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The Otakon Website has it's own FAQ, so I've included the vast majority of it here just in case. If there is anything not answered here, please feel free to ask me! but before you ask read the FAQ, chances are your question is already answered :]
About Baltimore
How do I get there?
Try Otakon's Directions Page!
Baltimore's got three major airports within driving distance, and Interstate 95 (the main north/west highway on the East Coast) goes right past the Baltimore Convention Center. You can even get there by boat!
What will the weather be like?
Hot and humid. Anywhere from 75 to 110 is possible in a Baltimore summer, and the humidity is about the same. Rain is a distinct possibility. Prepare for the worst, especially if you have a long walk to your hotel, or plan to wait outside for the convention to open.
What advice would you give about how to dress for the convention?
Dress comfortably, and remember that while you'll be outside in blistering heat occasionally, most of the time you'll be in a nice cool building. It can actually get pretty chilly in the BCC. If you tend to get chilly, bring a lightweight shirt in case you need it. Perhaps most importantly, wear comfortable shoes, and ideally bring a pair for each day. You'll be spending a very long time in them, and doing a lot of walking. A hat and/or umbrella is probably a good idea, too.
Where should I park, and how much does it cost?
Don't park on the streets--it's generally going to cost far more in the way of tickets than it's worth. Parking is available in many nearby lots, but if you're not used to downtown prices, prepare for sticker shock. Many places charge upwards of $15-20/day. Hotels tend to be the most expensive. However, you can often find parking for about $8-12 a day if you get there early and are willing to walk a bit. Important: make sure you note the closing time of your garage--many close fairly early.
Are there ATMs around?
There are, but the ones in the immediate vicinity of the BCC usually run out of cash. Most hotels have a cash machine these days, but it's a good idea to come prepared.
Otakorp, Inc
What is Otakorp, Inc?
Otakorp, Inc. is the not-for-profit organization best known for running Otakon, one of the world's premiere gatherings of fandom. It's an educational non-profit that promotes understanding and appreciation of Asian culture, by means of celebrating its popular culture. Otakorp, Inc. Website
Who owns Otakorp, Inc.?
Otakorp, Inc. isn't "owned" by anyone. Its funding comes from memberships and fees (primarily from Otakon, which is also where most of the money goes), and its officers are elected from among the ranks of voting members. By the terms of our bylaws, members can earn the right to vote by working in support of the organization (generally as staff), paying dues, and attending meetings.
Are Otakorp, Inc.'s officers paid?
No. All of our officers must be volunteers, and may not receive material compensation for their efforts on behalf of the organization. In accordance with usual practices for officers of a corporation, they are eligible to be compensated for travel expenses, but in practice this seldom happens.
Do any anime or related companies have a say in the organization?
No. The only people who have a direct say in how Otakorp conducts its affairs, or how it runs the convention, are the voting members. Neither are there any industry reps on our board of directors, and it would be difficult for industry reps to satisfy the requirements to be a voting member in the first place. We do work closely with the industry and maintain good relations with them, but they don't pull the strings or pay the bills.
Dealers
I'd like to sell stuff at Otakon, but I'm confused by the options. Who can sell what, where?
If you are a commercial retail business, your only option is the Dealer's Hall. The Alley is reserved for individual artists and writers, webcomics, and small-volume craftspeople; anyone expecting to do brisk business should consider the Dealer's Hall instead. If you're just interested in selling a few pieces of art, consider entering them in the Art Show and Auction.
How much does Dealer's Hall space cost, and what does it cover?
Otakon has one of the largest dealer spaces in the business, with thousands of people passing through every hour; with 700+ booth spaces we almost always sell out long before the con, and frequently have a lengthy waiting list. While you should always check the posted rates, historically the typical 10x10 booth space has cost ~$750. That includes the booth and basic decorator setup, as well as two dealer badges that offer full membership rights. Dealers may also purchase additional member badges at the pre-reg rate ($55 in 200 cool for their employees. While it may seem expensive at first glance, the majority of this fee goes to cover the cost of the hall, its setup, and the union labor rates we must pay. Other decorator services and utilities must be arranged through the BCC's official channels; more information will be available in the dealer info packet.
How much does a space in the Alley cost, and what does it cover?
