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Anime Central 2014 - May 16-18 - Rosemont, IL

Mar 6, 2014

Watch Thread
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    1. So who else will be here? I'll be coming in and bringing at least a couple of dolls along with me, and am hoping to make it to some meets or panels over the weekend!

      Let's keep a good running list of what events and vendors will be around for us, too, to make it easier on everyone who's attending!

      Panels
      ​


      • [*=1]Saturday, 2:30 am: Ball Joint Doll Meet and Greet Take Two (Panel Room 9)

      Meetups
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      • [*=1]Thursday, 5:30 pm: Hyatt Lobby by the couches
        [*=1]Friday, 12pm (noon): DES Foodcourt/Corridor just past DES ballrooms*
        [*=1]Friday, 6 pm: Hyatt Lower Dome
        [*=1]Saturday, 12pm (noon): Embassy Lobby
        [*=1]Saturday, 7 pm: Embassy Lobby
        [*=1]Sunday, 12pm (noon): DES Foodcourt/Corridor just past DES ballrooms*

      Vendors
      ​


      • [*=1]Resin Melody: Artist Alley tables C026 & C027

      Acen official guidebook

      * These are alternate locations in case we aren't able to use the Foodcourt area
       
      #1 vicemage, Mar 6, 2014
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    2. I'll be around. Not sure who to bring though or how much time I'll have, depending on what friend I must entertain.
       
      #2 AngelicLies, Mar 12, 2014
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    3. This will be my first ACen! I would like to bring my Dollfie Dreams with me :)
       
      #3 CelestialSnow, Mar 27, 2014
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    4. I want to meet people! Where do you usually meet?

      Sent from my XT1030 using Tapatalk
       
      #4 Dove_Heart, Mar 27, 2014
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    5. Most of the meets last year were at the Lower Dome, which had some floor space, but maybe wasn't the most convenient... it's at least an option to set up some meets, though!
       
      #5 vicemage, Mar 28, 2014
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    6. I might be able to bring one of my tinies but since I'm flying in from florida with a LOT of lolita stuffed in my bags I don't have weight free to pack my favorite SD boy. :< I went in 2012 before I was officially in the hobby and saw a few people with dolls so hopefully I will be able to find you guys again!
       
      #6 JaeJekyll, Apr 2, 2014
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    7. I'll be in Artist Alley with a few others again this year. We'll have lots of dolly stuff available. :D

      Since we can't usually make it to the meetups during Alley hours, please swing by throughout the weekend to visit! Can't wait to see everyone's dolls!
       
      #7 tiarah, Apr 6, 2014
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    8. tiarah, what's the name you'll have on your table/way to identify you? I'll toss you up in the top post so people can find you to swing by with their dolls!
       
      #8 vicemage, Apr 8, 2014
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    9. That'd be awesome! Thanks!

      We're all under Resin Melody. Table layouts for the alley have not been released yet, so not quite sure where we'll be located at this point.

      ETA: I think we will be located at tables C026 & C027. Looks like we are right smack-dab in the middle of the alley. The floorplan can be seen here: http://www.acen.org/content/floor-plan
       
      #9 tiarah, Apr 8, 2014
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    10. Awesome, I added the name and location for you! I'll swap it out if you hear about it changing, too. :D
       
      #10 vicemage, Apr 8, 2014
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    11. Do you know exactly what the lower dome is called on a map? I tired to find it last year, but "lower dome" never actually seemed to appear on a map- so I missed it. T.T

      Sent from my XT1030 using Tapatalk
       
      #11 Dove_Heart, Apr 15, 2014
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    12. Here's a map of the Hyatt; if I'm remembering things correctly, I think it's the area on the "Entry Level" labeled "Conference Center Foyer" on this one. It's an open area in the Hyatt, between several of the panel rooms, with an open "ceiling" above it to the second floor/sort of an atrium look to it. Looking at that map and an older Acen one (2011), the areas I'm seeing that might work best for meets are the dome again, the lobby level on the slightly-isolated benches around it (though they can get busy), and during times there's no major events out there, the corridors heading to the Grand Ballroom (which are fairly spacious, as I recall). Alternately, if people don't mind a bit of a walk, we could use the lobbies of some of the other hotels, where it'd be a little more quiet and we'd have places to sit. I'm really only familiar with the Crowne's lobby area, since that's where we stay every year, but anyone familiar with the other hotels (Embassy, etc) could also offer input on using them!
       
      #12 vicemage, Apr 15, 2014
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    13. Thanks a ton!!! I personally wouldn't mind a walk if it meant it wouldn't be as busy. ^.^

      Sent from my XT1030 using Tapatalk
       
      #13 Dove_Heart, Apr 15, 2014
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    14. If no one else comes in with any other thoughts, I may go ahead and drop in the Crowne lobby as an option for at least one meetup, then. It'd definitely be nice to not have to sit on the floor, and to have some small tables to set dolls on.
       
