New to YomiCon? Never been to an anime & manga convention before? Want to help, but don't know how? Here are some answers to your frequently asked questions!
-
What's a "con"?
- Con is short for convention. A convention is a gathering of people who are interested in the same things, who want to interact with others who have the same interests, learn more about their interests, and compete in their areas of expertise. For an anime and manga convention like YomiCon, that means that people usually dress up in costume as their favorite anime / manga/ or video game character -- this is called "cosplay". At YomiCon we have gaming tournaments, cosplay contests, panel discussions, expert panels, an art contest, a manga book swap, food, entertainment, prizes, and more!
-
What does YomiCon mean?
- "Yomi" is Japanese for reading and "Con" is short for convention. So YomiCon is a convention for readers!
- Fun fact: Yomi is also the word for the Underworld in Japanese.
-
Where is YomiCon this year?
- At the Ruiz Branch Library, 1600 Grove Blvd, Austin, Texas (same as last year). Click here to get driving and bus directions.
-
When does registration open?
- March 28th, 5pm
-
When does registration close?
- Early registration closed on April 30th, and late registration closed June 7th @ 5pm
-
When can I pick up my wristband?
- Between May 1-31st or on-site at Yomicon
-
Where do I pick up my wristband?
- At the branch you chose on your registration form until May 31st, and after at YomiCon at the Ruiz Branch Library. If you've forgotten which branch that was, check your confirmation email. Didn't get a confirmation email? Please email us
-
Do I need an email address to register for YomiCon?
- No.... but if you type "no email" in the registration form, you won't get a confirmation email, or any information about the schedule in advance of the event. You will still be able to pick up your wristband in may -- provided there were no errors in your registration. If you want to check on the status of your registration, you can call 974-9830 and we can check for you.
- If you want to set up an email address so that you can get these notices automaticall, check out these reviews on different email services and choose one that meets your needs:
-
What are the rules for attendees?
- Unless otherwise noted (see food and costumes) all other Austin Public Library rules still apply.
-
What kinds of costumes are allowed?
- Participants are encouraged to dress up in full costume! There are even contests that let you compete to see who has the BEST costume!
- Costumes should be appropriate for a teen audience (avoid mature subject matter)
- Masks, hats, and other costumes that obscure the face are allowed (for this event only)
-
Weapons Policy:
- Prop or handmade fake weapons are allowed, and are the responsibility of the cosplayer at all times.
- Any prop weapon resembling a gun/firearm MUST have an orange-colored tip. We will have orange tape at the door if you need it.
- You may be asked to demonstrate that your weapon is a prop (and not real) -- this is for the safety of everyone!
- The size limits on weapons are that they must fit through the door of the library when fully expanded. So... they should be smaller than approximately 8' x 8'
- No real weapons will be allowed.
-
Will you have bags available for me to use?
- No. You should bring your own bag to carry any books or prizes you pick up at the con.
-
What should I do with my stuff while at YomiCon?
- We will have a very limited area for checked bags. You and you alone are responsibile for your belongings while at YomiCon. Please watch your belongings and do not leave them unattended for any period of time.
-
How do I sign up to compete in the gaming tournament/art contest/cosplay contest/skit contest at YomiCon?
- Some contests will have sign-up at the information table on the day of YomiCon. However, many of the contests at YomiCon have advance registration, and spots fill up quickly. See the post for the contest you are interested in to find out more about entering or ask your Youth Librarian for more details.
-
Will there be parking?
- The Ruiz library has limited parking on-site, but you will also be able to park at the ACC campus next door.
-
What kind of food will be available at YomiCon?
- YomiCon 2012 will have free granola bars, fruit, popcorn, and sno-cones for participants while they last. We will have lots of water stations for you to fill up your cups and water bottles. There is little food within walking distance, so if you think you'll need more to eat, or have special dietary needs please bring food with you!
-
Can I bring my own food to YomiCon?
- Yes. Please do!
-
What's this Yomi Yen I've heard so much about?
- In past years, the library gave Yomi Yen (fake money) to all participants, which they could spend in the YomiCon store on cool toys and trinkets. This year, we will be having Golden Tickets instead of Yen, and these will only be given to people who win an actual contest, drawing, or other activity. The prize room will be smaller and less chaotic than the stores of the past, and will only contain enough prizes to go around for the total number of Golden Tickets. However, all participants will be given a souvenier cup with the YomiCon logo on it, as well as buttons and bookmarks at different panels.
-
I'm on the waiting list...when will I find out if I get to go?
- Waiting list participants were notified during the first week in June via email.
-
Can I bring a younger sibling?
- Yes, if they are registered. If they are under 11, they will need to have a guardian (age 17 or older) who is registered and will accompany them
-
I registered, but now I can't come. Can I give my wristband away to a friend or relative?
- Yes and no. Because all participants have to fill out a media release, your friend would need to fill one out before they would be registered. If you would like to transfer your registration to someone else, please email us and we will help you accomplish that.
-
I'm not a teen, but I'd like to come to YomiCon... is that allowed?
- Yes! We are so pleased that adults and children alike are interested in attending YomiCon. Because our event is teen-focused, we have a limited number of spots available for children under 11 and adults over age 18. As long as there are spots available, you may register and attend. Please be sure to read our policies about age-appropriateness before deciding on your costume for the event.
-
I'm an adult and will be bringing my child; do I need to register separately?
- If your child is under 11, then you will fill out the Adult + Child registration form. This will ensure that both you and your child are registered to attend. No additional registration is needed. Hooray!
- If your child is over 11, then they will be filling out their own Teen registration form. If you wish to accompany them, then you will need to fill out your own registration, by clicking on the Adult Registration form.
-
How long is YomiCon?
- YomiCon lasts approximately 6 hours, if you come early for the outdoor pre-show.
-
What panels/contests/prizes will be at this year's YomiCon?
- As soon as the YomiCon Schedule information is finalized, it will be publicised on this website
-
How can I help YomiCon?
- Thank you so much for wanting to help! You can help us by volunteering at the Con, or by donating materials or supplies in support of the Con. To see our wishlist, or find out more about volunteering please email us!
