Questions for a newcomer

[PaladinCecil]

I plan to attend Nan Desu Kan for the first time this year and am really excited about it.
I have some questions I'd like to ask for those who have attended before.
1. How long have you been attending?
2. What are some of your favorite things about this convention?
3. What are some things you'd recommend for a newcomer?
4. (For those who remember 1985) If you've were at NDK in any of the previous two years, what was it like being at an anime convention on the anniversary of one of the greatest moments in sports, September 11th, 1985? It was on that date when Pete Rose broke baseball's all-time hit record.
5. Who are some of your favorite guests you've met?
6. Which guests are you looking forward to meeting this year?
7. Who do you plan to cosplay this year?

[Zakon]

Hey there!  I'm pretty much a newbie to anime conventions, but I'll share my two cents...or seven I guess...o.O
1: This will be my third year
2: My favorite thing has to be the community.  I've only been to one other convention, so I don't have a lot to base it off of, but everyone at NDK is great!  You can approach almost anyone (as long as you're not a creeper ;P) and start a conversation.  Most everyone is always open and friendly, and always showering praise on any costume you bring.  Just a great, warm-fuzzy feeling!  I've also never seen a hotel with an atrium (I don't get out much ) so all of the decoration is just....for lack of a better term...awesomely nerdy.
3: Honestly, I'd set a benchmark to at least talk to five random people you don't know.  Again, this community is awesome, and who knows?  You might make a lasting friendship.
4: Uh...I'm not really into sports, so I can't answer that....<.<
5: CHRIS PATTON!  Hands down, no contest.  His panel was always amazing (I'm going to miss him D:) and his humor was great.  Also, he's not really...stuck up I guess....like some other voice actors I've had the displeasure of talking to.  5 minutes into a conversation with him, if he has the time, and you feel like he's a friend you've known forever.  Really great guy.
6: I've never met Vic Mignogna, and I have a huge man crush on him, so I literally did a man-squee when I found out he was attending this year.  I also really like Mary Elizabeth McGlynn, as I'm a huge GitS buff, so another man-squee was had.
7: IT'S A SECRET!  But I am returning with my Zero costume, from Code Geass, just because I love it so much.

I hope this helps!    Have fun, and see you in September!

[Lusha]

1. How long have you been attending?
- This will also be my 3rd year
2. What are some of your favorite things about this convention?
- Once you are there... It just becomes like a home and every year back a family reunion.
3. What are some things you'd recommend for a newcomer?
- Plan out your day but be flexible.  Be prepared for anything ( and have your emergency sewing kit.)
4. (For those who remember 1985) If you've were at NDK in any of the previous two years, what was it like being at an anime convention on the anniversary of one of the greatest moments in sports, September 11th, 1985? It was on that date when Pete Rose broke baseball's all-time hit record.
-I wasn't born yet haa haa
5. Who are some of your favorite guests you've met?
-Every one haa haa
6. Which guests are you looking forward to meeting this year?
-Vic Mignogna O_O 
7. Who do you plan to cosplay this year?
-My own character Lusha ^_^

[FeyMeggan]

1. How long have you been attending?
6 years

2. What are some of your favorite things about this convention?
The community, and the staff.

3. What are some things you'd recommend for a newcomer?
Plan out your day!  Even old-timers need this hint sometimes.  Get a copy of the schedule and the program guide then figure out what you REALLY want to do, what you'd sorta like to do, and what you can miss with immunity.  This way you don't spend the last day of con going 'Oh I wish I'd made it to [blah]'.
Also, stay hydrated!  The hotel is great and has water stations everywhere, take advantage of them!

4. (For those who remember 1985) If you've were at NDK in any of the previous two years, what was it like being at an anime convention on the anniversary of one of the greatest moments in sports, September 11th, 1985? It was on that date when Pete Rose broke baseball's all-time hit record.
Er, eight?  forty-two?  Llamas.  I really don't get what your asking here, so I gave you my favourite answers.

5. Who are some of your favorite guests you've met?
Greg Ayers, he is hands down my fav.

6. Which guests are you looking forward to meeting this year?
This year? I'm not super psyched for any of them, but I've seen most of them at other cons already.  I'm also not a huuuuuuuuuge VA fan-girl(Greg's my exception) so unless we get some amazing Japanese guests I'm pretty mellow on it all.

