Pop culture fans and cosplayers are furious at the organizers of ConQuest2023 for mismanaging the convention, which was marred with long lines, thick crowds and long waiting hours.
The second and third days of the convention were a nightmare for ticketholders, as they had to endure hours of waiting to get inside SMX Convention Center.
Several visitors opted to go home despite having tickets because of the chaotic management of the event.
ConQuest 2023 was touted as a comic con, anime expo, and gamers’ conference in one event.
Broadcaster Julius Babao called out ConQuest’s organizers for overselling tickets beyond the venue’s capacity.
Harassment is always not okay but I won’t forgive how they pulled this Genshin gacha random ass picking session for free MeetZone passes when it’s supposed to be FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE basis.
What happened to that? #CONQuest2023 https://t.co/zBCFYhNf2f pic.twitter.com/O7kiLXLYL0
— joeds (@joeds_) June 4, 2023
Many were infuriated with the apparent lack of empathy among organizers.
You should’ve listened to your dad.#CONQuest2023#DifferentOrganizerSameShit#SeeYouInTheLines pic.twitter.com/pwDysU96wA
— Kit Carandang (@Exerliner) June 4, 2023
It all started when ConQuest 2023 tickets, which had been declared sold out, were suddenly “refilled.” It had gone so bad that weekend pass holders opted not to return in succeeding days.
It was really just too much! They went over their heads since then. A lot of broken promises, even lied to some guests about the event, no proper mechanics and guidelines about the meet and greet and signing stuff from special guests booths.
— Sarapyon (サラピョン)💛 (@Sarapyon1228) June 4, 2023
Bruh! They’re playing chess while lining up 😅😅 #CONQuest2023 pic.twitter.com/F1XHMLwmpa
— Sarapyon (サラピョン)💛 (@Sarapyon1228) June 4, 2023
This is honestly shameful for #CONQuest2023. With everything happening, it didn’t go as plan. They gave too much hope and advertised it that it was going to be better than previous cons but that wasn’t the case for a lot of people. Even the co-founder deactivated his account. pic.twitter.com/PXNm1nPVff
— Chazz (@ItsTheRealChazz) June 3, 2023
The fans’ conclusion: ConQuest organizer Justin Banusing and company over promised and underdelivered.
Banusing, 23, was included in Forbes “30 under 30” list in 2022 for being one of the co-founder