Submitted by ardith on Fri, 2009-05-29 21:30
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This was the first time I've ever worked at a Transformers Convention. 
Apparently BotCon moves from city to city each year, so it's not so strange that I've never actually attended before.
I guess this is the case for many conventions. BEA (Book Expo America) is in a different city each year (well, either in New York, Chicago, DC, or LA). I'm used to conventions like San Diego Comic-Con and Anime Expo. They stay in the same region year after year.
This Exhibitor Hall is so much smaller AX or SDCC. Of course, the dealers are catering to a different crowd. Well, more like a very specific crowd. All the exhibitors must feature Transformers or Robots of the giant variety.
The booth I'm working at is featuring poseable Transformer figures along with figures from Macross, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Tetsujin 28 (Gigantor), Die-buster, and more.
The convention seems to be skewing more males than females, with a few families. I wonder what tomorrow will be like, since it will be opened for general admission on Saturday and Sunday.
The script writers for the recent live-action Transformer movies are Guests of Honor, along with voice actors from the animated series.
As I confessed earlier, I haven't actually watched the new live-action movie. All I know is apparently, now Optimus Prime has FLAMES on his chassy (?!). And they are purple. Or is that blue?
I know more about the animated series as I am a child of the 80's. But even then, I don't think I watched it as closely as I watched Robotech. Of course, I was obsessed with Robotech as a kid, so that doesn't signify....
Since the toys have been around for over 2 decades, there are lots of toys to collect. BotCon caters to these hardcore collectors as well as the casual Transformer fan. There are limited edition figures as well as out of print toys that cost a mint.
Our neighboring exhibitors seem friendly and the attendees are polite, so I hope for another good day tomorrow.
Honestly, I miss working at conventions. I haven't worked at one in over a year. It's super fun, since I love speaking with other fans. There's just such a feeling of comradery. Just sometimes...people need to remember their hygiene and keep clean. Shower once a day. Cuz knowing is half the battle.
