Convention in HAWAII ? | How Much Did It Cost?! | Selling My Japanese Art at Comic Con Honolulu

Introduction

I recently had the pleasure of attending Comic Con Honolulu, a pop culture convention located in the beautiful city of Honolulu, Hawaii. This three-day event, which took place from September 6th to 8th, 2024, is run by the same team behind Kawaii Con and features a blend of Western pop culture, arts, and entertainment. I was excited to share my Japanese art at this event, especially since I used to live in Hawaii and took the opportunity to visit family while showcasing my latest creations.

Expenses

One of the main advantages of my trip was that I didn't incur any costs for flights or accommodations, as my father-in-law generously gifted those to us. The only major financial outlay was the $ 300 table fee, which included one badge, six feet of space, and two chairs. Cody, my partner, also needed a badge, which added another $ 70 to our expenses if purchased ahead of time.

Interestingly, local vendors mentioned that attendance was lower than expected, with around 5,000 to 6,000 participants compared to 8,000 the year before. Regardless, I had a friend who previously attended the convention and had a positive experience, so I decided to embrace the adventure.

Sales Overview

My experience at Comic Con Honolulu was surprisingly positive. Going into the event without high expectations, especially since I had heard Friday was typically slow, I was nonetheless pleased with the results. Despite a rocky start on day one with fewer sales, Saturday turned out to be one of my best days at any event, and we even surpassed my average sales from all previous San Jose events.

While Friday felt slow, the energy improved significantly on Saturday, with a considerable increase in attendance. By the third day, sales remained steady, falling somewhere between Friday and Saturday totals.

Highlights of the Convention

• The Hawaii Convention Center is aesthetically stunning, offering views of the Honolulu skyline, making the atmosphere truly enjoyable.
• I thoroughly enjoyed meeting fellow artists, connecting with customers, and sharing my passion for Japanese art.
• It was incredibly satisfying to be able to share and promote my creations among locals who were genuinely excited to see new work.

Takeaways

I left Comic Con Honolulu feeling accomplished and excited about possibly returning in the future, especially for Kawaii Con in March 2025. Overall, my experience was rewarding, allowing me to check many boxes in terms of personal goals, including gaining exposure and establishing connections with new fans.

Keywords

Comic Con Honolulu, expenses, vending expenses, attendance, Japanese art, sales, Hawaii Convention Center, vendor experience, artist alley, travel vlog, local culture, Kawaii Con

FAQ

1. How much did it cost to participate in Comic Con Honolulu?
The main costs included a $ 300 table fee and an additional $ 70 for a second badge.

2. What was the attendance like at the convention?
Attendance was reported to be around 5,000 to 6,000 attendees, lower than the previous year.

3. How were the sales throughout the event?
Sales were lower on Friday but significantly picked up on Saturday, resulting in one of the best sales days overall.

4. Would you participate in Comic Con Honolulu again?
Absolutely! Given the positive experience and connection with locals, I would love to return for future events, especially Kawaii Con.

5. What makes the Hawaii Convention Center special?
The convention center features beautiful architectural design and stunning views of the surrounding area, creating a unique and enjoyable atmosphere for vendors and attendees alike.