WasabiNews

May 3 2016

THIS WEEK ONLY! Get a weekend pass to WasabiCon 2016 for only $25!

Wasabizilla WasabiNews Early Bird, Tickets, WasabiCon 2016

OFFER EXPIRES FRIDAY (MAY 6TH) AT MIDNIGHT!

WasabiCon 2016 Tickets are officially on sale! In order to celebrate our new location, we’re putting weekend passes on sale (this week only!) for the same price as a Saturday only ticket. That’s right: you get two days for the price of one… so order today!

STEP ONE: Read the disclaimer before purchasing your ticket to the WasabiCon 2015. www.WasabiCon.com/Policies/#disclaimer
STEP TWO: Review the advance ticket prices and buy your ticket! (Scroll down.)
The earlier you purchase your pass, the less expensive it is. (See prices on our official Eventbrite page.)
Waiting to buy tickets at the door?
– A Weekend (2-Day) Pass (at the door) is $40
– A Saturday Only Pass (at the door) is $25
– A Sunday Only Pass (at the door) is $20
Children ages three and under get in for free. Otherwise, ticket prices include all ages.
PARENTS: If you are purchasing a ticket for your child under the age of 18, you must be present with him/her at the event to pick up and/or purchase a ticket. You signature is required on the on-site registration form.
Questions? [email protected]

May 2 2016

2016 Vendor Spaces are ON SALE!

Wasabizilla WasabiNews Vendor Room, Vendors Room, WasabiCon 2016

WasabiCon Shopping The Vendor Room at our convention is an important part of the holistic fan experience for our attendees, so THANK YOU for your interest in being a part of that. Your involvement grants eager fans access to merchandise themed appropriately for our event, and that is an invaluable part of the overall value of the convention experience. As a part of this year’s event, each Vendor Room space includes:
An eight foot by eight foot area (8 x 8) in the Vendor Room
One (1) six foot table
Two (2) chairs
Two (2) weekend passes to the convention labeled “Vendor”
Need additional “Vendor” badges for your staff? No problem! You can purchase one (1) additional “Vendor” badge for each space you order for an additional $25 when you process your payment online.
Power and Internet access are available. Please see Section V of the Vendors Agreement.
All Green Mustard Entertainment events offer pricing based on advance purchases. The sooner you purchase your space, the less expensive it is!
BEFORE ~~MAY 1~~ MAY 10, 2016 – $200 per space
BEFORE OCTOBER 16, 2016 – $250 per space
There is a limit of four (4) spaces per vendor. This is due to floorplan logistics and to be fair to other vendors.
Please read and fill out this entire document and please (PLEASE!) print clearly. You should note that your application is not considered complete until after your space(s) is/are paid in full. No exceptions!
If you have questions about anything on this form, please call us at (407) 536-9272 or email [email protected].

