Tsubasacon

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Tsubasacon
Tsubasacon 2009 Logo.
Tsubasacon 2009 Logo
Status Active
Venue Big Sandy Superstore Arena
Riverfront Ballroom & Conference Center
Location Huntington, West Virginia
Country United States
First held 2004
Organizer Tsubasacon, Inc.
Attendance 1023 Paid in 2011
Official website http://www.tsubasacon.org/

Tsubasacon is a three day anime convention held on a weekend during the fall. Tsubasacon is also the first anime convention to be held in West Virginia. The convention's name is a blend of the words tsubasa (Japanese for wings) and convention.[1]

Contents

[edit] Programming

Like most anime conventions, Tsubasacon provides a wide variety of programming for its patrons:

  • Viewing rooms dedicated to non-stop anime and live action films. Three meeting rooms are traditionally dedicated to anime viewing from the time the convention begins until shortly before closing ceremonies (an estimated 110 hours of films during the entire weekend).
  • Workshops and "panels" including study abroad adverts, cosplay creation, martial arts demonstrations, specific anime / genre panels, and industry Q&A sessions. The majority of panels are presented by fans, while some are the product of industry professionals.
  • Vending area where dealers sell anime-related apparel and merchandise during the convention.
  • Artists' Alley, an area dedicated to artists interested in displaying or selling their fan art.
  • Game shows and "live programming" which run throughout the day allow attendees to test their knowledge of anime, as well as give the winners the opportunity to win prizes.
  • Video gaming room with a variety of consoles and games as an alternate form of entertainment. Along with "free play", tournaments are periodically held with popular multiplayer games such as Super Smash Bros., Halo, and Guitar Hero. A StepMania is also maintained.
  • A Dinner Mystery event, in which participants are served a meal at a local restaurant and given tasks to accomplish in order to solve or prevent a convention-related crisis.
  • Musical performances throughout the weekend.
  • Midnight rave on Saturday night.
  • Cosplay contest, allowing cosplay creators from every skill level to compete for awards ranging from best construction to best skit. The cosplay "masquerade" and skits are typically the most popular event during the convention.
  • Special guests, typically industry-related, who participate in panels, main events, and autograph signings.

Tsubasacon allows patrons to "preregister" for the convention online prior to the start dates. Although attendees are still able to purchase their badges (the equivalent of a daily admission ticket) at the door, a preregistration is less costly than the door prices and preregistration badges typically showplace alternate, "premium" art.


[edit] History

Santana Maria as Haruko at Tsubasacon 2011.

Tsubasacon started as the brainchild of Charleston, West Virginia resident Jeffrey Mace who was originally interested in beginning a state-wide anime club. The decision to abandon a state anime club in favor of an actual anime convention was made after considering that the logistics and participation of periodic club meetings would be less successful as opposed to one large annual gathering.[1] The Charleston Anime and Manga Society, Inc. was established soon afterward in order to take care of the business aspects of the convention. On February 16, 2004, The Charleston Anime and Manga Society, Inc. made the announcement that Tsubasacon, West Virginia's first ever anime convention, would be taking place later that year in Charleston.[2]

During the 2005 convention the following year, the attendance dropped from 407 to 227. The drop was attributed to many factors by both staff and convention attendees alike. The most cited reason was that Tsubasacon was held on Thanksgiving weekend, which conflicted with the schedules of many prospective attendees. Other reasons included the admitted lack of promotion by the convention's organizers and a breakdown in the convention's website, preventing the organizers from providing timely information to the public.[3]

After the 2005 convention, control of Tsubasacon was transferred from the Charleston Anime and Manga Society, Inc. to Tsubasacon, Inc. Because of conflicts with the Charleston Civic Center that resulted from the 2005 convention, Tsubasacon was moved to the Riverfront Ballroom and Conference Center at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington, West Virginia. The convention was also moved ahead to October 13–15.[2]

2007 saw the first charity drive by the convention, as attendees were encouraged to bring nonperishable food for the Huntington Area Food Bank. Over 170 food items were donated and $51 was raised by the charity event.[4] In the following year, Tsubasacon began offering cash prices for its cosplay contests.[5]

