Going to a Convention for the First Time
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Not sure where to start? Check Out Conventions Near You
Do an online search to locate cons near you or a specific area. Keep in mind that websites may not list all conventions, so if you specifically want one geared towards something other than anime, gaming, or general pop culture you should type in those keywords. I also suggest that you buy your ticket as soon as possible. The ticket price may jump later on.
Some resources you can use:
Are you sure this convention is right for you? Look around the convention’s official website to see if it covers all of your favorite topics before buying a ticket.
Make a list of events/ offerings you’re personally interested in such as:
Artist vendors
Celebrity pictures and autographs
Cosplay and cosplay meetups
Sitting in on panels
Corporate contests/ special events
Read the Guidelines…Seriously
Now that you’ve decided on a convention, remember that there are a lot of things that can happen to change your experience there. We still live in a pandemic so it’s important to have a “go with the flow” attitude and be prepared for things to shift on the fly.
Pay attention to:
Schedule changes/ cancellations (for everything)
Expect your arrival time to be delayed due to traffic, parking, and lines to get inside the building
Cosplay guidelines
Harassment policies
Ticket return policies
Just…Everything
Photo by: muhammad-faiz-zulkeflee on Unsplash
Now for the Fun Part!
Now that you’ve bought your ticket or decided which convention to go to, there are several ways you can prepare.
Set a budget for yourself
For a first-timer, you’re going to be overwhelmed with choosing what you want to buy. Pay attention to what you what you might spend money on such as:
Gas for the drive (if it’s far away)
Parking
Food at the convention
Items to purchase from the vendors. I always walk away with more than I know what to do with…Vendors will cut you deals if you’re choosing between multiple items of theirs, which makes you think “okay sure, why not!”
Paying for an extra day at the convention. Of course, this isn’t necessary but I do suggest going for two days so that you don’t feel rushed to see everything in one day. This is a nice option in case you arrive late or something happens the first day.
Cosplay Preparation
If you’re cosplaying, start planning your pieces RIGHT AWAY. I’ve never cosplayed, but this is partly due to cost and feeling overwhelmed. It can be costly and might take time if you’re creating your own.
Some things to consider:
Is your cosplay appropriate? Check the guidelines on the convention website. Each convention is different and some might try to be more family-friendly than others so you should never assume that all character’s outfits will be deemed appropriate for the atmosphere.
Is it comfortable to wear all day? When you’re trying on your outfit at home, it’s not being worn for a long period of time. You’ll be waiting in long lines, going to the restroom, walking through crowds of people, and shuffling around booths.
Are you going to make your own outfit or purchase pieces online? There are pros and cons to each.
It can take longer than you think to make pieces or find quality cosplay outfits online. Shipping delays affect your ability to get all materials needed in a timely manner. Keep in mind that you might have to return an item due to size or quality issues.
Think of your goals for what you choose to cosplay. If you’d like to experience many people running up to take a picture and calling out to you, then you should choose a very well-known character. The negative side of this is, well…lots of socialization. Not everyone wants it but some people love it!
If you choose a character you love (even though it’s not from a widely-known source), go for it! This can be the opportunity for people to ask about your cosplay and explain their story. When people DO recognize who you are, you can geek out together. Just keep in mind that if it’s not well-known, you might get lots of questions and have to explain yourself. Some people find this discouraging but it’s all about how you feel going into it.
Photo by: Tess O'Brien on Burst.Shopify
Make it a fun trip!
Are you driving far to attend the convention? It might be easier to stay at a nearby hotel. If so, check the convention’s website or call and ask if they’re doing any special discounts with select locations.
If it’s a day trip, you may want to check out a local place to eat or get dessert. This all depends on how tired you are after. It’s best to make the most out of every occasion, especially if the con is in a city you don’t get to visit often!
What to Expect from Vendors
Getting to interact with the vendors and finding new pieces of art is one of my favorite things about conventions.
For those who aren’t familiar with vendor interactions on a large scale, it can be overwhelming but a lot of fun if you keep these things in mind:
Know your budget. You might find yourself in a position where you want several items and it can add up quickly.
There is limited stock available. Some are originals and the artist may not have plans to replicate them in the future. If you’re wanting to think about buying for the next day at the convention, let them know and ask if they have more.
Let’s say you’re unable to bring a piece home that day due to lack of room in your vehicle. It depends on the vendor, but some of them will let you pick it up the next day. Everyone will have their own guidelines . They might want you to pay for the piece first, or if they even will want to hold it at all.
On the last day, prices might drop because they want to get rid of it. Some artists are honest about this but you should be respectful about it if you do ask.
If you don’t have your heart set on something at the table, ask if they do commission pieces.
Some artists will cut you a deal if you buy multiple pieces.
This is not a place to barter prices. Respect the artist and their work.
Make sure you grab their business cards from people you buy or don’t buy from. You might regret it later. In my case, I also like to create content around the artists I spoke to and tag their social channels/ websites.
Photo by: Kadyn Pierce on Unsplash
Celebrity Signings and Photos
I haven’t done this myself, but I’ve gone to conventions with friends who do the past few years. Your experience will depend on how the event is organized, the privacy level of the celebrity, and what’s included in your package.
Here are helpful items that might be available to you at the con:
You can bring your own items. Funko pops, merch, figurines for signing
If you want a specific colored ink, bring your own pen.
The VIP pass lets you skip the line but costs much more
Tips to help set your expectations:
If you’re not bringing a personal item for them to sign (if allowed), you will most likely need to purchase the picture that they sign at the table.
You may not see the celebrity until it’s your turn. Some celebs have privacy screens. A worker might be at the table and handle getting things set up for you until it’s time to be taken around the screen for a picture or signature.
Wait times can vary so be prepared to show up early. For example, Jon Cena had a 2 hour wait time. Some people get multiple things signed which can delay it. Other times the wait is a breeze.
Not everyone will have a positive interaction. Celebrities are normal people, with good and bad days, so they might not be that talkative with you.
You’re Now Ready!
This was a lot of information, so if you stuck around until the end I hope you gained valuable advice for your convention experience.
In summary, remember to:
Read information and guidelines on the convention website
Plan out your cosplay in advance
Create a budget
Be prepared for long wait times/ crowds
Be respectful to the vendors, staff, and people around you
Have fun!
Photo by: Antonio Friedemann on Pexels