DOWNLOAD THIS FORM TO GET STARTED

VENDORS ROOM POLICIES

All vendors and their staff are responsible for adhering to the Convention Rules and Weapons Policy posted online at https://wasabicon.com/policies
The assignment of vendor space will be solely at the discretion of Green Mustard Entertainment management. While we will do our best to accommodate every request, we cannot guarantee a specific space.
We will attempt to notify you of your table number and assignment no later than five (5) days prior to the event. Vendors room packets containing badges and any other pertinent paperwork will be available for pickup before the event begins. See SECTION VI: Hours Of Operations in the Vendors Room Application & Agreement for the exact dates and times. Packets must be retrieved and badges worn before you will be allowed to set up your space. Packets will not be mailed in advance for any reason.
Your vendor space will be considered confirmed upon receipt of a signed contract with full payment. Partial payments and verbal agreements do not constitute a confirmed space or guarantee of any kind.
Any cancellations must be received in writing no later than forty-five (45) days in advance of the show. A fee of $25.00 will be charged for any cancellations. Cancellations are not permitted after fourteen (14) calendar days before the start of the event and all fees (partial or complete) are non-refundable after that point. All refunds will be sent via U.S. Mail within forty-five (45) days after the conclusion of the event.
Setup and breakdown times at the convention are strictly enforced. Your booth should be open and available for business during the officially posted Vendors Room hours. Breakdown of your space should not begin before the Vendors Room closure time listed on your signed application.
Bootleg merchandise (aka “grey market goods” – any/all unlicensed products and reproductions of any kind) including but not limited to weapons, costumes, accessories, and all products containing trademarked properties is not authorized for sale in any Green Mustard Entertainment Vendors Room.
Vendors agree that no weapon or adult material shall be purchased by or handled by any person below the legal age of 18. You are responsible for furnishing adequate information to Green Mustard Entertainment as to the proper removal of a weapon or adult material from the convention after purchase.
Green Mustard Entertainment reserves the right to revoke or refuse any application or to deny access to and/or remove dealers from the event at any time.
Green Mustard Entertainment is not responsible for losses due to theft, damage, fire, acts of nature, acts of God, or other causes.
You are responsible for providing your own insurance, and neither Green Mustard Entertainment nor the hotel/convention center/event venue will be responsible for obtaining insurance for you, your company, or its employees.
It is your responsibility to collect, report, and pay sales tax and/or fees according to federal, state, county and city regulations. Information and forms can be found online at http://dor.myflorida.com/dor/taxes/sales_tax.html
Additional processing fees may apply if you pay for your vendor space online (via Eventbrite).

November 4 2015

THANK YOU from WasabiCon 2015 for another successful convention!

Wasabizilla WasabiNews WasabiCon 2015

THANK YOU to everyone who was a part of WasabiCon 2015. YEAR FOUR of WasabiCon took place October 31-November 1, 2015 at the Jacksonville Marriott in Jacksonville, Florida. We are proud to announce that we had 1814 unique attendees ( with 2301 turnstile) over the two days. Special thanks to our Guests, Featured Talent, and Fan Groups this year!

GUEST: Amanda Miller – The voice of Sailor Jupiter in Sailor Moon Crystal
GUEST: David Sobolov – The voice of Gorilla Grodd in CW’s The Flash
GUEST: Triston Johnson – Zombie from The Walking Dead
FEATURED TALENT: Candy Keane – Cosplay Model
FEATURED TALENT: Jig to a Milestone – Musical Act
FEATURED TALENT: Miss Fushi – Internet Personality
FEATURED TALENT: Tom Nabbe – Disney Legend
FEATURED TALENT: Noise Complaint Live – Performance Group
FEATURED TALENT: Seth Kubersky – Theme Park Author
FAN GROUP: 1701st Fleet
FAN GROUP: Essential Paranormal Society
FAN GROUP: Extra Life Team Jax
FAN GROUP: GAAM
FAN GROUP: Jedi Academy of North Florida
FAN GROUP: Umbrella Corps 219th Division Brain Surgeons

In addition, our show wouldn’t be what it is without the support of some AMAZING sponsors:

LASTLY: no convention is made possible without a talented staff to create and maintain the “magic”. A heartfelt thanks goes out to Adam, Annie, Francis, Iris, Janice, Jason, Jessica, Jo, Juanita, Kaitlyn, Kaleb, Katie, Kelly, Ken, Lyn, Mandy, Myna, Russell, Savanna, Scott, Shannon, TJ, Tom Nabbe, and Tracy.
A very special thanks (and shout out) to Ryan Mulligan for being the “local glue” that holds WasabiCon together.
We are working on details already for WasabiCon 2016 – so watch this website (and our social media) for updates!
If you want to connect with other WasabiCon fans like you, we suggest you join the WasabiCon Fans Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WasabiConFans/
Thanks again everyone – and see you in 2016!
Tom Croom
2016 Convention Manager

October 29 2015

Everything you need to know to attend WasabiCon 2015. (Read this before coming to the convention!)

