Japanese animation, or anime as it is more often referred to, has a huge following among Americans. Throughout the year a countless number of anime conventions are held in many different cities for the fans to gather. Not all conventions are the same, though. Some have become more popular with fans than others. Based on size, staff, and setting, Anime Festival Orlando 2 was a far better anime convention than Anime Weekend Atlanta 7.

Bigger does not always mean better. Anime Weekend Atlanta 7 (AWA 7), was larger than Anime Festival Orlando 2, AFO 2. The lack in AFO 2’s size meant less crowds, photographers, and “fanboys.” At AWA 7, it was so crowded that wandering around the con was very difficult. The photographers were almost impossible to maneuver around, leaving a fear that one might accidentally ruin a stranger's pictures. Also, one had to be careful for groups of perverted, overweight males who are known to sexually harass con-goers, called “fanboys.”. AFO 2, with smaller crowds, was easier to get from Point A to Point B. Fewer photographers gave those in costume a chance to see the convention, because they were not posing for pictures the entire time. Because of smaller crowds and less photographers, “fanboys” do not see the con as time worthy. Not having to worry about harassment makes a convention all the more enjoyable.

Staffing at conventions is another big deal. The attitude of the staffers, those who run everything, set the mood of the convention. The staffers at AWA 7 acted as the evil parents, while staffers at AFO 2 acted more as the cool baby sitter. Over time, the staffers at the AWA conventions have experienced increasing egos. They take their jobs overly serious, many times acting worse than the con-goers. AWA 7 followed the pattern. At one point, one of the staffers was interrupting a show being put on by the guests for the weekend, trying to steal the spotlight. He was scolded by the guests on stage and the fans in the crowd. During an activity titled “Anime Hell”, the head staffer began singing along with a music video he was showing. His voice screeched into the microphone, giving everyone a headache. The staffers at AFO 2 were very friendly. They let people bring their own game systems and games into the Game Room, allowing the entire convention to enjoy what different individuals had to offer.

The setting of the conventions is based half on size and staff, while the other half is based on location. AWA 7 was held at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel and the adjacent Georgia International Convention Center located south of Atlanta, near the airport. Restaurants near the convention were few and far between, while the closest mall was an hour away. This made many feel like they were isolated for the weekend. The nearest restaurant was a Ruby Tuesday across the street from the convention. Because it was so close, the wait to get in was extremely long. One group decided it would be easier to order pizza, and ended up waiting three hours before it arrived. The Hilton Orlando/Altamonte Springs was the location for AFO 2. There were several restaurants located ten minutes or less from the hotel, including a Steak N Shake, Denny’s, Hooters, and Burger King. There was also an arcade, Rocky’s Replay, ten minutes from the convention. Many of the con-goers gathered there to play DDR when the convention was slow. This kept everyone from feeling trapped and isolated.

If one were to ask most of the people who attended both AFO 2 and AWA 7 which con was preferred, most would agree that AFO 2 was the superior anime convention. Many factors effect what makes an anime convention more enjoyable for the fans. With a smaller size, better staffing, and a more relaxed setting, Anime Festival Orlando 2 was a better convention the Anime Weekend Atlanta 7.