Lots of us are busy packing right now, so it’s a good time for some important reminders!
Let’s start with some important housekeeping reminders.
- Remember, the RCC concessions and food trucks are CASHLESS. If you plan to purchase food inside the convention center, or at the food trucks on Cabarrus St., you will need to have some form of digital payment. This includes alcohol sales inside the RCC. However, Animazement Registration and our merchandise booth will still accept cash. Plan accordingly.
- Nobody plans to lose their badge, but it happens sometimes! We recommend you write a phone number on the back of your badge where you can be reached in the event you lose it. Badges often make their way to Lost and Found and we want to reunite you with it!
- If you plan to attend any 18+ panels, remember you MUST show ID to receive a wristband. Your ID must be legible and we must be able to see the photo. If we can’t read your date of birth, we can’t give you a wristband. Same goes if you want to purchase alcohol in the RCC.
- We don’t allow large bags in the dance or the AIMI concert. If you need to bring essentials inside with you, bring a bag that is the size of a fanny pack or smaller. Otherwise, you’ll have to leave it in your hotel or car, or rent a locker to store it.
- Please remember that the handicapped bathroom stalls and family restrooms are NOT changing rooms. There is a limited number of stalls/family restrooms available, so please keep them open and available for those that need them.
- Remember, Cosplay is not consent. Do not touch or photograph cosplayers without their permission. Most of the time, a cosplayer will be happy to let you take a photograph, but if they are busy or taking a break, they may decline. Please respect their right to refuse.
- The RCC wants us to remind you that if an escalator breaks, you should NOT use it as stairs. If you notice an escalator has broken, please inform the nearest member of AZ staff, and then find another route. Walking down broken escalators is a hazard, made doubly so by the fact that lots of us are in cosplay or carrying props. Please be safe!
- Please remember to stay out of the landscaping outside of the RCC. These areas are blocked off for a reason. Trespassing in these areas and trampling plants may result in the loss of your badge.
- Please be courteous to the surrounding properties in downtown Raleigh. The city loves having you all here, so please do your best not to trash the place. Don’t leave litter behind, trample landscaping, or damage buildings.
- Most importantly, remember to have fun!
Local Events
Every year, businesses in Raleigh look forward to seeing you all! And sometimes they host events just for Animazement congoers! If you’re looking for something fun to do on Thursday evening or for dinner on Friday or Saturday night, check out our Local Events page and find out what’s going on around Raleigh just for you!
Weather
Many of you have already been checking the forecast and so far it’s looking lovely! But remember, even if the weather will be cooler than usual, it’s still important to take care of yourself, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time outside.
- Keep hydrated! Sometimes it’s hard to remember in all the hustle and bustle, but keeping hydrated is the most important thing you can do. The RCC provides water stations on every floor that dispense cold water. If you plan to be outside a lot, bring an empty bottle and fill it up at a water station.
- Avoid wearing heavy cosplay! We know, we know. Cosplay is part of the fun. But if you expect to be spending a lot of time outside (like waiting in the Thursday registration line), don’t wear your heaviest cosplays. Wait in line, then get changed. If you’re attending a photoshoot in heavy cosplay, make sure to seek out shade and drink lots of water, then head inside to cool off once you’re done!
Parking
One of the most asked questions before the convention is “where do I park?” Luckily for us, there are a ton of options in downtown Raleigh! Nearby parking decks fill early, so we recommend becoming familiar with nearby parking options before making the trek downtown. Your nearby options include:
- The Convention Center Underground Deck accessible from E Lenoir St. This deck is beneath the Marriott hotel.
- The Performing Arts Parking Deck with entrances on W Lenoir St and W South St
- The Cabarrus Parking Deck with entrances off of W Cabarrus St
- The One City Plaza Garage with entrances off of S Salisbury St and S Wilmington St
Additionally, the N&O Deck, just two blocks from the RCC, is offering a discounted rate for convention goers! Find out more details here!
Wow, that was a lot of info, but if you’ve read this far and still have questions, please don’t hesitate to email us at info@animazement.org.
Travel safe, and we’ll see you soon!