Still being exhausted from San Diego Comic-Con could not stop me from having such a fun time at WasabiCon PDX this weekend. Day two of the convention went even better then the first, I got to hang out and talk more in depth with the people I have met in the cosplay community (all of which are very very kind). I loved every moment with them and the future plans we all made to connect outside of con (and at future up-coming cons as well).
Other than having such a lovely time chatting with people, I would say that the overall theme of WasabiCon PDX that I noticed was kindness. From the staff working as hard as they could, to the special guests (voice actors and cosplayers), the Pacific Northwest Guild of Cosplayers (helping with every cosplay emergency and need that attendees had), to the attendees themselves. The kindness was very much appreciated and I just wanted to make sure it was also noted so that anyone reading this knows it too. There was not one moment during my weekend at the con that I felt any unkindness, someone was always looking out for others and vice versa. From a few unwanted approaches during my first day (not just on myself but a few others as well), I was quickly helped without having to panic (or even get the full brunt of the situation) by fellow cosplayers and attendees (thank you PNW Guild of Cosplayers!). To the very sweet guys from the anime swap meet who were giving away anime figures and books for free (I know it was mostly because they just didn’t want to lug it all back home with them, but it was still very sweet of them!).
I also really enjoyed walking around the artist alley/vendor hall at length today. I found so many products that I hadn’t been able to see the day before and picked up a few pieces (and cards) of merch. It was also fun to talk with the vendors about products they were selling and other ones that they would be having at later conventions this year (I am already excited for Rose City Comic Con now too, since many will be there as well). Though there were some prints that had already sold out on the first day, I’m not too sad because I completely plan to buy through their websites or at the next con they will be at (which of course they will have even more new products by then also). It was also very nice to see the voice actors in the same hall doing their autographing and photos, Ian Sinclair is a gem. He got out from behind his table and just talked with the people in his line about their cosplay, merch and what anime they enjoyed. People were just raving about him, Monica Rial, and Alex Organ the whole weekend (all with big smiles on their faces as they talked about these celebrity guests).
Sadly, I once again missed out on panels at another con because I lost track of time chatting with new friends. Sometimes though, it’s worth it to sit and talk with someone new about the different things that bring you into friendship with them. I know I lost track of time after an interview with Serenity (@clickclacksnac on Instagram) about our love of One Piece and anime recommendations we were swapping. Then again with multiple members of the Pacific Northwest Guild of Cosplayers (who kindly filled me in on what I missed from their panels I had missed), and also chatted with me about their builds and techniques. The two biggest highlights for me was helping out the always lovely and crazy talented Vivsai (@Vivsai on Instagram) with her booth, where I got to talk about her cosplay/the PNW Guild of Cosplayers/the fun at my 2nd con in 2 weeks, and just meet new people in general at con. The other highlight was getting a chance to spend more time with the two young ladies I befriended at KumoriCon in 2022, Josey (@josey.lynn.king on Instagram) and her amazing daughter Marilyn. Two of the sweetest people to have become such fast friends with and getting to spend more time together at this show, where we got to shop all things anime till we dropped!
This con was just the thing I needed to refill myself with enough energy to keep me going till the next convention (which is DragonCon, and not until the end of August, thank goodness). It was also a great place to connect with others, all of which I can’t wait to hang out with more at others conventions too! I know for sure that I will be saving the dates for next WasabiCon PDX in 2024, July 26-28 (three days next time!), and have another great time!
Were you at WasabiCon? What were your thoughts about it? Let us know in the comments or chat with us on Twitter at TheConCollectve.
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