Is Bigger Better?
by Heather Sommer

Though subject matter may vary, the debate is always the same: is bigger better? This extended hiatus from the internet has left me far from bored, taking on new projects and working on old. Less than three weeks away is an event I’ve been looking forward to since this time last year: No Brand Con 2004. Comparable to Gen Con in genre, No Brand Con is a (much) smaller version of said convention (focusing largely on anime and gaming of all types).

Veteran con-goers of either convention surely have many points to argue, each point furthering their take on the ‘does size matter?’ issue. Even I’ve made it out to Gen Con, and I’ve yet to miss a No Brand Con (this is the convention’s third year). So, which should you fork out the money to attend – a large convention, or a more locally-grown version?

A large con means a large population (attendees), a more diverse selection of events to keep everyone interested and (perhaps my favorite) a large vendor area with companies ranging from Chessex to Indie Publishing Company X. A larger attendee base means more competition in video game tournaments, cosplay events and lines for meals. However, there are more events to divide up one’s attention – both a curse and a blessing, as you’ll surely find that the playtest of Indie Publishing Company X’s hot new title overlaps with that ‘how to draw manga’ workshop which cuts into the Steel Angel Kurumi voice actors’ and actresses’ fan panel ... and so on. At least you’ll always be busy. When all else fails, and one can’t choose between their 46 favorite things that are all happening at the same time, it’s time to shop! Believe me, this never gets old, especially at the larger convention.

Larger conventions aren’t seamless, however. All the excitement of so many events can leave one feeling exhausted – even though one probably missed about half of the activities that they had expected to participate in. Also, activities have a greater chance of reaching capacity, so signing up early is key. Sometimes, though, missing something important is unavoidable. Attempting to meet that (star caliber) guest after their panel? Good luck! So are the hundred others, all waving their copy of the book, DVD, CD or episode script.

Have a question? While staff members are around every corner, surely they already have their hands full – and the old adage ‘overworked and underpaid’ certainly applies, as many are probably volunteers. At least the program guides tend to cover most important facts – and, in the case of a real emergency, one can surely find security personnel or another con-goer who’s willing to help. For this reason it can be said that, despite the size of the convention and the apparent anonymity of con-goers, conventions are overall a safe place to be a complete and total dork (while knowing fully and comfortably that at least half of the entire population is a hundred times dorkier than you could ever hope to be).

Of course, that being said, one can assume that at certain events – tournaments of all sorts, including cosplay – one has probably met their match at a larger convention. Regardless of whether you win or lose (old cliché alert), though, the competition can be exhilarating and completely worth the long, tedious nights of sewing until dawn only to realize that you didn’t pick up enough quite enough fabric. (Then again, the likelihood of running into a 240-pound – male – Sailor Scout is who didn’t fix that problem is much higher at a larger convention. You can’t win them all!)

Then there is everyone’s least favorite issue to worry about: money. The price of food and refreshments can be quite high at larger cons (think comparable to a concert venue) – though many do allow carry-ins, which is one easy way to combat this. Another method is to find out what restaurants are in the area and pledge to live off of McDonald’s dollar menu in order to afford that $200 Gundam model. We have to make sacrifices, after all! As for the hotel issue, most larger conventions are held in large cities, offering many different hotels of all price ranges to those who can drive the few extra miles to the convention each morning (if you leave at all, that is). For those who can’t drive or choose not to, oftentimes hotels near the convention center offer special discounts to those who book in advance for the event. This makes it closer to being affordable – sharing a room, secretly, with 14 of your closest friends also helps with the cost. Just make sure that everyone takes enough time out of his or her busy convention schedule to shower.

Running into those 14 temporary roommates might seem inevitable at even the largest convention – after all, you’re all there and you all dig the same games, right? Wrong. The first day is hell when it comes to finding people you’ve misplaced, so bring walkie-talkies (hint: choose an obscure sub channel, because all the common ones will be full of strangers and you might not want to hear what they have to say) or cell phones. And turn off the cell phones in the anime theatres. Angry anime fans can turn rabid at the slightest annoyance. Even the cute ones. In fact, turn your phone to vibrate, as sometimes it’s difficult to find a quiet corner and you’ll surely feel the weird vibrating in your left jeans pocket. Also choose a convenient (not the bathroom), non-crowded (not the vendor room) meeting place to meet every couple hours, at the end of the day or for lunch. Travel in packs of no more than 4 if you don’t want to end up separated. And make sure everyone has a watch!

