Model Contest and Model Building Seminars at Anime Expo 2008

Anything near Chicago?  I'm lucky in that nothing is more than half a country away from me, but even half a country is too expensive for me. 

It is an anime convention: http://www.otakon.com

Read through the site.  The model contest is only a small part of the event.  The event is rather large, like 20-30k people walking around.  If you're an hour away, it is definitely worth checking out.   Hell, I'm flying out there from Los Angeles :D

Nah, Baltimore is only like a hour or so away from me.  What kind of convention is it, what kind of modeling stuff goes on, etc etc?

There is always Otakon: August 8-10: http://www.otakon.com which is a really big east coast anime convention.  They have a model contest, and this year, I will be there to host a model building panel similar to the one I do at Anime Expo.  It's in Baltimore, which is roughtly 4-5 hours south of Philly.  I recommend you try going to that event.  Definitely worth it.

Ugh, why are none of these things near Philadelphia

Los Angeles Convention Center, July 3-6 2008

Where is it being held gam?