#I’ve been going to HolMat since it was BORN

[theaologies]

Since you've been going to it forever, what did you think of the new venue for Holmat?

Honestly I really liked it!! I know folks have been pretty negative about it but here’s my honest breakdown:

It felt like pre 2012 megacon. And I mean that in the best way possible.

The dealers room was huge and the artists alley was MASSIVE. I mean huge. With a fantastic selection of merch and goodies. I didn’t do many panels (they’re not really my thing) but the ones we did end up in were fun.

My only real complaint was the organization of where things were located because it was a HIKE to get from panel to panel. One can assume the OCCC doesn’t allow 18+ panels so those were all held in the Hyatt at night which meant going back and forth over the skybridge depending on where you wanted to be. The con center is pretty spread out in general meaning you always had to be walking to get from place to place. No big deal to me but I was in God’s worst shoes accidentally so my feet are a mess.

A lot of folks are bitching but like… what else did you want them to do? I’ve been going to HolMat since it’s literal first year when it was at the double tree across from Universal. Yeah the Marriott world is fancy but holy shit, everything else about it was a NIGHTMARE. Hotels, parking, transportation, overcrowding- HolMat is a nationally popular con, it has been for years, and it should’ve moved to the OCCC years ago.

It never felt crowded (besides between some of the AA booths, which could’ve been spread out more) in a way that I felt like I was going to fucking die BUT there were still PLENTY of people. Merch and AA selections were great, again, which is huge for me because even at NYCC I barely found ANYTHING I wanted.

It being in the West Concourse brought up SO many memories of old Megacon before it became unfathomably crowded and popular. I absolutely believe the people bitching are just mad about not having their fancy pool cosplays anymore. Could it be a little more decorated? Yeah I think. Panel locations better organized? Absolutely. Staff less power tripping and better trained? You bet. But the space was PERFECT for the number of people. Plus even not staying in the host hotels, there are so many within SUPER easy walking distance which made parking way less of an issue.

Genuinely I don’t know what folks who’re mad wanted. It has outgrown all the reasonable hotels in Orlando besides MAYBE (MAYBE- I don’t know all the deets on their convention space) the Gaylord but because ICE! Is there during December it could never happen.

Anyway, had a genuinely great time. 8/10, better space organization and move it to early December again please