FAQ - SoDak Anime Convention

Frequently Asked Questions

How old are the attendees/What is your general attendance? :: The majority of our attendees range between 13-25 years of age, however, we do pride ourselves on being an All Ages event. Every year since the convention launched we have just about doubled or trippled our attendees. Our average last year was between 550-600 people per day and this year's projections based on pre-registration is already looking to head in the same direction. We are excited to have all of you and appreciate all of the convention support we have received from the local and extended anime community and can't wait to see what the up coming season brings.

How safe is this event and will there be security? :: The convention itself will have trained and licensed security on staff during all operating hours of the convention to look over and out for the safety of all of our guests and staff.

What is considered appropriate attire/If I wear a costume/cosplay does it have to be anime related? :: During the entire convention we are highly supportive of both cosplay/costuming as well as street clothes. We are an all age's event, however, and do require you to maintain all questionable area's covered. This is not gender specific and both genders must cover their nipples and their downstairs just as they would have to in public. If you want to walk around with a costume based off of western, eastern, or various other culturistic attire we would be more than happy to have you. We are all fans of all types of appreciative display so we will not limit what you can come in as costume. We've even had Star Trek and Doctor Who panels in the past and are sure there will be a variety of other cultures to be seen in the future. -- To compete in the cosplay competition the rules do vary from this.

What are the hours of the event? :: A full convention schedule will be posted shortly after the closing of pre-registration, and a hard copy will be available in the program guide that will be handed out during the convention. We are still currently developing 2013's Programming!

Why do I need a badge? When will I get my badge and what will I need? What if I missed pre-registration? :: You need your badge to show that you have paid the registration fees which allow you to attend and view all of the convention activities and partake in all of it's events and perks. Without one you will not be able to participate at the convention and if caught in the convention area without one you will be asked to leave and assisted out of the area by a staff or security staff member to the convention. You will get your badges during the registration time of the convention. There will be tables set up to accommodate both pre-registered members as well as new registration for the convention events. If you were not able to pre-register or missed the online pre-registration period do not panic. You can still attend the convention by paying at the door for a weekend membership. If you pre-registered you will need a US issued photo ID for verification in order to claim your badge.

What if there is only one or two days of the convention that I am able to attend? I don't want to have to pay for all three days if I'm not going to be there... :: Do not fret! We have day passes that you can purchase at the registration table so you can pick and choose the days you want to attend the convention at your own convenience!

How do I know if you have my registration? :: A recite or confirmation e-mail from our pre-registration site will suffice. If you need further confirmation you can e-mail the pre-registration department to gain further confirmation. If for some reason you cannot get a hold of anyone you can contact our web relations department through the contact form and they will respond to you normally within 24-48hrs until all of your questions are answered.

Are there any events that are for Mature audiences only? :: We are very happy and proud to be an All Age's Convention, however, we do have a few main events/panels that will require a photo ID or Passport in order to be admitted into the rooms. These events are clearly marked on the program schedule for everyone's convenience.- We have many events that are appropriate for all ages, however there may be some content that is questionable for minors. Any attendee who would like to participate in 18+ panel will be required to produce a valid drivers license , state ID card or Passport to be admitted.

Is there a minimum age limit? :: We ask that all children under the age of 13 be accompanied by a responsible adult

What if I forget/ lose my badge? :: If you are found without a badge you will be asked to return to your home/car/hotel room to retrieve it. If you have lost your badge, you will have to purchase a new one or leave the convention area. -- We have no way to remake pre-registration badges or verify

What if I register, and then something comes up and I'm not able to attend/have to leave the convention early? :: All registrations are non-refundable. You will be able to transfer your badge to someone else but the deadline for that would also be May 19th, 2013. If it comes to you having to transfer your badge please contact Registration@sdcon.org

Do you offer group deals for Pre-registration? :: At this time there is no group deal pre-registration plan or discount in order. There was a few years back but it didn't quite work how we had hoped. We have no ETA on when we will relaunch this special offer, however, it is an option that we are keeping in mind for the upcoming years.

What is the History of SoDak Con? SoDak Con started over seven years ago with a very humble begining. Shareece Tatum, an avid anime and manga fan, worked at the local Waldenbooks. After many months of looking through tons of cosplay and anime convention pictures, Shareece had convinced her boss at Waldenbooks to do the first manga event in September of 2004. At this event Shareece met Taffy Anderson (Miracle Shining), who would later become a long time friend. Taffy soon introduce Shareece to Nan Desu Kan, which is Denver's Premier Anime Convention. Shareece came back so enthused that she was bound and determined to try and bring the same kind of atmosphere to Rapid City. It would take awhile, but after many more manga events Shareece was able to create the foundations for the start of SoDak Con. In 2008 the plans for the SoDak Events were passed onto new hands. The three new directors, Samantha Sheehan (Phoxy), Nik Anastos (Cricket), and Jordan Oleson decided it was finally time to push the long standing manga events into an actual convention. After much planning, SoDak Anime Convention had it's premiere in 2009 with a wonderful start for a first year convention. In 2010 Shareece took charge once again to help keep the convention going and the number of attendees grew to nearly double what the previous year had recorded. SoDak Con 2010 also marked the first year that the convention had special guests which included Wendy Powell and Vic Mignogna. Since these first two starting years the convention has grown and continues to show growth for the years to come!

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