Nan Desu Kan

Artists Alley applications for NDK 2011 now open

Submitted by Greg Hines on February 1, 2011 at 4:12 AM

If you'd like a shot at getting a table in NDK's Artists Alley, now's the time to submit your application. We'll be accepting applications through the end of the day on February 14; at the stroke of midnight (Mountain time) that night, we'll shut down the form.

Have some images of the type of artwork and crafts you'll be selling at NDK ready when you fill out the form. Please also be aware that submitting an application doesn't guarantee you a table. We always have more applications than tables, so not everyone who applies will get a table. All applications are reviewed and, if deemed suitable, entered into a lottery for tables.

As usual, we have a support thread in the forum with more information. Please read through the rules and FAQ, then post in there if you have any questions.

Hotel rooms for NDK 2011 now available

Submitted by Greg Hines on January 22, 2011 at 7:42 PM

The Marriott is now accepting reservations for NDK 2011. Thanks to the special rate we've arranged with the hotel, rooms start at just $93/night.

Keep in mind that the hotel will fill up; it’s only a matter of time. It doesn’t cost any money upfront to reserve a hotel room, so we strongly recommend you reserve your room as soon as possible. You can also cancel your reservation at any time, so there's no risk in reserving a room.

Reserve your room now!

Do not call the Marriott to reserve a hotel room. If you do, your room reservation may not be guaranteed. Room reservations are handled through a third-party booking service (PassKey), so you should only use the link provided above for reserving your room.

Also, if you reserve an atrium room, you'll be eligible to enter our Atrium Balcony Decorating Contest, where you can win a free stay (Friday and Saturday nights) at NDK 2011, as well as passes for NDK NYE 2011 and NDK 2012. We encourage everyone with an atrium room to enter!

We’ve also put together a Hotel FAQ if you have any questions about reserving a hotel room. If you can't find an answer there, please use the support thread on the forum if you have any additional questions or concerns. Please also see our pages on parking and public transportation for information about getting to the hotel.

GANTZ in theaters, one night only!

Submitted by Jinnie on January 13, 2011 at 8:42 PM

Here's a reminder from VIZ Pictures: Kazunari Ninomiya and Kenichi Matsuyama are coming to LA for the GANTZ premiere. Following the feature, stars Kazunari Ninomiya and Kenichi Matsuyama will participate in an exclusive interview from Hollywood, CA that will be broadcast live to over 300 theaters nationwide.

Buy tickets now for this one night only live event on Jan. 20 (Thu), 6:00 pm MT at a theater near you.

This live-action feature, based upon the popular Japanese manga and anime series, is the ultimate survival game. It will be English over-dubbed exclusively for this big screen event.

Thanks for making NDK NYE a special night

Submitted by Greg Hines on January 3, 2011 at 11:54 PM

We'd like to thank everyone who braved the weather and came out to NDK's New Year's Eve 2010 Costume Ball on Friday night. Despite the snow and freezing temperatures, we had a 20 percent larger turnout than last year. We hope you all had as much fun as we did!

As usual, we'd love to hear what you thought about the event, so please head over to the feedback thread on our forum and drop us a line. We're happy to receive any feedback you might have, good or bad. Our goal is to make every year better, and feedback is the number one driving force behind many of the changes we make.

Based on your feedback from last year, one of the big changes we made was to move to a stricter dress code. We were somewhat concerned that this might discourage a lot of people from attending, but our concerns were unfounded. You rose to the occasion, made the effort, and turned out in some very dapper digs. Well done, everyone!

We've already heard from a lot of people that had a great time at NDK NYE, which for us makes it worth all the time and energy we put into these events. Nothing makes us happier than to see you having a good time.

Congratulations are also in order for Josh and Lynette (a.k.a. Rabbit), who got engaged on stage at NDK NYE. They're a lovely couple and we wish them the best.

We'd also like to apologize for any troubles you may have encountered with Champagne Hotel, the other group with whom we shared the hotel. We unfortunately had no control over the situation, and we did everything we could to prevent them from interfering with NDK NYE. But the real props go to you, our attendees. Despite encountering some rude and boorish behavior, you all rose above it and handled yourselves with dignity and grace.

