Menu

WasabiCon 2016

WasabiCon Jacksonville News

WasabiCon 2016 was a success!

Dear Jacksonville Cosplayers, Gamers, & Geeks:
Thank you.  Seriously.  We mean it!  You have made WasabiCon an integral part of fan culture in Jacksonville, Florida.  In just five years, we’ve grown a one day show about “anime and video games” into a weekend experience celebrating anime, cosplay, comics, fantasy, science fiction, tabletop games, video games, and a multitude of other pop culture genres.  In just five years we’ve built a place where a family dressed as Marvel superheroes can take photos with a meet up of Furries while a panel for Homestucks is taking place in a room next to a video game tournament.
In short: you helped us create a home for fandom in Jacksonville, Florida.
In October of 2016, over 2,500 fans came to our convention over its two days.  Aside from engaging in panels, workshops, games, cosplay, vendors, and the usual fare… our fans also accomplished two pretty amazing things:

  • LifeSouth Community Blood Centers took over a section of our event and garnered 52 blood donations during the con.  According to their metrics – “one blood donation can save up to three lives” – so you can see how impactful this is.
  • Toys For Tots got a bump from our Charity Auction on Sunday in the amount of $621.  The generosity of our attendees just made Christmas a little better for Florida’s children this year.  (Click here for a message from the auction’s coordinator.)

None of this would be possible without our amazing 2016 staff.  So many thanks to Adam, Amanda, Annie, Becky, Chris, Dani, Danielle, Diane, Francis, Jason, Joe, John, the other John, Kaleb, Kate, Kelly, LeAnna, Lisa, Lyn, Mandy, Myna, Ray, Ron, Russ, Ryan, Savanna, Shannon, TJ, and Tracy.  Special shout out to the team from Noise Complaint for their operations support this year, too!
Sponsors are an important part of making any event succeed, and ours were invaluable this year to help us with our expansion into a new property.  An immense thank you is due to Autobahn Indoor Speedway, Blackfinn Ameripub, Borderlands Comics and Games, Buzz Magazine, Funimation, Jacksonville RollerGirls, Johnny Angel’s Diner, Kessler Creative, Legendary Games, Nintendo, Steve Jackson Games, Sweet Pete’s, The Great Escape Room, Video Game Rescue, and the amazing team at Visit Jacksonville.
We are immensely proud at what WasabiCon has become for Jacksonville, and we plan on expanding even further next year.  Watch this website (and our social media) for updates as we begin planning for 2017… and once more, thank you.
Tom Croom
WasabiCon 2016 Event Director
uss-wasabicon

WasabiCon Jacksonville News

READ ME! Everything you need to know before coming to WasabiCon 2016!

,

It’s that time! Jacksonville’s favorite pop culture convention is a GO for year five and we have SO MUCH to share with you.  Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned con goer, this post has all the info you need to get the most out of your WasabiCon experience.
TICKETS can be be bought at the door. Saturday is $25; Sunday is $20; or you can pay for the whole weekend for only $40. Cash and credit cards are both accepted, and there is an ATM in the hotel between the lobby and the convention center.  You can find the registration are are using the map below.
LOCATION: WasabiCon 2016 will take place at the Lexington Hotel and Conference Center in Jacksonville, Florida.  The address is 1515 Prudential Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32207.
PARKING is $5 a day.  If the parking lot fills up, overflow parking is available nearby and the hotel staff will direct you.
HOURS OF OPERATION for Saturday are 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.  Registration opens at 9:30 AM.  Sunday hours are 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM with registration opening again that day at 9:30 AM.
GUESTS are scheduled to appear both days of the show and celebrity guests will be signing Saturday and Sunday in the Vendors Room.
AUTOGRAPHS are an additional fee for this year’s media guests (Sean Schemmel and Tara Sands).  Autographs are $20 and photos (with your own camera) are $10.  This is no limit on autographs and you may purchase as many as you want.
FOOD is available on property from the bar and local restaurants.  (The hotel’s restaurant is closed for renovations.)  There will, however, be food stations set up with hamburgers, hot dogs, and chili all weekend.
WORKSHOPS and the FOAM SWORD ARENA both have additional fees.  This is to cover the cost of materials, etc.  (See schedule for details.)
ALL OTHER EVENTS are included in your admission ticket!  This includes events, panels, tabletop gaming, video games, the viewing room, the GAAM room, and more!
The complete SCHEDULE is posted online for you to review.  You can read it at www.WasabiCon.com/schedule.  For panel and event descriptions, visit www.WasabiCon.com/schedule2016
POLICIES are posted online: www.WasabiCon.com/policies.  Please make sure to adhere to our convention guidelines so that everyone has a safe, fun, and enjoyable event experience!  Unruly behavior or violation of our rules will result in immediate ejection from the convention and event property.
Did we miss anything?  Email us at contact@wasabicon.com.  We’ll also be monitoring the WasabiCon Twitter for questions, too, throughout the weekend.
Thanks… and enjoy WasabiCon 2016!
WasabiCon 2016 Map
 

