Eilidh's Blog: Venue Research

Venue:

The venue I was at was Doj-con Scotland’s biggest free anime convention was formerly known as Dee-con; it is held within Dundee university on 5 floors and is organised by students of the university who are part of an Anime club/society. The convention is used as a fundraiser for the animation degree show.

How things are displayed and interaction:

Thing s are displayed on tables and hung up on walls, the interactive side comes from interacting with those selling goods at their table or stand, other people who are there, and also there are computers on the 4^th floor with internet connectivity. The lighting was only the light coming from the main lights in the building, no added extras. There were game consoles such as the Wii U and Xbox 360 featuring new release games in cornered off areas in the pizza bar on the 3^rd floor, you had to sign up for a slot to play them, staff were there to supervise each cornered off section. For the gaming section there was projectors used to hook the console up to as well as TVs.

Security and staff:

There was security guard at the entrance checking bags and people for any alcohol or other things, some security guards were placed at the bottom and top of the stairs to make sure the flow of people was steady and organised. Staff of the event was outside keeping people in the queue entertained and informed about what was happening throughout the day as well as handing out time tables of what was happening and where, staff was also placed throughout the 5 floors. A clock room provided so jackets could be kept safe. There was also security guard posted in front of the door to the bar that was cordoned off for 18 and over only. Emergency exists were placed throughout the building.

Catering and facilities:

There was a bar selling hot drinks and alcoholic beverages for 18+ only, there was also a fast food cafe on floor 4 , a pizza bar on floor 3 and a fast food stand at the entrance and a barbeque outside. Toilets were on the landing of the 3^rd floor and within the bar areas, on each floor there was a chance to get a photo shoot of your costume/cosplay for a small price. There was also an arcade with games to play within the arcade there was drinks and snack machines.