      #14 vicemage, Apr 15, 2014
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    15. Anybody else interested in doing a Thursday meetup in the Hyatt lobby, upstairs by the couches? That seems to have gone over well the previous years. Shall we say 530-6ish?
       
      #15 roguegirl9929, Apr 16, 2014
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    16. That would be fun! Thursday wouldn't be busy at all. ^.^ I'll have to commute, Im not staying at the convention, but that's okay.

      Sent from my XT1030 using Tapatalk
       
      #16 Dove_Heart, Apr 17, 2014
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    17. I'll probably be out for dinner at the time, but they do always seem to go over well! I'll toss that up in the first post, so people know about it to head over.
       
      #17 vicemage, Apr 17, 2014
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    18. There's now a tentative/draft schedule out for Acen; I won't add anything to the top post until the final schedule's out, but right now there's:

      Ball Joint Meet and Greet - 1:15 pm? Friday - Heathrow A-B (Hyatt)

      That looks to be the only official panel going on, so there's plenty of room for some more meets scattered through the weekend!
       
      #18 vicemage, Apr 19, 2014
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    19. Hi all, I'll be there as usual. Most likely going to bring my Ringdoll Shao and AOD Shang Nai since they seem to have become my traveling companions/ convention dolls. Like past years, I'll have some wigs and maybe a couple dolls from my shop available to purchase at the meet-ups. Looking forward to seeing everyone! :)
       
      #19 catw07, Apr 20, 2014
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    20. Awesome! So it's okay to bring stuff to sell/ trade?

      Sent from my XT1030 using Tapatalk
       
      #20 Dove_Heart, Apr 21, 2014
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    21. IRT doesn't like people doing it, so make sure to be discreet about sales and trades. But as long as long as you're not drawing a lot of attention to yourself, you should be able to get away with it just fine. I've been bringing stuff to sell and trade for 4 years now with no problems so far. The Lolita community however has had issues with their swap meet. Just be smart about it. :)
       
      #21 catw07, Apr 21, 2014
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    22. catw07, I think I bought a pink ringdoll wig from you last year! :) Still my favorite wig.

      Since we always seem to be dressing and undressing our dolls and some people transport their dolls in boxes I think it's very hard for IRT to know what the heck we're doing at any given time. :)

      Looking forward to seeing everyone at ACEN!!!!! The days are ticking away. I just don't know yet who to bring with me ?????
       
      #22 Gherkin, Apr 22, 2014
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    23. Yes you did! Glad you like it :)
       
      #23 catw07, Apr 22, 2014
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    24. I'm wondering where you saw this because on the draft panel list it shows a doll panel on Saturday from 2:30-4 AM ???? That can't be right can it? Do we know who submitted the panel request? Can we tell ACEN that the time is not good or maybe a typo?
       
      #24 Gherkin, Apr 25, 2014
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    25. Sometimes that happens depending on when you submit your request, panels that might not seem to have a wide popularity get the boot, or if you submitted late.

      Sent from my XT1030 using Tapatalk
       
      #25 Dove_Heart, Apr 25, 2014
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    26. Hi, everyone! This will be my sixth ACen and second Dolly meet. I was the blonde with the ridiculously long hair last year, if anyone remembers. :sweat I shall be bringing my Angell-Studio Halloween Leira, Doll Chateau Ada, and Doll Chateau, Dollzone, and Dika Doll hybrid--all customized. I will most likely solely attend the Thursday event before/after dinner since I never seem to find the other meetings (or I forget about them). Can't wait to see everyone there! 20 days until the meet!
       
      #26 deineHasi, Apr 25, 2014
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    27. Wow, that's a HUGE change from the one I was working from... what an awful time for the panel! :( Since it's the final draft that's up now, I'll add it to the list, but I guess it'll be a pretty low turn-out. Hopefully we can work out some good meets to make up for that!

      EDIT: Here is the current "final draft" for anyone who wants to look over it and try to find good times for meetups!
       
      #27 vicemage, Apr 25, 2014
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    28. Can the person who submitted the panel contact ACEN and request a change? Since it's listed with a lot of the 18+ panels (that late at night) maybe they didn't get what this panel is???? This time is ridiculous.

      :(
       
      #28 Gherkin, Apr 25, 2014
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    29. Who is leading it? I'd imagine that they won't be happy with that time. O.o

      Sent from my XT1030 using Tapatalk
       
      #29 Dove_Heart, Apr 25, 2014
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    30. Unfortunately, I couldn't find that information on the site... I really hope they would ask for it to change, but since this schedule is final it's hard to say now... (It's a ridiculous time, though; how did that even happen?)
       
      #30 vicemage, Apr 25, 2014
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    31. I'm really new, but what are the hours for Acen? I could feasibly drive up for a day, but I don't know if that is doable this year. I found out about it way too late to get any time off.:( but maybe on the weekend?
       