Otakon's Alley is one of the largest of its kind in the entire U.S., and offers artists a unique chance to get their creations seen by Otakon's massive membership. Approximately 250 tables are available and we typically sell out within a few days; however, because most of the people renting tables are not full-time professionals, there is a fairly good chance that space will open up, and thus we maintain a healthy waiting list. The Alley is open only to pre-registered members, and thus table fees do NOT include any member badges. Historically, the price per-table (for a 6-foot table) was $70 if paid for in advance, and $80 if paid at the convention. That fee includes the table itself, two chairs, and a table skirt so you can stash your stuff. This does NOT include electricity, but you can order if from the BCC for a fee -- see the official packet when it is released for more information.
How much does it cost to enter art in the Art Show, and what does that fee cover?
The Art Show is open to any registered member, and thus your membership is NOT included in the show fees; you are effectively paying a fee to display your art and offer it for auction. If you can't make it to Otakon, but have a friend who's going, there are specific rules that allow you to authorize a member to act as your agent for the show; please see the official rules when they are released for more details.
What dealers will be at Otakon?
Pretty much all the big players, and many small ones. Our dealer's room is large enough to land a plane in. Once the dealers are confirmed, we will post a list of dealers on the website.
What will they have for sale?
Just about anything and everything remotely connected to anime or asian culture. Many dealers have websites; check out their wares online so you know what to expect.
Do the dealers in the dealer's room take credit cards?
Most of them do, though few will say no to cash. In many ways, you're better off using your credit card, because most cards offer you some protection in case there's a problem with your purchase.
12What's the sales tax rate in Baltimore?
Baltimore uses the general Maryland sales tax rate of 6% for most retail sales. This is higher than it was last year (2007) due to actions of the Maryland legislature. Prices posted generally do NOT include this sales tax unless they say otherwise, and dealers are supposed to mark the tax separately on your receipt regardless of how you pay. Hotels follow a slightly different model involving "occupancy tax", which works out to 12.5% for downtown-area hotels, and slightly less than that for hotels in the outlying areas. This will be spelled out on your bill, but if you're concerned, you should ask the hotel to tell you what the total per night is with the tax included.
Food
What about food?
Inside the BCC, Aramark is the only vendor allowed to sell any kind of food, and their prices are generally considered high. However, there are plenty of nearby locations within easy walking distance, and a map will be provided with your convention materials. Harborplace is filled with restaurants, and there are many nearby fast-food and takeout places. Another option is to bring your own food and keep it at your hotel room or in your car. Remember, you aren't supposed to bring outside food into the BCC, so if you've smuggled in some snacks, be discreet about it and clean up after yourself.
Why can't dealers sell snacks?
Aramark has an exclusive contract with the BCC, and we are bound by those rules when we use the venue. Their agreement forbids any food or drink sales (including snacks) that aren't handled by Aramark. This is fairly standard for large venues such as convention centers, and there is nothing we can do about it. Contrary to rumor, Otakon does not get a "cut" of the concessions -- nor do we control their hours or prices.
Food and drink are too expensive, and I don't want to miss a thing! What can I do?
Make sure you get at least one good meal in every day -- a real meal with real nutrition. (Ramen won't cut it, not by itself.) And make sure you drink plenty of water, not just fruit juice or sodas or coffee. If you pass out on us, we'll be annoyed.
General
Do you make special accomodations for disabled members?
Otakon makes every effort to accommodate the needs of our diverse membership. If you have special needs, please let us know so we can ensure accommodations are available. Typically, these services can include interpreters for the deaf and access in getting around the BCC for those with limited mobility.
For those who need sign language interpreters, we need to know in advance to make the arrangements; alternatively, we'll be glad to work with you to get your usual interpreter access.
Those with limited mobility may have difficulty navigating the BCC, as it is an older building and accessibility isn't always obvious. We make every reasonable effort to accommodate people with such disabilities, and reserve elevators and special access seating for most events. This year, we're asking those members who need wheelchair or similar access to stop by our registration area and obtain a sticker, which will grant access to elevators and certain staff-only access points. Not only will the sticker make it easier for volunteers to identify you as someone who should be given access, but it'll help us see how many of our members require such assistance and plan accordingly.
While Otakon cannot assume any risk for managing your care, having the information available may be useful in the even you become ill while at the convention, or may help avoid misunderstandings. In the event of an emergency, our volunteers can provide any information you give us to emergency services. We also STRONGLY recommend that you wear on your person indicators about your medical condition, such as medical ID jewelry or wallet cards.
What can I expect from a convention?
