[Wingypoo]

I currently attend a very small convention around where i live and i think our tally for people this year was 1300(ish). Definitely nowhere near ACen's size. Our lines go pretty quickly and we do get some pretty good time spent with the VAs. Now i'm well aware that ACen is much MUCH larger than this and i was wondering how bad/long the lines are? Whats been the typical wait time for autographs and such? I'm sure this will depend on the VA etc, but i wondered if you guys had any tips/pointers for what i need to be anticipating. I've read alot of different stuff about how people were cut from autograph lines because of time ._.

[rondo]

Honestly, auto lines can be quite the cluster come convention time at ACen. All I can say is to be well prepared; do your best to know where lines are and be there early, especially for those signatures sure to be high in demand. Careful planning ahead of time may save yourself some heartache.

Also, eat/drink/bathroom break before jumping into a line. Bring people/things to pass the time. Anything to make the experience as good as it can be for you.

Kinda generic but eh.

[AnimeGeek120]

^ Pretty much everything said above.

Also, if they run them they same way they did last and there's someone you really want to see GET IN LINE AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE!

I've only been going the last two years, but I preferred how they did it in 2011, where it 3 voice actors per time/area, instead of this year (2012) where there was only one. (And the one guest who had more than an hour was Vic.)

Also, make sure to check the schedule as must as you can, as times can and do change.

[Wingypoo]

Thanks :3 Just wanted to prep for this as much as i can lol. I know i'll have alot of things i want to do/see.

[Piccolo Sky]

Timing might also be a factor you wish to consider. Since Saturday is the busiest day, if a particular individual is signing on a Friday or Sunday, you have a much better chance of getting them on those days.

[Niroz51]

I'm going to be completely real with you in saying that:
The 30 minute rule? Yeah no one will follow that and the IRT wont enforce it. If anything they'll tell you "that line doesn't count" but then show preference to it anyway. So do what you will with that pearl of wisdom and don't get disappointed like I and so many others who attempted to actually follow the rule did.

Oh and like someone else said, the time for stuff changed frequently without announcement so try and find out were you're event is going to be and check the board posted outside the entrance periodically.

Good luck

This post has been edited by Niroz51: 18 November 2012 - 12:54 PM

[Wingypoo]

Piccolo Sky, on 06 November 2012 - 08:55 AM, said:

Timing might also be a factor you wish to consider. Since Saturday is the busiest day, if a particular individual is signing on a Friday or Sunday, you have a much better chance of getting them on those days.

Yea that's what i'm kinda plannning on. Saturday i plan on doing the masquerade so i'm sure i'll be really busy all day for that. <- read up on that stuff already too.
We'll be staying thursday - sunday and leaving late sunday i'm sure. Thanks though

[Wingypoo]

Niroz51, on 18 November 2012 - 12:51 PM, said:

I'm going to be completely real with you in saying that:
The 30 minute rule? Yeah no one will follow that and the IRT wont enforce it. If anything they'll tell you "that line doesn't count" but then show preference to it anyway. So do what you will with that pearl of wisdom and don't get disappointed like I and so many others who attempted to actually follow the rule did.

Oh and like someone else said, the time for stuff changed frequently without announcement so try and find out were you're event is going to be and check the board posted outside the entrance periodically.

Good luck />

I kinda figured as much..just wanted a general opinion though lol. Thanks I'll definitely keep my eyes/ears open xD I'm really excited.

[Rurounotaku]

Wingypoo, on 19 November 2012 - 01:32 PM, said:

I kinda figured as much..just wanted a general opinion though lol. Thanks />/> I'll definitely keep my eyes/ears open xD I'm really excited.

Last year, ACen used an app called Guidebook, where they have all sort of vital info in it, like autograph times, programming, panels, and maps and much more. It was the first yr that they used it, I think, and it worked really well for me since the schedule is constantly changing. So they update that thru the whole weekend. So I suggest getting a smartphone for the app if you can.

Case in pt, they had a Panty and Stocking funimation autograph time on Sunday that wasn't scheduled at the beginning of the con. I think Funi release the English dub cast list at the con and decided to have an impromptu session.

Hopefully they'll use the app again this year and hope more attendees wise up and get smartphones.

This post has been edited by Rurounotaku: 19 November 2012 - 09:31 PM

[Wingypoo]

Rurounotaku, on 19 November 2012 - 09:29 PM, said:

Last year, ACen used an app called Guidebook, where they have all sort of vital info in it, like autograph times, programming, panels, and maps and much more. It was the first yr that they used it, I think, and it worked really well for me since the schedule is constantly changing. So they update that thru the whole weekend. So I suggest getting a smartphone for the app if you can.

Case in pt, they had a Panty and Stocking funimation autograph time on Sunday that wasn't scheduled at the beginning of the con. I think Funi release the English dub cast list at the con and decided to have an impromptu session.

Hopefully they'll use the app again this year and hope more attendees wise up and get smartphones.

That'd be pretty awesome to have but even though i've upgraded my phone, it's not a smartphone. It's an LG chocolate touch screen. It could do the app/internet stuff if i wanted to but can't really afford to do that right now and i honestly don't need it atm. If it comes down to it, i will. I'll definitely keep an eye/ear out for stuff though and i'll check the board too lol. Not gonna lie though, i really would love to have something like that for the con on my phone. Maybe i'll see if i can get some stuff upgraded for that month or something lol.

[Purplegodess]

We are using the guidebook again this year as an fyi

[Bloo09]

Remember if you don't have internet on your phone the Hyatt has free internet so you can log into it using your phone's wifi connection so you can update your app during the convention.

[magishine]

I thought you had to pay for the internet in the Hyatt? Has that changed?

[Purplegodess]

Hyatt as of last year offers free internet

[rondo]

Purplegodess, on 20 November 2012 - 04:48 PM, said:

Hyatt as of last year offers free internet />/>/>/>

Quote

Guest Services

Full service FedEx / Kinkos Business Center
Hyatt Fast Board™, PDA Check-In
Complimentary shuttle to / from O'Hare
Complimentary Wi-Fi access in all public areas

The lobby area may be your best bet for strongest signal strength. Room, well (couldn't get a signal in our room).

This post has been edited by rondo: 20 November 2012 - 06:25 PM

[Oyuki]

BRING HEADPHONES OMG
I was in front of this broad who was talking nonsense to her equally bored boyfriend on her cellphone - for about 40 minutes straight. I could not stand her voice and slow inflections. I was afraid to say anything because perhaps she was just special. Gaaah. Lesson learned!