Animazement is good, gets a lot of industry guests and VAs from Japan.

I haven't been to anything recently, but I can say that Ichibancon 2016 was one of the most unpleasant con experiences I've ever had. It was congested as fuck, parking was a nightmare, and everyone looked miserable because there was almost zero room to do anything. Why the fuck are they still trying to cram it into the Embassy in Concord when it very clearly outgrew the venue years ago?

>>10964709
the 2025 one hasn't changed, it's still there and crowded as fuck

banzaicon in SC was slightly better but only because attendance is lower there

>>10964703
I plan on going to it when I can. What type of cosplay do you see people doing?

>>10964709
Kinda sounds a little fun. Is it easier to talk to people?

>>10964732
How is the scene in SC?

>>10964748
anemic tbqfh unless you like small cons. nothing wrong with them but the scene is pretty local so we don't have any big cons

you have both atlanta and NC within tolerable driving distance so they eat most of the attention whenever the big events roll around

>>10964753
I have a friend in Atlanta as well so I wouldnt have to get a hotel (hopefully). I plan on going to Galaxy Con

i've been to ichibancon... i don't really remember the cosplays i saw, but i do remember seeing a few lolitas...
is anyone going to ichibancon 2026?

>>10964732
I remember seeing a while back that there was something about the owner of Ichibancon being kind of blacklisted in the area so they can't move or something, which is why they've been stuck at that one venue despite it being overcrowded. I don't quite remember the details.

>>10964790
Maybe. I go to NC State and just see a lot of Lolitas on campus.

>>10964679
My partner and I regularly go to GalaxyCon (the big big one in Raleigh) and Animate!
GalaxyCon has always been great, except the crowds are enormous and its hot as balls outside. If you cosplay, people are super friendly and like to chat (the overall vibe feels that way).
If you get the attached hotel its 100% worth it.
Animate! is newer but so far awesome, it's like a smaller GalaxyCon, less crowded and just as fun.. I haven;t had a bad experience (so far). Going as Qrow to Animate! In January since his VA will be there.
One pro-tip: The best event is the "Masquerade Costume & Performance Competition", it's usually on the last day. It's not a Masquerade but a straight-up talent show, and people go all out on skits and songs with their cosplay. It's so, so good, I look forward to it every year.
Second, the cosplay wrestling is super fun. Watching Ms. Trunchbull beat the shit out of vanellope von schweetz is awesome, even if you have no interest in wrestling itself.

>>10965077
Thanks for the info! I actually live in the triangle so hotel won't he necessary. I bought tickets for the last day so this seems like its a lot of fun!

Animate Raleigh is great if you want a chance at seeing Chris-chan.

>>10964790
I very much enjoy Ichibancon. It's a small regional convention, so set your expectations. I do like the venue and the parties are great. I've been the past 4 years. Lots of Genshin and ZZZ the past few. Tons of beginner/intermediate level cosplay. A few wannabe influencers do show up and try to flex.

I'll be at Ichibancon, Triad, and Banzai. It's like
>>10964703
Animazement is always a blast. I end up meeting cool people and hanging out more than actually doing the convention. Great dealer hall. The cosplay is usually a good mix of everything.
>>10964748
Usually shares the same scene with NC. You can bump down to ATL for the bigger conventions. Banzai is my favorite convention down there.