WasabiCon Jacksonville News

The WasabiCon 2016 Costume Contest

,

The WasabiCon 2016 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 22, 2016 at 7:00 PM in Events A (Port).  You must sign up IN ADVANCE during the Costume Contest Pre-Judging/Sign-Up in Events B (Anchor) from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM.  No entries will be taken right before the contest itself.
Website-News-Banner
THE RULES

  1. You must have purchased an entry into WasabiCon 2016 in order to enter/present on stage for the Costume Contest.
  2. 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).
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. There is no restriction on costume source.  This means all genres & “original characters” are permitted in the contest.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.)
  9. WasabiCon reserves the right to modify, update, or amend the rules at any time… just in case.
  10. Have fun!

THE INFO

  • REGISTRATION takes place Saturday during the Costume Contest Pre-Judging/Sign-Up in Events B from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
  • SET UP: All contestants MUST report to Events A (Port) 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 (Port).  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”)
  • Runner Up (aka “the winner that’s not THE winner”)
  • Best Junior Costume (aka “the winner that is under the age of 14”)
  • 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”)
    • Judge #1: Candy Keane
    • Judge #2: Jenna Esposito
    • Judge #3: Ms Valentine from GAAM

Still have questions?  Email contact@wasabicon.com.

WasabiCon Jacksonville News

Larry Watts at WasabiCon 2016 (Schedule)

, , ,

WasabiCon is THIS WEEKEND and we’re thrilled to have talent comic artist Larry Watts as a guest this year!
Larry will appear at two panels over the course of the weekend…
Larry E WattsSAUTRDAY, 3:00 PM, Larry Watts Talks Comics – EVENTS A
Join Larry Watts, artist for the Army of Darkness and Evil Dead 2 comics, as he talks about comics, the industry, and more.
SUNDAY, 1:00 PM: Comics Q&A with Larry Watts – EVENTS A
Join comic book artist Larry Watts for this question and answer session about life, the universe, and working in the comic industry.
Larry will have prints of his work to sell and sign in the Vendors Room each day, so stop by and say hi!  PLEASE NOTE: Larry will be away from his table from time to time for panels/breaks, so check his table for the latest updates.

WasabiCon Jacksonville News

Sean Schemmel at WasabiCon 2016 (Schedule)

, ,

WasabiCon is THIS WEEKEND and we’re thrilled to host the voice of Goku, Sean Schemmel, in his first ever appearance in Jacksonville, Florida.
Sean will appear at two panels over the course of the weekend…
Sean SchemmelSATURDAY, 2:00 PM: Sean Schemmel 101 – EVENTS A
Did you know that Sean’s first U.S. anime convention appearance was in Florida (Orlando) in 2001?  Come learn all about one of the most recognizable voices in anime in a fun and (somewhat) fact filled Q&A!
SUNDAY, 2:00 PM: Goku Speaks! Sean Schemmel Q&A – EVENTS A
This panel is (easily) over 9000!  Join the voice of Goku for the question and answer session about Dragon Ball Z, voice acting, and anything else on Sean’s mind!
He will also be signing autographs when the Vendors Room opens each day (12:00 PM Saturday; 11:00 AM Sunday).  Autographs are $20.  Photos (with your camera) are $10.  PLEASE NOTE: Sean will be away from his table from time to time for panels/breaks, so check his table for the latest updates each day.

WasabiCon Jacksonville News

SPONSOR: Sweet Pete's (@sweetpetes) will provide BAG STUFFERS for WasabiCon 2016!

