I'm not associated with Katsucon, other than having attended it several times. Katsucon 8, held in 2002, was a fantastic success as far as I am concerned. I enjoyed myself utterly at this convention. Even though I was very tired on Sunday morning, I wished we had another day or even two there. That's not entirely unusual, but just take my word that I was really wishing it much harder than previous years.
The cosplay was the best I have seen yet. There were some fantastic performances and many of the best included material written by the performers. I have better details on the two cosplay gallery pages regarding this. The average skit quality was up considerably and some of the costuming was breathtaking.
The Marriot that the convention was in deserves huge kudos. Their staff was always helpful when I saw people who needed help, and they managed to keep water on the tables despite so many thirsty otaku guzzling it down. My only complaint was that I had to make a quick run for some bathroom essentials when the room ran out, and we only had the normal number of people the room was supposed to carry.
Sadly, too, there was no real room for people to mill around and be seen for pictures. Invariably people would stop and block the hallways despite the best efforts of the con security folks to get them to pose against the same wall with the photographers so they don't block traffic. (or cause a jam by just standing in the middle of the hall and watch) That was a the only downside about the entire con, really.
Once again, there was NO LINE for pre-reg people. I walked up and a minute later had my badge and was off to the dealer's room! It was excellent organization by their staff as usual. As a matter of fact the only line I had to wait in all weekend was for Cosplay, and in a way I almost think I would miss that wait if I didn't take it. I almost gave up the cosplay because of the 'small' size of the room. I am VERY glad I chose to attend, however! Next year ... PLEASE PLEASE communicate better amongst staff with regards to the video pit. I failed to tape this year's other than a few skits. Although I spent most of Friday night and Saturday asking staff members, none knew if it was going to happen and none knew if there was a signup sheet or where it would be. By the time I found out that there was one, it was full. Heck, I was happy laying down on the floor in front of the judging table in 2001, and would have been happy to do the same again. Steve Bennett didn't even kick me once that year. ;)
The dealer's room was solid, with most (though I think it was all) of the merchants being return dealers from previous years. I only run across a line when people wanted in before the doors were opened. I also appreciated the change in camera bag policy greatly so that we could take them in if we showed the contents first. That saved me a lot of time. :)
In short .. big big thumbs up! I am sorry to have missed the closing ceremonies this year, as well as all of the feedback panels. :( I was with friends trying to meet up with some other people and the schedules clashed.
As usual, not all of my pictures came out perfectly. Some will be tweaked over time to lighten them up a bit, while other pictures are beyond repair but I am leaving them up for various reasons. My film camera pictures will be up within the week in their own gallery. Please contact me if you want to keep a picture. I just want to know who is taking the picture and why you want it. I imagine the vast majority of people who want copies are the people who are in the pictures. :)