If Otakon's your first convention, expect to be just a bit overwhelmed. There's so much to see, so much to do, you may not know where to start. So try to sample a bit of everything. Just go with the flow, have fun, make friends, and share in the celebration.
Do I have to dress up in a costume?
Nah. You should dress for comfort. But quite a lot of people do dress up, and if you're feeling creative, feel free to show off your skills.
How much money should I bring?
How much do you plan on spending? Plan on spending at least $20 a day on food and drink, plus your portion of travel and hotel costs. Make sure you have enough money to get home!
Why don't you run 24 hours?
Primarily because of our venue; the 24-hour convention is something limited to conventions that fit in a single hotel, and is generally something you do with a single track of programming. When we last ran in a hotel for 24 hours, very few people actually stayed up watching the videos; they used the video rooms to sleep.
Why don't you run a four-day convention?
Otakon tried a four-day con some time ago, when we were a fraction of the size we are now, and it nearly killed us. Remember that all of our staff volunteers their time to run the convention, and most staffers are already sacrificing an entire week of vacation (or taking the time off without pay) to put on a three-day convention. By the end of the convention, the staff are utterly exhausted. If by some miracle we had an abundance of staff, we'd still have to work out a large number of logistical and funding issues to start earlier (or stay later). So don't expect to see a four-day Otakon anytime soon!
Why don't you guys turn on all of the escalators?
We've tried. Trust us on that. But many of the BCC escalators are old and aren't able to put up with the heavy use that Otakon and its members inflict on them. There are some escalators that only have a top step weight restriction of 193 lbs while others have 450 lb weight restriction. We will do our best to make sure as many escalators as possible are running. However the ones we and the BCC have flagged as being unable to handle the stresses our members put on them will be turned off. If you cannot climb stairs for the course of the weekend, please ask to be directed to the Special Needs booth at registration where you can receive a sticker that will allow you access to the elevators. However rest assured that we have your safety and comfort the foremost in our minds when planning Otakon.
Why do the escalators work sometimes and not others?
All of the escalators have a built-in safety feature that stop them when the railings and the stairs travel at a separate speed. Which is why you will see some escalators working one time and then not another time. If you see this, report it to the information desk and we will do our best in conjunction with the BCC to get it up and working again.
I keep hearing that fanboys are smelly. What can I do about that?
Don't contribute to the problem. Anytime you have a lot of people in one place, and it's hot out, you're going to get the occasional whiff of B.O. Please shower (with soap!) at least once every day and change your clothes. No matter how cool your outfit is, the acrid smell of pleather and human sweat will ruin the effect by the second day, we guarantee it. Make sure your sleeping arrangements allow for proper hygiene.
Where can I get a copy of the AMV contest, Masquerade, Mystery Anime Theatre, concerts, panels, etc?
You can't, as a rule. While it's true that we record and archive several aspects of Otakon, there are layers of legal and intellectual property rights issues that would prevent it being available for distribution, even if we didn't charge. The problems with AMV rights ought to be obvious (fan-assembled content with multiple rights holders involved). For concerts or masquerade performances, broadcast or resale rights must be negotiated separately and there are additional fees involved that can add up very quickly. (You'd have to sell a lot of DVDs to generate enough income to cover those costs.) Individual panelists sometimes allow their panels to be recorded and shown, but most don't because it diminishes the value of their appearance. In the case of Mystery Anime Theatre 3000; however, there's simply no way Otakon could ever release those shows. The people who put on that show retain the rights to their commentary and skits, but the anime they riffed on isn't theirs to redistribute -- not to mention Best Brains owns the format for MST3K, the obvious inspiration. For those reasons, we didn't make archive copies of the performances.
Where is the lost and found?
The convention information desk is your best bet. It's located in the Pratt Street Lobby, behind the registration area.
Does Otakon accept sponsorships?
Yes and no. It depends on what you mean by sponsorships.
Yes, we can accept donations, but no, we don't use the traditional trade show model for such things, mostly because we are not a trade show.
Otakon takes great pride in being entirely fan-run, and our membership has traditionally been suspicious of a too-cozy relationship with corporate interests. Because the bulk of our budget comes directly from membership fees, the needs of our membership will always come first, and large donations never come without strings attached.
