~Taking a break from regular convention reviews, this article will be more of a tribute to my years at Anime Central, rather than a review of the 2010 year. Warning a head of time: I attended very few events this year, including the Masquerade, so I’ll be able to give little thought on events like that. ~
This will have been my (Sam) fifth year at ACEN.
Just looking at those words causes a flood of memories to bombard me in my desk chair. Without a doubt this is the convention which is nearest to my heart, the don’t miss event and the most highly anticipated weekend of my whole year. I’ve enjoyed other conventions, but Acen is like a first love. It ushered me into a world of fandom from which I’ve never looked back and exposed me to more anime, video games and blips of subculture I couldn’t have dreamed to find on my own. This convention is also a family affair; my brothers and mother have been my hotel room companions each year at the Hyatt, as well as a team of my closest friends. Perhaps most significantly (at least in regard to the publishing of this article) Acen is where I first met the Enthusiasts. When the seasons change and costumed folk with bulky swords and brightly colored hair swarm into Rosemont, you can be sure I am among them. I wouldn’t be anywhere else.
This year was different for several major reasons: One was that I was not battling a school schedule leading up to the convention and had proper time to prepare for the weekend as oppose to rushing to make everything work. This meant I could arrive at our hotel room in the Embassy Suites early as well, giving time for relaxation and hot-tubbing. Another significant difference was that Saturday the 15th is also the date of my birth, meaning my 21st birthday would be celebrated at the con. As if the greatness of Acen could be expanded, this would be the year. We were ready. And we got there on Thursday.
Thursday:
Costumes in tow, we parked in the CTA lot and walked to our room at the Embassy Suites. For those who don’t know, this is immensely cheaper than trying to find parking around the convention center and parking in the lot designated by our hotel. I can’t confirm this for all hotels in the convention area but most certainly for the Hyatt and Embassy Suites. If you can make the walk, make it. It’s worth the time. You will have to return to the lot to pay for your spot (depending on how much money you assign to the spot), so that is slightly inconvenient. However, our group agrees getting the exercise has always been good for us and saving funds when it comes to Acen is a near science we’ve perfected. The point? Save money, take a walk to the CTA station.
Apparently the day before any convention is considered the party night by its diehard fans. While this may be the case with other cons, it wasn’t how I felt about Acen. Embassy Suites at least were pretty quite, as if expecting con-goers to invade in the morning. Getting there a day early did have its perks, as we were able to pick up our badges and get situated within the hotel room. Also, getting the chance to relax is not something we often experience. However, Thursday was not a con exciting day so on to Friday
Friday:
As I said before, Acen is a family event. I spent most of the day checking make to sure everyone made it to the convention hall and hotel. Our Acen employed members ran off to pick up their press badges, where interesting events unfolded. Instead of the laid back, more appreciative attitude we’re used to, Acen press department had something else in mind. Each member of our press group had to attend at least two press events or else badges would not be awarded next year. As one of the largest press groups attending the convention, this meant a lot of time required of us in the press room. After we scheduled everything out, camera crews (yes, crews) spread out to conquer the con.
Before I ever met the Enthusiasts, running around the Hyatt was very different than it was this past year. No giant cameras or bunny ears, just a tiny digital blip and Naruto cosplay. Up until last year, our crew stayed in the Hyatt so we most certainly saw more costly. The Embassy Suites is by far more comfortable and affordable but it is without some of the mayhem of the Hyatt. I do miss the intensity of the Hyatt but I don’t miss the screaming until five in the morning.
As per usual, the dealers room was packed and filled with endless amounts of stuff. A special shout out to The Five Wits for their remarkable wig selection and their super sweet answering staff. However the dealers room was set up this year, especially in conjunction with the Artist Alley gave the illusion of lots of space, which was very appreciated. Even though every time we entered the Dealers Room it was packed, I never felt too cramped or sticky. As a veteran of too-close booths, I appreciated the change. Keep it up Acen.
Last note: Anime Hell was great 
Saturday:
Saturday was a huge day for the Enthusiasts. Not only was it our first year anniversary, but one of our members was celebrating a birthday and another was graduating from college. Oh yeah, and the masquerade, which was going to be streamed live online. With so much to do, people coming and going, it was a far cry from where we’d come from. Never before have the Enthusiasts ever been so busy, or so spread out. We set out to accomplish so much that day and we awoke on an excited note.
Every year I am stoked to see the creativity of the cosplayers who show up to debut their handwork. I expect crazy intricate costumes and obscene props. This year I was not as impressed as last year. Now, I was not able to make it to the masquerade, so I may have missed the costume royalty, and I was unable to spend a lot of time simply watching people walk by, so I feel as if I have missed an important part of the convention by not experiencing the handwork. No insult to anyone who rocked out their costumes this year, I’m simply sorry I missed you.
That being said, the TF2 photo shoot not only included glorious fans but dedicated cosplayers. I say this as an obviously biased Female Solider cosplayer, but even though the costumes are not terribly intricate or eye-catching, one could feel the enthusiasm from these gamers. We are so appreciative for the chance to hang with them and are looking forward to doing so again.
Our Saturday night was nothing short of crazy. A birthday party. A masquerade. A graduation. A rave. A fire alarm and hotel evacuation.
(Funny, wasn’t I saying how I missed the chaos of the other hotels?)
Even though not everything turned out as planned, we had a remarkable time. I can safely say this was my favorite Acen rave, even with the questionable amounts of alcohol in our bloodstreams. The night ended after the sun came up, the sure sign of any good party. And a word of advice, do not play the game 3 Man if you intend to wake up pleasantly the next day.
Sunday:
There is no better way to complete a weekend of Acen than a morning spent in the dealers room finishing up your shopping and then a lunch at Japanese marketplace Mitsuwa. Located only about a half hour away from the Rosemont Convention Center, the marketplace offers not only a grocery section but a series of restaurants offering amazing food. I’m partial to the ramen shop, if anyone’s taking pointers. I would be a miss if I did not mention the fabulous bakery within Mitsuwa, with special Totoro cakes for sale during Acen weekend. The visit should most certainly become one your Acen traditions. It’s going to be one of ours.
While I will always adore the first couple weeks in the month of May for the excitement of Acen, some of what I love about the con defiantly felt a little flat this year. The gaming room suffered from a reduction of screens. Masquerade skits didn’t send us into fits of giggles. Costumes did not leave our brains splattered on the floor. I’m not sure whether this is an indication of how spectacular last year’s Acen was or not, but it most certainly has not dampened our spirits. Even if an off year was what we had, Acen will rise like a phoenix from the ashes and destroy us next year. Till then old friend.
And happy first anniversary to us.
Tags: 2010, ACEN, Anime, Anniversary, Awesome, Convention, Masquerade, Rosemont, TF2, Video Game
