Baltimore Convention Center
Baltimore, Maryland, USA
Summary of Changes for 2015
- Membership rate for renewing Otakon members is $80 (first 10,000) or $90 (remaining 25,000).
- Membership rate for new Otakon members is $85 (first 10,000) or $95 (remaining 25,000).
- Membership rate for at-door registration is $100.
- You can have your badge mailed for a $10 fee (additional badges up to 5 to same address are $4 each).
- We had to increase rates due to rising costs of running the event
- Our last rate increase was in 2012; historically rates have risen every two years.
Introduction
There are several key changes coming into play for Otakon 2015 regarding memberships registration options.
First, after holding steady for three years, we must unfortunately raise our rates. The full explanation and details are below.
For Otakon 2015, we are debuting a system where you can now have your badge(s) mailed to you for a fee. We have had many requests over the last few years, to offer an option for mailing badges and put up a poll last October to gather information on pricing. Most folks responded in the $1-$5 range followed by the $5-$10 range. Your feedback was used to shape our approach and balance the costs of this service. If you register prior to May 1st, you'll have the option to have your badge mailed to you for a $10 fee. Up to 4 additional badges can be mailed in the same packet to the same address for $4 each. This is our first time trying this process so the badge mailing option will be limited to the first 10,000 badges that select it. For more information please see the Badge Mailing FAQ below.
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Membership Rates for 2015
For the first 10,000 online registrants:
- $80 for those who renew a previous online-registration
- $85 for those who are registering as new members
- $90 for those who renew a previous online-registration
- $95 for those who are registering as new members
- $100 for those are are new or renewing
This year, returning members will see a rate increase of $10, while new members will pay $15 more than last year. If we can find and verify an existing registration for you, you will get the discount. The primary reason for the increase is the rising cost of running Otakon and other events, as well as the organization that powers them. While it is a large rate increase, it is not an altogether unexpected one. We have historically raised rates every 2-3 years. This rate increase ensures we remain steady financially as we prepare for the move to Washington DC and manage the growing costs associated with putting on the best events we can.
We are also providing more incentives for early registration to encourage continuity of membership and up-to-date membership information. Pre-registration is generally faster and more efficient for everyone, and saves the organization money by providing more accurate attendance estimates. This is why we are offering the $5 discount to anyone who renews their existing membership. We strongly encourage prior-year members to visit the Members Only area of our site and confirm their information. The discount applies to ANY previous online membership that you renew, provided it is in our system; so if your last Otakon was 2012, you can still get the $5 renewal discount. Prior to 2012, at-con registrations were handled differently from online ones. If you're unable to locate your membership information and you registered at-con, please contact us for help.
Why The Increase?
The additional funding this increase provides is also going toward improvements to our infrastructure which will help the reliability of our systems. We're also investing in some other improvements behind the scenes.
Remember, while nobody likes the idea of rate increases; our all-volunteer staff who voted for the increase will also see their dues increase by the same amount.
Badge Mailing
For Otakon 2015 if you live in the continental United States you will be able to have your badge mailed to you for a fee. This option will be open only to the first 10,000 registrants who select that option, and will only be offered through the end of April. If all goes well, we plan to expand the option next year.
For $10, your individual badge will be mailed to your US mailing address via United States Postal Service. (Sorry, we can't mail to Alaska, Hawaii, or other US territories.) It will come with tracking, and a signature will be required by the postal carrier. If you are purchasing additional memberships going to the same address, the additional badges can be added to the package for $4 each, up to a maximum of 5 badges per package.
As with other Otakorp events, you will need to pay full price to replace a lost or forgotten badge if tracking shows that it was delivered and signed for at the address provided. Our plan is to have the badges mailed early enough to resolve issues well before people begin flying/driving.
Before you choose to have your badge mailed, be aware that you are responsible for it. Be sure to enter the correct mailing address. We are not responsible if your badge goes missing because you entered an incorrect mailing address, or if you lose it. Be aware that since the badges require signature confirmation, someone needs to sign for them.
Badge Mailing FAQ
Q: How much will it cost to mail my badge?
A: The first badge in each package that is mailed out will cost $10, each additional badge in that package will be an additional $4. Up to 5 badges can be mailed per package. Additional badges beyond that will require additional packages. See below for an example:
| 1 Badges: | $10 | Package 1 | 6 Badges: | $36 | Package 2 | 11 Badges: | $62 | Package 3 | ||
| 2 Badges: | $14 | Package 1 | 7 Badges: | $40 | Package 2 | 12 Badges: | $66 | Package 3 | ||
| 3 Badges: | $18 | Package 1 | 8 Badges: | $44 | Package 2 | 13 Badges: | $70 | Package 3 | ||
| 4 Badges: | $22 | Package 1 | 9 Badges: | $48 | Package 2 | 14 Badges: | $74 | Package 3 | ||
| 5 Badges: | $26 | Package 1 | 10 Badges: | $52 | Package 2 | 15 Badges: | $78 | Package 3 |
and so on...
Q: How did you come up with the shipping fees for badges?
