WasabiCon 2015

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 contact@wasabicon.com. 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 contact@WasabiCon.com.
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 16 2015

FEATURED TALENT: Disney Legend Tom Nabbe

Wasabizilla WasabiNews Disney Legend, Tom Nabbe, WasabiCon 2015

The last time Tom Nabbe paid to get into a Disney Park, it was July 18, 1955 — the first day Walt Disney opened his new Park to the public. Tom was a rusty-haired 12-year-old, enjoying his day at Disneyland. The very next day he landed a job as a “newsie”, hawking “The Disneyland News” to Main Street guests.
In 1956, Walt Disney recognized the “Tom Sawyer” in a young Nabbe, and he became the “Luckiest Boy in the World”. That’s what the cover of the April 7, 1957 issue of “Parade” magazine said, beneath a full-color photo of Tom dressed as Mark Twain’s paragon of American boyhood.
“I used to approach Walt every time I saw him around the Park,” Tom said of his yearlong pursuit of Disney and the starring role on Tom Sawyer Island.
Disney’s first response to Tom was “Why should I put you on the island when I can put a mannequin there? Especially considering the dummy won’t be running off for hot dogs every half-hour.”
Disney, quoted in the “Parade” article, had a somewhat more gracious recollection: “He was friendly and bright — and he sure looked the part.”
One job requirement was that Tom had to keep a C average in school. So every quarter, the boy brought his report card directly to Walt for inspection. It was perhaps the hardest part of playing the character.
After outgrowing the role of Tom Sawyer, Nabbe went on to manage other attractions. In 1964, he met his wife, Janice, while they were working together at Frontierland’s Oak Tavern at Disneyland. They were married on June 22, 1968.
In 1971, Tom was transferred to Walt Disney World in Orlando as part of its opening crew, where he started as the Transportation Supervisor for the Monorail System. He also helped in the opening of Disneyland Paris.
Forty-eight years later, in June 2003, 60-year-old Tom retired from his job as manager of distribution services at Walt Disney World. He was the last working member of Club 55, a group of original Disneyland Cast Members named for Disneyland’s inaugural year and for their chief qualification of membership — a paycheck from Walt Disney dated 1955.
Shortly after his retirement, Tom received the highly selective honor of having his name on one of the windows down Main Street at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.
In September 2005, he was inducted as a Disney Legend during a ceremony that took place at Disneyland. His wife Janice and son Ken were in attendance as he received this honor. Since then, he has spoken at numerous Disney enthusiast events, telling of his experiences as the “Luckiest Boy in the World”.

October 16 2015

FEATURED TALENT: Jedi Academy of North Florida

Wasabizilla WasabiNews Jedi Academy of North Florida, WasabiCon 2015

Jedi What is the Jedi Academy of North Florida? In their own words: “Our mission is to educate and instruct open-minded, enthusiastic, dedicated and hardworking the way of the Jedi. Accepting students all students between the ages of 6-65.
Initially we will offer basic/intermediate classes in the following practices:
-Lightsaber dueling (offense/defense)
-acrobatics
-basic maneuvers
-focused meditation
-martial arts”
Be sure to check out their panel on Saturday at 6:00 PM in Panels B!
Also check ’em out Facebook: www.facebook.com/Jedi-Academy-of-North-Florida-1387016494908328/

October 14 2015

Win over $500 in prizes at the WasabiCon 2015 Costume Contest!

Wasabizilla WasabiNews costume contest, Mythical Mountain, WasabiCon 2015

The WasabiCon 2015 Costume Contest is a chance for cosplayers to show off their hard work and passion for dressing up like pop culture characters. The contest will take place Saturday, October 31, 2015 at 7:00 PM in Events A (Ortega). You must sign up IN ADVANCE during the Costume Contest Pre-Judging/Sign-Up in Panels A (San Marco) from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM. No entries will be taken right before the contest itself.
This year – we’re proud to announce that the contest is sponsored by Jacksonville’s newest toy and comic book store: Mythical Mountain! The best of show winner will win a $250 Gift Certificate to the store – with other prize categories getting gift certificates, too!
THE RULES

You must have purchased an entry into WasabiCon 2015 in order to enter/present on stage for the Costume Contest.
The Costume Contest is a family-oriented event. Please keep all costumes to a “PG-13″ rating (i.e. no nudity or overly revealing attire).
No bought costumes. Costumes must be 50% crafted or more. You may purchase parts of a costume, but said parts must be disclosed during the judging process. If you are not the maker of your costume (and simply modeling), said creator of the costume must be present with you upon entry. If the costume wins an award, the award will go to the creator of the costume.
All weapons and props must conform to WasabiCon rules, hotel and convention center policies, and local laws concerning carrying a weapon. If there is a question of doubt, don’t bring it.
Please provide reference images of the character you are dressed as. We cannot guarantee the judges will know what your character looks like, so having something to compare to will help you as much as them! Please provide this image on a piece of paper to attach to your costume contest registration form. No digital images (i.e. cell phones, iPads, portable computers, tablets, etc.) or books can be submitted for your reference image. Please print the picture out for the judges.
There is no restriction on costume source. This means all genres & “original characters” are permitted in the contest.
Each costume must be entered separately. The costumes may be presented on stage (and prejudged) together, but each costume is judged as a separate entry. Simply put: the “Best of Show” award can only go to one individual and not a group. The “Best Group” award, however, is an example of multiple entries being presented together to win this award.
The contest will be limited to 50 entries total. (NOTE: Costume Contest entry forms are available at the convention ONLY. You may pick them up at Registration when you pick up your badge/wristband for the convention or in Panels Room A at 4:00 on the Saturday of the con.)
WasabiCon reserves the right to modify, update, or amend the rules at any time… just in case.
Have fun!

THE INFO

REGISTRATION takes place Saturday during the Costume Contest Pre-Judging/Sign-Up in Panels A (San Marco) from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM.
SET UP: All contestants MUST report to Events A (Ortega) at 6:30 PM to be coordinated for contest. If you are late, you will not be in the contest.
THE CONTEST takes place that same Saturday from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM in Events A (Ortega). There is a 30-minute break to allow for the judges to discuss winners – during which the audience will watch a presentation from Noise Complaint. The winners will be announced after the performance.

THE AWARDS

Best of Show (aka “THE winner”)
This winner will take home a $250 Gift Card to Mythical Mountain in Jacksonville, Florida!
Runner Up (aka “the winner that’s not THE winner”)
This winner will take home a $100 Gift Card to Mythical Mountain in Jacksonville, Florida!
Best Junior Costume (aka “the winner that is under the age of 14”)
This winner will take home a $100 Gift Card to Mythical Mountain in Jacksonville, Florida!
Honorable Mention (aka “you were good enough for us to notice”)
Best Costume Group (aka “the folks who looked cool together in costume”)
Three (3) Judges Awards (aka “the judges have favorites that didn’t win something else”)

Still have questions? Email contact@wasabicon.com.