Youmacon 2008

Detroit's { Anime / Manga / Gaming / J-Music } Experience

Frequently Asked Questions

Where/When do I get my badge?: At the convention registration desk located in the back of the lobby. No badges are mailed. Hours will be posted on the registration page closer to the con.
What do I need to get my badge?: The confirmation number that is e-mailed to you. If you're under 18, you'll also need a parental consent form.
When will I get my confirmation number?: Most online registration payments are processed within a couple days. PayPal transactions made with E-Checks instead of a standard transfer take up to a week to clear. Mail-in registrations take longer to process than online registrations. E-Checks and mail-in registrations are confirmed within 30 days of the payment clearing or the check being received.
I've lost my confirmation number. What should I do?: Retrieve it with the form at the top of the registration page.
Where do I send mail-in registrations to?: Youmacon 2008
P.O. Box 554
Troy, MI 48099-0554
Why is it a "three-day" badge? Shouldn't it be "four-day"?: No badge is required for Thursday night's programming.
How can I get a refund?: Refunds are permitted only within 30 days of pre-registration. E-mail registration to request one.

Is my prop weapon allowed?: If you're uncertain after reading the general cosplay rules, e-mail cosplay to get a solid answer.
How do I become a piece in Cosplay Shougi?: A signup form will be posted in the cosplay forums in early 2008. If there are still pieces available when the con arrives, Shougi signup will also be available at the cosplay signup desk.
Do I have to compete if I cosplay?: Not at all. In fact, only a small portion of cosplayers do. Unless you're competing, the only rules you have to worry about regarding your cosplay are the general cosplay rules.

Is this Hooters for otaku? Are the maids/butlers going to act fanservicey for me?: If seeing people dressed nicely or in frilly dresses gets you hot and bothered, well, more power to you. There will be no flashing panties, kissing, or otherwise acting like a bizarre otaku strip joint.
Isn't this just a boy-friendly event?: Both girls and boys staff the cafe. The Youmacon maid cafe combines the elements of both maid cafes and host clubs to appeal to both genders.
Why such a high price? Why can't it be free?: The cost goes towards reimbursing those involved and convention funds for future events. After the first hour, the cafe is free, but there's no guarantee you'll meet the guests then.
Will there be b33r?: No, alcohol is not served or permitted in the cafe.
May I get autographs?: Some guests may be nice and do this for you, but it's generally discouraged. Autograph sessions are the recommended time to request autographs. Pictures are permitted, but make sure you ask nicely first.
May I leave a tip?: If you'd like. It's not required as it is a free event, but the maids and butlers do appreciate any donations for their work.
How can I work in the maid cafe?: E-mail Artists' Alley expressing your interest and you'll receive a short application to complete.

How do I sign up to run a panel or event?: Complete our panel application form.

When does artists' alley open and close?: Artists may check in in the early afternoon on Friday. From then, the alley is open at all hours until the convention concludes.

When/Where is Youmacon?: See the Location page.
How big is Youmacon?: Not too big, not too small. Over the three years of Youmacon's existence, we've grown from 1,078 to 3,119 attendees. How much we grow this year depends on you.
When does the convention open and close?: Programming begins in the evening on Thursday and concludes at 5:00 on Sunday. Video, AMV, and gaming programming run all night, while major events and panel programming end in the late night and resume at 10:00 AM the next day.
When will the schedule be posted on the Web site?: By mid-October.
Where can I eat?: The Hyatt has a few places for snacks and meals, or you can walk across the street to Fairlane Town Center, which has many restaurants to choose from, including a food court. Your program guide will include a dining guide listing all the restaurants of the surrounding area.
How do I get on staff?: A good way to start is to volunteer. Volunteer duties earn you registration and room space, and many well-performing volunteers are invited to work as staff in future years. Occassionally departments in need of staff will have open invites; check the department forums for these posts.
What if I have a question that's not listed here?: Look in the corresponding forum to see if anyone has already answered what you're looking for. If not, e-mail the appropriate department.