7. Who do you plan to cosplay this year?
Er, that's a good question.  I usually wait to see what groups/friends are doing.  I know I'll have at least one of my Catherine Sforza costumes with me, but beyond that I've no idea...oh...I lie.  Assuming the requirements are met I'll have a Shinigami outfit from Bleach.  Beyond that, no idea.

[YazooAirspace]

1. How long have you been attending?
This will be my 7th year

2. What are some of your favorite things about this convention?
The congoers.  For the most part, NDK congoers are some of the most polite people I've met anywhere.  Not always nice, but usually polite.

3. What are some things you'd recommend for a newcomer?
If you're cosplaying, I'd recommend bringing a 'repair kit' containing at least extra thread, needles, glue, tape, and scissors.  Those five things can be great for temporary emergency repair of just about any costume.  Also, if you don't have a needed repair tool, ask around.  Someone else often will.

And like everyone else has said, STAY HYDRATED.

4. (For those who remember 1985) If you've were at NDK in any of the previous two years, what was it like being at an anime convention on the anniversary of one of the greatest moments in sports, September 11th, 1985? It was on that date when Pete Rose broke baseball's all-time hit record.
I don't pay attention to sports, and was way too young to remember that anyway, sorry.

5. Who are some of your favorite guests you've met?
I've only met guests at other cons

6. Which guests are you looking forward to meeting this year?
Well, I've met Vic Mignogna (however you spell it) at another con, and he's cool

7. Who do you plan to cosplay this year?
Well, one is seekrit, but Riku from Kingdom Hearts and Sasuke from Naruto are two that are returning.

[The Pocky Pirate]

1. How long have you been attending?
 For 5 years. This years my 6th.

2. What are some of your favorite things about this convention?
The cool cosplays I see every year, and how much detail goes into them.

3. What are some things you'd recommend for a newcomer?
Bring lots of cash!!! Stay hydrated and full of food (can't survive off pocky and ramene all weekend you know lol)

4. (For those who remember 1985) If you've were at NDK in any of the previous two years, what was it like being at an anime convention on the anniversary of one of the greatest moments in sports, September 11th, 1985? It was on that date when Pete Rose broke baseball's all-time hit record.
Never got much into sports, and wasn't even born till 1989 . Sorry.

5. Who are some of your favorite guests you've met?
Haven't met any at NDK yet, but this year, that's gonna change lol

6. Which guests are you looking forward to meeting this year?
Vic Mignogna and Robert McCollum

7. Who do you plan to cosplay this year?
Victini The Victory Pokemon Ginjinka Version, Monkey D. Luffy, Tijo of the Indigo-Gos from Majora's Mask. And the maybes are L. Lawliet, Skull Kid, and a secret if I have time.

[nemisis47]

1. How long have you been attending?

This year will be my 5th Nan Desu Kan.

2. What are some of your favorite things about this convention?

NDK has a great family atmosphere and you'll meet lots of great and diverse people. So meeting new folks is my favorite thing about the con.

 3. What are some things you'd recommend for a newcomer?

Save up as much as you can, soak up the atmosphere and bring that camera you will need it.

 4. (For those who remember 1985) If you've were at NDK in any of the previous two years, what was it like being at an anime convention on the anniversary of one of the greatest moments in sports, September 11th, 1985? It was on that date when Pete Rose broke baseball's all-time hit record.

Wasn't born til a year later and not much of a baseball fan to know that. Didn't the now WWE hall of famer get busted for betting that? I dunno.

5. Who are some of your favorite guests you've met?

Steve Bennett for always being a awesome guest. He strangely knows me last i seen him. And Vic Mignogna he was such a cool guest and Kyle Hebert, he is such a laid back and cool dude.

 6. Which guests are you looking forward to meeting this year?

Tony Oliver, Vic Mignogna, The voice of Hinata from Naruto, and the voice of Makoto Kusanagi of Ghost in the Shell.

7. Who do you plan to cosplay this year?

Xigbar from Kingdom Hearts 2, Simon of Gurren Lagaan, and America of Hetalia.

[The Ronin]

1. How long have you been attending?
This will be my 2nd year

2. What are some of your favorite things about this convention?
I love how friendly most everyone is. The ratio of awesome people to creepers is heavily in the favor of awesomeness.