Wasabizilla WasabiNews WasabiCon 2015

WasabiCon 2015 upon us – and to make your convention experience as easy as possible, we’ve put together this handy dandy guide for attending the event. Please read the entire page before emailing/calling with questions… because the answer is probably here!
CAN I BRING MY KIDS TO THE EVENT?
Yes! WasabiCon is an all ages comic con style experience for fans of anime, comics, cosplay, costumes, fantasy, gaming, paranormal, science fiction, steampunk, theme parks, video games, and pop culture et al. There are some later events that are recommended for older attendees. Please refer to the convention guide for viewing room content ratings and event details.
WHERE IS WASABICON
WasabiCon 2015 will take place at the Jacksonville Marriott. The address for the hotel is 4670 Salisbury Rd, Jacksonville, Florida 32256. It is situated at the south end of town right off of Interstate 95. Here’s a map:

HOW DO I GET TO WASABICON?
If you don’t have transportation (car, friend with a car, dimensional wormhole, etc.) – you can catch a ride using Uber! You can download the app on Android or iPhone (check Google Play/the App Store). If you sign up as a new user for Uber – your first ride is FREE (up to $20) from WasabiCon! Just use code WASABI when signing up.

WHERE DO I PARK?
There is plenty of parking at the Marriott Jacksonville and (just as important) PARKING IS FREE! If the lot does fill up, there is a parking lot across the street (a very short walk) where you can also park. Please do NOT park in the other hotel parking lots (unless you are staying there as a guest.)
I ALREADY BOUGHT MY TICKET. WHERE DO I GET IT?
Once you walk into the front door of the Marriott Jacksonville, keep heading straight. You will see a table set up on your left just past the elevators. Have your photo I.D. and your ticket (printed or on your cell phone) when you get there. Here’s a map. Note the location of “REGISTRATION (PRE-REG)”

That desk will close around 2:00 PM on Saturday and move to the main Registration room. (See above map.)
PARENTS: If your child is under the age of 18, he/she can not pick up their ticket without an adult present. Please refer to our policies: www.wasabicon.com/policies
I NEED TO BUY MY TICKET. WHERE DO I GET ONE?
Tickets will be for sale at the convention. You can purchase them in Registration located down the hallway on your right immediately after you walk into the front entrance of the Marriott Jacksonville. (See map above.)
Tickets are $20 for Saturday, $15 for Sunday, and $35 for the weekend. Children under 3 get in for free. Visa and Mastercard are accepted, but there is a processing fee.
CHEAT CODE: HOW TO GET INTO THE PRE-REG LINE (SHORTER) WHEN YOU ARE BUYING YOUR TICKET AT THE CON.
So… you want to find a way to get into the shorter line, do you? Well, there IS a way to do it (as long as you’re paying by credit card.) Here’s what to do:

Download the convention guide to your cell phone: guidebook.com/g/wasabicon2015/
Look for the “Buy Tickets” button in the con guide…
Click it – and you will see the Eventbrite On-Site ticket page. This will be active after 9:30 AM on Saturday morning and (AND!) – if you use it to buy your Weekend Pass, it’s $5 cheaper than going to main Registration!
You will get an email confirmation (or you can install Eventbrite on your phone and pull up your ticket there.) EITHER WAY – walk over to the Pre-Reg Desk, tell them you just bought your ticket on your phone, show them the QR code on your ticket with your I.D., and they will scan you in.

