July 15, 2010

Hello everyone! I hope you all rested up from SoyCon this past weekend. I would like to announce that SoyCon has released a feedback document available to download for everyone who attended. This is for improvement purposes for future SoyCons. Please fill out the information in the document as best as you can. We will not be releasing any names or contact information. We want to work hard on giving the best SoyCon experience for you and everyone else. Complete the feedback form and send it via e-mail to SoyCon@soycon.com. Please e-mail if you have any problems downloading your document.

You can download your feedback form here or under the "Documents" page.

July 12, 2010

I would like to announce the following winners of the SoyCon 3 events:

SoyCon Idol: Kuri Cortez - "Seikan Hikou"
Improv Masquerade: Krystal LaPorte & Steve Moellering - "Together"
SoyCon's Got Talent: Kuri Cortez (Solo Dance) & Cady Magel (ACapella Solo)
Character Award: Kieran Tobin as The Doctor (Tom Baker) - Dr. Who
"You Win" Award: Kale Miles as Old Spice Spokesman (Shirtless & Towel) - Old Spice Commercial
Judge's Choice: Cady Magel as Naruto (5 Tails) - Naruto
Best Novice: Miranda Meyer as Maleficent (Young) - Sleeping Beauty
Best Journeyman/Master: Dani Roelandt as Sailor Moon (Manga) - Sailor Moon
Best of Show: Lisa Varley as Ho-Oh (Gijinka) - Pokemon

Send an e-mail if you're one of these winners so we can exchange contact information on how you can obtain your award.

If you lost something during SoyCon, please check a brand new page added on the bottom of the navigation, Lost and Found. Check the page for any item that you may lost over SoyCon weekend. Or if you found a lost item, you may contact me and I'll add it to the lost list. I'll also take requests if someone is looking for a lost item.

July 12, 2010

Thank you for coming to the 3rd annual SoyCon cosplay gathering event. I hope everyone had fun and took lots of pictures from this awesome event. I'll be making some updates on the site for lost and found items in case anyone has lost anything. Also, in the next few days, I'll be going over the judge's scores for the events that happened during picnic day. Winners will be announced once those are completed. Please message me if you have won something from one of those events.

Other than that, we hope the event goes number 4.

July 9, 2010

This is going to be the last update before SoyCon. Everything seems to look good with weather conditions.

I hope everyone has planned their day accordingly for SoyCon Photoshoot day.

Registration will open at 10:00am. If you forget your registration form, there will be forms available to sign when you arrive. If you do have your form brought, we'll direct you to where you have to be to grab your badge.

Unfortunately we were not able to do the cosplay scavenger hunt due to timing issues. We hope to form something next year. We apologize if you're really looking forward to it.

The photoshoot will be from 10:00am to 7:00pm. Please refer to schedule on the website.

Bring water, stay hydrated. It may be hot tomorrow.

Wedding registration is now closed. We will be not taking anymore slots.

I will not be updating any cosplay lists as of this point.

I'm not sure what else I need to go over since I got some things left to do before the big day. If you have any questions, you have until 5:00am to ask me. After that, I will be gone for SoyCon.

Other than that, I"ll see you tomorrow! Use the site if you need some questions to be answer.

TO SOYCON!!!

July 9, 2010

It's Beach Day and the skies look pretty clean. Weather predictions are forecasting no rain with temperatures in the mid-80s all day. We are green for today. Let's have some fun!

July 7, 2010

I took a little time to look up how to get to North Avenue Beach via CTA. I hope these directions may help you getting there. If you need more help, please visit the Chicago Transit Authority website for more directions from your stating point.

Getting To North Avenue Beach via CTA

By CTA From Union Station
1.) Take 151 Bus on Canal & Jackson (Direction: Devon/Clark) - 25 Minute Ride
2.) Off on Lake Shore & North Avenue
3.) Walk North to North Avenue & Beach House - 6 Minute Walk
4.) Meet at location by giant boat.

By CTA From Roosevelt
1.) Take Red Line To North/Clybourn (Direction: Howard) - 14 Minute Ride
2.) Take 72 Bus on North Avenue and Clybourn - 8 Minute Ride
3.) Off on North Avenue and Beach House
4.) Meet at location by giant boat.

There are no Metra trains that go near the beach. You must take CTA to get there.

For drivers, please look up maps for directions. Be ready for any parking that require payment. I do not know if North Avenue Beach parking is pay or not.

For the exact location of where we're meeting, use link below to view image.

