I have to say, I love Anime Weekend Atlanta. Been going every year for a decade, and its one of my favorite conventions to go to. However, AWA this year was a really... Weird experience. It was probably one of the most frustrating cons Ive ever been to. I had several run ins with security/public safety, and each of them was rude and inhospitable, even when I just had a question. Not to mention, for some reason a MAJOR part of the convention center was blocked off that is *outside* of the con rooms/dealers. Was terrible just trying to register because of that. I kept getting redirected and couldnt make it over to reg desk the first day. Not to mention, after I wandered far from my car, I was redirected OUTSIDE/AROUND the building to even get back to where I parked. One of my friends had a public safety officer tell her to walk around the entire building in the dead of night. Wouldnt escort her 20 STEPS across the room for her to go through the door. Nor would they have someone walk with her outside for safety. So yeah. I love AWA, and all this time it has been one of my favorite cons out of the 9 or 10 I go to across the country each year. But this year was.. different. In one fell swoop it went from near-top to pretty much bottom. Honestly almost regret the $50 I paid. The people I met and got to hang out with were amazing and they made all the headache worth it. Meeting with friends was the best. But I really hope AWA is better next year. It holds a special place in my heart and I dont want it to change for the worse.
Posted on: Mon, 29 Sep 2014 22:40:19 +0000