Thus, we do not accept direct sponsorships from anyone -- by which we mean that while we frequently work with our friends in industry on specific projects, we do so within very specific boundaries. For example, we do not allow industry to sponsor rooms ("The MyCorp Theatre" or "MyCorp Presents The Video Gaming Hall" wink or control programming content as a rule. Generally speaking, we do not allow any corporate logos (other than ours) on official convention merchandise, or allow anyone to advertise in a way that implies a preferential relationship. (You can't be "the official hotel of Otakon", for example.)
However, we are happy to accept paid advertising in our program book, and you may pay to place items in our registration bags, and there are other opportunities available for our friends in the industry to support the convention and reach out to our membership. If you are interested in this sort of thing, contact our industry coordinator via the contact form; if you're simply looking to buy ad space, check out the advertising section on our website for details and current pricing.
Individual vendors who wish to donate prizes should coordinate through the Dealers Hall Coordinator.
As an 501(c)3 educational non-profit, Otakorp, Inc. is a legitimate charity and we will gladly accept no-strings donations from individuals. We'll even send you a nice letter thanking you for the donation. For more information on making a donation to Otakorp, please use the 'Contact Otakorp, Inc.' option on the contacts page.
I have a question that's not in this FAQ. Where else should I look?
Just ask! I'll do my best to find the answer for you!
Guests
When will you announce guests?
Otakon doesn't comment on any guest with which we have not yet signed a contract or otherwise have a firm commitment. We will announce guests as soon as negotiations are finalized. Note that guests are ALWAYS announced first on the official Otakon sources: the website, mailing list, and forums.
I heard that [name] is going to be a guest this year. Is that true?
Until we announce it officially, it's just a rumor. We generally don't comment on that, and guest stuff is strictly need-to-know until we've got a firm commitment. (See "when will you announce guests?" for more info.)
[Name] has posted on his website that he's going to be a guest, but you haven't announced it yet. What's up with that?
Again, we only announce guests when we've got a serious, usually written, commitment in hand. The guest may be certain he's coming, but until we announce it, it's not official. Period.
What's the difference between a guest and a panelist?
Panelists are there to participate in panels. Guests are there for a variety of reasons, and generally offer something unique beyond participating in panels; in addition, they often have a committed fanbase, which means people will come just to see them.
Why can't you get Rumiko Takahashi? Hiyao Miyazaki? Jackie Chan? (Etc.)u
Oh, there are so many guests we'd love to have, but sometimes it just doesn't work out. Most often, it's because the guest simply isn't available; sometimes it's because the guest isn't willing to travel by plane for 14+ hours. A few guests (more often, their management) make demands we're unable or unwilling to satisfy. And remember, we do have a limited budget. That said, we hope to surprise and amaze you every now and then! (After all, who else could bring you L'Arc~en~Ciel?)
Hotels
How come the hotels always sell out so fast? Why are the Days Inn and Holiday Inn always sold out before I can get a room there?
Because we have a huge number of people coming, we eat up most of Baltimore's hotel space. And because the cheap seats always sell out first. The Days Inn and the Holiday Inn are generally the least expensive, and therefore they sell out first. As for why the hotels sell out so fast, a good part of that is because people book ahead of time, even before a rate is negotiated. We're working on that situation, and hope to have hotel rates set by the time we announce the next year's date.
Why don't you have a rate at [hotel name]?
Otakon has worked hard to establish good relationships with all the nearby hotels, and pretty much every downtown hotel works with us to give a good convention rate. If the hotel doesn't offer one, it's not from lack of trying on our part, and in at least one case it seems to be purely a case of management not approving of our convention -- though they have no problem selling rooms at full price.
How many people can I put in a hotel room?
Depends on the hotel, but generally no more than four. Yes, we've heard of people cramming 10 or more people into a standard double room, but it's unwise and violates your hotel's rental agreement (and the fire code), and they're perfectly within their rights to kick you out, or charge you for the extra people. They are less likely to worry about your extra body or two if you don't make a nuisance of yourself -- so don't put extra demands (towels, pillows, key cards) on the hotel for your extra people. But we encourage you to follow the rules.
Is it okay to have a party in my room?
Ask your hotel about its party policy, and please follow it. Otakon has a good reputation with hotels because our guests are generally well-behaved. Please don't jeopardize our ability to continue to get good rates.
Your convention hotel rates aren't that great -- I got a cheaper rate online! How come?
Convention room rates are negotiated with the local hotel based on how many rooms we guarantee to fill. There are any number of reasons why a hotel might be able to offer a room at a cheaper rate than they offer the convention, and they're all beyond our control. If you can get a cheaper rate outside the room block, more power to you! But you're unlikely to get more than one or two rooms at that rate, and Otakon has to work out rates for thousands of rooms at a dozen hotels.