Pretty easy, right?
NOTE: You can buy your Weekend, Saturday, or Sunday pass this way!
WHAT DO I DO AT THE CONVENTION?
Plenty! There is a complete schedule posted on our website here: www.wasabicon.com/schedule. There will be printed copies of the schedule (basic) at the convention. You can download the convention guide on your phone or tablet (more detailed) via Guidebook: guidebook.com/g/wasabicon2015/
I’M HUNGRY! WHERE CAN I GET FOOD?
You have a number of great options! The hotel has a restaurant on site (Bistro 202) you can order from. Here’s the info: www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-information/restaurant/jaxfl-jacksonville-marriott/
PLUS: One of our sponsors, Jimmy John’s Subs, will be on property giving away free samples all weekend and helping attendees order subs for delivery!
I WANT TO ENTER THE COSTUME CONTEST. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
You will need to be in full costume at Panels A (San Marco) at 5:30 PM to sign up and be pre-judged on Saturday. Call time for the contest is 7:00 PM in Events A (Ortega) that same day. For complete rules and details, click this link: www.wasabicon.com/archives/2770

WHERE SHOULD I FOLLOW YOU ON SOCIAL MEDIA?
Good question. This depends on what you’re looking for…
BEHIND THE SCENES

Add us on Snapchat. (User name “wasabicon”)
PHOTOS

Add us on Instagram (instagram.com/wasabicon) or Tumblr (wasabicon.tumblr.com)
EVENT UPDATES

Add us on Twitter (twitter.com/wasabicon) or Facebook (facebook.com/wasabicon). Please note that Facebook doesn’t show all posts due to their algorithm, but Twitter does.
OTHER
We *may* add Periscope… so follow up on Twitter to find out.
I STILL HAVE QUESTIONS.
Please refer to our FAQ: www.wasabicon.com/faq
I STILL STILL HAVE QUESTIONS.
Email us at [email protected]. If you have a question during the convention, odds are we won’t be able to answer – so try calling the office number. It fowards to an on site cell phone: (407) 536-9272

October 27 2015

PRESS RELEASE: WasabiCon 2015 will host a wedding, Halloween costume contest, & over 100 hours of programming!

Wasabizilla WasabiNews Press Release, WasabiCon 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASABICON HOSTS A WEDDING, HALLOWEEN COSTUME CONTEST, & MORE THIS WEEKEND!
The annual North Florida pop culture convention returns Saturday and Sunday: October 31-November 1, 2015.
(JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA, October 27, 2015) This weekend, WasabiCon – Jacksonville, Florida’s Favorite “Comic Con” Experience – will draw over 2,000 fans to celebrate a love of comic books, cosplay, and all around geek culture. The event takes place at the Jacksonville Marriott, located at 4670 Salisbury Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32256. Events start at 11:00 AM each morning with registration opening at 10:30 AM.
In addition to over one hundred hours of panels, workshops, and celebrity appearances, WasabiCon 2015 will offer some very special events for fans to enjoy. First: all attendees are invited to a wedding! Two of our returning attendees (Taylor James and Margaret Crose) have requested to share their love of fan conventions and each other with Jacksonville as they take their vows on the WasabiCon 2015 main stage at the end of Opening Ceremonies on Saturday. (1:00 PM, Events A)
WasabiCon falls on Halloween this year, so we’ve worked with local comic shop Mythical Mountain to provide a Costume Contest with over $500 in prizes for all ages! Pre-judging and sign up takes place at the convention at 5:00 PM on Saturday with the main event that evening. (7:00 PM, Events A)
Finally – the WasabiCon Dance will become the WaZOMBIE-Con Dance. Spend the evening with the dead, the undead, and the high energy sounds of deejays “d!j!ts” and “GoofyFM”. Admission to the dance is included with your WasabiCon 2015 (Saturday or Weekend) pass, or you can purchase a separate ticket at the door. (9:30 PM, Events A)
You can find the complete event schedule online at www.WasabiCon.com/schedule
Tickets are available for purchase at the events and are $20 for Saturday, $15 for Sunday, or $35 for the weekend. Children under 3 years old get in for free. Parking is free. Note: The rideshare app, Uber (uber.com/app), is offering a free ride to the convention for new users (up to $20) by using promo code WASABI when signing up.
WasabiCon is made possible through the generous support of a number of local and national sponsors: Borderlands Comics & Games, Calliope Games, CW Jacksonville, Fireside Games, Formal Ferret Games, FUNimation, Guidebook, Japan Candy Box, Jimmy John’s Subs, Kawaii Box, Mythical Mountain, Steve Jackson Games, Uber, and Video Game Rescue.
For press credentials and interview requests, please contact the convention production team via email at [email protected].
ABOUT GREEN MUSTARD ENTERTAINMENT: Started in 2001 as Wasabi Anime®, Green Mustard Entertainment, Inc. is an event production company that specializes in fan-focused entertainment and pop culture conventions. Based in Orlando, Florida, the company has made appearances and designed entertainment for some of the largest conventions in North America including Anime Expo®, Dragon Con, Florida Supercon, and Gen Con. Green Mustard Entertainment currently owns and operates five fan convention in North America: Florida Anime Experience, Florida Comics Experience, InvaderCON, PinUpalooza, and WasabiCon.
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October 26 2015

