Articles

A-Kon 18

Location: Adam's Mark Hotel
Dallas, TX June 1-3, 2007 by Dr. Molly Black June 3, 2007 This was my first con and I have to say that other than the mass confusion and disorganization of the behind the scenes organization, after I retrieved my press pass, I had an utterly delightful time.

The costumes were fantastic, the seminars and gaming rooms were quiet and well run, and the selling floor had more than enough things to keep me from having any money for the rest of the year.

It took a while for me to get my press pass and then I had to sign up for who I would want to interview. Since I had only one person in mind, it was an easy process and once they gave me my sheet of "Does and Don'ts" I went forth with notebook and camera to take photos and interview.

The first night was quiet. There were some people dressed up, but for the most part the floor was quiet in the main floor and I got to shoot some fun photos (posted here along with the quick interviews).

The late evening brought the fun of a Girls at Cons discussion (females only). I went with my assistant to try to see the "rave" but managed to catch the end of a great J-Rock band, with a gorgeous lead singer who was sweating her ass off as she really gave the crowd her all. It seemed like the wouldn't give an encore, but finally they came back out for one more song. The rave seemed to be taking forever so off to the other side of the convention hall we went to see some of the Rocky Horror with fantastic group participation and a stellar cast playing beneath the movie.

Saturday was full of all sorts of wonderfully thought out costumes (including a full size Tonberry(!)) and the sales floor had a million and one things from DVDs to corsets to t-shirts to posters and so on. Afterward I went and spent an hour doing my interview that I had scheduled. It was fun and relaxing. Due to my disability I started getting tired so I spent a little time talking to the owner of Conlan Press and getting my photo taken with Peter Beagle. Who, by the way, is an utterly sweet gentleman.

Gathering my new toys and my wits I then drove home and wished that I could have stayed later. I know that 2008 A-Kon will see me there and with a hotel room. There is no way to see it all and have the fun that is available to all that attend unless you live in Dallas close by to the hotel or get a room. And that is high praise from me indeed.