Official Review
"Otakon is Otakon". For lack of a better description, that appears to be how to describe it, as the convention doesn't seem to have changed much in the past few years we have attended. In some areas, that's great - the convention has a massive dealers room, a giant artists alley, and multiple really cool concerts. In addition, the guest list has always been decent, representative of most of the anime industry. This year's convention even managed to solve it's registration lines issue (mostly), and anyone who showed up Friday morning got in almost instantly. But despite this major improvement, not much else at the convention seems to have changed, and some places may have even stagnated. There is a line to get into literally everything, and most things fill up pretty quickly. This year marked the return of an incredible arcade gaming setup, but we also noticed the gaming room closed ridiculously early, at 2pm, for a convention that has always tried to have a major concert on Sunday. By 4pm, the convention center staff was kicking everyone out of the BCC, not giving people much time to linger and continue making new friends - instead hurrying them off home. All of this would be fine if badge prices haven't increased yearly, this year to a Ben Franklin ($100) at the door. Overall the convention is awesome (the first few times), and hopefully their move to DC in 2 years will solve the other problems.
About Otakon 2015
Otakon, the second largest anime convention in the United States, is happening on July 24-26, 2015, and will happen in Baltimore, MD. Otakon focuses on East Asian popular culture (mostly Japanese and anime) and its fans. The name of Otakon is essentially Otaku+Convention. Otakon is one of the longest running anime conventions there is. Every year the convention gets around 30,000+ attendees who attend concerts, autograph sessions, and browse the convention's huge exhibit hall.
Otakon 2015 Pictures
Otakon 2015
Otakon 2014
Otakon 2013
Otakon 2012
Otakon 2011
Otakon 2010
Otakon 2009
Otakon is categorized as a huge anime convention. Huge anime cons tend to also have huge lines, massive events, big named guests of honor, and endless events scheduled throughout the convention. Any anime con with over 15,000 attendees will typically have some of the most famous and best guests, big concerts, dances, and more.
Attending can be a real pain, as parking is expensive in larger cities, hotel rooms may be more expensive, and events may have lines that form early in the morning. Attendees should plan for a lot more walking and for paying a little more for food, special events, and hotel rooms.
Tips for attending Otakon
As one of the largest conventions, attending Otakon may take a few more steps than usual. First, registration information needs to be checked as sometimes tickets may sell out long before the convention starts. Hotel rooms need to be booked early because the cheapest hotels may sell out very quickly, sometimes in the same hour that they become available. Attendees may be encouraged to bring extras of any supplies they may need throughout the weekend, including water, snack foods, costume repair supplies, toothpaste, and medicines, because these items may be hard to find or sellout quickly nearby. Bringing drinks and snacks can help avoid pricier options. Comfortable shoes and several outfit and shoe options are recommended, especially if lines start to get long enough to wrap around the outside of the convention building.