North Avenue Beach Meet Location

We will be meeting at 11:00am and we will wait about a half hour for any late comers to arrive. 11:30am we will start looking for the beach space and 12:00pm will start our fun at the beach. We should be there until about 6:00pm but not 100% sure if we'll stay until exactly til that hour so don't try planning to come at the last minute. I advise everyone to get there earlier rather than on time. Chicago can do some crazy stuff when it comes to transportation so be ready for any delays. Plan ahead and stay safe.

July 5, 2010

All event pre-registration is now closed. If you missed the deadline, you can still register at-event. Forms will be available throughout their respective days. Badge registration forms are still available for download. Print, sign, and bring those forms to SoyCon for faster badge processing.

July 3, 2010

We are only one week away from SoyCon. I hope your preparations are going well.

In terms of pre-registration for all cosplay events, forms are due on July 5th at midnight. Forms can be found under "Forms" on the website. E-mail me if you have any problems downloading your forms.

For standings on events, there are some open spaces and some are about full.

Cosplay mock weddings have reached their max limit of 6 couples with 1 on the waiting list. There's only 1 space left for the waiting list.

SoyCon Idol has 5 participants so far. Only 5 spaces left until the participant limit is full.

Talent Show & Cosplay Contest are still looking for participants to enter.

If you missed pre-registration, there's at-event registration forms available throughout the day. Find me so you can register. Remember, forms are only available on the day of the event is held.

At-event registration are due one hour before the event starts, but also it's first come-first serve.

Please start finalizing your RSVPs as soon as you can so I get a better estimate on how many are coming.

More updates to come. I hope all of you enjoy your 4th of July weekend.

June 27, 2010

We are less than 2 weeks away from the biggest cosplay gathering of the summer.

I'm sending a message to everyone on a couple of reminders and some things you should all know before coming to SoyCon.

First, I would like to ask everyone to update their RVSPs (on facebook) so I can get a better idea on how many people are coming or not. I got a lot of maybes and then there's some how are still under "attending" and they're not at all. Please update them as soon as you can.

I would also like to suggest to get there before SoyCon registration begins. Maybe getting there around 9:30am at the museum campus would be a good time. It's better to get there early rather than getting there late.

For badge card registration, I would highly suggest printing out the registration form (located on the forms section on the website), fill out the information, and submit it when you arrive. Most likely you'll be directed towards the badge card line or pick off/drop off line. There will be registration forms at the photoshoot so don't worry if you forgot to print one out.

Speaking of registration, we still have pre-registration open for cosplay weddings, soycon idol, soycon's got talent, improv masquerade, and cosplay contest. You can read the rules and guidelines under "Events" and you can download your pre-registration forms under "Forms". All pre-registration are due July 5th at midnight. There will be at-event registration during the day, but you have until before the event begins to register. Also, slots are limited so I highly suggest to pre-register.

For the photoshoot, I highly suggest bringing water bottles and snacks. We don't want anyone passing out due to dehydration or hunger.

In terms of places to eat, I'm creating maps for everyone so you'll have an idea of where to walk to if you need food. Which btw, everyone will be on their own getting food. The photoshoot will be still going, but you and/or your group are welcome to step out and have a meal. Just make sure you let one of your friends who's still staying know where the gathering is currently at.

For the picnic, it's potluck. Please bring something whenever if it's food, drinks, napkins, plates, etc. Also, I noticed I'm lacking in grills and grillers for this year's SoyCon. If anyone is willing to cook during the picnic, please do. It will be a bummer if there's no burgers or hotdogs during the picnic. Another thing I want to add is if you have a tent, please bring those too. We may not have enough benches to seat everyone so at least you got some place to relax in. Also, portable chairs, coolers, footballs, soccer balls, or anything picnic related, you are welcome to bring.

Does anyone have a megaphone, a big one? I'm not looking for those mini ones. If you have one, let me know!

Please keep up with the weather channels and SoyCon sites for any news on weather situations. Especially after July 4th.

I think that's all I can cover for now. If you have any questions, please PM me. Don't be afraid. I won't bite your head off.

Hope to see you all there!!!

June 22, 2010

I would like to announce that the SoyCon Cosplay Mock Wedding page is now online. That means that pre-registration is now online for the event as well. Check the "Events" page for details and "Forms" to download the pre-registration form.

Also, we are still looking for attendees to pre-register some of our other events such as Idol, Improv, Cosplay Contest, and Talent Show. Check out the "Events" section for more information!

