Providence Anime Conference FAQ

1. What is Providence Anime Conference?
2. What will be going on at Providence Anime Conference 2008?
3. Why is attendance limited to those 21 and older?
4. Does everyone have to be 21 or older? Can't I attend with a parent's permission if I'm under 21?
5. If everyone is over 21, does that mean there's going to be lots of alcohol and pornography?
6. Can I bring alcohol or smoke?
7. What time does it start and end?
8. I heard I have to bring an ID. What types of IDs are okay?
9. Can I take pictures or video at Providence Anime Conference?
10. How can I volunteer to help Providence Anime Conference?
11. Can I buy Pocky, ramune, or other snacks at the conference?
12. Was there a reason you used the word "Conference" instead of "Convention"?
13. Will there be an Providence Anime Conference 2009?
14. What is the New England Anime Society?

1. What is Providence Anime Conference?
   Organized by the New England Anime Society, Inc., the 501(c)3 non-profit organization that also runs Anime Boston and holds anime screenings at First Night Boston, Providence Anime Conference is an independently-run event which is the first anime convention in the world to be created specifically for older anime fans. As an added bonus, it's also the first anime convention in Rhode Island.
2. What's going on at Providence Anime Conference 2008?
   Please refer to our Programming section for information on all our programming.
3. Why is attendance limited to those 21 and older?
   Anime and manga have become an increasingly familiar part of the worldwide cultural landscape, as accessible as simply turning on the television or browsing the shelves at the local bookstore. As a result, it has been embraced by a huge audience with fans of all ages and interests; Providence Anime Conference is simply an event designed with the particular interests of older fans in mind.
4. Does everyone have to be 21 or older? Can't I attend with a parent's permission if I'm under 21?
   Sorry, but Providence Anime Conference is only open to people 21 and older (as of the first day of the conference). That includes vendors, artists, and staff, too. You will also be required to show a valid, government-issued photo ID in order to pick up your conference badge when you arrive--no exceptions!
5. If everyone is over 21, does that mean there's going to be lots of alcohol and pornography?
   No. There will be some programming at which alcohol is served; we encourage you to enjoy or refrain as you prefer. Like many anime conventions, there will be some "adult only" video programming as well, but it's not central to the focus of Providence Anime Conference. Although all attendees will be of age, events will be clearly labelled so that you can seek out what you enjoy and avoid what you would rather not see.
   Part of our reason for limiting attendance to an older audience was to provide a different venue for industry, professional, and academic programming as well.
6. Can I bring alcohol or smoke?
   Under our contracts with event facilities, smoking is prohibited and the only food and beverages permitted will be those purchased on-site.
7. What time does it start and end?
   Providence Anime Conference will run from the mid-morning until late at night. All programming will get started around late afternoon on Friday. Video programming will probably start at 8am on Saturday and Sunday. Panel programming will start around 10am on Saturday and Sunday. On Sunday, things will probably settle down around dinner time. We'll have more specifics for you as we get closer to the conference.
8. I heard I have to bring an ID. What types of IDs are okay?
   There are two places at Providence Anime Conference that you will need a photo ID:
   • Checking into the hotel
     The hotel may ask to see a valid photo ID when you check into the hotel. A driver's license, passport, or other government-issued identification (with a photo) are recommended.
   • Picking up your pre-registered badge
     In order to prove to us that people are who they say they are (and so nobody else can claim to be you and steal your badge) and in order to make sure everyone meets the minimum age requirement, we require everyone who registers to show a government-issued photo ID when they pick up their membership badge at the Registration Desk. A driver's license and passport are the most obvious. Other forms of ID are valid only if they are issued by an agency of the state or federal government and have your name, photo, and date of birth.
   If you do not have a photo ID, we strongly suggest that you get one as soon as possible. Even if you do not have a driver's license, your state can issue you an ID. Contact your local Division of Motor Vehicles for information. If you are in Rhode Island, you can find ID information on the DMV web site.
9. Can I take pictures or video at Providence Anime Conference?
   Cameras are welcome throughout the conference except in the following places: video rooms, the Art Show, any panel or event where the panelist or guest asks people not to use cameras or make recordings.
   If you wish to take photos of cosplayers, we strongly recommend that you ask the person first. They will often pose for you to give you a better photo.
   If you wish to take photos of art in Artists' Alley, please ask the artist first.
10. How can I volunteer to help Providence Anime Conference?
    You can either join our staff or become a member of our Support Team.
11. Can I buy Pocky, ramune, or other snacks at the conference?
    No. Convention center policies prohibit the sale or distribution of food and drinks except by the convention center's catering service.
12. Was there a reason you used the word "Conference" instead of "Convention"?
    We feel that referring to this event as a "conference" better reflects the type of event that we are planning.
13. Will there be an Providence Anime Conference 2009?
    Let's get through this year first, okay?
14. What is the New England Anime Society?
    The New England Anime Society, Inc. is a New England-based non-profit organization dedicated to furthering public education and understanding of the Japanese language and culture through written and visual media. It is the parent organization of Providence Anime Conference and also hosts events such as Anime Boston and anime screenings at First Night Boston.