Frequently Asked Questions
We answer your questions here.
What, when, and where Is Tekkoshocon?
Tekkoshocon is a Japanese animation and pop culture convention to be held for its sixth year April 11-13, 2008, at the Greentree Radisson Hotel in Greentree, PA.
Attendees at Tekkoshocon are treated to three days of camaraderie and entertainment. Between our panels and workshops, autograph sessions, games and competitions of all kinds, video screenings, and the ever popular vendors' room, there's never a dull moment! Additionally, many attendees choose to come in costume, making the convention a colorful and entertaining spectacle for young and old alike. Take a look at the Events section of our site to find out more about the many things that happen at Tekkoshocon.
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Who runs Tekkoshocon?
Tekkoshocon is staffed by an all-volunteer group. We're friendly, fun people, so please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns about the convention!
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How do I register?
Check out the Registration page to find out how you can preregister for Tekkoshocon online or via postal mail. If you're planning on coming for two or three days out of the weekend, preregistration is your best bet. You'll receive a pass good for all three days of fun, and the earlier you preregister, the more you'll save!
If the preregistration deadline passes and you still haven't purchased your badge, don't fret! Three day passes will still be available at the door, along with single day passes. We look forward to seeing you!
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Are there any age restrictions at Tekkoshocon?
So that everyone can safely enjoy the convention, all attendees must be at least 12 years old or escorted by someone 18 or older. Some exceptions may be made on a case by case basis.
Attendees arriving with children ages 7 to 11 can purchase a child pass for $10. Children 6 and under are granted free admission.
Tekkoshocon is generally family friendly, but some events may require attendees to be of a certain age. The Tekkoshocon Program Book, which you will receive at the convention, both notes where this age requirement is in effect (generally in the late evening) and provides rating information for videos and events which may not be appropriate for younger attendees. Families are encouraged to read the Program Book and make their own informed judgements about which activities are appropriate for their children.
New this year to Tekkoshocon is a dedicated Children's Programming track, which will feature activities that families can enjoy together. More information on Children's Programming will be made available as the convention approaches.
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I didn't get my registration e-mail. What should I do?
Some of the registration confirmations are ending up in spam folders. You should get your email either the Saturday or the second Saturday after you mailed it. If it's not there, email registration@tekkoshocon.com and we will look into your registration for you.
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Who will be attending Tekkoshocon?
Tekkoshocon attendees are of all ages. Most tend to be of middle school through college age, but don't let that fool you-- attendees under the age of 10 have taken home impressive wins in our Dance Dance Revolution tournaments and live game shows in the past, and parents enjoy the costumes, the educational panels and workshops, and the fun as well!
Tekkoshocon also invites people who work in the anime industry and related fields to the convention each year. Our guest lists tend to be diverse and have included voice actors and actresses, artists, translators, producers, and gifted fan performers in the past. Information on our guests can be found on the Guests page in the months leading up to the convention.
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Where can I stay during Tekkoshocon?
The Radisson Hotel in Greentree contains both our convention space and hotel space. Stay tuned, as a special discounted Tekkoshocon hotel rate will be announced on our Location page in the coming weeks!
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How can I talk to people about Tekkoshocon?
If you want to talk with other attendees about Tekkoshocon, anime in general, or other fun events happening in the Pittsburgh area, you can join the Tekkoshocon Forum.
If you have specific questions for convention staff, you may post them in the forum, or email us directly via the Contacts page.
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How can I help Tekkoshocon?
Tekkoshocon can always use your help!
First and foremost, you can distribute Tekkoshocon flyers to friends and local businesses.
Those aged 16 and older who wish to help out at the convention are invited to become minions, our Tekkoshocon volunteers. Minions may earn rewards depending on the amount of time they volunteer. For more information about being a minion, please see the Minions/Volunteers page.
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What is anime, and what's an anime convention?
"Anime" is the preferred term in America for Japanese animation. Unlike traditional American cartoons, which are typically geared toward young children, Japanese cartoons can be-- and are-- directed at any demographic. There are learning and adventure stories, romances, comedies, sports sagas, and sophisticated police-style dramas, and that's just a sample of the spectrum.
Anime conventions are more interactive and fun than one would ever expect anything related to television could be! There are screening rooms at the convention where attendees may watch an old favorite or become acquainted with something new, but there are also panels and workshops where attendees can sharpen their drawing skills or learn about what it's like to work in the anime industry, elaborate costumes which attendees have spent weeks working to create, and many kinds of games and competitions. Tekkoshocon provides many opportunities for fans to take their interest beyond seeing and into doing.