I would like to bring your attention about weather conditions for SoyCon. Since Chicago is pretty odd of when to rain or shine, so it's best to keep yourselves prepared for any weather conditions. Below is a list of actions in case of rain weather conditions.

I will inform everyone 3 hours prior to the gathering. Please keep up with facebook, ACen forums, and SoyCon related sites for any updates. Also, check the weather radar the week of SoyCon to get a heads up on temperature and weather conditions.

June 19, 2010

Couple of updates for some events and an announcement regarding the Transformers 3 shoot conflict.

Based on friends and online resources, the T3 movie shoot should not conflict SoyCon. I was told that they are going to be shooting on LaSalle Ave. during July 10th and the rest is shot a few days after SoyCon. So far, things are looking pretty positive.

Also, the cosplay contest rules and guidelines are now online. You can now pre-register for the event. Please visit the "Events" page for more details.

Another update is the pre-registration forms for Improv Masquerade and SoyCon's Got Talent has been changed. Don't worry if you are already pre-registered. We will handle your registration accordingly during the Picnic.

One more reminder, all event pre-registration are due July 5th @ 12:00am. Any registration afterwards would need to register during the picnic.

I'll keep everyone updated on the last two events (Cosplay Mock Weddings and Scavenger Hunt). They will be announced sometime after this weekend.

If anyone has any questions, please visit the "Connect" page for contact information.

May 25, 2010

If you aren't aware, there is a day 0 beach gathering @ North Avenue Beach in downtown Chicago on July 9th beginning at 11:00am. The closest intersection to the beach is E North Blvd. and N Lake Shore Dr.

The beach gathering is mainly for everyone who is interested on getting a head start for SoyCon weekend. Cosplay isn't manditory, but it is alright to wear to the beach, I recommend beach clothing if you have any. You are not required to swim or hang around the beach all the time so feel free to walk around the area. Please bring your own drinks, snacks, and other beach supplies, we won't be providing any.

If you're swimming or relaxing on the beach sands, please remember to bring your towels, sun screen, and extra clothes. There are bathrooms at the location for you to change in.

We will probably stay there for a few hours, maybe 4-5 hours at most?

Since it's summertime, there will be alot of people there so just be cautious if you're wearing a cosplay. Plus relaxing space may be limited since it's busy weekend hour. We'll try our best to find a spot big enough for all of us to chill at. I'll probably make a red SoyCon banner flag so it's easier to spot where we're at.

There will be no shade so it maybe a good idea to bring some kind of beach umbrella. You may also bring volleyballs, footballs, or any beach entertainment. Please remember that the beach don't have nets. (Also, I'm not sure if they have poles. I thought they did have them.)

For those who are driving there, and also recommended, I'm not sure where and how much parking is. I'll probably check it out sometime this June. For those who are taking transportation, I highly suggest leave early in the morning because it's quite a ride and quite a walk to get there. Please be sure to have enough money to come and go.

If you have any questions, please contact me through PM.

May 6, 2010

Events SoyCon Idol and Cosplay Group Photoshoot now available under "Events".

May 5, 2010

Began working on the guidelines for the events that are happening during SoyCon. Currently The Battlefield, Cosplay Improv, and SoyCon's Got Talent are now online. Check out the events section in the navigation for more information.

April 29, 2010

A few friends had explained to me about the news of the upcoming movie, Transformers 3. I was told that they had selected Chicago to be one of the shooting locations. We are not too sure what will be happening as of this point, but sources say they will be shooting starting on July 4th. This may or may not affect us, but it's better to be aware of it than to not expect it at all. Based on some websites, they will be filming at sites along Michigan Ave. and throughout the loop. Even though we are gonna be in the park sides of the city, but as of right now, it's not 100% guaranteed.

So here's a few scenarios that can happen:

1.) Proceed with photoshoot if sources say they will not be using the areas we are walking through.
2.) Cancel the photoshoot and move it to the different date, maybe August. (Picnic day will remain the same since I can't get refunds on permits.)
3.) Cancel photoshoot period for this year.
4.) Find a new location for the photoshoot, good chances it may not be in downtown.
5.) Randomly be extras for the T3 movie. (99.99% chance not gonna happen but putting it here for laughs.)

I'm going to wait til after Anime Central to see if there's any updates on this movie. We'll keep you posted until further notice. Contact me if you have any questions.

April 10, 2010

Re-added the cosplayer list in the navigation. Please check to see if your information is accurate. If you would like to place your cosplay status on the site, send me a message containing the following information: Your name/nickname, character you're cosplaying as, costume variant (what version of the costume), the series it came from, percentage confirmation, and what day are you wearing it on. You have until July 5th to finalize your submissions.

