Feb 12 2009
Convention Profile: Naka-Kon 2009
If you’re an anime fan in Missouri, this convention is for you. Naka-Kon is Kansas City’s only anime convention, and it’s happening March 13 - 15th, 2009. The convention is being held at the Hyatt Regency Crown Center. Hotel rooms at the Hyatt are available at a special convention rate of $109 a night (+ taxes).
As for tickets, pre-registration will be available until February 17, 2009. After February 17, 2009 tickets may only be purchased at the door. A pre-reg weekend ticket is $35. You can add a t-shirt to your order for an extra $12. Single day passes are available in advance as well, and will cost $20.
The following guests are currently scheduled to appear at Naka-Kon: Greg Ayres (with too many anime credits to list), Amelie Belcher (artist), Leah Clark (artist and voice actress), Chuck Huber (Southern Regional Director of Pinnacle Performance Company), Brina Palencia (voice actress and ADR director for Funimation), Chris Patton (Full Metal Panic!), LeetStreet Boys (musical guest), Kevin McKeever (Robotech Covention Tour), and Yamila Abraham (Yaoi Press).
There are a lot of events already in the works for Naka-Kon, including an anime music video (amv) contest, a “Do Your Own Dub” contest, a karaoke contest, Anime Clue, a cosplay contest, a game of Anime Password, “Shonen Jump Millionaire,” “Anime Name that Tune,” “Anime Singled Out,” and a slew of different panel discussions. There will also be a vendor hall and artists hall.
I’ve heard of a lot of unique games at cons, but Anime Clue is something I’ve never seen offered before. The website explains the basic rules of how it works, and it sounds like a mixture of a murder mystery party and the original board game. (If you end up participating in this game, I’d love to hear from you!)
One of the interesting things about this convention’s website, is that it has a whole section dedicated to “Parent Resources.” It includes info about what anime is, what parents should know, and common misconceptions about anime.
You can learn more about Naka-Kon, including information about volunteer opportunities, at the official website.
As always, if you attend, be sure to report back and tell us how it was!
