Post #684252 by finky099 on Mon, Jul 1, 2013 3:12 PM

Event was fine. Decore was fun. The panel discussions were great, even though it was the same line-up of speakers all three times. But Rollie and Bob were entertaining enough for the two times I sat through the panels (hearing some different stories,etc.) The event was very pin-trader centric. They had a bunch of silent auctions, but EVERYTHING was pins. I thought they might have some Kidney/Daily exclusives or other artist works, or even pieces of the decor made specifically for this 50th event that can't really be re-used. But, alas, only pic packages up for auction.

The highlight, aside from some cool merch, was getting to meet artists in person. Everyone was enthusiastic and warm and for the most part there for the entire day.

For those of us without Park passes and limited availability to spend a day in the Park, the $85 was a fair trade off in order to pick up the merch we wanted to buy, and to be able to get seemingly anything we wanted without having to get into the Park. Even some of the mugs, bowls, etc were already pre-signed, so there was no "Sophie's Choice" about which items to have the artists sign (they only signed two pieces per person, during the signing.)

My regret - I still can't get my hands on one of those souvenir sipper "mugs" they sold pineapple juice in at the Dole Juice Bar at the Tiki Room last weekend. I haven't even seen any show up on ebay! ; )