      #31 setsunawolf, Apr 25, 2014
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    32. It's 24 hours from opening Friday to closing Sunday, setsunawolf, and there's usually some stuff happening Thursday, too (there's a meetup already scheduled for that day).
       
      #32 vicemage, Apr 25, 2014
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    33. I'll be here this year as always. :) I'll be bringing my SD13 boy and possibly my other??? >. >
      Is anyone up for some games/memes or something to keep everyone busy? I'd love to learn about
      your dollies ^^ And since people say that there's undressing are we showing some of our favorite
      outfits or something?? Hope to hear from you guys ^^
       
      #33 AnnoDomini, Apr 25, 2014
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    34. When is closing on Sunday? I have to work until 11 Saturday morning, and it's a few hours to get the Chicago for me. I'm trying to figure out logistics and if this is possible. I also have to keep my puppy, "Thunder Paws the Destroyer", in mind. This sounds fun, but I have no idea who'd I'd bring. My boys are all big, and I'd like to see the Con too.
       
      #34 setsunawolf, Apr 26, 2014
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    35. setsunawolf, I'm guessing based on the panel schedule (which is not the events schedule) that Closing Ceremonies probably start up around 4, though I think most people pack up before then. (My group stays at the hotel until Monday morning, so we're still around at that time.)

      AnnoDomini, since the official panel may be a bust unless something changes, maybe a couple of the meets could be themed for things like showing off outfits! (Or anyone who drags themselves to the official panel can dress their kids in PJs... note I am not the panelist, this is just a suggestion!)
       
      #35 vicemage, Apr 26, 2014
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    36. @vicemage: Yeah the only way the turn out for the official meet will be higher is if people
      have cars or solid transportation to come at 2 am, or they're staying at a hotel. Of course
      they could always just stay up late but after having been there all day I can imagine we'd
      be super tired @.@

      I'm going to try and make it to the Thursday meet if I can and I'll see about the 2am one.
      Is there another unofficial meet we can plan to make up for the possible low turn out of the
      2am one?

      I also like your idea of pjs, I think it's cute ><
      Does anyone mind if we do a questionnaire game
      to get to know each other?
       
      #36 AnnoDomini, Apr 26, 2014
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    37. I don't mind!

      And I do think we should go ahead and work out a few more times (and places) for unofficial meets, to help make up for the official one. I know last year had the Thursday meet by the escalator, two Friday (12:30 and 7) in the lower dome, two Saturday (12:30 and 6) in the lower dome, and one Sunday (11), again in the lower dome. The idea's been tossed around a bit to find some alternate meetup locations besides the lower dome, but we can do some of them there, too! What does everyone think?
       
      #37 vicemage, Apr 27, 2014
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    38. Ok so its:

      Thursday @escalator:

      Friday @lower dome:
      12:30 pm & 7:00pm

      Saturday @lower dome
      12:30 pm & 6:00 pm

      Sunday @lower dome:
      11:00 am

      The idea sounds ok to me for the lower dome area
      because we can always move once we get there
      if need necessary :)

      What does everyone else think?
       
      #38 AnnoDomini, Apr 27, 2014
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    39. That was just last year's schedule as an example (though we could use it again); I did also suggest other hotel lobbies as meetup locations (chairs!), or to think about other areas in the convention area that might work. As far as times, we could potentially adjust those a bit to go more afternoon-ish/not interfere with lunches.

      Also, 12:30 am is past midnight, not noon. :)
       
      #39 vicemage, Apr 27, 2014
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    40. Woops totally didn't catch that there, lol! Thank you for pointing that out XD
       
      #40 AnnoDomini, Apr 27, 2014
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    41. It's an easy mistake to make!

      And the things that are solidly decided so far (ie the Thursday meetup) are back in the first post, too, if that helps you out.
       
      #41 vicemage, Apr 27, 2014
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    42. Can I recommend that the group stays at the spot where the meetup is scheduled?

      I know in years past I've not been able to make a meetup at the beginning and planned to pop in 15-20 minutes later. If the meetup had moved, I would never have found anyone. And I would hate for anyone to miss out on going to the meetups.

      If we want to schedule them for a couple different places, I think that totally makes sense. :)
       
      #42 tiarah, Apr 27, 2014
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    43. I know I personally would prefer a lobby to the dome. To many people!!

      Sent from my XT1030 using Tapatalk
       
      #43 Dove_Heart, Apr 27, 2014
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    44. The lobby doesn't sound like a bad idea. Though is it easy to find and has
      little foot traffic? I really would like to avoid having to sit on the floor though @.@
       
      #44 AnnoDomini, Apr 27, 2014
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    45. I think they're easier to find them the dome personally

      Sent from my XT1030 using Tapatalk
       
      #45 Dove_Heart, Apr 27, 2014
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    46. Yeah me too :)
      Anyone have any objections to the Lobby?
       
