A lot of the events there are are fun to participate in and there seems to be a bit of something for everyone. It is worth the weekend stay but it still has some growing to do before it hits the ‘big time’ like other conventions have.

The winter snow has melted and the sun is starting to stay out longer in the Northern Hemisphere. Convention season has begun around the United States and I, like many other nerds, will flock to these for a weekend. Everyone has different reasons for showing up: performing, teaching, competing, showing off their costumes… the reasons can go on. I like to go to these conventions to shake things up in my life. I like meeting new people and getting away from the normal hustle of everyday monotony.

I’m in the Midwest and I try to hit some of the medium sized and larger cons in the area. I wanted to write down my experiences for anyone that might have interest in any of the cons that happen around here. During the third week of March (20th-22nd) I went to ShutoCon. 

Basic Information:

Location – Lansing, MI [Lansing Convention Center]

Attendance – ~8,000

3-Day Badge Price (Pre-Registration) – 50.00

3-Day Badge Price (At the Door) – 55.00

ShutoCon is a medium-sized convention that takes place in Michigan’s capital, Lansing. It happens towards the end of March so the weather can be temperamental in the area. This weekend was rather merciful, usually gracing us with mid-fifties but, unfortunately, when the wind picked up it dropped to be in the mid-thirties to low-forties. For people with big, bulky, cosplays this can be a blessing. For many others whose cosplays expose skin or are loose fitting it can be quite chilly.

ShutoCon is the first medium sized convention that I’ve ever gone to. Most conventions I’ve attended have been larger with groups that more than double or triple its attendance rate. When I first went last year, I was shocked at how intimate it all appeared to be. This is one of ShutoCon’s shining points. With a medium sized convention and the decent funding it receives they’re able to control the convention to be extremely stable.

There’s a feeling of familiarity between the congoers that permeates the atmosphere. It can be a bit loud but rather than the roar of rowdy shenanigans it feels more like a jovial fellowship between strangers. People shout but there’s an unspoken bond of respect between the attendants. Part of this is no doubt thanks to the ‘Safe Space’ philosophy that this convention has successfully implemented.

Instead of being dictated by overbearing staff for every little indiscretion the philosophy has become a common mindset. The result is a place that radiates positivity. The overwhelming upbeat mood between people makes this one of the few conventions that I would confidently say is family friendly.

The panels, like in many conventions, are run by anyone who applies and receives approval. Just like any convention you will find panels to suit a variety of interests. This normally includes tutorials on photography, modeling, cosplay building; panels that dive deep into the meaning of their favorite fandoms; or even just goofy, fun panels to lovingly poke fun at the things we adore most. Ignoring that I’ll instead focus on the unique panels and events that ShutoCon has to offer.

With ShutoCon expanding and ending its 6th year the star power that they’re able to pull is stronger. This year they had larger names like Todd Haberkorn and Ian Sinclair as guest panelists and musical guests like The Pillowcases and Freezepop (pictured above). Both groups are larger names and have their own followings but compared to some of the other cons that bring in more stars, this is a bit underwhelming. It is very important to keep in mind that they are still growing and, in my opinion, are one of the fastest growing conventions in the area. I wouldn’t be surprised is next year they’re able to bring in even more big names. In fact, I hope they do.

Two of the more fun events that they have are the sword fighting competitions and dodgeball tournament. Throughout the convention they have a room that is reserved for skirmishes with foam swords. People form a line and duel. At specific times they’ll also have tournaments that draw in a nice crowd of people. I didn’t go this year, but I remember the spectacle of last year. The people crowd around to watch; the cheers and astonishment elevates the intensity of each match.

Anyone is free to participate in the tournament and the exhibition matches. The judges and staff that run the fights keep safety in mind first. It’s something I definitely wish more conventions did.

The dodgeball tournament seems to be a tradition that Shuto does on its Sundays. Just like it sounds, it’s dodgeball with standard rules. The difference is that instead of big rubber balls they use really firm plushes of the mascot. It sounds silly, laughable even, but the balls aren’t hard to throw and it’s more competitive than it might sound. The matches are fun to watch and fun to play in and anyone can enter. 

