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[Celyddon]

Shoji--I've been watching your photography posts.

It's well worth it to get face-time in the Anatole if you're planning on serious photography. Good news is that the place is very well-lit during the daytime (I never had to use flash or compensation once); I kind of wish we'd gone in the evening so I could test flash and our video lighting rig, but sadly my schedule didn't allow it. The Anatole's entire land grab is 46 acres, hence the constant "it's huge!" captions. It took us about an hour and a half to cover the entire hotel not counting the guest rooms, upper floors, and restricted access areas.

Let me know if you do get some video outside of normal daytime hours. I'm curious about the ballroom/meeting room lighting, but those areas were restricted to us so we couldn't go in. (I know the Anatole has photos of those rooms, but those are from professionals whose job it is to make the rooms look perfect, lol.)

[Shoji-Aoyama]

first off, Thanks

and on the topic of venue, maybe it would be worth it to check out lighting at night, I rely heavilly on flahes, so that would probably benefit me some, though just looking at what youve pulled I can make a few key observations, first off is that the ceilings are neutral white, and certainly low enough, so bouncing a flash off them should be no real problem, Marble floors and enough White walls help as well, the only problem would become the color temp of thier own indoor lighting, but with correction filters that becomes a non-issue. . . but Ill certainly try to get in and have a peek, maybe try a few light tests. . .

as for Ballroom pics, they are contracted and what not, but just looking can tell a fair bit, and just standard stuff from past experience... I can pretty much garuntee high ceilings and tungsten lamps, but those are both relatively easy to overcome with the right set of kit... I'll have a look and see what happens though, should be interesting, to say the least... whatever the case though, it does look wonderful, and what things their light throws at me, I should be more than capable of compensating for

[ChibiBritt]

I'm likely limited in what I CAN and CANNOT say about the new hotel. However here is what I can say for now:


There should be a lot of signage. It's a new place. It's a very LARGE place. Signs as well as interactive maps are planned.


The convention is aware of the massive amount of precious art. They have already begun to take measures on how to prevent any shenanigans happening. Any art that may be a major risk, will likely be put into storage for the duration of the weekend. However, if you happen to see any attendees acting like fools and trying to destroy anything, please let a staff person know!


A-Kon knows of the food issue for the area. They are working on that issue.


There will be more rooms for panels. This has been an issue for the past few years. Yay panels.


Every section of the convention (Maid Cafe, Gaming, Cosplay, etc.) will probably very happy with their new homes. As will con attendees!

[Mouzif]

Thanks so much for all the info ^_^ a-kon will be my first con and it really helps to see the place beforehand. It's HUGE.

[Wolfmeisterrr]

Great info!