General Questions
What is Naka-Kon?
Naka-Kon is a convention held in Kansas City dedicated to the celebration of Japanese animation. Naka-Kon is a not-for-profit organization that puts 100% of its resources into making the most out of the convention.
What does Naka-Kon mean?
The “Naka” means “middle” or “center” in Japanese, and the “Kon” is short for “convention.” So, Naka-Kon can translate to “middle convention” and it was named thusly because it is Kansas’ first anime convention.
Who runs Naka-Kon?
Naka-Kon was founded by members of the KU Anime Club, but its members are not the only ones who manage the convention. There are coordinators, staff members, and volunteers that are not affiliated directly with the club, so Naka-Kon is essentially run by anime fans in the area.
How long has Naka-Kon been around?
The first Naka-Kon took place on April 17th, 2005 in the University of Kansas Memorial Union. It was a small one-day event that was free of charge to all attendees and showcased workshops, events, and contests. From then, Naka-Kon has migrated to Kansas City area to better grow and serve anime fans!
What is there to do at Naka-Kon 2008?
In short, a lot. There will be five rooms where events/workshops/panels will be going on simultaneously, anime showings rooms featuring the newest anime as well as old favorites, a dealers room to buy anime merchandise, an artist alley to browse and buy original art, and many other fun surprises. Most of all, Naka-Kon gives you a chance to meet and hang out with people who share a love of anime like you! There are 40,000+ sq. ft. of meeting rooms as well as large lobbies and cafeterias, so rest assured that there will be plenty to do and plenty of room to do it in.
What are the running hours of the convention?
Hours of operation:
Friday 2:00pm - Sunday 5:00pm
Daytime Programming:
Friday 4:00pm - 9:00pm
Saturday 10:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 10:00am - 5:00pm
Nighttime Programming:
Friday 9:00pm - 4:00am
Saturday 9:00pm - 4:00am
Gamming Room Hours:
Friday 2:00pm - Sunday 4:00pm
Video Programming Hours:
Friday 2:00pm - Sunday 4:00pm
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Cosplay Questions
What is cosplay?
Cosplay is a Japanese cognate (a Japanese version of an English word, or in this case, a combination of two English words put together) of the words 'costume play' where people create or purchase and wear costumes in likeness to an anime character. There will be many people in cosplay at the convention, so you are bound to see a lot of inventive costumes at Naka-Kon.
There are many other costumes represented as well from different animation genres (American, video games), TV shows, and Japanese fashion (such as Elegant Gothic Lolita, Fruits, Ganguro, etc). We encourage all convention goers to indulge in and show off their creative side by wearing their costumes and cosplay for other people to see!
What are the Cosplay Contest rules?
You can find them in the cosplay section.
What are the Hall Cosplay rules?
You can find them in the cosplay section.
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Programming Questions
Where is the programming schedule and when will it be finished?
The majority of conventions have their schedule completed one to two weeks before the convention, and Naka-Kon is no exception. There are a lot of schedule changes that happen in the last month before the convention, so we will post the programming schedule once it is solid and every event has been fully confirmed.
How will I know if the schedule has been changed?
The Naka-Kon website and forums are the best place to get any and all information on the convention. In the event of a schedule change, it will be posted in both places.
What are some interesting events that plan to be on the schedule?
We have some initial ideas and ideas that people are working out on the forums.
I want to lead a panel. What should I do?
Please fill out the electronic form located under the events section. If the electronic form does not work for you, please email programming@naka-kon.com and we will email you a form that you can work with. Be sure to give as much information on your proposed panel as possible.
I have a great idea for a panel/event/workshop. What should I do?
You can offer any suggestion on our forums as well as respond to other people’s comments and suggestions.
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Gaming Questions
I would like to bring in ____ to play/How come you don't have ____ to play?
Here's the lowdown:
If you would like to donate a game, TV, system, etc. go to the above mentioned Staff Desk. Please give them the game for approval, at which time your information will be recorded. We will accept many games, so don't worry.
I need to pick up my donated stuff. Where'd it go?
Please refer to the same desk mentioned above and the Staff will be happy to return it.
YOU LOST MY STUFF!
Naka-Kon and the Marriott are not responsible for lost equipment. Please take this into consideration as well. We will have staff in the game room at all times to insure that items are not stolen.
