Hall Cosplay Contest/Masquerade Judging for spectators?

[Loopy]

I'm a little confused as to whether this event (I'm looking at the one on Saturday at 12:15pm) is really just for the actual cosplayers, or if this is something that spectators can watch? I know the Masquerade proper is later in the day, which I'll definitely be attending in the audience, and I'm trying to figure out if visiting both events would be redundant and/or pointless.

Thanks for the help!

[gamergirlx]

The Hall Cosplay Contest is a craftsmanship competition. It is not a spectator event and occurs behind closed doors. Some participants will be seen at the Masquerade, walking across the stage in the "Fashion Show" portion, to show off their cosplays.

The Masquerade is a staged show where your fellow attendees will perform in front of an audience of their peers. This is one of the most highly attended events by members and all are welcome to watch. For those performing on stage, it is also a competition where their performance and craftsmanship are judged and the end of the Masquerade is usually followed by the announcing of all the cosplay awards for the weekend.

Essentially, anything labeled "judging" is not viewable, but an activity for cosplayers who are entered in the competitions.

So definitely check out the actual Masquerade at 6pm on Saturday in Main Events. Seating begins at 5pm.

[Kit]

As far as the hall cosplay went; During the con someone came to me and gave me a ribbon that said hallway cosplay on it and then they took my picture. Was that apart of the convention or something else?

[gamergirlx]

Every year we hand out "Hall Recognition" ribbons to attendees whose cosplays we admire or are standouts. Various Zenkaikon staff are able to give out these "awards". We appreciate costumes and cosplay of all forms, even if you don't enter any of the competitions. Consider it a token of our appreciation for your costume!

We did not have a Hall Cosplay contest this year because of the space and time restrictions, but it will be back for 2013!