3. What are some things you'd recommend for a newcomer?
Drink lots of fluids. Even if you're a CO native the running around and elevated temps inside the hotel from all the body heat can really suck the moisture out of your body. Add in the fact that you're going to be so distracted by EVERYTHING and lots of people forget to take advantage of the drinking stations around the hotel. Also, there's usually an event schedule released a few weeks ahead of the con, use that to plan a loose guideline otherwise you can get really run down just running everywhere checking out all the cool cosplays and stuff.
 
4. (For those who remember 1985) If you've were at NDK in any of the previous two years, what was it like being at an anime convention on the anniversary of one of the greatest moments in sports, September 11th, 1985? It was on that date when Pete Rose broke baseball's all-time hit record.
I was alive, but I wasn't even in the country at that time.

5. Who are some of your favorite guests you've met?
Didn't go to any of the guest events last year

6. Which guests are you looking forward to meeting this year?
Vic Mignogna. I'm not usually big on voice actors, but he has many beliefs that are close to my own.

7. Who do you plan to cosplay this year?
Bringing back Naked Snake this year, and planning on doing a couples cosplay with the wife of Greaser Luigi and Pinup Daisy. I was really hoping to have my Halo armor done in time, but things have just been way too busy lately.

[PaladinCecil]

Thanks a lot for your answers. Now I look forward to coming even more.
I've been attending anime conventions on the west coast (I'm from the state of Washington) for 8 years and have been wanting to attend this convention for quite some time.
With the experiences I've had, I completely relate to what you guys say about the atmosphere.
It's been one of my favorite things about conventions and I completely relate to what you say about overall attendees and events.
I look through every con schedule carefully and mark the events that interest me the most and I especially enjoy the guest panels. I have a lot of interest in voice actor guests and I have a library of videos I've taped from various panels.
Some of my favorite guests I've met (and there are a ton) are Vic Mignogna, Scott McNeil, Brina Palencia, Travis Willingham, J. Michael Tatum, Laura Bailey and Todd Haberkorn.
I look forward to meeting many of the guests from this year and I plan to cosplay as Locke from Final Fantasy 6.

One thing I was curious about was that I heard Nan Desu Kan '10 was Chris Patton's last convention. Does anyone know why? I really enjoyed meeting him at Sakura Con last year and if he's not going to any more cons, I'll miss him.

[DJ Bullock]

1. Since 1999 - NDK 3
2. I love the people you meet most.   
3. This sounds biased but, COME TO THE DANCE ON SATURDAY!   Also try to plan out your days with all the panels and activities you would like to do.
4. Um....   Its like any other day.
5. I am usually very busy with running around doing the things that are needed for the job I do for the Kan
6. Probably none...
7. I am going to try to do Greenman and Finn

[rini]

1. How long have you been attending?
umm..since 1999? 2000? i can't remember which was my first.

2. What are some of your favorite things about this convention?
the dealers room >=) but, i'm biased of course.

one my favorite new things NDK does is the balcony contests. i've seen some fabulous stuff going on, like the dancing no-face. i'm trying to get a buddy of mine to do something for our balcony (*shhh* it's a secret), but he's not too keen on the idea.

3. What are some things you'd recommend for a newcomer?
check out the art show. convention's art shows need more love,  in general. we've got quite a doozy, in my not humble opinion. also, the model show. there are some incredible model makers here in colorado.

4. (For those who remember 1985) If you've were at NDK in any of the previous two years, what was it like being at an anime convention on the anniversary of one of the greatest moments in sports, September 11th, 1985? It was on that date when Pete Rose broke baseball's all-time hit record.

not september 5, 1985, but that summer, how about the 2nd number one on the american billboard charts for duran duran, a view to a kill. also, the only james bond theme songs to have ever hit number 1.

5. Who are some of your favorite guests you've met?
i never meet guests. one year, we had watanabe (director of cowboy bebop) as a guest, and had a bunch of his artwork in the art show. that artwork was the highlight of that year's con. it was _incredible_.

6. Which guests are you looking forward to meeting this year?
gotta wait till the japanese guests are announced. i don't watch dubs.