A: We put together a list of requirements and provided that to multiple fulfillment companies. After receiving the proposals, we reviewed the information and selected what we felt was the best and most economical option for our membership. The fee we are charging to mail badges is at-cost. It also matches up nicely with the feedback we got from our members. Once Otakon 2015 is complete, we'll review how the process worked and revisit for Otakon 2016.
Q: How many badges can be included in one package?
A: You may have up to 5 badges sent in one package. However, you must pay for them (and the mailing option) at the same time, as part of the same transaction. If someone else has badges mailed to the same address as part of a different transaction, it will be a separate package.
Q: What should I expect in my badge mailing?
A: You will receive your badge, a lanyard, and a printed page of information about where to come in to the BCC and various vitals.
Q: What if my badge never arrives?
A: If your badge hasn't arrived by July 10th, please visit the USPS tracking page and enter the tracking number found on the Event Registration History page behind your Otakorp membership login. After entering the tracking number on the USPS tracking page, it will likely show one of three states: delivered, in-transit, or exception.
- Tracking shows Delivered: The tracking information will show what day/time the package was delivered. Check with your housemates to see if one of them signed for the package.
- Tracking shows Processed Through Sort Facility, Arrival At Unit, Processing Complete, or Out-for-Delivery : The package is still in the USPS system and will be delivered. The page should provide an estimated delivery date/time.
- Tracking shows Notice Left: No one was available at the home to sign for the package and a notice was left on the door. A delivery will be attempted again, or you can contact the post office to pick it up from the from the post office.
- Tracking shows Refused: When the postal carrier brought the package to the home, someone at the home refused to sign for it and requested that it be returned to sender. Check with your housemates and contact the post office. You may be able to pick it up from the local post office or have another delivery attempt made.
- Tracking shows Exception: Get in touch with the post-office. If for whatever reason the package was lost or destroyed in transit, get in touch with us.
Q: What if my badge arrives after I have to leave for Otakon?
A: If the package has not been delivered prior to leaving for Otakon, contact the post-office to hold your mail while you are away and submit a help ticket on help.otakon.com.
Q: When is the latest I can register and still have my badge mailed?
A: You must register prior to May 1st.
Q: When will the badges be mailed?
A: We expect to mail them in time to arrive 2-3 weeks prior to Otakon.
Q: What if I move?
A: In the event of an unforeseen move before the date when we mail the badges please contact us to make sure that the badge is not mailed to the wrong address. We are not able to guarantee that you will be able to get the badge at your new address, but you will not need to buy a replacement badge when you arrive at con. If you move after the badges have been mailed, first contact the postal service to make sure that the package is not delivered to the wrong address. Then get in touch with us via help.otakon.com.
Q: Can I change my mind after I submit payment?
A: No, please make sure that your address is correct and that you will be able to receive the package before choosing to have your badge delivered by mail.
Q: Do I have to wait in line when I arrive on Friday?
A: No, follow the instruction on the flyer included with your badge. If you arrive on Thursday, go enjoy the Matsuri and relax.
Q: How do I track the package?
A: We will provide you with the tracking number after the badge has been mailed. Go to https://tools.usps.com/go/TrackConfirmAction and enter your tracking number to track your badge.
Q: What if the package can't be delivered?
A: Contact the Postal service. If you still can't get the package delivered please contact us at help.otakon.com.
Q: What if there is no one at home to sign for the package?
A: The Postal service will leave a card indicating attempted delivery, get in touch with them to schedule re-delivery, or to go pick up the package at the post office.
Q: What if I elected to have my badge sent to my friend's address and my friend never gave me my badge?
A: If the tracking information for the badge shows that it was delivered to your friend's address and signed for, then you will need to take that up with your friend. We strongly encourage choosing reliable friends.
Q: What is Otakorp?
A: Otakorp, Inc. is the educational nonprofit corporation that runs Otakon, Otakon Vegas, and other events. We use pop culture as a gateway to broader cultural understanding. When you register for Otakon, you become a member of the corporation; Otakon is our annual meeting. Please see the Otakon FAQ for more information.
Where Does My Membership Money Go?
Otakorp, Inc.'s income comes primarily from individual memberships, which make up approximately 80% of our total income. The rest comes from ticket and merchandise sales, exhibition fees (dealer and artist tables), and investments.
Otakon itself eats up approximately 70% of our budget.
- Approximately 39% of the budget goes toward facilities, including the costs of renting the convention center, hotel conference space, and the arena -- as well as all the A/V and decorator costs to set up concerts, video rooms, etc.
- Roughly 24% goes to attendee services -- badge materials, at-con publications and signage, water stations, paid security, etc.
- About 8% goes toward direct costs of programming: guests, panels & workshops, DJs, video gamings, etc.
- Roughly 17% of the budget provides "the costs of doing business" -- everything from insurance, accounting and legal fees, office and storage space, the website and membership systems, etc.
- Approximately 3% is spent on marketing -- which includes advertising, merchandise, artwork, and our presence at other events.
- Otakon Vegas (a ticketed event)
- Otakon Matsuri (a free event)
- National Cherry Blossom Festival Anime Marathon (a free event)
