There’s just a little less than a week to go before it’s time for Animazement 2019!  We know you’re all ready to start the show, but before we all get together, there are a few important things you’ll want to know!

If you’re looking for our schedule of events, you can find it published in Guidebook.  Either scan the QR code to download the guide onto your phone, or use the web version found here.  While there will be printed program guides at the convention, they will not contain the most up-to-date information.   So in order to stay current, check the Guidebook regularly, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter to get the latest schedule changes.

Speaking of schedule changes, we’ve just added three new Sew Your Own Plushie workshops!  Check out Guidebook for all of the details!

We’ve also updated Guidebook to include the schedule for our attendee organized photoshoots.  As always, we want to thank Bennett McAuley for putting in all the work to organize these photoshoots into one schedule.

Reservations are now open for our Maid and Butler cafes.  Just follow the link here to book your seats. Reservations go fast, so book early to be sure to get a seat!

Weather

If you’ve been checking the weather reports, you already know it’s going to be a hot one this year.  With temperatures in the mid-90s and sunny skies, it’s more important than ever to remember to take care of yourself, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time outside.  While all of the convention events take place inside, lots of other things, like photoshoots, take place out in the heat. So in order to help everyone stay safe and cool, we have a few recommendations.

• ·Keep hydrated!  Sometimes it’s hard to remember in all the hustle and bustle, but keeping hydrated is the most important thing you can do.  The RCC provides water stations on every floor that dispense cold water. If you plan to be outside a lot, bring an empty bottle and fill it up at a water station.
• Use an umbrella!  Umbrellas aren’t just for rain.  They can provide much needed shade, too.  And in the North Carolina heat, every little bit helps.
• Avoid wearing heavy cosplay!  We know, we know. Cosplay is part of the fun.  But if you expect to be spending a lot of time outside (like waiting in the Thursday registration line), don’t wear your heaviest cosplays.  Wait in line, then get changed. If you’re attending a photoshoot in heavy cosplay, make sure to seek out shade and drink lots of water, then head inside to cool off once you’re done!

Parking

One of the most asked questions before the convention is “where do I park?” Luckily for us, there are a ton of options in downtown Raleigh! Nearby parking decks fill early, so we recommend becoming familiar with nearby parking options before making the trek downtown. Your nearby options include:

• The Convention Center Underground Deck accessible from E Lenoir St. This deck is beneath the Marriott hotel.
• The Performing Arts Parking Deck with entrances on W Lenoir St and W South St
• The Cabarrus Parking Deck with entrances off of W Cabarrus St

You can read more about parking options here.

Now for some important housekeeping reminders. We know this stuff isn’t as fun, but it’s just as important!

1.The RCC wants us to remind you that if an escalator breaks, you should NOT use it as stairs. If you notice an escalator has broken, please inform the nearest member of AZ staff, and then find another route. Walking down broken escalators is a hazard, made doubly so by the fact that lots of us are in cosplay or carrying props. Please be safe!

2. Do NOT unplug the water stations inside the RCC. Unplugging them causes them to stop functioning and not only prevents your fellow con-goers from getting water, but it potentially damages the machine. Unplugging a water station may result in the loss of your badge. This is a very stupid way to end your convention early.

3.Please remember to stay out of the landscaping outside of the RCC. These areas are blocked off for a reason. Trespassing in these areas and trampling plants may result in the loss of your badge.

4.Please be courteous to the surrounding properties in downtown Raleigh. The city loves having you guys here, so please do your best not to trash the place. Don’t leave litter behind, trample landscaping, or damage buildings.

5. Please remember that the handicapped bathroom stalls and family restrooms are NOT changing rooms. There is a limited number of stalls/family restrooms available, so please keep them open and available for those that need them.  

Wow, that was a lot of info, but if you’ve read this and still have questions, please don’t hesitate email us at info@animazement.org.