FAQ
Questions of the Frequently Asked variety.
What exactly is a “pop culture convention”?
WasabiCon and similar events are described in a variety of ways, including “anime convention,” “comic con,” “geek event” and “pop culture festival,” just to name a few. These conventions are typically ticketed events featuring several standard elements that fans have come to expect:
- A Vendor Room featuring specialty businesses selling toys, comics, games, collectibles and other merchandise related to the event’s themes.
- An Artist Alley where independent artists and creators showcase and sell prints, crafts and other original works.
- Celebrity guests who meet fans, sign autographs—typically for an additional fee—and participate in panels or question-and-answer sessions.
- Panel rooms where fans, professionals and subject-matter experts present seminars and discussions on a variety of topics.
- Game rooms where attendees can play video games and tabletop games for fun or participate in organized competitions.
- A costume contest, along with other cosplay-related presentations, demonstrations and workshops.
What is “anime”?
Anime is hand-drawn or computer-generated animation originating from Japan. Popular titles in North America include Dragon Ball, Sailor Moon, Naruto and My Hero Academia. The term “anime convention” commonly encompasses other elements of Japanese and broader Asian pop culture, including manga, K-pop and video games.
Do I have to wear a costume in order to attend WasabiCon?
No. Costumes—commonly referred to as cosplay—are welcome and encouraged, but they are never required. Many attendees wear everyday clothing, so come dressed in whatever makes you feel comfortable. If you choose to wear a costume, please review our Policies (including the Props Policy) before attending.
Can I bring my child to the convention?
Yes. Most programming at WasabiCon is designed to contain material generally comparable to an MPA PG-13 rating, so parents and guardians should keep that in mind when attending with younger children. Any programming intended for mature audiences will be clearly marked “18+” on the schedule and will only take place after 8:00 p.m. We recommend reviewing all programming descriptions in the convention guide or on the website, once posted, before attending.
Does my child need a ticket to get in?
Like a concert, WasabiCon has a limited number of tickets based on the venue’s capacity. Because every attendee counts toward that capacity, tickets are the same price regardless of age. However, children younger than three (3) may attend WasabiCon free of charge.
Can I edit the legal name associated with my ticket?
Yes. You may update the attendee name associated with your WasabiCon ticket through your Tixr Wallet. The name on the ticket must match the photo ID presented when picking up your badge or wristband.
For instructions, please see Tixr’s article, “How to change the name on your tickets”:
https://fansupport.tixr.com/en/articles/11083937-how-to-change-the-name-on-your-tickets
I can no longer use my ticket to WasabiCon. What are my options?
All WasabiCon tickets are nonrefundable in accordance with our Policies. Before advance online ticket sales end, you may transfer your ticket by updating the attendee’s name and information through Tixr. The attendee name may only be changed once.
After advance online ticket sales end, tickets become nontransferable.
What do I need to pick up my badge or wristband?
To pick up a preordered badge or wristband, you must present a valid photo ID. The name on your ticket must match the name on your photo ID—no exceptions.
Attendees under eighteen (18) who do not have a photo ID must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The parent or guardian may present their own photo ID to pick up the minor’s credential. Unaccompanied minors without photo identification will not be permitted to pick up their badge or wristband.
I’m under 18. Why does an adult need to accompany me when I pick up my badge or wristband?
Anyone under eighteen (18) is considered a minor in the state of Florida. Therefore, a parent, legal guardian, or other responsible adult must accompany you when you pick up your badge or wristband to confirm that you have an adult’s knowledge and permission to attend the convention. Basically, we want to make sure someone knows you’re at WasabiCon so we don’t have panicked parents showing up looking for you.
What happens if I lose my badge or wristband?
Please keep your badge or wristband secure throughout the weekend—it is your proof of admission to WasabiCon. Lost, stolen or damaged credentials cannot be replaced, and you will need to purchase a new one to re-enter the convention.
What is not included with my admission ticket?
Your WasabiCon admission includes access to the convention’s standard programming and shopping areas. However, food, merchandise and certain optional activities are not included. Additional costs may include:
- Celebrity autographs, with prices posted at each guest’s booth.
- Workshop supply fees.
- Registration fees for select gaming tournaments.
- Separate admission for premium events, specialized shows, afterparties or other ticketed presentations.
Prices for these items and activities are typically posted in advance or displayed at the convention.
Can I bring outside food or drinks into the convention center?
Outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center. Exceptions will only be made for attendees with medically necessary dietary needs or medical conditions requiring specific food, beverages, or nutritional items. Attendees requesting an exception may be asked to wait for a member of management for approval.
What food options are available during the event?
The Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center offers on-site Grab & Go concessions. The venue also coordinates a limited number of food trucks each year, giving attendees additional options for purchasing meals and snacks. Other restaurants and dining options are available throughout downtown Jacksonville.
How did you come up with the name WasabiCon?
When we originally launched the convention, it was a spin-off of Wasabi Anime, Green Mustard Entertainment’s national Asian pop culture event-production brand. Our goal was to create a weekend experience for local fans featuring the same top-notch programming standards we had brought to conventions such as FAN EXPO Canada, MEGACON and Gen Con.
Try the green stuff. You’ll like it!