Recap of Ring of Fire Convention (ROFCON) 2015
/Ring of Fire Convention, or better known as ROFCON, is a multi-genre based convention in Virginia Beach, Virginia. As the convention's website states,
"ROFCON is something more then just Sci-Fi and something more then just Anime. The Fandom's need a place to geek out together. A place where all types of fandom are celebrated."
This past weekend (February 27th through March 1st), I attended for two days (Only the Friday and the Saturday unfortunately), but I have much to say about the convention.
Map of the first floor of ROFCON's location.
My biggest problem with ROFCON was the location. I mean getting there was great; very simply to get off of the highway and pop right in. However, the actual venue itself was very small for something that seems so successful. Salon rooms K through O were panel rooms or a Cosplay sales room, while Salon rooms L and P were for staff. In total, there were too few panel rooms. Access to Artist's Alley was tough as well; finding it originally was challenging and I found the space very small (It was Exhibit Hall II). The dealer's room was incredibly tiny as well, taking up Salon A through C for it, while the rooms next door were designated for table top gaming. The only large room was Main Events, which was about the only room I found acceptable; of course the Elizabeth Ballrooms would be Main Events. Shenandoah was dedicated to video games, and those poor Star Wars guys from the 501st and Rebel Legion were stuck over near the Xpresso Cafe near the front entrance, isolated from everything else. A change in venue to me seems like a must to be far more successful.
Another problem I found was Staffing and their guarding areas. I always understand Staff sitting near the Dealer's Room, to prevent non Con-goers to enter. I even understand preventing them from getting back to the panel rooms as well. However, access into the main hallway was restricted as well, especially to get to the snacks being sold by the Hotel, or into the Artist's Alley. I feel like the Convention staff might be a little looser with letting people in there to look at the tables and such, and maybe have Staff preventing people from getting into Dealer's, Main Events and gaming rooms, and panel rooms.
I found that there were a lack of Guests people knew. I was lucky enough to know Ken Morrill from his work as a photographer at Katsucon and Otakon. I knew Peter Mayhew. But the cosplay guests were rather unknown, and unless you are deeply into the comic book world, you would not have known the comic book artists that came to ROFCON. I hate to sound generic with this, but it might help to get a few more well known people. They don't need to be from Anime or Sci-Fi, but maybe someone known for a specific character on a TV show people know?
Finally, my only other complaint is marketing. For something "More than just Sci-Fi," it seems to me that ROFCON is almost strictly just that; The 501st, Rebel Legion, Royal Manticorian Army, and some of the guests, are all Sci-Fi based. I didn't see too much Anime except cosplayers, a few panels, and some things being sold. Other genres weren't well represented either; cosplay wise there was a good community, but not much to be seen panel or guest wise, nor novel or book representation and not to much in the way of music. Yet it's advertised on the site as part of the convention. For something that's supposed to be "Multi-genre" based, I feel like the main focus is really Sci-Fi Convention, with Comic books thrown in for good measure.
Not to say I didn't have a good experience. I met up with some old friends and worked at an Artist's Alley booth for a friend of mine, along with helping Staff run the Cosplay booth for Fan Favorite and such and sign ups for events.
I unfortunately didn't have time to go to panels, but I wouldn't be surprised that they were fun! Some panels that were at ROFCON were:
- Multiple Armor Making panels (some with EVA foam, worbla, and other substances)
- Alternate Fashion Social
- Asian Ball Joint Dolls
- Lolita 101/201
- Cards Against Nightvale
I will confess, I overall feel like this weekend, while having many good points to it, also lacked a lot. I think with the small problems that ROFCON has to fix, with those fixed, their convention will be awesome.
