FANIME FAQ

Fanime ho~!!!

Those new to Anime Club may not be aware of our annual convention trip, so allow me to inform: For the past three years, UNM Anime Club has orchestrated a trip for its members to a nearby (hah!) Anime convention. For the past three years, we’ve gone to Project A-Kon in Dallas, TX.

Well… this year, we’re breaking tradition and heading west; West towards FANIME Con. For those Con veterans worried about trip logistics, relax. The trip is comparable in length, and similar in cost. And for those Con newbies confused and intrigued at the prospect of an anime convention… get ready to have your questions answered!

What is an Anime Convention?
Put simply, an anime convention is a big gathering of anime fans and industry types.To elaborate, it’s a weekend-long extravaganza that plays host to lots of fun events, such as anime screenings, cosplay, game tournaments, and lots and lots of panels.

Panels?
Panels are events headed up by fans, celebrities, and industry reps. They can be exciting, informative, and fun! Panels cover a broad range of topics (but most are anime- and geek-related), and give you opportunities to meet your favorite voice actors, catch a sneak-peek at upcoming shows, learn and interact with other fans, or just laugh yourself silly!

So there’s panels and what else?
TONS! In addition to panels, there’ll be concerts, dances, karaoke, gaming of all types, and AMV screenings and contests! PLUS, there’ll be a giant dealer’s hall where you can buy anime, manga, plushies, costumes, and all sorts of knick-knacks; and an Artists’ Alley where you can buy prints, posters, and other fan-made goodies! You could even find an artist you like and commission some personalized artwork!

Where is Fanime being held?
It’s at the San Jose Convention Center in San Jose, CA. Fifteen hours west of Albuquerque.

And when is Fanime?
Fanime will be held Memorial Day Weekend, May 22-25, 2009.

What are the dates of travel?
We’re planning to leave Albuquerque on Thursday, May 21st before dawn. We’ll get back Monday, May 25th, after dusk.

How will we be traveling?
We’ll be banding together in carpools and driving by car. It’ll be a straight shot there and back.

Where will we be staying?
UNM Anime Club will be staying (as a club) at the Fairmont Hotel San Jose, one block from the Convention Center. In the past, we’ve been able to pile into one (large) room, but we’ll book more rooms depending on the number of people going.

How much will the convention cost me?
UNM Anime Club will book your registration and get you a spot in a hotel room for $100. Gas and food will be responsibility of the individual and his or her carpool.

Who am I paying?
UNM Anime Club will be registering everyone as a group and booking hotels as a unit. If you wanna be a part of this awesome experience, we’ll need a deposit of $50 by Saturday, Feburary 14th at the very latest (but, the earlier the better!). The remaining $50 has to be paid by March 31st.
You can pay us in cash during a meeting, or via PayPal button on the website at anytime.

Why so far in advance?
Hotels fill up quickly, and preregistration prices go up. In order to guarantee that we book the correct amount of space, we need to confirm attendees early on.

What if I need to cancel?
If you discover you cannot attend before the March 31st deadline, UNM Anime Club will refund half your total deposit. Unfortunately, if you need to cancel after March 31st, all of your deposit will be forfeit.

Whew! I think that’s it. Please leave a comment or send an email if you have any questions or concerns!