[edit] Event history

Dates Location Atten. Guests
November 19–21, 2004 Charleston Civic Center
Charleston, West Virginia		 407[6] Tiffany Grant, Matt Greenfield, Mariela Ortiz, Gerry Poulos, and David Williams[6][7]
November 25–27, 2005 Charleston Civic Center
Charleston, West Virginia		 227[n 1][8] Patrick Delahanty and Lisa Furukawa Ray[8]
October 13–15, 2006 Big Sandy Superstore Arena
Riverfront Ballroom & Conference Center
Huntington, West Virginia		 564[n 2][9] Lisa Furukawa, Mike McFarland, Random Battle Group, and Patrick Seitz[9]
October 5–7, 2007 Big Sandy Superstore Arena
Riverfront Ballroom & Conference Center
Huntington, West Virginia		 618[10] Caitlin Glass, Jen Lee Quick, Random Battle Group, Patrick Seitz, and The Spoony Bards[10][11]
September 26–28, 2008 Big Sandy Superstore Arena
Riverfront Ballroom & Conference Center
Huntington, West Virginia		 723 or 750[n 3][12] Astroboys, Robert Axelrod, Jen Lee Quick and Ultraball.[12][13][14]
October 9–11, 2009 Big Sandy Superstore Arena
Riverfront Ballroom & Conference Center
Huntington, West Virginia		 est. 900[n 4][15] Gina Biggs, Leah Clark, Darrel Guilbeau, Lisa Furukawa, and Jen Lee Quick[15]
October 1–3, 2010 Big Sandy Superstore Arena
Riverfront Ballroom & Conference Center
Huntington, West Virginia		 1104[n 5] 501st Legion, Gina Biggs, Jakie Cabe, Leah Clark, Extraordinary Contraptions, Chuck Huber, Jamie Marchi, Jen Lee Quick, Spike Spencer, and Greg Wicker.[16]
October 7-9, 2011 Big Sandy Superstore Arena
Riverfront Ballroom & Conference Center
Huntington, West Virginia		 1023 501st Legion, Robert Axelrod, Gina Biggs, Chris Cason, Leah Clark, Robert McCollum

[edit] Tsubasacon, Inc.

Tsubasacon is currently run by the West Virginia-based organization Tsubasacon, Inc.

Several months after the 2005 convention, The Charleston Anime and Manga Society, Inc. disbanded and control of the "Tsubasacon" name and convention was relinquished to Michael Thompson of Cool Ridge, West Virginia. Tsubasacon, Inc. was created shortly thereafter by Thompson in order to handle the business-end of the convention planning.[2]

Tsubasacon, Inc. currently staffs over thirty non-paid volunteers who help with the various responsibilities of the convention, both during its planning stages and at the actual convention. Additional volunteers are also utilized during the convention to assist the staff with general upkeep, security, and other minor tasks.

[edit] Mascot

Although a contest was held in 2004, Tsubasacon never adopted an official mascot until 2006. For the 2005 convention, images of three angel-like characters, collectively known as the Angel-chans, by Raven's Dojo were used to illustrate the Tsubasacon Website. The angels — named Fun Angel, Sexy Angel and Cute Angel — were also used to illustrate the cover of the program guide during Tsubasacon 2005.[17]

After the convention, a movement on the Tsubasacon Forums was created to officially adopt the Angel-chans as the convention's mascots. However, during the 2006 convention's planning stages, the Tsubasacon, Inc. Board of Directors (as well as popular vote on the Tsubasacon forums) decided to adopt a new mascot design.[18] The unnamed 2006 mascot was designed by Tiffany White[19] and was used on flyers, badges, programs, and t-shirts.

A new character design, created by Richelle Thompson, was utilized on badges and programs for the 2008 convention. During the closing ceremonies, the winners of Tsubasacon's mascot naming and background story contest were announced, dubbing the character Mitsuki.[20]

[edit] See also

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ Paid attendees.
  2. ^ Paid attendees.
  3. ^ 723 paid attendees, 750 total.
  4. ^ Paid attendees.
  5. ^ Paid attendees.

