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That's right, I said it. Anime Detour has gone so far downhill that past two years, I don't want to go. But that doesn't mean my con days are at an end.

So, I need help. Which con in the Minnesota area is right for me? I hate the overcrowdedness of Detour, the stupid non-anime fans that show up, and the lack of decent production values. I could design a better con in my sleep. But I digress.

I want a con that isn't so crowded that I have to brush up against the un-showered masses. I want a con where the cosplay contest is actually worth watching. I want the Detour of old, where Roy Campbell was a cosplay judge, and I actually spent all of my money on stuff, not food at the Mall of America.

So, does it exist? Or am I to wander this barren world con-less? Please help.

I am really excited about Kakkoi!con, they have put a lot into and I think it could be great.
The hotel is much bigger, and nicer, so there will be a lot more space. The room parties should be a blast, and the special events and panels should be good.

Otherwise I am not sure what you consider the Minnesota area.

Anime Iowa (2 weeks after Kakkoi!con this year) is always one of my favorites. They are in a new hotel and convention center also. It is a large place, and it is some serious fun. That is in Coralville Iowa, about 6 hours away.

Anime Fest Wichita is a 2 day con in Wichita Kansas, it is about 10 hours away, and it is pretty fun.

Nebraskacon is a smaller con on the University of Nebraska Campus. It is a college con. It has a nice relaxed feel to it, and is fun, but not high on the production values.
This is about 7 hours away

NDK in Denver is awesome. It is a lot like Detour for how crowded it can get, but it has very high production values, and is always a stand out con. That is about 12 hours drive

Nakacon is one of my favorite cons for production values, this is in Kansas City, about 6 hours away. They put on a great show, and they really put there all into it. It is a mid-size con, around 1500 - 2000 people.

Sogencon is building up again. They have a really nice new location. Last year was small, but I think this year should be pretty nice. That is in Souix Falls, SD, about 5 hours away.

Ohaycon is always a blast aslo

We are going to 23 conventions this year, so there are a lot to choose
from.
What is your distance limit?

Alright, let me say this, you want less people, more cosplay? that makes no sence. I think what you are complaining about is what they are fixing next year because everyone complained about it to the director!
and also, if you want to start a con, talk to travis and matt, they want to start one

Designing a con is one thing, but actually running a con is another. Do you know how much work goes into the operation of Detour? There are lots of man hours.

Kakkoi|con looks promising. And as far as crowding goes, it will be better in 2010 when it's at the Sheraton - because the Sheraton is like a small mall. It's large.

kakkoi con I was told was sorta lame but as a first year it was awsome..

I think of it this way... 2 people can go to the same exact place and do the exact same things but they will have completly different experiences. One minght think that that was really cool blaugh and that the other person would have a really bad time. evil You just can't change everything to meet one persons expectations while kicking aside others. You just can't please everyone at one time. confused
I know i didn't get a chance to detour this year but I'll be honest. I thought the first detour i went to was a complete waste of time and money stare except that i got to hang out with my friends outside of school. I say that because my expectations were set exceedingly high and I was ill prepared for it. My first con ever. I didn't really want to go again next year but i did and i thought it was the greatest improvement. cool not so much waiting around, i was prepared, more events, more order and MORE PEOPLE! mrgreen I didn't care about how good the costumes were. Mind you It made it better to see that few who went above and beyond but I was just happy that more people were here and having fun. That 2nd detour was my best. heart The year after that was just a s good. It's all on how you make it. That is a very valuble skill in todays world. Trust me. I hope you have a better time at the other conventions and i will be sad if you chose to leave detour but like i said everyones experiences are different. sad

Do something about it. Instead of demanding cosplay from the convention, who, by the way, don't make the costumes, make something to blow those bad cosplayers off the stage. Inspire others to do the same and in no time you'll have a whole con full great cosplayers.

Just stating an opinion.
This is a forum, right? Discussion is generally encouraged in forums.

And if I made your costume, you could win awards with it. I suffered through the bad costumes to get better.