We're evaluating our options to make sure we aren't put in that same situation again, however. It's too early to know or say how this will affect NDK NYE going forward, but we didn't like it any more than you did and we're going to do something about it.

We hope you'll join us next year for NDK NYE 2011, but now it's time to turn our attention toward NDK again. We'll be making our first guest announcement in just a few days, so please keep your eye out for that and other NDK news as we continue on in the new year.

NDK NYE 2010 Pretty-Big Update

Submitted by Greg Hines on December 31, 2010 at 3:44 PM

New Year's Eve is finally upon us, which means our annual NDK NYE Costume Ball is tonight at 7:00. Here's what you'll need to know if you'll be joining us tonight:

Registration

On-site registration and pre-registration will both open at 6:00 PM in the main lobby. On-site registration is $20 and cash only. If you pre-registered, please have your ID ready in order to pick up your wristband.

Registration will close at 10:00 PM sharp, so don't be too late! You'll still be able to pick up your wristband if you pre-registered, but you won't be able to purchase wristbands after that time.

Dance Lessons

We'll be providing complimentary dance lessons from 5:00 PM to 6:45 PM in the ballroom. You don't need a wristband to attend the dance lessons. Nor will the dress code be enforced during this time.

Food and Drinks

The Lift is closed to NDK NYE attendees, but the Marriott has opened a private dining room in the space formerly known as Compari's. They'll be serving The Lift's regular menu there from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Additionally, food from a special, Asian-themed menu will be served in the ballroom itself.

Drinks will be served in the ballroom as well. A special wristband is required for purchasing alcohol, so be sure to bring your ID if you wish to imbibe.

Please note that all food sales in the ballroom are cash only. We recommend bringing cash with you to the hotel, but there's also an ATM in the lobby if you need it.

Charity

Just like last year, we'll be donating all proceeds of the charity activities to the Japan America Society of Colorado. Try your luck at kingyo-sukui (goldfish scooping) or wanage (ring toss) for candy and unique Asian noisemakers! Each attempt will be $1 (or three tries at each game for $5). The charity booth opens at 5:00 PM.

Photo Booth

CG Photography will be on hand for exclusive, professional photos to commemorate the occasion. Digital photos are only $10! Please visit the forums for more information.

Costume Contest

Entering the Ball Royalty contest? All entrants must personally visit Katie at the contest booth between 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM. Entrants must also be in the ballroom at 10:30 PM when the winners are announced. Four winners will be chosen: Emperor and Empress, and Prince and Princess. Want to learn what you could win?

Dress Code

Once again, we'd like to remind you about the dress code requirements for this event. This is a semi-formal event and we'll be strictly enforcing the dress code. If your clothes or costume don't adhere to the dress code requirements, you'll be turned away at the door and refunded your ticket price. If you're not sure whether what you're wearing meets the dress code requirements, you may want to read through this thread to see answers to questions others may have. (We won't be able to answer any further questions, however. Sorry.)

Weather and Driving

The highways are relatively clear today, but the side roads in Denver are still being cleared and the roads are still slick. So please be sure to give yourself extra time to drive to the hotel; your safety is important to us and we want everyone to make it to the ball without incident!

Last chance to pre-register for NDK NYE 2010

Submitted by Greg Hines on December 24, 2010 at 11:17 AM

Tomorrow, December 25, is the last day to pre-register for NDK NYE 2010. If you pre-register now, you'll save $5.00 off the admission price. After tomorrow, pre-registration will be closed and you'll have to pay the full price at the door. So if you've been procrastinating on buying your pass, or if you still need that perfect last-minute Christmas gift for a friend, family member, or loved one, be sure to pre-register now!

Got your NYE hotel room? Time's running out!

Submitted by Jinnie on December 9, 2010 at 6:05 PM

If you haven't yet reserved your hotel room for NDK NYE, you must do so by midnight TONIGHT, Dec. 10.

