Conventions *are* run by the fans
Anime conventions started out of a combination of fans getting together to watch fansubs and anime related panels at science fiction conventions. They have always been fan run and continue along that path. Sure, some of the big conventions have to answer to sponsors and need a lot of rules and by-laws to keep the peace when they have 20K+ attendees, but most of your local conventions continue to be fan run. Even the big conventions do not pay their staff, convention chairs, or board members (to the best of my knowledge), with the possible exception of a stipend to cover gas, hotel, or food.


So, what this means to you, the average attendee, is that there is a lot you can do to affect how conventions are run. First off, most panels are run by fans who know something and want to teach others, so if you think there is a topic that is lacking, then next year volunteer to lead that panel. Leading a panel usually requires no more commitment than volunteering (or filling out a panel request) to show up at the correct time and have something to say.

The other more direct ways to affect a conventions, besides leaving feedback on websites and with staff, is to participate at the convention as a staff member or
volunteer. Most conventions are set up with a hierarchy that runs along the lines of: Convention Chair -> Department Heads -> Staff Members -> Volunteers. All of these people are crucial to making the weekend enjoyable and run smoothly. Now, volunteers often only participate during the actual weekend (though local ones may be asked to help stuff bags, assemble nametags, etc. before the convention) and they are the ones checking badges, handing out water bottles, etc. They are the grunt labor that frees up staff members to take care of bigger problems and to make sure that everything else is running smoothly. Most conventions allow you to sign up as a volunteer onsite without a prior commitment. If you have a few hours to kill, it’s a great way to do some good and meet new people.

Art by Nightambre
Volunteers for everything from badge checking to guest wrangling are needed to make sure a convention runs smoothly.

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