So many tips, so little time – when it comes to the millions of things you want to do. But what about the smaller con? I have more experience in this sphere of influence, having been staff at the past (and only) two No Brand Cons.

Smaller cons are for the avid-but-sometimes-antisocial dorks out there. Fewer attendees means fewer people to run into, less competition in tournaments and for activities, and (oftentimes and logically) fewer staff members to cross. Among the few staffers you find, though, you’ll often notice a sense of community amongst the chaos and stress. They pulled it together, despite all obstacles and they want to make sure that you want to come back – if you don’t, there won’t be one next year! The venues for smaller cons are, obviously, smaller, making navigating and staying with a certain group much easier. Oftentimes staff members will assist you in finding someone you’ve lost, too – again, trying to please the gentle consumer. Small conventions often draw smaller vendors, too. This isn’t the drawback it may seem; small-time vendors are often artists and craftsmen of all sorts, selling their wares ranging from caricatures to characters to home-grown RPGs to foam swords to random goods they hand-imported from Japan. This is alongside a larger vendor, often a (fairly) local or (very) open-minded and generous store or two.

Guests lined up for a smaller convention are often lesser known, but equally talented – and much easier to meet, even by accident. Guests are sometimes found sitting in on panels or competing in Soul Caliber tournaments (Joe Grisaffi enjoyed the tourney at the con last year). Many are glad to autograph something and (gasp!) even have a meaningful conversation with you!

Sometimes cons can suffer from ‘small town syndrome’, though. Given the financial obstacles accompanying running a convention, oftentimes activities are limited (but easier to get into, even at the last minute). Tournaments may be fewer, for fear of not drawing enough interest without promising a large prize or prestige. Much of the equipment used in video game rooms, tournaments and anime theatres is lent by the staff and the staff’s friends (and, occasionally, by the venue) – and though that can be enough to fuel a con, oftentimes some things must be purchased or replaced (DDR pads come to mind). As any gamer knows, that can be a costly affair. All staff members are volunteers. They love what they’re doing, but they’ve been doing it (planning, at least) for a year and probably won’t sleep until after the convention. You think I jest?

Not only is the convention failing to pinch those pennies, but surely attendees might struggle with making the most of their weekend on a limited budget. The con admission is often very reasonable (though sometimes comparably more expensive than a large con), however finding lodging can be difficult in a smaller city or town where there are few hotels and even fewer nearby. Anyone driving themselves (and their entourage) might be fine – especially if one can sacrifice a Jacuzzi, pool and cable in favor of a $40 hotel room. Those not able or willing to, though, might have to shell out $100 + per night – unless they can reserve a room early (often with pre-registration) and at a discounted rate. As for sustenance, a smaller city or town can boast a less-than-plentiful selection (though a McDonald’s or Arby’s seems to be the standard in the Midwest and Jack-in-the-Box in the west), which can easily drain your wallet. Another small annoyance is the lack of food vendors in a smaller convention – and, often, carry-ins are forbidden (unless you’re very sneaky ...). Sometimes that rule isn’t declared upfront, either. I’m reminded of a time when our staff ordered pizzas as a small staff celebration only to be told by a venue personnel that we weren’t allowed to dine on-site – despite the fact that they sold no food or refreshments at the venue. This is an example of the type things one might have to face at a smaller convention. Small sacrifice, really.

Need to find a particular room, friend or staffer? No fear! Smaller convention = smaller floor plan, even if a little obscure. No need for walkie-talkies or cell phones, though they certainly don’t hurt. But a smaller convention often means an early (well, earlier) night, wrapping up around 10 or 11 P.M. (earlier on Sunday, of course). The fun doesn’t have to end then, though, if you’re staying in a hotel near the convention and are abreast of the ‘underground’ con events, such as room and pool parties. Meet other fans, play more video games (on smaller screens) and eat pizza from that one pizza place that delivers past midnight until, well, dawn. Then wake up, grab breakfast and hurry to the con before it opens. Such is the life!