If you don't reserve a room by tonight, you won't be able to get a room at all.

Reservations cost nothing, so be sure to reserve your room as soon as possible!

Rates:
$69 for up to two per room
$79 for three to a room
$89 for four to a room

(Note: All rooms are on the tower side of the hotel; atrium balcony rooms are not available.)

Celebrate NYE 2010 with NDK!

Submitted by Jinnie on November 16, 2010 at 5:57 PM

Ready to say goodbye to 2010 and welcome 2011 in style? Join NDK on Dec. 31, 2010 as we count down to the Year of the Rabbit with costumes, dancing, music, food, games, and friends! Pre-register online for only $15. (If you wait to register on-site, the price will be $20. Due to capacity limitations, we highly recommend you pre-register.)

We've posted detailed information on NDK NYE 2010. Have questions about the dress code or other policies? Want to learn about the Ball Royalty Costume Contest or the fun Charity games? Please review the new NYE section.

And don't forget: to get the special hotel rate (starting at $69/night) you must book by Dec. 10. Reserve your room online today! If you don't reserve a room by that date, you won't have the low rate guaranteed and might not be able to get a room at all.

See you Dec. 31!

Last day to pre-register for NDK 2011 at the early-bird rate

Submitted by Greg Hines on September 18, 2010 at 11:54 PM

Today is the last day to pre-register for the early-bird rate of $25. Starting Monday, the price will go up to $40, where it will stay until the final pre-registration deadline of August 14, 2011. While you're at it, be sure to pick up a ticket for the second annual NDK New Year's Eve Costume Ball as well.

We've created Facebook events for NDK NYE 2010 and NDK 2011 (Sept. 9-11). Be sure to RSVP so we know you're coming! Also, don't forget to join our Facebook group, where you can post your pictures from NDK and chat with other NDK attendees, and follow our Facebook page to keep up on the latest NDK news. For those of you using Twitter, be sure to follow our Twitter account as well.

Thanks for another great year

Submitted by Greg Hines on September 13, 2010 at 6:12 PM

Nan Desu Kan 2010 is over and it was our biggest year ever. We had more attendees than ever before, more voice actor guests than ever before, the most musical guests ever, and—happily—the most parking spaces ever.

Because of your generosity during the charity auction, playing the arcade machines outside of the VGR, and donating during the charity poker tournament, we raised more than $5,000 for the United Way Gulf Recovery Fund. A huge thanks to everyone who bought an auction item or donated money!

Thanks also to all of our guests for taking time out of their busy schedules to come to NDK. And thanks to all you for coming; you're the reason we're here. We'd also like to thank the indomitable NDK Staff for all of their efforts. It's because of their work behind the scenes that everything appears to go off without a hitch. Thanks also to the Marriott hotel staff for everything they did to help out the convention and attendees throughout the weekend—among other things, they created menu items specifically for NDK, which were so popular that some of them sold out before the end of the weekend!

We'd love to hear what you thought about NDK. Good or bad, we love feedback. It helps us make NDK better for everyone. We've got an official feedback thread in the forum. Please post anything you have to say about your experience at NDK in that thread.

Already missing NDK? Relive it with press coverage of the convention. We had a lot of press members roaming the convention and interviewing guests, so there's going to be a lot of coverage out there in the near future. Look forward to a round-up of NDK's press coverage soon. For the time being, check out Westword's website. We're highlighted on their front page right now with a photo gallery of the 50 Best Cosplayers at Nan Desu Kan.

Now that NDK is over, we're hard at work planning the New Year's Eve Costume Ball. We're still building out our NYE section of the website, so check back often for updates on the dress code, hotel rooms, and more.

We also have two announcements for NDK 2011:

First, we're going to have an attendance cap of 7,500 people per day. Once we reach 7,500 attendees, we'll cut off the registration line. To ensure that you can get into NDK, please pre-register online as soon as possible. We'll be posting more information about this later.

Second, the Marriott will be charging a parking fee of $5.00 per day per car during NDK 2011. Please be sure to factor this into your budget for next year's convention!