The Convention: NewCon 3
The Place: Lloyd’s Center Double Tree Inn, Portland Oregon
The Dates 2-4 Jan 2015.
Newcon is Portland fan ran multi-genre convention. This the third year running. I took Big Kitty Friday, Kyju Kitty Saturday and Chococat Sunday plushies.
Friday: I arrived later than I wanted to and missed the opening ceremony . There was not much in the way of panels that interested me on Friday. I hung around until 3:00pm to attend the AMV contest. It great to see Guy back at the helm. Then I went to the Defining Steam Punk Panel. I duck in and out of the Video room and in to Main events to catch a few songs by Batmainia; a local band that played original and cover songs dressed up in Batman / and a Batgirls costumes ; very appropriate for Newcon.
Saturday I head back to the con hotel early and had breakfast at the hotel. First on the list was Creature Creation with Ryan Wells. Ryan is a fantastic cosplayer and customers. His works look like a it was built by a professional experienced film and TV costume and prop builder but many of his works were often the first time he attempt it. Then it was to “Watch this, Not that” and gun gaffs panel. I also lounged about talked to many other fans and taking in the convention. For a group of amateurs the anime science fiction theater 3000 was well done. I ordered pizza and hung around for the AMV showing to late night before heading home.
Sunday :
After church headed back to the con hotel after lunch. Today was more like squeeze much as I can out of the convention . I attended one panel on patents Jason Trost screening How to Save Us, it was an interesting independent horror film even though he biffed the soldering scene.
The good: being back at the con scene after missing Orycon and Rose City comic con
The bad: just a minor hiccup at registration on Friday. A minor quibble is we need more non anime content.
Newcon’s growth shows that the convention has attracted interest in the anime and geek community in Portland, demonstrating the need for a multi-genre fan base convention. I look forward to Newcon 4.