      #46 AnnoDomini, Apr 27, 2014
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    47. The Hyatt lobby can have a lot of traffic going through, though we might be able to use one the corners with the couches. I stay in the Crowne, and the lobby there usually isn't too busy, and that may be the case for other non-Hyatt locations, if we want to consider any of them. (They're really no farther from the convention center than the Hyatt.)

      Maybe we could do one dome-meet and one other-hotel-meet per day?
       
      #47 vicemage, Apr 27, 2014
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    48. For the Crowne I'm worried about the potential for bad weather and passing through large crowds on the way there. I also had a hard time finding the dome last year >< The acen map isn't up yet either. TAT
       
      #48 AnnoDomini, Apr 27, 2014
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    49. Does anyone know DoA member HF ? She hasn't been on in a long time but I think she's the one who had last year's ACEN panel and I'm wondering if she submitted the panel for this year???

      If anyone knows her can they contact her to see if the 2am panel is hers. (still hoping we can change the time, I'm in artist alley all day and I won't be able to make any panels after midnight! :)
       
      #49 Gherkin, Apr 27, 2014
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    50. @Gherkin: No sorry dear I haven't heard of her :(
      There was another panel scheduled for BJDs but it was cancelled. I wonder if the same person responsible for
      the 2am meet pushed for that as well.
       
      #50 AnnoDomini, Apr 27, 2014
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    51. It's really hard to tell why some of those cancelled panels were cancelled (since it doesn't say if it's for the panelist backing out or for another reason), but I hope it wasn't that.

      The crowds walking back and forth usually aren't any worse than the crowds walking around indoors, honestly, but bad weather could definitely be a factor. Does anyone have any other ideas for possible meetup locations besides the Lower Dome?
       
      #51 vicemage, Apr 28, 2014
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    52. Well, it looks like the panel time will not be changed.. I just emailed panel programming to request, as a local collector, for the time to be reconsidered since we have a number of collectors in the area who will not be staying in a hotel. The response I got was:

       
      #52 tiarah, Apr 28, 2014
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    53. I can understand why they wouldn't want to change the time for someone other than the head panelist; that could be very problematic if just anyone could ask for changes. It's still really unfortunate that they thought this time was a good idea, though.
       
      #53 vicemage, Apr 28, 2014
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    54. Well, I did explain to them a bit about the local doll community and fellow collectors. That was just the response I got to a fairly detailed email.

      I completely understand why they wouldn't change it for anyone other than the head panelist. But I also figured it was worth a shot. ;)

      Ah well, at least we can schedule meetups. :)
       
      #54 tiarah, Apr 28, 2014
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    55. Well good that you at least tried Tiarah. Sorry you can't make it to the official meet up. Though we're not sure how that will turn out anyways :/

      My sister was able to pull up last year's map for me put since it wasn't on my phone I couldn't save it :sweat
      I can't remember the layout well enough to make a pitch, sorry. Does anyone else have a map??
       
      #55 AnnoDomini, Apr 28, 2014
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    56. Here's a map of the Hyatt itself: http://www.hyatt.com/hyatt/images/hotels/chiro/floorplan.pdf
      And of the DES: http://www.rosemont.com/desconvention/facility/floor-plan/
      And the Sky Bridge (aka Habitrail/Hamster Tubes): http://www.rosemont.com/desconvention/facility/sky-bridge/

      On the Hyatt map, I believe it's the area marked "Conference Center Foyer" that's the "Lower Dome" where meets were held last year; it works but isn't ideal. I've been looking around for any other areas that might work without obstructing traffic flow/getting us in trouble with IRT, so we can sit and have fun without being asked to move!
       
      #56 vicemage, Apr 29, 2014
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    57. Right,exactly. Thanks SO much for the maps. (hamster tubes, lol)
      What about the general sitting area upstairs in the Hyatt? Do you think they'll
      ask us to move from there?
       
      #57 AnnoDomini, Apr 29, 2014
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    58. If you mean the main lobby, it's usually pretty full and heavily trafficked, but there's a possibility we can use a corner of it behind one of the pillars, if it's clear.
       
      #58 vicemage, Apr 29, 2014
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    59. We could be really bad and take over a couple of tables at the food area near the dealers room. I've crashed there before and a couple of people left their dolls with me while they got food and walked around. :) It's good to have tables and chairs, I get tired of sitting on the floor for a doll meet.
       
      #59 Gherkin, Apr 29, 2014
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    60. Do the tables stay relatively clean during the weekend? I'll admit I don't generally head over that way, since we keep food in the room or walk out/order out all weekend in my group. But that could work out if we used just one or two back tables for it!
       
      #60 vicemage, Apr 29, 2014
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