My schedule for Otakon 2012

With Gundam Unicorn at Otakon 2011. 

Thanks to its prominence, size, and proximity, Otakon is a staple in my annual convention circuit. In fact, this is the third year in a row that I’ve blogged my Otakon schedule—here’s my posts from 2011 and 2010.

This is the first year that I’ve been a professional reporter while attending Otakon. Last year it was my final vacation before my Daily Dot start date on August 1, 2011. As a result, my goals this year are much higher. Last year, I was working on one investigative story. This year, I’m working on four different feature stories based on field reporting at Otakon. It’ll be hard work, but even if it weren’t my job, I’d find a way to report on something somehow. I wouldn’t want to spend the convention any other way.

Here’s where I’ll be during Otakon. Most of these events are on the official schedule, but I’ve linked the fan-run events to their organizers’ pages.

Friday

  • 10:00 AM – Anime News Network. It was great to meet the team last year and I look forward to hearing more of their insights this time around.
  • 1:45 PM – Spirits, Wheels and Borrowed Gods: Anime and Japan’s Sacred Culture. Charles Dunbar is a great guy and a hell of a panelist.
  • 3:14 PM – Homestuck Meetup. Fans have chosen this symbolic time (I’m told it has a lot to do with the comic) to meet, so I’ll be there for on-the-spot interviews.
  • 6:00 PM – Brony Meetup. I’m interested in talking to bronies about recent community charity projects and their thoughts about the upcoming MLP TV season.

Saturday

  • 1:45 PM – Sexism and Anime Fandom. My panel with Patches! A friend has graciously offered to record this, so even if you’re not there you’ll get a chance to see it.
  • 3:14 PM – Homestuck Meetup II. I’m scheduling in both meetups in case the Saturday one is significantly better attended.
  • 4:30 PM – Brony Meetup II. I’ve never made an effort to track fan meetups before, but already I’m sensing a pattern…
  • 6 PM – Otakon Fan Film Festival. I’m looking forward to checking out these mini documentaries about fandom by fans.

Haven’t planned a thing for Sunday. If I don’t leave early to go type up my field notes, I’ll be relishing some time in the Dealer’s Room for sure.

Interested in meeting up? See something on the convention floor and think, “maybe somebody should be reporting on this?” Don’t be shy, feel free to send me an @ message or a DM on Twitter.