A main idea we would like to get across to everyone is to clearly identify your wares. I know that it means adding markings/stickers to games/systems/controllers that may have important or sentimental value, but it is necessary. Please take this into consideration. If you haven't done so before Kon time, we will have a safe way to label your wares.
Is there a Tournament for ____? When does the ____ Tournament start? How do I sign up?
At the Staff Desk there will be sign-up sheets for all tournaments, plus times for tournaments will be included on the Events Schedule.
Why isn't there a ___ Tournament?
We will try and have tournaments for all of the most popular games. However, we cannot guarantee tournaments for all games, and we can't guarantee multiple tournaments for the same game or previous versions of the game. Ex. --Super Smash Bros. and SSBMelee. We will only have a SSBM tourney, but you can play both anytime.
What systems will you have?
We will try to have many systems to play. Once again, everything you want to donate and showcase, please bring in.
I can't seem to get this game to work. What do I do?
Please allow Staff to operate all systems, especially import games. This is one area where we can control broken equipment. If you tamper with equipment or become frustrated and abuse equipment actions will be taken to where you may be removed from the room.
Some other general rules:
--If you do donate a game, please realize that it will be used by everyone. If you don't want this to happen, simply don't donate (although we would all really like it if you did). Please don't bring in a game for only the time you will be in there, expect it to be put in over what's already being played, and then take it away when you are done.
--If you have memory cards, those are especially appreciated, as we don't want to simply play many games with only basic abilities/characters. When you bring in memory cards, it's strongly suggested you have a backup of your data.
--Your RPG, FPS, or single-player game may be fun, but it's not allowed, the only exceptions being some co-op/multiplayer games. Share the happiness with everyone ^_^
--These games should be a suitable game for the occasion, as it were. It needs to fit in the Kon theme; something of an anime or Japanese style, and should be a good multiplayer game.
I know we have all these rules here, but they're only to make for a better time for everyone. Honest! If you have a game you're thinking about bringing but might be afraid we'll say "no thanks", it doesn't hurt to ask. Please do so in the forums, or e-mail programming@naka-kon.com.
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Room Party Questions
What is a room party?
A room party is a party at the convention that is hosted by an attendee and friends in his/her hotel room. Anyone that comes to the convention is invited to stop by the room parties and have fun with other like-minded anime fans. Some room parties have themes, like a "Mecha Party" that will attract fans of giant robots; however, a theme isn't required to host a party. If alcohol is being served, all attendees of the room party should be required to show a valid ID proving they are over 21 to enter.
What are the guidlines for hosting a room party and how can I sign up for one?
The rules for hosting a room party can be found here.
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Rules Questions
What is the weapons rule for the convention?
You can find it here.
Were can I find all the other rules?
Volunteer Questions
I want to volunteer. What should I do? Please fill out the electronic form located under the volunteer section. If the electronic form does not work for you, please email volunteer@naka-kon.com and we will email you a form that you can work with.
What do I get for volunteering?
Volunteers will be reimbursed on their admission fee. In order for a full reimbursement of your early pre-registration badge, you will need to volunteer twelve hours*, which is about 20% of the total convention time so you will still have time to enjoy the Kon. But most of all, you get the satisfaction that you will be helping out a local convention.
*To receive a full reimbursement for a late pre-registration badge you will be required to work fourteen hours, and for an at-door registration badge you will be required to work sixteen hours.
How long can I volunteer?
There is no maximum time that you can volunteer, but if you do volunteer, we ask that you work at least a couple of hours.
What sort of things will I be doing?
We offer a variety of positions. The most common ones are badge checkers, security, and random helpers. We want to utilize our volunteers in the best way possible, so if you think you have special abilities that can be used in a particular area (i.e. I know how to operate a karaoke machine) be sure to mention that in filling out the form.
What is the difference between volunteers and staff?
Essentially, staff members have more responsibility than volunteers do. Staff members are in charge of sectors of the convention and make sure that everything is going smoothly in their sector. Also, staff members are required to participate in staff meetings that take place before the convention. In addition to these tasks, staff members get extra incentives that regular volunteers don’t get. If you think you are qualified, email info@naka-kon.com and we can get you all the information you need.
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