The game room got an upgrade this year. The room was mostly dedicated to competitive console games. Sm4sh, Street Fighter V, Mortal Kombat, League, Rock Band 4 was some of the larger attractions. Rock Band 4 was put on a large projected display with speakers set up for people to really perform. There were a few arcade stations for games like DDR, Initial D, and a couple of others but they were limited.

I’m uncertain if it was done on purpose, but the game room was lit just right. It wasn’t too bright so the screens wouldn’t succumb to glare but it wasn’t dark enough where eye strain became a problem. This is something that a lot of other game rooms seem to handle incorrectly. I’ve been in super bright rooms with flashing lights that can induce headaches. Other times it’s way too dark and hurts the eyes. It was spot on this year.

The game tournaments were run well. There’s a PA system to call attention to what’s going on. There’s another stage away from the Rock Band stage when tournaments get to their peak moments. Large TVs were set up alongside the stage to give spectators a better view of the action. The T.O.s (Tournament Organizers) seemed to really know what they were doing and things went fluidly.

My only significant gripe about my experience at the convention is the lack of accessibility for food. I understand that this is out of the convention’s hands. They can only rely on what’s provided by the convention center which is a tiny food court with over-priced, subpar food. The Radisson Hotel that connects to the convention center has its own restaurant but the one time I decided to go they were greatly understaffed and seating took much longer than was reasonable. 

Again, this is not the fault of the convention, but it still is something to keep in mind. Even though there is nothing in the convention center, there are many restaurants to choose from in the area. They’re all within a couple blocks and are reasonable walking distance. The variety of Downtown Lansing is fantastic. A sushi restaurant, Mediterranean, Thai, Chinese restaurants are all in close proximity. There’s an Irish pub and no shortage of bars for the mature. There’s a Firehouse subs and a Subway nearby. The area in Downtown Lansing does not leaving you wanting, but it can be rather inconvenient to have to traverse the town to find food to eat.

Another issue I had is the rather small size of the Dealer’s Room. I do admit this may be because I’m spoiled by the domineering size of the Dealer’s that I go to for other conventions. What was appreciated was that the Dealer’s Room did seem to be more focused on local talents and artists rather than big name vendors. I always appreciate when any event gives dues to the locals but this experience did leave me wanting more. In about a half hour I was able to make my way through all the artists and vendors thrice. There were a couple of things that caught my eye but it lacked that ‘wow’ factor that makes me want to buy something. Nothing that I just had to have.

This is really very slow for a convention on a Sunday.

Very, very slow.

I do want to make a point to say that is only due to my own shopping habits. I like to buy things I’ll use like books, movies, clothing, etc. There was no shortage of art of any kind, but nothing that was for me. Many people did enjoy the hall but to better sum up my thoughts: the small space created a lack of diversity for my tastes.

I must say that I highly recommend ShutoCon for anyone who is a first time con-goer. I’ve spoken to a lot of people about their feelings of various conventions and this convention seems like a great entry-level convention for people of all creeds. Larger conventions can be rather intimidating and can spark anxiety that is in a lot of us socially awkward nerds. Smaller conventions leave some with a feeling of, “Is this it?” that makes them not even bother with any others.

ShutoCon sits comfortably in the middle of providing an entertaining experience without overloading the senses. The friendly atmosphere and welcoming attitude of everyone is always a nice kick off for me in con season. As a reminder for any first time goers, you do NOT have to cosplay at these events. There are plenty of people who show up in their normal street clothes. I’m one of those people. You will not be out of place.

Pros:

-Family friendly convention

-Medium sized con feels like a big event without being overwhelming

-Beautiful architecture outside provides for some fantastic cosplay pictures

-A little something for everyone

Cons:

-Finding a place to eat is inconvenient

-The Dealer’s Room left a lot to be desired

-Not a good con if you’re looking for something more mature

Overall: 3.75/5

The convention has completed an impressive amount of work in a small amount of time. A lot of the events there are are fun to participate in and there seems to be a bit of something for everyone. It is worth the weekend stay but it still has some growing to do before it hits the ‘big time’ like other conventions have.