Personally, I almost prefer a smaller convention (of course, this one is set in my hometown so I know all the quirks) – but I certainly wouldn’t pass up a trip to Gen Con or the opportunity to visit E3. The choice ultimately depends on what you want to see and do at the convention and how much you can afford to dish out for an extended weekend of the ultimate dorkiness (and I mean that lovingly). If you can’t decide with what was mentioned above, do remember one thing (warning: seemingly anti-feminist commentary follows): a larger convention means more booth babes. But at which type of con can the booth babes afford to spend more time chatting with you?

It's been a while Faery, but you come back with yet another great discusion topic. I, myself, have never been to a convention, but from what I've seen, heard, and read [from this article], I think I'd prefer the smaller conventions. I don't need to have all that stress and activity of a larger convention, and I'm not really interested in getting my beloved games signed by a "celebrity", or meeting them for that matter. I like to watch what I spend, and I hete spending $3.00 for a pop at the theatre. Paying too much for something sucks. Plus, I'm one of those avid-but-anti-social people you were talkin about. Pretty much everything points to the smaller conventions, but that's just me. I'm sure that there are people out there that drool for the booth babes.

Big conventions kick ass. You get hot chicks, hot chicks, and more hot chicks representing nerdy things like computers and video games. What more could you want?

That's why I prefer them big, you get the chicks... I could care less about what the nerdy dudes in the booth have to say. SHOW ME YOUR GAMES ANDS YOUR WOMENZ!


Good to see ya still doing some work Faery.

should be smaller, but large enough for there to be alot of people, just not too extreme, you know. That way everyone can get out in the event of an emergency

I myself like smaller conventions. You can discuss almost anything, without the trivial manufacturer wars. Yet these hot chikcs Evil Dead was talking about? Sounds like a sweet deal to me! Either way a convention is a convention, no matter how big or small it is.

I prefer mediocre sized actually. Big conventions are far too crowded, and small conventions seem odd if you aren't comfortable with everything there. In an average sized convention, you can easily make your way through to something your comfortable with, all the while eyeing the gorgeous women.

Bigger is definitely better !

Like the Evil Dead said...

You just gotta love the Hot chicks at those conventions.

i may have never been to a convention but in other things like knifes and swords and guns n stuff those r better small,for instance, a sword that is small is easier to weild faster to swong and to block with and manoverable but it does have its disadvantages aswell

Speaking of smaller cons, last week was No Brand Con. I did my first stint as a booth babe for my friend's live-action swords/weaponry booth. That was neat.

Because it was a smaller con, I got to visit Ms. Monica Rial in her hotel room Saturday night (she's Hyatt from Excel Saga, among other important roles) and sword-fight with Joe Grisaffi (voice actor/writer/casting director/director/extra - in Pirates of the Caribbean, no less! - whose name I have mispelt a hundred times). So that's also neat!

Yay for small cons!

But I hope to attend Wizard World Chicago (as a professional) in August. Both have their perks!

Now was this just something your friend did to throw you in his booth, or are you actually capable of pulling off the babeness required to fill the booth?

You've piqued my interest.

Well, he thinks I'm cute - and extra staff can't hurt, ever! So honestly a little of both. I was very sci-fi, bad*** hot Friday evening. Saturday I went a little more Shadowrun-esque.

Sunday wasn't as babe-ified, as I'd arrived 4 minutes after my staff shift (for which I woke up only 4 minutes before) and hadn't showered or done anything in the way of making myself look cute.

But that's okay, b/c Joe Grisaffi sword fought with me and I played in that tourney. That totally ups my hotness from that day.

You do what you can at a con!

I will enlighten you with pics if you like - when I find some decent ones, that is. Most are me hugging people (shoulder and head shots). Sorry to disappoint.