7. Who do you plan to cosplay this year?
gonna try to do ritsu's winter uniform from k-on. drummers need more love!

[Rippy The Nekomatta]

1. Since 2000, so about 10 or 11
2. Used to be the feeling of family...suppose still is
3. Cel painting if it is still there, if not, Air Brush is amazing
4. Don't have an opinion, sorry
5. Yuki's visit and concert!
6. Vic
7. Claes from Gunslinger Girl

[Kupo]

1. How long have you been attending?
Attended 4 years so far.

2. What are some of your favorite things about this convention?
Cosplaying and seeing other cosplayers are some of the highlights for me.  Wandering around and talking to new people is also quite fun

3. What are some things you'd recommend for a newcomer?
Take lots of pictures, talk to lots of people, just have fun and stay hydrated!

4. (For those who remember 1985) If you've were at NDK in any of the previous two years, what was it like being at an anime convention on the anniversary of one of the greatest moments in sports, September 11th, 1985? It was on that date when Pete Rose broke baseball's all-time hit record.
Not a big sports fan so can't really answer that one >.>

5. Who are some of your favorite guests you've met?
Piano Squall when he was here in 2006. He's such an awesome person xD

6. Which guests are you looking forward to meeting this year?
Mary Elizabeth McGlynn, Leah Clark, Patrick Seitz and Robert McCollum.

7. Who do you plan to cosplay this year?
Katakura Kojuro from Sengoku Basara, Hero from Gods Eater Burst and Cho Hakkai from Gensomaden Saiyuki

[Mangosteen]

1. How long have you been attending?
A: I have been attending since 2005.

2. What are some of your favorite things about this convention?
A:Seeing all the cosplayers. Making new friends, and seeing ones you havent seen all year!

3. What are some things you'd recommend for a newcomer?
A: Take a deep breath! There is alot to take in X3

4. (For those who remember 1985) If you've were at NDK in any of the previous two years, what was it like being at an anime convention on the anniversary of one of the greatest moments in sports, September 11th, 1985? It was on that date when Pete Rose broke baseball's all-time hit record.
A:...I wasnt born til 1990.

5. Who are some of your favorite guests you've met?
A: I met Vic M.  He was nicer than people said he would be.

6. Which guests are you looking forward to meeting this year?
A:Her name is running from me at the moment~ but the woman who sings alot of SH openings, and bg music.  Me and my group are super excited to meet her!!!

7. Who do you plan to cosplay this year?
A: Shinra - DRRR, Ciel - Kuroshitsuji, Souji Okita - Hakuouki, N - PBAW, Gauche Suede - Tegami Bachi, Japan - APH, Kusuriuri - Mononoke and maybe Elliot March - Alice in the land of hearts.

[Kayla]

1. How long have you been attending? This September will be my fifth year.
   
2. What are some of your favorite things about this convention? I love how comfortable I feel at NDK. Everyone is really friendly and for how large our attendance numbers get, I always feel like I'm at a way smaller convention. There are always some wonderful cosplays and it is very easy and stress free to find someone to chat with.

3. What are some things you'd recommend for a newcomer? As with any anime convention, be prepared for the unknown and have a very open mind about the atmosphere. Worry about having fun, and keeping safe. If you miss something you wanted to buy or do, there's always next year, so don't panic. Don't worry about asking for help either here on the website, or at the convention itself.

4. (For those who remember 1985) If you've were at NDK in any of the previous two years, what was it like being at an anime convention on the anniversary of one of the greatest moments in sports, September 11th, 1985? It was on that date when Pete Rose broke baseball's all-time hit record.   I honestly don't pay much mind to sports.


5. Who are some of your favorite guests you've met? I have met Mr. Vic Mignogna twice. He is a wonderful guy and it is great to shat with him whenever I go to get something signed. Something I am looking really forward to this year.

6. Which guests are you looking forward to meeting this year? See above. xD

7. Who do you plan to cosplay this year? Either Sakura from the Tsubasa Chronicles manga, or something else if I change my mind.

[soitsamystery]

1. wel ive technically only been to NKD NYE...
2. the idea that i am not the ONLY one.
3. dont be shy, from what ive heard mostly everyone is nice. and dont be afraid to ask people to take their picture, thats how this thing works.
4. ehhhh. ??
5. uhm i dont quite qualify for the question.
6. ...
7. one of the thompson sisters (patty), mellow (death note), and the cat from darker than black.

