Convention FAQ

1. What is Otakuthon?

Otakuthon is Quebec’s largest fan-run festival promoting Japanese animation (anime), Japanese graphic novels (manga), related gaming and Japanese pop-culture. We are a not-for-profit organization that is a part of the Otakuthon Cultural Society.

2. Who are Otakuthon's mascots?

Otakuthon's first mascot was Yurika. She was later joined by her brother Yatsumi, her cousin Yuki, and her friend Yumi. Learn more about them here!

3. Where is the convention located and how do you get there?

The convention will be held at the Palais des Congrès in downtown Montréal. It is located at the Métro Place D'Armes on the Orange Line. Street parking is 3$/hour (payable 2-3 hours at a time, renewable only at the end of the period, more information can be found on the Stationnement de Montreal’s website). The Palais des congrès and our official hotels also offer parking services.

4. What is there to do at Otakuthon?

There's so much to do that it's hard to list everything! Some of the things you can do are: see live shows such as concerts, the masquerade or World Cosplay summit, play video and board games, attend panels, participate in workshops or contests, watch anime or shop in the Exhibition Hall. However, the most important thing of all is that Otakuthon brings together a large number of people who are passionate about Japan's culture, anime, manga, and gaming. You might find someone who loves the same anime series you do!

5. Who is allowed to come to Otakuthon?

Anyone is welcome to attend, including friends and family, as long as they are registered!

6. Is this an all-age convention?

Yes, it is. Various activities are available for new and veteran otakus, including programming for the younger fans!
However, there will be some panels, screenings and events that are intended for a mature audience and will require proof of age before they can be accessed.

All age-restricted events will require government-issued photo ID *or* a 16+ or 18+ wristband for entry. You can get one by presenting your government-issued photo ID next to the Otakuthon Merchandise Table in Viger Hall on the 2nd floor of the Palais des congrès de Montréal (Friday and Saturday; noon to 9PM) or in room 571A (Friday and Saturday; 7PM to midnight). They will be valid for age-restricted events for the whole duration of the convention.

7. Can I still pre-register for the convention?

Pre-registration mailing will be open until July 21, 2019. After this date, the price will increase but pre-registrations will still be accepted until August 9, 2019.

Once pre-registration is closed, you can register directly at the convention on August 15, 2019, through August 18, 2019.

8. Now that I've pre-registered, where and when do I get my badge?

You can pick up your badge in person during registration hours in the registration area. You can also get it in advance if you opt for the mailing option.

9. What do I need to pick up my badge at the convention?

Please bring a copy of your registration confirmation (printed or digital copy) with a valid photo ID.

10. Is there any other way to get my badge? Can you send it via mail?

Yes, it is now possible! You must select the mailing option (extra fees apply) when you complete your pre-registration online. Exception: Children badges can not be mailed. Please check the Registration Policies here.

In addition, you can now send proxies for preregistered badge pick-up! The proxy must present their own valid photo ID, as well as a valid photo ID and the confirmation number of the person/people for whom they wish to pick up the badge. Child badges may not be picked up by a proxy. Use the express registration line if you come with a child.

11. Why are child badges not mailed?

Child badges must be picked up onsite in order to verify the age of the child. An express line voucher is included with any group mail order which contains a child badge. To use this voucher onsite at registration, proceed directly to the express registration line with the child, a copy of their registration confirmation (printed or digital copy) and their valid government ID (ex: birth certificate, health insurance card, passport, etc.)

If you are registering onsite with a child, you can also use the express ligne.

12. Can I have a nickname on my badge?

Yes, but only with the new Premium badge! Premium badges paid and confirmed by May 19, 2019, will have a badge name engraved on them. Check out the other features of the Premium badge package here!

In order to expedite registration, regular badges don't have a nickname on them. Your name and extras are encoded in an RFID chip instead.

13. We registered as a group. Can we send someone to collect all the badges?

You can now send proxies for preregistered badge pick-up! The proxy must present their own valid photo ID as well as their registration confirmation and valid photo ID of the person/people for whom they wish to pick up the badge. Child badges may not be picked up by a proxy. However, if you choose to mail the badges, you will be responsible for giving the badges to each member of your group.

14. Are you offering daily rates this year?

Yes, we are, but we recommend purchasing a weekend badge as it represents the best value.
You can purchase a 1-day badge for any day of the convention starting on Thursday during Registration hours. To purchase concert admission onsite, you have to present your badge at the Concert admission booth located inside the convention in Viger Hall during Convention hours, subject to availability.

15. Do we have to buy separate tickets for events like the Masquerade or concerts?

Paid activities such as concerts are indicated by the sale of tickets at the time of registration. Unless otherwise indicated, all other events are open with your badge but may be limited due to seating capacity constraints (seating is on a first-come, first-served basis).

16. I'm not going to be able to come to the convention. Can I cancel my registration?

Please refer to our Registration Policies.

17. Do I have to wear a costume? Am I allowed to wear a costume?

Cosplaying (short for "costume play"), or dressing up and/or acting as a character is a very popular event at most anime cons. Many people prefer going to anime conventions without dressing up and wearing a costume is NOT mandatory, but it can be really fun to pose as your favourite anime character. For those who want to cosplay, come and show off your costume!

18. Who can I dress up as?

You can dress up as anyone you want to. Most people dress up as characters from anime or manga series, but there are also creative cosplays as well.

19. What am I allowed to use for my costume?

All costumes must conform to Otakuthon’s Weapon Policy. If you are unsure if your costume follows the policy, contact the Otakuthon Weapons Master at weapons@otakuthon.com.

20. Is there a bag or coat check at Otakuthon?

The convention will have a bag check for its attendees. Otakuthon's official hotels will have a coat and bag check as well for their guests.

21. Are there any places to eat at Otakuthon?

The Cosplay Cafe, located on the 7th floor, will be selling Japanese dishes and drinks during the festival. The Chibi Cafe, a snack bar located on the second floor, will also let you get a snack or a meal in the Exhibition Hall. Also, there are also more than 300 restaurants and cafés at less than a kilometre from the Palais des congrès de Montréal.

22. Can I use a remote device such as a drone in the Palais des congrès?

Drones are prohibited inside the Palais des congrès, like any remote-controlled object that could hurt someone! For security reasons, always be aware of the crowd around you, even with your selfie-stick!

23. Do you accept the Accompagnement Loisir card??

Yes! In order to obtain a free badge for their companion, the accompanied person needs to have their own badge (available online beforehand or directly at the convention) and come to the registration express line with their companion and their CAL.

24. I have already purchased my badge, but I would like to add extras. Is it possible?

Yes, it is possible to add extras online for a paid badge until July 21, 2019, (for mailed badges) or August 9, 2019 (for badges to pick up at the convention). You simply need to log back into your account ("Returning Attendee? Welcome back!"), go to the "Add Extras" page and pay the difference. Please note that since concert tickets are sold in limited quantities, they might sell out at any point before the deadlines. If seats are available by then, it will be possible to purchase concert tickets during the convention.

25. I have made a mistake on my name/date of birth/postal code when registering. Can I correct it?

It is possible to update the information regarding your badge (name, date of birth, mailing address, e-mail) directly through your account ("Returning Attendee? Welcome back!"), until July 21, 2019 (for mailed badges) or until August 9, 2019 (for badges to pick up at the convention).

26. I purchased a single-day badge, but I have changed my mind and would now like a badge for the whole weekend. Can it be done?

Please contact us before July 21, 2019 (for mailed badges) or August 9, 2019 (for badges to pick up at the convention) at registration@otakuthon.com and mention your full name as well as your account number.