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b Watts, Jenna (October 2004). "Coming soon: State's first anime convention". FlipSide. The Charleston Gazette. http://www.wvflipside.com/oct2004/animep1.htm. 
  2. ^ a b c "Tsubasacon - History". Tsubasacon.org. http://www.tsubasacon.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7&Itemid=23. Retrieved 2007-03-09. 
  3. ^ "Tsubasacon begins today". AnimeCons.com. 2005-10-25. http://www.animecons.com/news/article.shtml/208. Retrieved 2006-12-27. 
  4. ^ "Local Food Pantry Thanks Tsubasacon for Contributions" (Press release). Tsubasacon, Inc.. November 21, 2007. http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2007-11-21/local-food-pantry-thanks-tsubasacon-for-contributions. Retrieved 2007-12-05. 
  5. ^ "Tsubasacon to Host Maid Café" (Press release). Tsubasacon, Inc.. 2008-05-22. http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2008-05-21/tsubasacon-to-host-maid-cafe. Retrieved 2008-06-18. 
  6. ^ a b "Tsubasacon 2004 Information". AnimeCons.com. http://www.animecons.com/events/info.shtml/238. Retrieved 2006-08-13. 
  7. ^ Poulos, Gerry (February 2005). "Con Report: Tsubasacon". Newtype USA 4 (2): 111. 
  8. ^ a b "Tsubasacon 2005 Information". AnimeCons.com. http://www.animecons.com/events/info.shtml/882. Retrieved 2006-08-13. 
  9. ^ a b "Tsubasacon 2006 Information". AnimeCons.com. http://www.animecons.com/events/info.shtml/998. Retrieved 2006-08-16. 
  10. ^ a b Lillard, Kevin (December 2007). "Con Report: Tsubasacon". Newtype USA 6 (12): 151. 
  11. ^ "Tsubasacon 2007 Information". AnimeCons.com. http://www.animecons.com/events/info.shtml/1196. Retrieved 2007-02-28. 
  12. ^ a b "Tsubasacon 2008 Information". AnimeCons.com. http://www.animecons.com/events/info.shtml/1465. Retrieved 2008-09-27. 
  13. ^ Sebert, Paul (2008-09-24). "Anime fans get animated at Tsubasacon convention". The Herald-Dispatch. http://www.herald-dispatch.com/life/x954839830/Anime-fans-get-animated-at-Tsubasacon-convention. Retrieved 2008-09-29. 
  14. ^ Rosenberger, Bill (2008-09-28). "Tsubasacon draws anime enthusiasts". The Herald-Dispatch. http://www.herald-dispatch.com/news/x2081123265/Tsubasacon-draws-anime-enthusiasts. Retrieved 2008-09-29. 
  15. ^ a b "Tsubasacon 2009 Information". AnimeCons.com. http://www.animecons.com/events/info.shtml/1707. Retrieved 2009-05-09. 
  16. ^ "Tsubasacon 2010 Information". AnimeCons.com. http://www.animecons.com/events/info.shtml/2083. Retrieved 2010-07-28. 
  17. ^ "Tsubasacon program guide cover". AnimeCons.com. http://www.animecons.com/events/info.shtml/882. Retrieved 2007-01-03. 
  18. ^ "Adopt the Angel-chans or no?". Tsubasacon Forums. 2005-12-01. http://www.tsubasacon.org/index.php?option=com_smf&Itemid=9&topic=1068.0. Retrieved 2007-01-03. 
  19. ^ "Tsubasacon 2006 Attendance! (reply identifying mascot artist)". Tsubasacon Forums. 2006-10-20. http://tsubasacon.org/index.php?option=com_smf&Itemid=9&topic=1528.msg19134#msg19134. Retrieved 2007-01-03. 
  20. ^ "Tsubasacon Reports Record Attendance". Tsubasacon. 2008-09-30. http://www.tsubasacon.org/press-releases/tsubasacon-reports-record-attendance. Retrieved 2008-02-10. 

[edit] Other references

  • Sebert, Paul (August 28, 2007). "Anime convention returns to Huntington in October". The Herald-Dispatch. 

[edit] External links

List of anime conventions in North America
Canada
Ai-Kon (Manitoba) • Animaritime (New Brunswick) • Anime North (Ontario) • Animethon (Alberta) • Dotcon (Ontario) • G-Anime (Quebec) • Naru2u (Ontario) • Otafest (Alberta) • Otakuthon (Quebec) • Tsukino-Con (Victoria)
United States (Northeast)
Anime Boston (Massachusetts) • PortConMaine (Maine) • AnimeNEXT (New Jersey) • KotoriCon (New Jersey) • New York Anime Festival (New York) • Tekkoshocon (Pennsylvania) • Zenkaikon (Pennsylvania)
United States (Midwest)
Anime Central (Illinois) • Anime Crossroads (Indiana) • Anime Detour (Minnesota) • Anime Festival Wichita (Kansas) • A&G Ohio (Ohio) • AnimeIowa (Iowa) • Anime Milwaukee (Wisconsin) • Anime NebrasKon (Nebraska) • Anime Punch! (Ohio) • ColossalCon (Ohio) • Godaikocon (Michigan)  • Ikasucon (Indiana) • Naka-Kon (Kansas) • No Brand Con (Wisconsin) • Ohayocon (Ohio) • QC Anime-zing! (Iowa) • Sogen Con (South Dakota) • Youmacon (Michigan) • SoDak Con (South Dakota)
United States (Southern)
Animazement (North Carolina) • Anime Express (Florida) • AnimeFest (Texas) • Anime Festival Orlando (Florida) • Anime Mid-Atlantic (Virginia) • Anime South (Florida) • Anime USA (Virginia) • Anime Weekend Atlanta (Georgia) • Aniwave (North Carolina) • Daigacon (Kentucky) • Ichibancon (North Carolina) • Ikkicon (Texas) • Katsucon (D.C.) • Kami-Con (Alabama) • MechaCon (Louisiana) • Metrocon (Florida) • Middle Tennessee Anime Convention (Tennessee) • Nekocon (Virginia) • OMGcon (Kentucky) • Oni-Con (Texas) • Otakon (Maryland) • PersaCon (Alabama) • Project A-Kon (Texas) • RealmsCon (Texas) • San Japan (Texas) • SugoiCon (Kentucky) • Tsubasacon (West Virginia) • Ushicon (Texas)
United States (Western)
Anime Banzai (Utah) • Anime Expo (California) • Anime St. George (Utah) • Anime Vegas (Nevada) • Con-Nichiwa (Arizona) • FanimeCon (California) • Kawaii Kon (Hawaii) • Kumoricon (Oregon/SW Washington) • Nan Desu Kan (Colorado) • Saboten Con (Arizona) • Sac-Anime (California) • Sakura-Con (Washington) • Senshi-Con (Alaska) • Yaoi-Con (California)
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