Lessons Learned From Running AnimeCon.org

As the founder of AnimeCon.org, I've had the opportunity to learn valuable lessons about working with large venues and building strong relationships with hotel staff and other partners in the hospitality industry.

The once desolate hallways of convention centers now teem with life and energy, buzzing with activity from the eclectic and exuberant crowds that flock to AnimeCon.org's events. With a founding in 2010, our journey was one of youthful ambition and determination - to build something from nothing, and make it grow. What started as a small dream has since transformed into a vibrant community that spreads across seven events a year, from AniMinneapolis to C+A+D, connecting people from all walks of life in celebration of their love for anime and gaming.

But behind the bright lights and thrilling energy of each event lies a world of secrets and trials, a world where we learned to navigate the treacherous terrain of working with large venues and forging strong relationships with hotels and staff. The importance of doing so became clear early on, as we struggled to balance the needs of our attendees with those of the facilities we rented. Through trial and error, we came to understand the delicate dance of hospitality and how it could make all the difference in keeping our guests happy and coming back year after year.

It is a story of growth and change, of learning how to adapt and thrive in an ever-evolving landscape of convention culture. It is a story that continues to unfold, each event bringing with it new challenges and opportunities for growth. And it is a story that we are proud to share with our fellow lovers of anime and gaming, who have become our family and our reason for continuing to strive for excellence in all that we do.

Here are some of the key insights I've gained over the years:

Hospitality is key

Whether you're running an anime convention or any other type of event, the importance of hospitality cannot be overstated. It's crucial to create an atmosphere where guests feel welcomed and appreciated, and where their needs are anticipated and met. This includes everything from comfortable accommodations and delicious food to engaging programming and opportunities to connect with other attendees.

The road to success has been fraught with bumps and bruises, as any worthy venture is. We've made our fair share of mistakes - from missing a guest at the airport to accidentally implicitly kicking a guest out of the green room by implying "who are you?". But we believe in the power of sincere apologies and the spirit of hospitality. No matter how minor the mistake may seem, we take it seriously and do everything in our power to make it right. It's all part of the learning process, and it's helped us become the best we can be. In those circumstances, for example, we went above and beyond to apologize with attention to detail, such as gifts of their favorite food or drink, with a heartfealt apologize. Hospitality isn't always perfect, but we can always strive to do better.

Build strong relationships with hotel staff

When working with a hotel or other venue, it's important to develop strong relationships with staff members. This can help ensure that your needs are met and that any issues are quickly resolved. It's also important to treat hotel staff with respect and kindness, as they are an integral part of the success of your event.

As the sun rose each day, the hotel staff of AnimeCon.org's event venue would already be bustling with activity. The janitors, housekeeping staff, and setup crew would be hard at work, long before the sales staff arrived. These unsung heroes of the hospitality industry, working tirelessly behind the scenes, were critical to the success of the convention. Their dedication and hard work was essential to ensure the guests had a clean and well-maintained environment to enjoy the event. Without them, the show could not go on. At AnimeCon.org, we recognized the value of all the staff, and we made sure to show our appreciation and respect for their efforts. We understood that they were just as critical to the success of the convention as the sales staff, and we were grateful for their tireless efforts.

Learn the ins and outs of large venues

Large venues can be overwhelming, and it's important to take the time to learn the layout, rules, and policies of the space you're working with. This can help ensure that your event runs smoothly and that attendees have a positive experience.

Large venues can be complex and intimidating, especially for those new to organizing events. In addition to the expected logistical considerations such as capacity and location, there are often many specific requirements that must be met, from audiovisual capabilities to food and beverage options, and even insurance requirements. However, taking the time to learn about and understand these nuances can be essential to the success of any event. Over the years, our team at AnimeCon.org has faced numerous challenges, such as meeting the requirements of large venues, but we've learned that with preparation and attention to detail, we can overcome any obstacle.

When it comes to working with large venues, it can be easy to get caught up in the nitty-gritty details of contracts and requirements, but it's important not to forget about the people you're working with. In my experience, the best way to ensure success is to focus on building strong, meaningful relationships with the venue staff. Take the time to have long conversations with the people you're working with, even if it's just to chat about the weather or their favorite local restaurant. By taking the time to get to know them, you may be able to uncover valuable information that you would have missed if you had simply focused on hammering home your own talking points. Ultimately, working with large venues is all about building trust and fostering positive relationships, and that starts with genuine human connection.

Once upon a midnight dreary, I pondered, weak and weary, over many a quaint and curious volume of business lore. - Ryan Kopf

Be flexible and adaptable

No matter how well you plan, unexpected issues and challenges will inevitably arise. It's important to be flexible and adaptable in the face of these obstacles, and to work collaboratively with your team and partners to find creative solutions.

One should also remember to approach every situation with humility, as making mistakes is an inevitable part of the process.

Overall, running AnimeCon.org has taught me the importance of hospitality, strong relationships, and adaptability when working with large venues and hotel staff. By taking these lessons to heart, event organizers can create truly memorable experiences for their guests.