I’ve talked with Clem (Gamerabaenre) who usually organizes the AX model contest, and with Steve at Bluefin, who organizes the Gunpla Builders World Cup Live Events and since I’m judging both contests I wanted to coordinate the judging and model placement since it was kind of disorganized last year.

Last year more-or-less ALL models were entered and physically placed in the artist area of the exhibition hall. We judged the models Saturday afternoon for the Anime Expo contest, and then contestants had about an hour to make the mad dash with their models to set them up again at the Bluefin booth for the judging of the Bandai Gunpla Builders World Cup Contest. Some people weren’t there to move them, and they were disappointed that their models weren’t entered in the Gunpla Builders World Cup (GBWC). Bandai and Bluefin were disappointed because all the Gunpla wasn’t displayed in their booth for most of the expo. And I was exhausted after judging both contests the same day and bummed out because I missed some choice AX programming.

So here’s the plan for this year:

ALL Gunpla that fits the Bandai rules (http://www.bluefincorp.com/catalog/bandai-gunpla-model-kit-world-cup-2011-us-championship) should be taken to the Bluefin Booth. You can still enter your Gunpla models in both contests, the AX contest and the GBWC. You’ll need to fill out both entry forms if you’re entering both contests.

All other models such as figures, non-Gundam mecha and Gundam mecha that doesn’t qualify for the GBWC, like resin kits or aftermarket conversion kits will be entered in the AX Contest at the artists display area.

See below for judging times and entry deadlines:

Important Gundam Related Information:
Anime Expo Model Contest
Judging will commence at 3:00PM Sunday July 3rd

Gunpla World Cup Competition
Entry deadline is 2:00PM and judging will commence at 3:00PM Sunday July 3rd

Gundam 00 Movie
7:00PM – 9:00PM
Hybrid Film Room
LACC Concourse Hall

Gundam 00 Panel with Mizushima
9:00PM – 10:00PM
Hybrid Film Room
LACC Concourse Hall

Gunpla Building Seminar
10:00PM – 12:00PM
WS1
LACC Room 515B

Other Gundam-Related Events:

Toshio Furukawa Panel
Voice of Kai Shiden in the original Mobile Suit Gundam. Bring your Guncannons!
7/1 10:30 AM
LACC 502

Gundam Unicorn 1 and 2 Screening
7/2 10:00 AM
LACC 403

Bandai Entertainment Panel / Gundam Official Panel
7/2 4:30 PM / 5:30 PM
Petree Hall

Mizushima Panel
7/3 11:30 AM
Petree Hall

The Gundam.com Panel
7/3 12:00 PM
LACC 502

Gundam Unicorn 3 Screening and Panel
7/3 1:00 pm
Concourse Hall