What Other Conventions Can Learn From Arisia 2013

I’ve been going to cons for a few years now and I’m happy to say that Arisia is my new favorite con. Why? Let me count the ways.

Arisia caters to an older generation of fans. That’s not to say that there weren’t young people there, but it seemed that this con in particular was more civil, more smooth and more sophisticated than other cons I’ve attended. My group and I attended five panels in all, and all but one were very well done. At most cons it feels like a good panel is the diamond in the rough but I found the panelists at Arisia (from what I experienced) to be well informed, well prepared, and articulate.

The vendor room was also a breath of fresh air. It seems like at most New England conventions you see all the same vendors con after con after con. There is no excitement or sense of discovery that way, and if you didn’t buy it last year you’re probably not going to buy it this year. At Arisia there were some of the same familiar faces but the majority of vendors were shops I hadn’t seen before. There was also a great variety from leather goods, to costume pieces, to ceramics, to sex toys.

Arisia also had a different way of handling artist alley. Instead of booths where artists sit behind their work this was set up like a gallery where art was hung with descriptions and prices. There must have been some sort of jurying process as well because the quality of art was higher than you usually see. I’m also a stickler in I believe buttons and handmade hats really belong in the vendors room (though I understand that sometimes the price of obtaining a booth in the vendor’s room is prohibitive to artists who are starting out.) Anyways, everything in the gallery was displayed neatly and professionally and it made the grumpy artist in me very happy.

Arisia had other perks too. There was a free 24 hour buffet with snacks… for free! Other cons, take note! It’s easy to stay longer and later when you have access to little snacks throughout the day. Not to mention the con staff were exceptionally welcoming and helpful. Usually when we go to cons we are handed off our press badges and dismissed. The press coordinator was lovely; he gave us a tour as well as phone numbers to call if we had any problems.

Lastly, I loved how accessible the guests of honor were! I know this might be impossible for larger cons, but I loved the fact that I saw the guests of honor walking around and enjoying themselves with the rest of the con-goers. Between a creativity across disciplines panel and the guest of honor’s artist presentation I was able to walk up, say hello and get an autograph. The whole thing was very civilized.

So, Arisia has the found the formula for the perfect con. Keep it smallish with quality events, bring in quality guests, don’t forget the snacks, and keep it friendly! Can’t wait for Arisia 2014!