I was actually wondering the same thing. Acen is generally held middle/late May...having it late April seems odd.

[Isamu]

It has to do with when the convention center was available I believe.

[Kasin]

i don't mind, just means a shorter wait ...then a longer one T_T

[DJ F00P]

Why would they do that? most of the people I know who go are kids who are back from college, which they can't do if school isn't let out yet...

[The Fujoshi]

I thought the date was weird too.

I don't mind because I work and just say this date but.....I know a lot of people won't be able to make it because of the April date being near finals >.<

It hasn't been in April in a very very long time and for the past few years has been in May.

[Kasin]

i thought alot of finals were during acen week too.

[Kaay-chan]

Kasin, on 26 May 2011 - 04:42 PM, said:

i thought alot of finals were during acen week too.

They are. Some schools don't get out in April, guys. Some don't get out until late May/ early June. Like mine. This year it landed on the weekend right before finals so some people I know didn't go because of projects and stuff, or didn't decide to go until last minute because they weren't sure what was going to be going on that weekend.

[Dark Spellmaster]

From what I remember reading there's a convention that bought the date before MAPS could get it. So they had to settle for the earlier date. I know it will be hard for some people, and that is a shame.

[Rukariou]

It is early next year. I totally forgot. I kind of like it, in the sense that the weather is (usually) a little more predictable. It's normally not snowing anymore and the almost daily rainfalls of Spring hasn't started yet. Anime Detour is in early April and I like that because it's right around the time where layers aren't needed anymore to stay warm.

Yeah, it does suck for those still in school, but people still have that problem with it being in May too. That happens with late Spring cons, it's a fact you just have to deal with.

[The Fujoshi]

The only problem I have with this date is Chicago weather; it doesn't get warm until like late May/early June and this year it has been horrible in terms of raining/cold.

Thank goodness cosplaying Russia next year instead of something skimpy.

[Valkyrie]

Getting the con center and hotel dates at the same time is a tricky process, especially with all the events held during the course of the year(s). Not only do most organizations set dates a year or three ahead of time, but some will reserve dates a good 5+ years ahead. With that kind of scheduling, you more or less have to hope that you get the dates you want/need.

In addition, as unfortunate as it is, no matter how hard we try...you can't please everybody. No matter what dates we get, there will usually be some folks who will be out of state/country, or still in school/about to graduate, or can't get off work. (Then, of course, there were the times when the con landed on or around Mother's Day...oy vey.) That's not to say we don't try our darnedest to get good dates. We want as many people to come as possible. However, it's a competition of sorts between MAPS/ACen and other organizations/businesses/events. (Hall A, for instance, is HUGE - imagine how many other events that might take place at the same time as ACen would want that chunk of territory. The RV convention, for instance.) In the end, we do try to get dates that will work for the venues we need, and the people whom we hope can come. But whether it lands in April or May, not everyone may be pleased.

[MsLovelyCookie]

I can still go in April but my friends all have finals to study for so they might aim to go on Saturday that is if they can if not then I'll be alone for the first time in our Acen history.

[davebb]

I remember they locked in the date last year, I think the reason was, it was already reserved by another Con in may as of last year Acen the 13th (2010). I also think they have the following year also reserved as of last year. I'll let someone with the proper information post that up if so I don't put any erroneous dates up.

[Brightdreamer]

I'm actually glad for the early date next year. If it were mid-late May again I'd miss my graduation. This year it fell the weekend after finals for myself and my friends... previous years have been similar. So yay for me!

Having it early is better than falling right on finals week. Missing one class is better than having to miss part of con because of taking a final, IMHO.

This post has been edited by Brightdreamer: 26 May 2011 - 09:08 PM

[redx1]

No matter what weekend ACen falls on, it will inconvenience someone. ACen had a trend of being on mother's day weekend a few years ago. It was always fun explaining to mom where I was on Mother's day weekend.

[KnitChick]

Like Valkyrie said, it's hard to book these cons. The professional convention I sometimes attend has to book TEN YEARS in advance to ensure getting a large enough venue. It's mind-boggling to think that far in advance but the bigger the event the further out you need to book (mind you, I'm talking about a professional conference that draws an attendance somewhere in the five-to-six digit figures).

As far as being in April with Chicago weather...I think Acen 2012 will be the year of the layered costume! Or who knows, we may end up with 90 degree highs - it is Chicago after all!

[Dark Spellmaster]

Well if the weather holds, we should be getting el nino soon rather then the la nina that we've been having. So I would not be suprised if we have heat suddenly.

[Vinja Ryou]

If it is indeed chilly next year, then it should make it evident as to who's truly from the Midwest and who isn't just by the people who dare to wear their short skirts/shirts and open shirts/lack a shirt, *lol*

[LordCanti]

i would rather it be later then sooner because if next year is anything like it was this year in April there will be snow :<

[LeenStar]

I can still go because I live in the city, and I don't end my Spring semesters until May anyways. The only thing I fear is the cold... April in Chicago is not exactly the friendliest. It's just another reason why they should allow bags next year, so we have somewhere to put our sweaters/jackets!

[Dark Spellmaster]

I can see the merch booths selling lots of hoodies next year, and boots, and gloves, and scarves and hats.

[Kasin]

maybe the proms reserved the dates to spite us LOL

[Chao-Fangirl]

I just checked the academic calendar for the college I attend. If I manage to get Monday-Thursday classes again next spring, then ACen would take place the day after my last day of classes, with the following week being finals week. I guess it's a good thing I will be signing up for spring 2012 classes a month before artist alley registration will be opening, as that will determine whether or not I will be able to attend. It's 10+ hour drive for me. So... XD

[DJFLuFFKiNS]

Others have hit it right on the mark. Certain conventions/conferences have booked the venue further out that we have. Our usual contract length is 2-3 years out.

[Mystline]

Well... It's always going to be an inconvenience to someone. It's not like the ACen staff are miracle workers, they can't set the perfect date every year. I bet the con center is fully booked for May.
Just use your ACen money and go to a different con if you can't make it.

This post has been edited by Mystline: 31 May 2011 - 11:14 AM

[davebb]

Well here is a positive. I can say I attended Acen 2 different years and was 33 both times

[MMAOtaku-ESH]

Is it possible to try and hold ACen further in summer, say even if not May, like early/mid June to try and get more people during summer break. I'm just worried that as a con, attendance won't grow or even shrink due to it being.pushed to April.

[YoungBirdcall]

Acen's date is set for next year. It's not going to change.

[Kokoro]

I don't know if we really need attendance to grow that much. Not until Acen gets more organized, anyway.