A convention apart: Canada's FPS, "The Magazine of Animation," files a belated report from Otakon 2004:

"In many ways, Otakon is similar to other anime conventions proliferating across the U.S. and Canada. Attendees are greeted with all the convention staples one might expect, like cosplay (costuming) masquerades, a dealer’s room full of anime and manga-related merchandise, video gaming, screening rooms, panels and workshops. What sets Otakon apart is the massive scale on which all of this takes place (a 94,000-square foot dealer’s room!), the impressive array of activities presented to reflect the wide influence of anime on Japanese and American culture, and the high level of access to industry representatives and creative personalities."