A main stay of the Australian convention scene is AVCon, one of the longest running and unique anime/game conventions run in Australia. A fan run convention it has earned a reputation as a fun filled and relaxed event with excellent organisation.

Where: University of Adelaide, Adelaide

When: July 24th – 26th 2008

Website: AVCon Website

Photos: Here

Pretty much the only convention Adelaide gets to see (having been skipped over by Supanova and other conventions) it brings out many of the locals and attracts people from Melbourne and right across the country. It encourages involvement and organises activities with this in mind.

AVCon runs things a little differently from other conventions, only holding a cosplay contest on one of the days, Sunday. On the Saturday there is a Fruits contest which adds a nice variety to the event. While the Fruits contest is smaller it is well supported and encourages those with a flair for design that may not always be appreciated for original costumes. It also means the crowd isn't jaded after sitting through two very long contests and gives the cosplayers an actual chance to enjoy the convention, not sitting around waiting for the contest for 80% of the day.

The facilities for the contest were quite nice but not all the people that had lined up to get into the event could fit. The location overall though is very spread out and when it rains you can't get to other venues without getting wet. There are also lots and lots of stairs which is a problem in some costumes plus Adelaide in July is very cold so costumes for the conditions is advisable or prepair to freeze. Things went fairly smoothly as best as cosplay contests go but went very overtime so people didn't get out before the close of the traders. Some fantastic costumes and groups.

Next year AVCon moves from the University to the Entertainment Centre with a much larger capacity. Hopefully they can keep the fun and relaxed nature which is the soul of AVCon.

Cosplay Pick

Very cute and a hit amongst the guys... And at only 15, sure to be a cosplayer to look out for in the future!