How come the staff got to eat up all the rooms in [hotel x]? It's not fair that you guys used up all the cheap rooms
The short answer is that staff have to stay somewhere, and you can't have a convention without them. One of the few perks of being on staff is that you don't have to worry about where you're going to stay, but putting up nearly 400 people for 3-5 nights doesn't come cheap. It's in the best interest of the convention to put the staff up in the cheapest, closest hotel that we can fit into, and there are only so many rooms available.
Membership
What's all this about membership?
When you attend Otakon, you're actually getting a membership in a non-profit organization called Otakorp, Inc. Otakorp, Inc. is an educational non-profit whose purpose is to promote the appreciation of Asian culture, primarily through its media and entertainment.
Information about Otakorp, Inc. can be found here, on the Otakorp, Inc. page. The concept of a membership (rather than a ticket), has been around for ages and seems to be the preferred model for fan-run conventions.
What's the difference between membership and registration?
When you become a member of Otakorp, Inc., you're entitled to attend its annual meeting, Otakon. But you must register to attend the event itself. We've set it up so that purchasing a membership automatically sets you up with a convention registration, because only members of Otakorp, Inc. may register to attend Otakon.
Beginning in 2006, we've also set it up so that each year you are able to renew your membership. Your member ID (and the associated contact information) will stay with you for all the years you attend Otakon. Renewing your membership will register you for that year's Otakon. Being a member will also grant you access to other benefits as we are able to provide them.
What's with the Members Only area?
It's only for members. Right now, it's where you can grab a fresh copy of your receipt or check on the status of your payment. You can even provide updated contact information. Eventually, we'll put other stuff there, such as member surveys, contests, and special offers.
Registration
What methods of payment do you accept for registration?
We accept the following forms of payment for Pre-Registration:
Visa, MasterCard, and Discover, and Money Orders made out to Otakorp, Inc.
Do NOT mail cash!
For at-door registration we accept:
Visa and MasterCard, Money Orders made out to Otakorp, Inc. and Cash
If I want to pay by money order what do I do?
After filling out the pre-registration form and printing out your receipt. Send your money order and a copy of your receipt to:
Otakorp, Inc.
Otakon 2009 Registration
P.O. Box 1650
Westerville, OH 43086-1650
Make sure that payment is made out to "Otakorp, Inc." and that you include a printout of either the submission confirmation page or e-mail. Failure to do so means that your payment may not be completed.
Additionally, if your payment is postmarked after the cut-off date it will not be processed. Do to the time constraints you may not find out about your non-payment status until you show up at Otakon to pick up your badge.
When do I get my tickets? I ordered them online.
Otakon does not sell tickets. Otakon allows you to buy memberships in the organization, which allows us to host a very large meeting every year. If you pre-register you should receive a confirmation e-mail. If you didn't receive this e-mail please check your spam box and if it's not there contact the pre-reg team through the contacts page. No matter how you register or pre-register, you'll pick up your membership packet and badge at the BCC. The time and place are listed on the website under "Registration" and "Registration Hours".
I pre-registered. What do I need to pick up my badge?
You sou should have received a message from us confirming your successful registration for Otakon. As it notes, you should bring that, as well as a photo ID to help us match you with your registration. Having these things out and ready when you reach the front of the line will help speed the pickup process.
But wait! I don't have a photo ID! What on earth will I do?
Your best bet is to obtain one. Any official photo ID is a valuable resource -- be it a driver's license, State issued ID Card, Passport, school ID with your photo on it, military ID, or even a credit card with your name and a photo of you on it.
That said, remember the purpose of the ID is to help us verify your identity. (We don't want to accidentally give your membership to the wrong person.) Bring whatever you've got that can help you do that.
But you really should get a state-issued photo ID, which are usually obtainable from your state's motor vehicles administration, among other places.
What about minors? Are there discounts?
Children under 8 are admitted free with a paid adult membership, and must be accompanied by an adult. Be aware that though we are a family-friendly convention, many of our offerings are not intended for young children. However, we offer a special track of programming aimed at a younger audience, called Ota-Chan, which should be listed with the other events.
Why is Otakon so expensive?
Expensive? The registration for Otakon would buy two anime DVDs at retail price, perhaps three online if you're lucky. It's about the cost of a single-day pass to an amusement park. For that you get three solid days of nearly non-stop entertainment and a wealth of choices.
