Guide to Conventions 2023 Edition
Whether you’re into Comic Con, Anime Con, Furry Con, or any other conventions that pique your interest or that you aspire to attend, these tips are worth considering. Having attended several conventions throughout my life, I believe it’s valuable to share some of the knowledge I’ve acquired to benefit fellow enthusiasts.
Snacks:
Pack your own food and water! Get your own hydro-flask that keeps your water cool. Convention center refreshments tend to be both subpar in quality and expensive, reminiscent of the overpriced fare at concerts. Paying $10 for a slice of pizza and an additional $10 for a drink is hardly a tempting prospect. Additionally, popcorn offerings are often disappointingly stale.
Comfortable Shoes:
Unless you’re cosplaying a character in high heels or enduring the discomfort of ill-suited footwear, it’s advisable to bring along something comfortable and an extra pair. Place them in a bag and store them at the check-ins. When the event concludes, or whenever you feel the need, switch into them. Believe me, you’ll be spending the ENTIRE DAY ON YOUR FEET!
Cash:
Many vendors do accept cards as payment, but to err on the side of caution, it’s wise to carry some cash with you. Just in case a solitary, independent vendor doesn’t have access to card payment facilities, your cash contribution can bring them closer to achieving recognition as a well-established brand.
Panels
If you’re excited about a particular panel, which is an event where fans gather to delve into the latest news and discussions within their favorite nerdy fandom, it’s essential to arrive early. Being well-organized involves identifying which panels are most worthwhile and knowing their locations. If you have a schedule packed with multiple panels in a single day, plan your day accordingly. Sometimes, depending on the convention, you might need to arrive at the panel room an hour early. For larger conventions like San Diego Comic Con or New York Comic Con, it’s advisable to queue up at least 2 hours in advance, and in some cases, even the night before, if allowed.
Research
Explore the convention’s official website and its social media channels to discover the list of attendees. Many celebrities and studios often participate in these events. The variety of activities available is impressive, including vendor booths, panel discussions, autograph and photo sessions, cosplay gatherings, and much more. Utilize social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Discord, or other relevant platforms to find out about events being organized by attendees. You may even have the chance to forge new friendships during these exciting conventions.
Pictures/Video
Encountering sexy cosplayers doesn’t grant permission to act inappropriately. If you wish to take a picture, simply ask. Many of them will gladly oblige, as conventions are about connecting with fellow enthusiasts. However, it’s crucial to avoid any unsettling behavior, respect their personal boundaries, and refrain from making requests when they are occupied, eating, or enjoying moments with friends. Wait for an appropriate opportunity and ask politely. If they decline, be understanding and move on.
And yes, it’s sad that in 2023 we have to tell people to behave.
Bags
Ensure you have bags on hand when attending the convention because you’ll likely be making purchases. Don’t forget to include some tote bags as a backup. Inside your bag, pack essentials like deodorant, mints, hand sanitizer, lip balm, a small bottle of hand cream, a portable charger, and if the convention is primarily outdoors, make sure to bring mosquito repellent as well.
Hotels
When traveling out of state for a convention, it’s advisable to secure your accommodation on the same day you purchase your tickets. The earlier you do this, the more advantageous you’ll have. As soon as the convention date is confirmed, hotels in the vicinity will begin accepting reservations.
Here’s a useful tip: to potentially get a more budget-friendly rate on your hotel room, consider booking accommodations that are located away from the bustling area, especially those not situated near the convention center.
Expectation
Based on my personal experience, you may or may not encounter moments of disappointment. There might be occasions when you can’t meet your desired celebrity, obtain their autograph, or when the sheer volume of activities becomes overwhelming. That’s perfectly fine!
To mitigate any potential disappointment, it’s best to adopt a “go with the flow” mindset. It’s okay if you can’t accomplish everything on your list. Sometimes, you might stumble upon something new or forge new friendships. Just relax, take a deep breath, and strive to make the most of your time there.
Enjoy
As mentioned earlier, make sure to savor every moment of the convention. You’ve invested a significant amount of money, and it’s important not to miss out on the experience.
Here’s a list to upcoming conventions in 2023 (and beyond): https://fancons.com/events/schedule.php?year=2023