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What are some activities that are available at Tekkoshocon?
- Anime Music Video Contest
- Artists' Alley
- Cosplay
- Dance
- Game Shows
- Karaoke
- Panels and Workshops
- Dealers' Room
- Video Rooms
- Video Game Room
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What is the anime music video/AMV contest?
Some fans of anime have the creative pasttime of combining anime and music on their computers to create anime music videos (AMV for short). Creators can submit AMVs for the Tekkoshocon contest. At the convention, attendees watch submitted AMVs and can vote for the videos that they like best in each of several categories including Drama, Comedy, and Romance. For more information on AMVs, visit AnimeMusicVideos.org.
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What is Artists' Alley?
Fans who draw or create works that display the anime art style can purchase table space in Artists' Alley. Attendees visiting Artists' Alley may find high-quality prints of unique fanart, artists willing to perform commissions, cosplay accessories, clothing, and more! For more information please look at the Artists page.
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What is a cosplayer/cosplay?
Cosplay is the term for coming to the convention dressed as a character from an anime, a manga, a video game, or an other facet of Asian pop culture. A cosplayer is one who cosplays.
"Cosplay" is also a common name for an event on Saturday night where groups of cosplayers may perform skits in front of the rest of Tekkoshocon's attendees in hopes of winning awards for their costumes and their performance. This event is also often referred to as the Masquerade. Those interested in participating in this event are highly encouraged to preregister their skits with the Cosplay Department Head. More information on preregistration will be available soon.
If you'd like to watch the cosplay, it's generally a good idea to get in line early!
Cosplayers who don't want to perform on stage but are interested in having their costumes judged for prizes are encouraged to participate in our Hall Costuming Contest. Look for judging times in the events section of your program book at the convention.
All costumers who wish to participate in the stage event or the Hall Costuming Contest are encouraged to bring detailed pictures of the characters they are portraying and photos of their costumes in construction to aid in the judging process.
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Can I come in costume and not compete?
Yes! It's great fun to come to a convention in costume. Many people like to take pictures of all of the cosplayers they see, and you might find other people that share your passion for your favorite series. There are many, many cosplayers who come to the convention in costume but do not compete in any events. They still have an amazing time!
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Am I allowed to have cosplay props?
Yes, attendees are allowed to tote around their props, as long as the props meet convention guidelines and are handled safely. Please read the Props Policy while planning for Tekkoshocon, and be sure to stop at the Security office once you reach the convention in order to have your prop checked and tagged for safety!
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What goes on at the dance?
DJs will play a variety of anime, J-pop, and other music. Attendees are free to wave glowsticks, bounce around, and dance the night away! At past Tekkoshocons, there has been a video screen projecting music videos and clips from anime series as the dance goes on.
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What is a game show?
Game shows are great opportunities for you to win prizes and cheer on your fellow fans! This year we have some surprises up our sleeves, with original content you won't find anywhere else!
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What is karaoke?
Karaoke is the opportunity to sing your heart out to your favorite anime and j-songs. We will have a variety of songs available, but it's a good idea to bring a copy of a song you'd like to sing, just in case. Look for karaoke times and locations in your program book at the convention!
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What is a panel/workshop?
Panels are generally question-and-answer or discussion sessions. At a panel, you may learn about the anime industry from a production staffer, chat with our voice actor guests, discover a new video game, or talk about your favorite anime series with other fans.
Workshops are similar to panels, but tend to be more hands-on or involve small-group demonstrations. In a workshop, you might learn to write some Japanese characters, craft a cosplay accessory, or paint an animation cel. Some workshops carry an additional materials fee, which is typically less than $5.
A full schedule of panels and workshops, along with descriptions of each, can be found in the program book you will receive at the convention.
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What is the Vendors' Room?
The Vendors' Room is a place where attendees may purchase anime and other Asian merchandise. It will be open all three days of the convention, so don't forget to stop in and look for fun things from your favorite series! If you are interested in purchasing a vendor table, please visit the Vendors page.
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What is a video room?
Tekkoshocon's video rooms are dedicated screening rooms where attendees can watch anime or Japanese live action series. A schedule of programming including times, locations, synopses, and approximate ratings will be available in your program book when you arrive at the convention.
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What is the Video Game Room?
The video game room is a place where attendees can play a variety of video games. Tekkoshocon's video game room plays host to fighting games like Guilty Gear and Street Fighter, music games like DDR and Guitar Hero, and other fun games like Katamari Damacy. Tournaments occur in the video game room each day of the convention. For more details see the Video Game Room page.
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