AVWeek 394: Victoria Ferrari, George Tucker and Mike Brandes join host Tim Albright talking about attending trade shows virtually. George Tucker starts off talking about the value of being able to participate in a trade show even when you cannot physically make it there.
Virtually attending Anime Expo 2019 (Prose and Cons)
So, this year, I attended Anime Expo 2019. Except, I didn’t do so physically. Instead, I was a virtual attendee. Whenever I could during the weekend of July 3-7, I checked into the livestream to see what was happening.
Since I wasn’t physically there, that means I can’t do my usual type of con report. Instead, I just want to touch briefly on the pros/cons of being a virtual attendee.
Let’s get the bad out of the way first.
Cons
1) No sneak peeks – While AX did graciously stream several industry panels, there were some times they had to cut the livestream. Exclusive sneak peeks, for example, could only be viewed by those physically present at the panel.
2) Limited coverage options – AX did a fantastic job by providing a variety of commentary, interviews, etc during their stream. But you still only got panel/event footage from Petree Hall. And given AX’s size, that means you are missing out on a sizable programming chunk. Also, coverage wasn’t 24/7 during the con – they would stop live-streaming when Petree Hall events were done and pick up again when the con center opened in the morning.
Most of the streaming was done from a stage inside one of the entries or from Petree Hall. Occasionally, they did send the hosts to other portions of the con, like the gaming hall, to conduct interviews.
3) No swag / no autographs – Can’t get those physical mementos or purchases if you aren’t there.
4) No interaction – Unless you joined comments on YouTube/Twitch, but that’s still not quite the same. You can’t take photos of cosplayers, can’t game with people, can’t ask questions in a panel.
5) Atmosphere is different –I think most convention attendees know what I mean when I refer to that electricity and excitement in the area, the way it seems to bubble up from the crowd and spread. For some, this may be more neutral, depending on whether cons recharge them or sap their energy away through the day.
Pros
1) No “con funk” – You aren’t going to be crowded in by lots of sweaty, unwashed bodies in tight spaces.
2) No costs – The livestream is free!
3) No people – Unless you choose to watch with friends/family, you can watch the AX stream in your own space, and no one will be pressing in on your “bubble” of personal space or trying to strike up a conversation while you listen to a speaker.
4) You can re-watch livestream content, at least as long as the con is running. - AX was livestreaming via their site, Twitch, and YouTube. And on YouTube, you could go back and review the prior days’ coverage if you wanted.
For example, I watched the re-broadcast of the Masquerade and some of the interviews conducted on Friday while I’d been at work.
5) Chance to check out cons/events you wouldn’t normally attend – I’m not a huge fashion person, so I don’t normally attend fashion shows if they’re available at a con. But I did watch one via Anime Expo’s livestream, because, why not? It wasn’t like I had 5 other events completing for my attention at the time. And I didn’t have to wait in line or anything to see it!
6) It’s fun!
7) For those at the con, it’s another way to kill time in line/while getting food or to watch that panel you maybe couldn’t attend b/c the room was full – the AX livestream is meant to benefit everyone.
I am sure I’m missing a few things in both the pros and the cons. But hey, it’s my first time virtually attending a con. So cut me some slack ;D
If you can’t attend Anime Expo or any other con that livestreams its content – whether because of money, work, family, whatever – I highly recommend giving being a virtual attendee a try.
