AWA

Anime Weekend Atlanta. (as promised!)

It's a pretty self-explanatory convention of, maybe, medium size.  As is implied, it focuses mainly on Japanese animation, with many panels and events centered around the viewing and trivia thereof.  It's a place where geeks are encouraged to dress up as their favorite characters, and introverts are coaxed out of their shells.  Gamers of all sorts are welcomed warmly, whether they favor computer, video, or table-top.  Artists and crafters are encouraged to show their work, and often end up at the Artist Alley to buy and sell each other's creations!  Being an artist, myself, I would love to end up in there, some day (and actually make sales...that helps).

Most years I would wander around and not really go anywhere except the Dealer's Room (it's like a mall full of geeky awesome!) and the Con Suite (a place to relax and recharge and get free snacks).  It was enough for me, but this year I decided to pack my schedule full of panels instead!  I went to ones that gave advice on how to better sell one's art, ones that talked about some of my favorite anime, casting and molding tutorials (I think it was resin), and a horror panel--that one was the most fun!  Most people should say "Omg, that's great, good for you!  You should do this every year! :D"...and I say "HELL NO!!!"

I admit that the panels were informative, and I don't regret going to them for that reason, but they ruined my con!!!  I'm an INTROVERT, and going to packed rooms to sit and focus for hours is OVER STIMULATION.  I felt awful after con, and felt like I had wasted it.  If only AWA was longer...maybe with a few days that had NO panels I was interested in! :P  I feel like I'm suffering now for my later benefit, I just wish I didn't have to suffer during my favorite part of the year.  ~le sigh~