Overall, it had everything one could expect from an anime convention: voice actors, cosplay, merchandise, etc. However, it was surprisingly small seeing as how it was happening at the Dunkin Donuts Center. It only utilized one convention room, not the second floor or the arena. Granted, I think this was the first time the Anime Convention took place, so they probably wanted to start off small. But there is a lot of potential for expansion
What an amazing experience. I had an absolute blast! My only complaint is that I couldn't go both days .......
This convention was awesome! Especially considering it was the first RIAC ever! The guest list rivaled con’s that have been going on for 20 years. The vendors and artists were all incredible. My only critique is that everything being confined to one room felt very cramped. Even though attendance was overall low compared to many other conventions, things still felt very cramped and as if there was no room to “get away” from it all without physically leaving the building. Expanding the space and offering more panel rooms would really help bring this convention to the next level!! Despite that, I’m still dropping 5 stars as I can see RIAC really becoming one of the next but conventions on the East Coast!!
I've been to Boston Anime twice a number of years ago so I had an idea of what to expect at an anime convention but RIAC was just not good at all. Not a single vendor sold any anime (which is weird considering it's a ANIME con) and only one booth sold manga and even then it was only about a dozen books. Most of the vendors are from Rhode Island Comic Con so this one felt more of an extension of the first instead of an event of it's own. None of the staff I approached could direct me to the panels. Also, as far as merchandise goes, there was more funko pops and comic books that there were anime statues and figures. This was an Anime Con in name only. The only redeeming quality was the voice actors.
First year for r.i anime con, and it was very small. One hallway for pictures and one large room for vendors, autographs, and panels all in one. Panels were tough to hear and in the middle of the area with stores. If this is going to be the standard for years to come it won't be worth coming and I'd really give it 3 stars. However I was told they were going to atleast be twice as big next year and that would alleviate almost every issue.
Was amazing overall from having lockers to set down prints and food throughout the day and the guests they had was amazing but overall was kinda cramped and small.
I had bought a ticket for both days of the event, and went with my girlfriend with tempered expectations. I understand the scope of the event was smaller, probably so they could gauge interest in an anime convention, but I was still really disappointed that they didn't make use of the second floor, or the civic center at all. The whole event took place in the expo floor, no individual rooms for signings or panels or merchants or anything. A lot of the events on the schedule looked like all the same thing hosted by different people. I couldn't find a single seller of DVDs or Blu-Rays, so I couldn't even buy anime at an anime con! And the maid cafe ran out of food half-way through day 1, and could only serve overpriced tiny snacks! I left shortly after that and just didn't show up for day 2. The only saving grace was that the tickets were relatively cheap, and nothing especially bad happened. I just hope that next year they step things up, use more of the building, and improve the variety of showings.
Not much going on at the convention floor, not too many events either. Difficult to hear panel or anything.
Fun first-year con. Calm, not a ton of people, and everyone seemed to have fun. The good word of mouth might make the place explode with attendance like RI Comic Con did. I hope the vendors are a bit better. There haven’t been a lot of cons in New England other than Anime Boston that have new manga on them lately, or those with higher-end figures and Blu-rays. Vendors I did talk to seemed to like it, as did the guests, which were very nice.
Fun to see most people in Cosplay. Great vendors and Guests! Excited to see what's next for this Con. RI Convention Center always a great venue for a Con!
