Providence Anime Conference: October 3rd - 5th, 2008
The Rhode Island Convention Center, Providence, RI
Providence Anime Conference premiered in 2008 as Rhode Island's first anime convention, ending the Ocean State's reputation as the last corner of New England without a local con scene. Located in the spacious Rhode Island Convention Center, activities included the usual panel discussions, mock combat and gaming activities, and cosplay events. However, PAC also had the unique distinction of being a convention strictly for attendees aged 21 and over. The concept was to create a laid-back atmosphere, free of teeny-bopper Narutards and Yaoi Paddle-wielding fangirls where adult fans could mingle and explore the industry in a more academic fashion. Of course, the minimum age requirement also allowed for the open indulgence of adult activities which more commonly take place behind the scenes at cons; for example, rather than drinking in hotel rooms, cash bars sold alcohol at several events including the cosplay fashion show, and hentai was sold openly in the dealer's room next to tamer fare. Though some critics feared that this environment would create an unchecked "let's get wicked drunk and swear and watch lots of porn!" weekend, the result was actually much tamer than normal conventions in which such activities are restricted - a vindication of the maturity which older cosplayers and anime fans have previously claimed to have. Guests included voice actor
Chris Ayres,
Robotech's
Kevin McKeever, and industry insiders Adam Sheehan, Tom Wayland, and David Williams. For cosplayers, PAC decided to hold only non-competitive costume events which showcased the work of accomplished cosplayers, which included a Fashion Show, Performance Showcase, and Costume Expo, in which costumes were placed on display in an art-gallery style setup. The convention was a fantastic departure from the normal con fare, and suffered only in its lack of attendance. I hope that in the future, more people support the concept which PAC has created.
SHIVA'S PAC 2008 REPORT AND PHOTO PAGES:
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
PAC08 Photos
