AnimeNext in Secaucus, New Jersey: Japanese Animation Convention Run by the Fans

Animenext is a fan-run Japanese animation convention that occurs every year in early July in Secaucus, NJ that I have been attending for several years. Last year thousands of con-goers attended, selling out four local hotels. Which has had many regard it as the only major anime convention in the tri-state area. It's a hard convention to contend with if you don't know your way around. I have created this guide for those new con patrons who don't wish to be regarded as "narutarded" on their first day.

Which way?

Animenext next is held at "The Meadowlands" Convention Center roughly 5 miles outside of New York City. For those taking a car, taxi, or hotel shuttle, you need not worry. However, while there is a bus line that runs straight through the convention area, if you're traveling with large or numerous suitcases, you will have "fun".

If you're flying in you'll need to figure out which subways to take to get you to Port Authority so that you can catch the #320 bus to Secaucus. Keep in mind that the elevators and escalators don't always work in the subway system.

Registration

Pre-registration isn't necessary, but register ASAP as the line does make it's way out the convention center, during regular registration on Friday & Saturday morning. Don't forget to keep track of your badge as well, and wear it at all times while your in the convention center. The con isn't responsible for lost badges.

Hotels

Every con hotel offers different amenities. Most of them have a pool, and some of them even offer a complimentary continental breakfast at a certain time every morning (Amerisuites). It's in your own best interest to explore what your hotel is offering you. IE. Amerisuites have rooms with 2 double beds and a couch bed.

Food

For this convention finding affordable fair isn't an issue, so don't spend your money on the over-priced convention center food. Behind the Holiday Inn there's an area with gift shops and restaurants like Houlihan's, Burger King, Chili's, Pizzeria UNO, Red Lobster, TCBY, Nikko Sushi & Bento, and Dunkin' Donuts. In the Lobby of the Marriot is an Outback Steakhouse. A short walk away is a Wal-mart for those with light pocket books, and over a bridge is a Mall with a food court.

Parties

Most of the major parties that go on at Animenext are held either Friday night, or after the Cosplay Competition on Saturday night. If you ask around you're more than likely to find out where the good room parties are being held.

Costuming

By going on websites like Cosplay.com and Cosplaylab.com you'll be able to network with other cosplayers that are attending the convention. This will let you know when to meet-up for group photoshoots and where they're occurring at. Many costumers gather either on the lawn in front of Embassy Suites, or the large lawn in front of Holiday Inn. Hall Costuming is held at specific times on Friday and Saturday. And on Saturday night they hold the main Costume Competition (or Masquerade). Both are free to enter with a convention membership, but the Masquerade has a limited number of spots and fills quickly.

Guests

Voice-Actor, Industry, Musical, and Panel guests are announced throughout the year before the convention via Animenext's website. Animenext prides itself in being able to get a wash of influential and desirable anime guests to attend their convention due to their proximity to NYC. However it's in your own best interest to be respectful to all guests in attendance since they might be staying in your hotel.

Other Tips

-Good hygiene is a must if you'd like to associate with your peers. Please take a bath and use deodorant every day you attend the convention.

-Please eat moderately healthy food, and consume lots of water. It's the middle of summer and nobody needs to contract heat stroke.

-Behave yourself. Being silly is fine, but don't do anything that would cause con security to eject you from the convention. (The convention lists all offenses in their Con Program book.)