The cost of membership reflects what it costs to run the the con. It's expensive to mount a convention of any size, but especially pricey to run one as large and diverse as Otakon. In 2004 we started renting the First Mariner Arena in addition to the Baltimore Convention Center, to provide space and programming for the Convention and neither come cheap.
You can be assured that every penny you spend on registration goes right back into the convention. No staffer is making money off the convention, no evil mega-corporation is gleefully rolling in the profits.
Can I pick up a badge for a friend or someone who registered in my group? What about for a member of my family?
Nope. Sorry, you can't pick up badges for anyone but yourself. The only exception is if you're picking up a free (8 years old and younger) badge for a child you're responsible for. The child must be present to receive the badge. Also it's probably wise to bring printouts for your kids, or for a forgetful significant other.
It's after the cutoff and I want to register. Why can't I?
We have to cut off pre-registration to give our staff time to prepare for the convention -- that includes taking care of requests, corrections, and other fixes.
I just found out I can't come, and I pre-registered ages ago. Can I pass my registration to someone else?
Sorry, we do not allow refunds or transfers.
Do I HAVE to bring the confirmation note? I lost mine!
You do not HAVE to bring it, but it speeds things along considerably if you do. We do require a photo ID, or some alternative means of proving your identity. See the note above.
Why does it look like I got double charged for my membership fee?
Sometimes when you are paying with a debit card, a hold may be placed on your card for the membership fee. A separate charge will then appear shortly thereafter for the actual payment. The held charge typically disappears after 5-7 business days depending on your bank. If you suspect there was some sort of server error that resulted in a double-charge on your card, please wait 14 days before contacting us. As your bank places the hold on the card, there is nothing we can do to remove it.
Safety
How safe is Baltimore?
Wow, that's a loaded question. Baltimore, like most cities, has some rough areas. Our home, the Baltimore Convention Center, is right in the heart of the well-patrolled tourist area, between the two stadiums and the Inner Harbor. That said, there are always those who will attempt to prey on tourists, and you should use your street smarts. Don't travel alone, especially at night; don't flash money or flaunt your purchases; don't give money to anyone on the streets; don't take shortcuts through alleys or darkened streets. Keep your wits about you and you'll be fine.
Why is your weapons policy so strict?
The policy is strict to ensure your safety and for compliance with the rules and laws we must follow. Our weapons policy is developed in conjunction with the BCC and with local law enforcement. Unfortunately, we live in a world filled with real dangers, and the last thing anyone needs to worry about is trying to tell whether your gun or sword is real or fake. Public safety is more important than cosplay aesthetics.
What can I do about panhandlers and homeless people who bug me?
Besides the general advice above, your best bet is to simply say "Sorry, I can't help you today" and move on. For safety reasons, you should not actually offer any cash to panhandlers; some are up to no good.
Schedule
When will dates, hotels, and pre-registration be announced for next year's convention?
The answer varies from year to year, but a safe answer is "as soon as we can". As you can probably imagine, it takes a lot of planning to run this convention, and it can take time to negotiate with our venue and various hotels. When we've got enough settled to make the announcement, it'll be on the website and other official Otakon sources.
When will you post the convention schedule?
Generally, we post the schedule a week or so before the convention. Sometimes we are not allowed to post the names of the videos we're going to show, and sometimes we have to make last-minute changes.
Why is all the good stuff scheduled at the same time?
Because we don't have one room that can hold all 22,000 people. Thus, we try to have really cool stuff scheduled opposite other really cool stuff, so if you miss out on one Cool Thing, there's another Cool Thing that you can enjoy. (We've never been a one-event convention!)
What happened to MAT3K (Mystery Anime Theatre 3000)?
At the end of 2003, the guys behind MAT3K announced that it would be the last. There were many reasons, but chief among them was a desire to quit while they were still funny, rather than see the quality degrade. While we'll miss them too, we respect their decision.
Staff
Are Otakon's staff paid?
Nope -- not one penny. Otakon has never had paid staff. The entire organization is volunteer-run, though we do contract out for certain things such as legal and accounting services.
How do I get on staff?
To become staff for Otakon, you must be recommended by two current staffers and be approved by our chief of staff. The most reliable way to earn such recommendations is to work as a gofer and show your dedication.
Announcements l Introduction l Important dates l FAQ l Guest list l advertising l Cosplay Gatherings
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