, , , ,

sweetpetesPeter Behringer, owner of Sweet Pete’s, was raised in the chocolate industry. In 1985, when he was eleven years old, his mother opened a family chocolate business, which grew to encompass 32 locations and a large production facility. After college, Behringer applied his experience in the industry with an on-going education to further hone his chocolate and candy making expertise. In 2010, Behringer decided to strike out on his own and opened Sweet Pete’s candy shop, located in a whimsically decorated historic home. He quickly went to work, utilizing his confectionary expertise to make the majority of Sweet Pete’s candy by hand.
Peter’s scrumptious, colorful and handcrafted candies steadily gained attention and notoriety in the Jacksonville area. In 2014, Sweet Pete’s was featured on the CNBC hit reality seriesThe Profit, where entrepreneur Marcus Lemonis applies his capital and expertise to lead companies to success. Out of thousands of businesses, Lemonis chose to work with Sweet Pete’s, and a natural partnership flourished.
After appearing on The Profit, Sweet Pete’s opened a new Jacksonville location in the historic Seminole Club, a building that dates back to 1903. The notable location, which hosted a number of well-known visitors such as Presidents Teddy Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy, sat vacant for ten years until Sweet Pete’s and Lemonis renovated the property. This new confectionary emporium is a vast 23,000 sq. ft., making it one of the largest candy shops in the United States.
Today, Sweet Pete’s manufactures a line of handcrafted quality chocolates and sells over a thousand different types of candies. The new location boasts a fully functioning factory with an interactive gallery, two large retail areas, a full restaurant and bar, rooftop patio and dessert bar. Sweet Pete’s also features an event center that offers space for children’s field trips, catered events and parties. Peter also finds joy in sharing his expertise with others by teaching the art of candy making. The fun-filled educational environment includes Sweet Pete’s Sweet Science Classes, hands-on interactive candy making sessions and birthday parties. Sweet Pete’s is run by a group of naturally fun people who are committed to creating the Sweetest Destination on Earth.
We can’t wait to see what the team from Sweet Pete’s will be adding to our WasabiCon 2016 swag bags!!!

WasabiCon Jacksonville News

SPONSOR: The Great Escape Room (@GreatEscapeRoom) in Jacksonville, Florida!

, , ,

great-escape-roomA new concept in interactive family fun, date nights, celebrations, and corporate outings. The Great Escape Room is a live room escape game based on the popular computer and mobile phone escape games. Escape games are the newest craze sweeping the nation – a fun, team-building, brain-busting experience!
The puzzles at The Great Escape Room are designed to challenge you to use your collective intellect. After entering a room with your team, the door is locked behind you. 60 minutes are on the clock! You must work together in order to find clues and solve puzzles that will lead you to your escape. It is part scavenger hunt and part puzzle game. Only about 20% of groups are able to meet the challenge and escape in time!
Is your team clever enough? Come find out for yourself and schedule your Great Escape today!
-Private rooms are available when a minimum of 10 tickets are purchased.
-Private rooms outside our standard hours of operation available upon request.
Check out the Jacksonville location: 11651 CENTRAL PARKWAY, SUITE 103 JACKSONVILLE, FL 32224
Cell (904) 203-8358 for info!
Official website: thegreatescaperoom.com
We’re thrilled to have TGER as a WasabiCon 2016 sponsor!!!

WasabiCon Jacksonville News

PRESS APPLICATIONS open for WasabiCon 2016

,

Press PassPRESS PASSES

As a consumer focused media show, WasabiCon grants a limited number of Press Passes for the purpose of covering and reviewing our convention.  If you are interested in attending the event as press, please take the time to read the following expectations and information – then submit the form below.  If you have a specific question that isn’t covered here, please email contact@wasabicon.com.
1.  Press Passes give the same access as a standard weekend admission ticket.   They do NOT grant the wearer special privileges to convention guests or events.  (We want reports of our convention to be from a “fan perspective.”)
2.  Arrangements to interview any of WasabiCon’s guests must be made directly with the guest/guest’s representation in advance and cannot take place during scheduled appearances/panels/signings.  We can put you in touch upon press credential approval.
3.  Print publications (such as newspapers and magazines) are asked to include a website featuring their media for reference.
4.  Blogs and website only based media outlets must meet the following criteria:

  • Your site must be online and active since before July 1, 2015 with material on your site to support this.
  • Your site must have a domain of its own. (i.e. http://EXAMPLE.wordpress.com or http://EXAMPLE.blogspot.com are not acceptable. but http://www.EXAMPLE.com is.)
  • Your site must be ranked (according to Alexa.net) higher than Tom Croom’s blog at: www.tomcroom.com. (If more people are reading his crappy rantings about random nonsense than news and reviews on your website, then odds are that you need to step up your game.)