[MagRowan]

1. How long have you been attending?
First was NDK 5, so... 11 years this con?

2. What are some of your favorite things about this convention?
Friendly people.  Helping people out.  Hanging out.  Seeing odd panels here and there.  Working the AA with my uncle if I'm on my own time.  I guess it comes down to meeting new people every year.

3. What are some things you'd recommend for a newcomer?

• Talk to people.  If you find yourself in a group or a line, chat it up.  You'll meet all sorts of interesting people.
• Bring a camera, plenty of go juice (batteries, film (regular or digital chips), etc) as there'll be plenty of people and things to take pictures of.
• Drink lots of water.  Eat real food.  If you have to, bring some with you, but make sure you take care of yourself.  It's easy to forget when having fun, but it's essential you take care of yourself.

4. (For those who remember 1985) If you've were at NDK in any of the previous two years, what was it like being at an anime convention on the anniversary of one of the greatest moments in sports, September 11th, 1985? It was on that date when Pete Rose broke baseball's all-time hit record.
Never really knew that was when Pete Rose broke the hit record.  Interesting fact, though.   Too bad I was just a young'un at the time.

5. Who are some of your favorite guests you've met?
Kazha was fun last year.  They're a great bunch of people.  At other conventions, I think... Tim Rose is one of my favorite guests to have met.

6. Which guests are you looking forward to meeting this year?
Mary Elizabeth McGlynn and Patrick Seitz

7. Who do you plan to cosplay this year?
Still uncertain if I'm cosplaying this year.  Might just pop on one of my costume kimonos I've made to hang around in.

[Jalakins]

1. I've been attending since 2006. I attended my first con in a Naruto T-shirt and cat ears. xD This year I'll have a poorly pieced together Pikachu outfit.

2. My personal favorite thing about the con is the Dealer's Room and just all the awesome outfits. I love seeing video game cosplays and meeting interesting people in the process. :3

3. Bring cash! The first year I went, I did not bring cash, and was unable to purchase a lot of awesome stuff. I had to walk quite a ways to a Wells Fargo bank somewhere down the road. Also, bring water and some food. They sell some food at the hotel, but it is a little pricey. Or there is a Wendy's not too far away. I'm not sure about any other food places, since I usually only go for 1 day. Also, camera! There was one year my camera died after about 5 pictures. It was a sad day. xP

4. I do not follow sports at all. xP Sorry. I did attend the con the last two years though.

5. In all the years I've been going, I've never gone to the panels. xDD I just never found my way there. Silly, right? Maybe this year will be different. I don't usually know the guests because I don't follow a *ton* of anime.

6. I'm not sure. See above.

7. Pikachu.

[Uskaro]

1. 2008 was my first year, and I've been every year since.
2. Definitely the atmosphere and people.  It's like coming home again, really.  Especially when you start making friends and seeing the same people year after year.
3. Bring lots of money.  And a camera.  And STAY HYDRATED.  And BATHE.  AND BE FRIENDLY.
4. I wasn't alive in '85, but I do remember the first year I went and the Broncos were playing on the TV at the bar and there was this huge horde of cosplayers standing around watching the game and cheering and it was the single most awesome cultural mixture I've ever had the pleasure to witness.
5. Chris Patton.  SO SAD that he's not going to be there this year.
6. All, I guess.  I haven't kept up on who's going.
7. Princess Garnet from Final Fantasy IX!  And a Team Rocket Grunt from Pokemon!

[Skrae]

1. How long have you been attending?  Since 2006
2. What are some of your favorite things about this convention?  I has authority!  No just kidding, it's just really fun, I guess.
3. What are some things you'd recommend for a newcomer?  As people have mentioned, keep yourself in good health over the weekend, hydrate, bathe, eat.
4. (For those who remember 1985) If you've were at NDK in any of the previous two years, what was it like being at an anime convention on the anniversary of one of the greatest moments in sports, September 11th, 1985? It was on that date when Pete Rose broke baseball's all-time hit record.  I'm not a sportsfan.
5. Who are some of your favorite guests you've met?  I haven't met any of the guests for NDK, but at Starfest I met Christopher Judge (Teal'c from Stargate).
6. Which guests are you looking forward to meeting this year?  I don't really go nuts over the guests and probably won't get a chance to really get away from my station.
7. Who do you plan to cosplay this year?  The Undertaker from Black Butler.  If I have time to get them made, Stein from Soul Eater and Dok from Hellsing.