The ‘Pokeverse’ fan convention in Mandaluyong, Manila, Philippines, has quickly garnered attention for all the wrong reasons. In a similar vein to the infamous ‘Willy’s Chocolate Experience,’ this event has been plagued by a series of mishaps and disappointments that have left attendees questioning the competence of the organisers.
One attendee, BintuRita, took to social media to document her harrowing experience at the convention. Her account paints a picture of a disorganised and chaotic event, marked by late openings, downsized floor plans, and empty spaces. To make matters worse, attendees reported witnessing unsettling scenes, such as an individual slurping ravioli sauce from a jar in his pocket.
Perhaps the most concerning aspect of the ‘Pokeverse’ convention was the reported lack of consideration for attendees’ well-being. BintuRita described the event’s camera crew as “relentless” in capturing footage of cosplayers without their consent, as well as filming unattended minors whose parents were away getting food. Additionally, a ‘Make-A-Wish’ segment, which was not part of the official itinerary, saw terminally ill children brought on stage with minimal health protection.
While BintuRita’s experience shed light on the glaring issues at the ‘Pokeverse’ convention, it is essential to acknowledge that not all attendees may have shared her sentiments. Some individuals may have found aspects of the event enjoyable despite its numerous shortcomings. However, the overall consensus appears to be one of disappointment and frustration.
In response to the backlash, the event organisers issued a statement acknowledging the need for improvement. They cited the lack of preparation time for their first event as a contributing factor to the chaos witnessed by attendees. Despite expressing gratitude for participants’ feedback, it remains to be seen whether future iterations of the convention will address the systemic issues that marred this inaugural event.
The ‘Pokeverse’ fan convention serves as a cautionary tale of the importance of proper event planning and execution. It highlights the consequences of overlooking crucial factors such as attendee comfort, consent, and overall event organisation. As the industry reflects on this disastrous event, it is clear that there is much room for improvement in ensuring that fan conventions are safe, engaging, and enjoyable for all attendees.
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