April 3, 2010

I pretty much got almost everything down. I disabled the general information and events links because I'm going back and revising. I should be done sometime this weekend. I apologize for the update delay.

March 20, 2010

SoyCon's site will be going through some maintainence. Just trying to clean up some things. As you can see, I slightly changed the layout. Some pages will not be working, but I'll let you know once it's finished. Thanks.

February 16, 2010

Cosplayer list created. You may find this list under "Events" page.

February 8, 2010

Another quick update. I've added "The Photoshoot" in the events page. Pretty much this list is for the group shoot portion of SoyCon that will be happening after registration. Check the "Events" page for more details.

January 20, 2010

Giving some updates here.New category for cosplay masquerade, Character Portrayal. You can check the cosplay masquerade under the "Events" section for more details. Although, we had to drop the Commission category since there's some judging issues within that area.We are having some issues with electrical equipment during the picnic. Our equipment providers will not be able to make it this year so they won't be able to bring the equipment like last year. If anyone is willing to provide a generator for us throughout the picnic day, give us a message.Just a reminder about badge registration. There is no pre-registration this year. Everyone will be registering and receiving their badge cards upon arrival. For faster processing, please fill out the registration forms prior to coming to SoyCon. We'll direct you straight to the pickup line. Please avoid folding your forms. If anyone has trouble downloading the forms, please send an e-mail.

January 7, 2010

Hello everyone and happy belated new year. I hope you enjoyed your holidays. Now that we those out of the way, we can start focusing on the future events ahead of us and definately look foward to the 3rd annual SoyCon cosplay gathering.

A few updates. I've changed the scheduling for the photoshoot after a couple feedbacks from other people. Please review the schedule page. Also, we officially have a picnic location. This year, the picnic will still remain in Schaumburg, but we have a different grove. The picnic grove's location is at Ned's Brown Meadow - picnic grove #29. (Download Map Here) It's pretty close by I-290 Highway and Golf Rd. so finding it shouldn't be much of a problem.

More updates soon. If anyone wants to help out, just send me a message!

November 3, 2009

A new photoshoot event has been added onto the "Events" page. The photoshoot scavenger hunt is an type of event where participants must take video or photo for a certain objective that is provided and earn a chance to win gift card prizes. Check out the event for more details.

Also, check out the SoyCon media sections at the bottom of the page. You can view old pictures and video from the previous SoyCons.

October 16, 2009

I adjusted a few pages and added some new content.

"SoyCon Dates" sections has been changed to "SoyCon Schedules". SoyCon Schedules page will explain what time each event will start and finish.

Under "General Information", I've added 2 new pages: "Photoshoot Information" and "Picnic Information". Check each of those pages to get the details on where, when, and what will be going on during those days.

If you have an ACen forums account, you can click "ACen thread" and you can follow the discussions about SoyCon. Who knows, there may be a question you may need that could of been answered on that forum.

October 15, 2009

A couple of updates.

Registration forms for badges are now online. Forms can be downloaded either from the registration or document forms section. These registration forms are not for pre-registration since there is none this year. You can download your forms here and then bring them at the time of your arrival at SoyCon. We will give you a badge once we recieve your forms. Please do not e-mail these forms. You must print them out and submit them when you arrive at SoyCon.

Descriptions for the events are now added. Please check the Events section to view all the details for each event on the list. Submission for event pre-registration are now online. You may e-mail me these forms. If you have any problems or questions, don't hesitate to contact. Check the Contact Us section to send an e-mail.

The dates of SoyCon are still tentative, but there's a high probability that these dates will remain on that weekend. If there's an event happening in downtown Chicago during that weekend, please contact me ASAP. So far the dates of SoyCon is July 10-11, 2010. We are still looking for an indoor location. If anyone would like to offer an indoor location for one full day, please get in contact with Soy.

At the bottom of each page, you will find previous media from the past 2 SoyCons. Media such as videos, photos, past websites & news archives.

Also, check the rules and guidelines section to review anything that you may not be aware of during SoyCon. We want to make sure everyone has a safe and fun fullfilled weekend. We advise everyone to read that portion of the website.

This event is also open to photographers, journalists, and videographers. You do not need to get in contact with me since there is no press relations for this event. If you want to upload your media onto your own site, please contact me for permission before doing so.

October 11, 2009

SoyCon 3 website debuts. More pages will be updated soon.