Wedding at WasabiCon – and YOU'RE INVITED!

Wasabizilla WasabiNews Margaret Crose, Taylor James, WasabiCon 2015, Wedding

Taylor James & Margaret Crose love going to conventions. Since the two share in this love, they figured it would be a great place to share their love for one another…
And get married.
AND YOU’RE INVITED! WasabiCon will be hosting a convention wedding between these two lovebirds immediately after Opening Ceremonies on Saturday. (Approximately 1:00 PM). So bear witness to some what makes fan conventions great: togetherness.
Wedding staff provided by WasabiCon. Music provided my Jig to a Milestone

October 24 2015

WaZOMBIE-Con Rave Dance – Saturday night (Halloween) at WasabiCon 2015!

Wasabizilla WasabiNews dance, rave, WasabiCon 2015, WaZOMBIE-Con Rave

Spend Halloween at WASABICON for our specially themed annual dance event featuring the musical mayhem of dij!ts & GoofyFm. Come in costume – Come out of costume – (Please, though, don’t come naked) – but swing by an spend your Halloween evening at Jacksonville’s favorite comic con experience!
Admission to the dance is included with your ticket to WasabiCon.
If you are coming to the dance only, a discount pass will be available at the door.
RSVP on Facebook for updates: https://www.facebook.com/events/1713665608848936/

October 20 2015

Official @Nintendo Game Preview & Presentation at WasabiCon 2015!

Wasabizilla WasabiNews Nintendo, WasabiCon 2015, Yo-Kai Watch

Want to see Yo-Kai Watch before it comes out November 6th? Swing by the WasabiCon Game Room from 1:00 PM to 5:00 on Saturday for an official presentation from Nintendo with demos, giveaways, and more!
A Nintendo Wii-U will be set up with demos of the latests releases including Animal Crossing HHD, Chibi Robo Zip Lash, LBX, LOZ Tri Force Heroes, Super Mario Maker, Yoshi’s Woolly World, and more!

October 19 2015

Advance Ticket Sales EXTENDED for 24 hours!

Wasabizilla WasabiNews Tickets, WasabiCon 2015

We got a couple of emails asking if we could hold off ending pre-sales so folks could buy their tickets tonight… because, you know, “last minute”.
Who are we to argue, though?
As a result – we are extending pre-sales for 24 hours. THUS, you can buy your ticket all the way up to tomorrow at noon (Eastern Time Zone for you nitpickers out there).
So here you go, folks: grab your ticket today and wait in the shorter line (Pre-Reg vs. On-Site) when you get to WasabiCon 2015!
http://www.eventbrite.com/e/wasabicon-2015-tickets-18086974628

October 19 2015

CONTEST WINNER: Congrats John Miller! You won a snazzy new Blu-ray set.

Wasabizilla WasabiNews Contest, Fusé: Memoirs Of A Huntress

Last week we kicked off another great contest for folks who bought their ticket in advance to give away a brand new, still in the shrink wrap, premium copy of Fusé: Memoirs Of A Huntress.
That winner is John Miller! Check your mailbox, John, since we’ll be shipping it out this week.
Less than two weeks until WasabiCon… are YOU ready?