5.  Podcasts (audio and video) must all meet the requirements of Blogs/Websites (#4) along with the following:

  • Your podcast must have at least twelve (12) complete episodes that have been posted before July 1, 2014.
  • Understand that WasabiCon will not provide you any technical equipment or access to the Internet for your podcast. You’re on your own.

6.  Approved media outlets are granted two (2) Press Passes.  No exceptions. Any additional members of your media team will need to purchase admission to the show.
7.  Green Mustard Entertainment, Inc. reserves the right to refuse (and revoke) Press Passes for any reason at any time.
8.  Submission of the form on this page does not guarantee Press Passes.   All approved press will receive an email confirmation before the show.   If you have not heard back from us within two weeks of the show, feel free to follow up with contact@wasabicon.com.
9. Please submit a form without any obvious grammar and spelling mistakes as this will (very likely) result in your application being denied.  FYI.

WasabiCon Jacksonville News

PRESS RELEASE: WasabiCon 2016 is almost here!

,

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASABICON, JACKSONVILLE’S OWN “COMIC CON,” RETURNS FOR YEAR FIVE!
This event has moved to a new location, the Lexington Jacksonville Riverwalk, to accommodate attendee growth.
(JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA, October 1, 2016) WasabiCon, Jacksonville’s locally known pop culture, fantasy, sci-fi, and gaming convention, will take place this month at the Lexington Hotel & Conference Center Jacksonville Riverwalk, located at 1515 Prudential Drive, Jacksonville, Florida 32207.  The two-day celebration will take place October 22-23, 2016 and starts at 11:00 AM each morning, with registration opening at 10:00 AM.
In addition to vendors, artists, and all-day tabletop and video gaming, WasabiCon will offer several special attractions for attendees. Sean Schemmel, best-known as the voice of Goku from the iconic anime series Dragonball Z, will be on hand all weekend.  For fans of Pokémon, Tara Sands, the voice of Bulbasaur from the popular animated series as well as many other notable roles, will also be in attendance.  Comic and horror enthusiasts can meet Army of Darkness and Zenescope Entertainment comic book artist Larry Watts both days of the convention.  Also scheduled to appear: the 1701st Starfleet Uniform Club, the 219th Brain Surgeons/Resident Evil Cosplay Club, Brittani Crawford, Candy Keane, Extra Life Jax, GAAM, Jenna Esposito, MissFushi, Noise Complaint, North Florida Ghostbusters, Pelvic Gaming, Short Box Podcast, and the United States Wrestling Alliance.
WasabiCon will once again host the JAX SMASH ULTIMATE Super Smash Bros. Tournament! For eight weeks leading up to the event, our sponsor – Video Game Rescue – has held weekly tournaments to determine the eight best Super Smash Bros. players in the Jacksonville area. Come watch these finalists “Settle it in Smash!” and cheer on your favorites on the big screen in the main events room on Sunday afternoon, only at WasabiCon!
You can find the complete event schedule online at www.WasabiCon.com/schedule
Tickets are available for purchase at the events and are $25 for Saturday, $20 for Sunday, or $40 for the weekend.  Children under 3 years old get in for free.  Parking is $5 at the venue.
WasabiCon is made possible through the generous support of a number of local and national sponsors: Autobahn Indoor Speedway, Blackfinn Ameripub, Borderlands Comics & Games, Buzz Magazine, Jacksonville RollerGirls, Johnny Angel’s Diner, Legendary Games, Nintendo, Sweet Pete’s, Video Game Rescue, and Visit Jacksonville.
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, Fan Expo Dallas, Florida Supercon, Gen Con, and Megacon. Green Mustard Entertainment currently owns and operates five fan convention in North America: Florida Anime Experience, Florida Comics Experience, InvaderCON, PinUpalooza, and WasabiCon.
###

Load More