Whether you’re attending a local anime convention or big-name comic convention, it can be intimidating to attend your first. You might be wondering: “Should I cosplay?” “What should I bring?” “How will I make friends?” and more. Conventions are meant to be fun and not stress you out. We have created a convention guide to fully prepare first time attendees to have a memorable convention experience.
Convention Guide: What should you plan for BEFORE the convention?
Before attending any convention, you should buy the tickets to the convention you wish to attend.
Most conventions will either mail your badge or have it available for pick up at the convention location. You should look at the convention’s social media platforms or confirmation email as to how you will retrieve your badge. In some instances, badges will be mailed ahead of time and you’re all set! In other instances, the badge might be available only for pick up at the convention site. When the badge is available for pick up, the convention will organize for you to pick it up a day or two before the actual convention. If you are not mailed your badge or can’t pick it up beforehand, plan to arrive a few hours before the convention opens in order to line up and retrieve your badge.
If you plan on traveling, make sure you have booked and confirmed your stay. If you are not within walking distance of the convention, plan how you will arrive and depart. If you are commuting, make sure you are ready to pay for any applicable parking fees.
Once you have bought tickets, planned your stay, figured out your travel, now it’s best to plan out what you want to do!
Plan the events you want to attend
There is a misconception that conventions are mainly to shop. In reality, a lot goes into planning these events. There are many activities available like panels, autograph signings, scavenger hunts, photo ops, fan meet ups, dance and cosplay competitions, and so much more! You should look at the convention’s official itinerary and check out anything you might be interested in.
Panels
If you are planning on attending one or more panels, look at the convention map and visualize how you might get there on the actual day. Make sure to allocate enough time for you to line up for your desired panel. Keep in mind that popular panels may have people lining up way earlier than the start time.
Pro tip: If the room does not clear before your desired panel, try to get into the previous panel. If the room does not clear, you are able to stay in your spot or move up a few seats. This is a good way to secure your spot for your desired panel. It also allows you to discover a new topic from attending the previous panel!
Cosplaying
Conventions are a great opportunity for you to express your love for your favorite character and cosplay as them. Every convention is different as to what they require of certain costumes. If you have props, you should check on the conventions website beforehand to see what their policies are. Additionally, make sure to come in early at a convention if they require a prop check or approval beforehand.
There are special events for cosplayers like cosplay contests, cosplay fan meetups, and professional photo opportunities. If you plan to cosplay, you should add one of these events to your itinerary!
Pro tip: Keep in mind that a lot of attendees get excited about others dressing up. This means that you may be asked to take a photo. It is completely up to you if you wish to take a photo or not.
Pro tip: Conventions have a lot of walking and standing involved, so keep that in mind when coming up with your costume. Create a costume that makes you feel comfortable and confident!
Convention Guide: What should I bring to the convention?
It might be tempting to attend a convention without carrying anything. While it’s nice in theory, there are some things you should bring in order to have the best time you can have. We go over the essentials in this convention guide.
Autograph Signing
If an autograph signing is on your itinerary and the convention allows, bring the item you wished to be signed! In the event that you don’t have anything in particular you want signed, you can buy something from the artist alley or vendors to get signed. Most celebrities will also have items available for you to purchase and get signed.
Food
Certain conventions do allow you to bring outside food. However, you should always look at their policies beforehand. Almost always, there will be food vendors on site. It could be a great way for you to explore different foods!
Miscellaneous Items
- Mini Electric Fan: conventions can get hot and crowded.
- Reusable Water Bottle: most convention halls have refilling stations!
- Plastic binder and/or poster holder: if you plan on buying any small prints, posters, stickers, or postcards, this is a great way to store them so they don’t get ruined.
- Tote bag: some vendors or artists may not have bags available or run out of them.
- Sunscreen: there may be a long line to enter the venue outdoors. Some events are also held outside.
- Battery pack
- Gum
Plan your Convention Arrival!
Now that you have gone through this convention guide, bought your tickets, planned your schedule, you’re ready for the big day! It is crucial to think about when you plan to arrive at the convention. As far as when you should arrive, that depends on which activities you want to do! If you have a panel or autograph signing session that is earlier in the day, plan to arrive one or two hours before the convention officially opens. Most conventions have many attendees and it can take a long time to actually enter the venue. Anticipate a long line, especially on the first day. If you don’t have any particular panel or autograph signing on your agenda, arrive at any time the convention allows entrances.
Pro tip: If you are trying to get an exclusive item, the lines can get unexpectedly long. So line up as soon as your schedule allows!
Day of Convention
You made it to the big day! It is a very exciting experience and a great way to make friends. Since you have prepared yourself beforehand (using this convention guide of course), you are ready to enjoy the convention!
Make friends
Conventions are notoriously famous for long lines. Use this to your advantage! Standing in line is a great opportunity to make friends while you wait, especially if you all are waiting together for the same panel. Additionally, there are fan organized meetups. Whether you choose to cosplay or not, those meetups are a great way to meet others with the same interests as you.
Take Pictures
Normally conventions offer a variety of different photo opportunities. There can be several life size figures or exhibits that are photo worthy! Sometimes, there can be movie sets to take pictures with. Taking pictures is a great way to capture memories. You’ll want to look back and experience the convention all over again, so take as many photos as you can!
Convention Takeaways
It can be difficult to check off everything you planned on your itinerary but don’t let that take away from your enjoyment. More often than not, the best memories we take from these conventions are the people and experiences we shared. Enjoy the atmosphere of like minded individuals. Use this convention guide to help you create long lasting memories!
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