To everyone that went to METROCON 2008!

This is Alex, the Director of Operations for METROCON. As the weekend has wound to a close, and we all dive back into the real world, a few things came to mind that I wanted to share with everyone that was at the convention.

First and foremost, a huge thank you to everybody that came out. I hope that, despite certain trials and tribulations placed against you, you managed to enjoy yourself more than you ever have at METROCON or any other convention. Without fail, that is our one driving goal. To make convention-goers happy. Our mission, as a convention in this industry, is to give the fans something to look forward to year after year, and to let them know what kind of "family" they have out there. Like minded, similar people all looking for the same thing: to have a good time.

That being said, second only to that comes my apologies, and the apologies of several other important people. I have received countless emails detailing reasons that people were displeased with METROCON, or this weekend in any capacity, and I personally would like to address the big one: Red Bull Flugtag.

This has been, without a doubt, the biggest issue people have found with METROCON this year. It's unfortunate that there wasn't more we could do to prevent some of the incidents that occurred, but at this juncture, I feel my best course of action is to apologize. The staff of METROCON (and those of you that saw us on Saturday will more than agree) did everything short of miracle-working to stop the multitude of disrespectful and irritating things that many of you saw or unfortunately, were involved with. Please keep in mind that the METROCON staff places your interests and well being above all else, and are doing everything we can to make right every single act of injustice that we saw taking place this past weekend.

Do not misunderstand what happened this weekend, however. I have spoken with several individuals from the Red Bull Corporation, who had worked so well with us prior to the event, and they are just as unhappy with everything that happened the way it did as we are. They have asked that I pass on their apologies to our convention-goers as well, and to let it be known they are also currently pursuing a course of action that will prevent anything (and I do mean anything) like this from ever happening to our valued attendees ever again so long as we are in this venue. Please trust in the fact that we at METROCON did everything we could. We are continuing to do everything we can to right these wrongs, and to make sure that you know it will never happen again. METROCON will continue to be a safe, fun, exciting place for the die-hard fan or casual anime watcher, and for parent and child, alike.

That being addressed, if anyone has any other questions or concerns, feels the need to berate the staff about the convention, or possibly has something positive to say, my email address is available on the "Contact Us" portion of the website, but I will repost it here so it is easily accessible. Please get in contact with me, and I will be more than happy to talk to you. This convention isn't a job for me, it's a passion, and I know that holds true for many of you.

Keep changing the world, one day at a time...

Alex Craddock
Director of Operations
METROCON, LLC.

metrocon.hovr.alexcraddock@gmail.com

Volunteer hours are almost totally gone so we opened up some more. We need some extra people to help out as ushers. If you'd like to help, sign up in TEAM METRO.

[Click here for TEAM METRO]

AnimeBelle’s Kimono Fashion Show at Metrocon 2008
Metrocon is almost here, and the Kimono Fashion Show can use just a few more models! We need male and female models in certain sizes, so while we can’t guarantee anyone a spot in the show, we do need people to send in forms to try out. Signing up for the show is easy!

Step One. Go to AnimeBelle.com’s forums and register! It’s quick and easy, and it lets us keep track of you.

Step Two. Fill out the Kimono Fashion Show Form, as completely as possible. This will help us determine if we have a kimono that will fit you, and help us select a kimono that will suit your hair color and skin tone.

It’s that simple! You can read the rules for participating here. There will be a rehearsal in Ballroom B at 10am on Saturday, and the show will be held in Ballroom B at 9pm on Saturday. Dressing for the show on Saturday will begin at 7pm in a room to be announced at the rehearsal.

Pre-Reg and VIP Ticket Pickup Information:

• Bring your OFFICIAL METROCON Transaction ID that you received from us (not PayPal) to the convention with you. Again, this is an email directly from METROCON. (note: if you don't bring this, you may not be able to get your tickets)

• Go to the Pre-Reg or VIP line at METROCON.

• When asked for your Transaction ID paper, they will check it with our listing and then mark it off and give it back to you. You will then receive your passes.

• If someone else other than you bought your tickets, they do not have to be present. Just give the printout of the email with the Transaction ID on it to registration. They will check it against the master list.

• After you receive your badge, you will be able to put your name on it. The badges are NOT printed with the name of the purchaser.

Badges will be available at the convention for those who did not Pre-Reg or get VIP passes.

[click here for more information]

Ok, so, yes, we're insane. <.<

Of course, all of you knew this. However....to prove how crazy we are, we are going to do something we've never done before.

We are going to raffle off two swords from the Anime Human Chess Match. No, we're not going to tell you which ones...yet. You'll have to find out at the convention. We can say that they are custom made, there aren't any other ones quite like these around, and that combined they cost over one thousand dollars. After all, they are custom stage combat weapons made specifically for METROCON by Baltimore Knife and Sword and designed by Joe Davis. The swords are not sharpened but they are combat grade steel.

So, all you have to do is go watch the Chess Match and after it's over, we'll be selling raffle tickets - 1 ticket for $5 or 5 tickets for $20. Don't worry, if you miss the match on the first day, simply go to the match on the second day, or just go to the METROCON booth in the dealers room to get the tickets.

We'll be giving the swords away after the match on Sunday at approximately 2pm. We'll be giving out the swords to two separate winners (that's one each). We might also be giving out a few other things....you never know.

Oh, one note, you have to be there on Sunday to win. Good luck everyone!

Roy