Momocon is officially over and a time was had! We shopped, we walked and almost dropped. here are our thoughts on the iconic Momocon!
Initial Momocon thoughts?
Maya: Wtf do you mean it’s three buildings wide with no shortcuts? 🧍🏽♀️
Carrington: I had a lot of fun, but maybe the con was tooo big this year but, is that even possible? I do prefer Hall C to Hall A so I’m hyped for next year!
Harri: This was my first year attending as industry, so this was a big deal for me. I was nervous but really excited. I enjoyed it, but I have to be honest, it’s clear there were issues caused by making the event bigger. With more people, there comes more problems.
Lula: I had a lot of fun this year at Momo! It was cool to see how vast the space was in comparison to the first year. However, I fear it was unsafe levels of warm. Especially with the lack of access to free/clean water. That’s an accessibility issue.
Favorite panel?
Maya: Voice Acting 101. I thought it would be tips and beginner info, but it was actually mock auditions. Got to do it with Lula and it brought me out of my comfort zone, plus everyone was so talented!
Carrington: I really liked the Journalism in Nerd culture panel by Off BLXXK Magazine. I learned a lot about journalism, content creation and how they can work together to cover nerd culture!
Harri: My friends Breanimator and ToonrificTariq had a panel called “In Living (indie) Color : A Black Indie Animation Panel” where they talked about their indie series they are creating.
Lula:I am a sucker for a game style panel so Spongebob Jeopardy was definitely mine
Any favorite shops in artist alley?
Maya: *gotta unpack my suitcase for this brb
Carrington: Quisteen1 Is always my favorite, and I have sooooo many of her prints! But I LOVE my new smiski cup from Kawaiifucrafts!
Harri: Hanavbara! I love her art so much and I had been following her for years. It was really nice meeting her.
Lula: Hanavbara!! I didn’t know they were going to be there. I love her work so much!! it was so cool to meet her!
Favorite con activity?
Maya: The Bridgerton Waltz class! We didn’t even get in, but there was a ballroom instructor in line who taught us all in the hallway. He was such a great teacher, shoutout to Willie! (I’ll find his @)
Carrington: The arcade! I have to play the Love Live! Arcade game every year or else! Also watching people play Dance Evolution there was so fun!
Harri: The panels. Panels are my favorite things to do at conventions in general, and Momocon always has a good selection.
Lula:I love a panel! But it was also cool to have a quiet escape in the anime showings room!
How does Momocon compare to other cons?
Maya: I’d say it’s massive in comparison. This was my first time going and coincidentally their first year expanding.
Carrington: Because Momocon is an anime, comics, and gaming convention I feel like I can tap into multiple parts of my nerdy personality unlike other cons!
Harri: There is literally something for everyone. There is never a dull moment. There is so much to offer with the badge ALONE. So much entertainment and activities for a decent price.
Lula: It’s by far the largest convention I’ve ever attended! I love going because the demographic is truly diverse and doesn’t feel like it caters to only one type of con-goer which I like!
What guest/creator were you most excited to see?
Maya: The Critical Role cast, Dandadan cast and Tony Weaver Jr., but I only got to see the Dandadan panel. I met Granny Seiko’s actress in the bathroom too, she’s so nice!
Harri: Avi Roque! We once worked together on I Wanna Eat Your Guts, and I wanted to check in on them. I was also excited to meet Ty (@blaquenkulture), and Natosha and Lloyd (@midnightxcomics).
How can Momocon improve next year?
Maya: Honestly, some signs outside each room so you know what’s happening there because a lot of people didn’t even know about the app which has the panel schedule. Also, the escalators going in one direction per section is rough. You gotta walk another block down the hall to get up a floor if you’re not taking the stairs. AND LET’S UP THE WATER STATIONS PLEASE AND THANKS! I only saw them on the exhibit floor and while they were at every exit, some of them were either not working or empty.
Carrington: Clearer signage. If I knew that I could get from the Exhibition Hall to the Arcade in less than 5 minutes on Thursday, I would’ve had a better experience.
Harri: We need more bigger indoor photoshoot locations. Because it rained the whole weekend, it caused issues with the shoots outside, and some people who had indoor shoots that were big (like mine) were forced to go outside. After we got out there it started raining on us. Also, if we could have some con etiquette signs posted around the convention, that would be beneficial.
Lula: Four words: Free water and temperature regulation!! It was so hot because the GWCC is basically a green house! Also the escalators all in one direction was a little counterintuitive. I know the idea is to assist with the flow of traffic, but it often made traffic jams worse. Also Vegetarian options on site that aren’t just fries or bread
Word of advice for future con goers?
Maya: This is a quest you actually have to train for. I recommend cardio and leg day emphatically. Do your stretches, bring some lidocaine for your feet because ouch. And stock up on water bottles when you get to the city, this is very much a hot weather con. AND BRING YOUR HAND SANITIZER SOME OF YOU DON’T WASH YOUR HANDS!
Carrington: Honestly everything mentioned in the Girltaku Momocon Guide! AND TAKE YOUR VITAMINS EARLY!
Harri: As someone who has been going to the Georgia World Congress Center since I was little, y’all go on a daily walk and jog! Exercise is good for you in general, but I do not want you all passing out on the first day. I highly recommend going to the early badge pick up on Wednesday before the conventions so you can walk around the building, and get familiar with it. Because I host panels at conventions, I usually go and find the rooms I will be early so I won’t be lost getting there when it’s time for the event. Also, please purchase a 5-day parking pass if you are driving!
Lula: Pack an essentials bag! Fan, Water, Snacks etc! Wear deodorant! if not for yourself the for those around you! and Take breaks! You won’t miss anything that you can’t get at your next con!
Anything else you want to share about momocon?
Maya: You WILL have stronger legs by the end lmao. Also the more 18+ panels are in the middle of the night – like literally 2 AM.
Carrington: This is THEEE best con on the east coast in my personal opinion. Everyone should go at least once!
Harri: It’s a lot of fun! But also, if you need to rest during it, do so! Yes there is so much to do at the convention but also, please make sure you are taking care of yourself during it.
Lula: Make sure your shoes are indeed made for walking bc its a lot of walking! Overall Momo is always so fun i’m excited for next year.
