By Taylor Smith
Trains, toys, comic books, anime, if you can think of any topic, it is likely that there is a convention just for it. Conventions are a fantastic way to meet new friends, connect with others with the same interests, and introduce yourself to something new. But as much fun as they can be, going to a convention can also be stressful. I should know, as someone who has been going to one of the biggest anime conventions in the area since 2014.
Over the years, I have learned a lot about the convention scene. The unspoken rules and codes of conduct that all attendees should follow. The common first-time mistakes many people make when attending their first convention. The undeniable disappointment of having to choose between two panels you want to go to. Then there is, of course, how to properly budget your spending to ensure that you are not stuck eating cup noodles when you could be snacking on some of the better food fare at the convention.
Always plan accordingly. As I stated before, there are going to be times when two or three different events happen at once that you would like to go to. But there is only going to be one of you. Of course, you could try and participate in the events by spending a bit of time at each one. But trust me when I say that this is not the way to go and can make the convention much more frustrating. Instead, choose the one that you believe you would get the most satisfaction out of.
Always plan out your budget accordingly. Most conventions last about three days, and while it can be tempting to go into the dealer’s hall on the first day and grab whatever you can before it is gone, there are a few things you should consider first. Even though vendors’ stock is limited, they plan what they put out meticulously. Most conventions happen over a weekend, so these example days are based on that. On Friday, they put out some stuff, but not their best stuff. On Saturday, they start to put out their best stuff. Then on Sunday, the stock is beginning to run low, so their stock may not be as good as it was before, but they may also start to discount some of the items they still have out. Knowing this lets you plan out your spending for the weekend more efficiently or choose the best day to go based on what you might want to buy.
Always wear comfortable shoes. At conventions, you are going to be doing a lot of standing and walking. In fact, you may find that you are on your feet for more than six or seven hours at a time. Unless you plan to carry around a folding chair with you, make sure that your footwear is good and comfy.
Always be respectful of other attendees. Whether they are simply walking around or they are wearing the most intricate costumes you have ever seen, it is important to stay respectful of everyone around you during a convention. Just like you, they are there because they enjoy something and want to focus on their interest in it as well as connect with others over that interest. If you see someone in costume, approach them calmly, and if you want to take a picture of them, always ask beforehand.
If you are in costume yourself, always bring a small sewing kit with you. These have saved me and many others on multiple occasions. Someone steps on your cape, you happen to trip, get a bit of fabric caught on the door, or the glue on your prop just does not hold up as well as it should. There are many ways a wardrobe malfunction can happen at a convention, and a small sewing kit can help keep the piece together until you can make a complete repair. There are many more tips I could give on helping to survive a convention; however, these are the ones that I find to be the most important. Plan your day, budget your money, wear comfortable shoes, be respectful of other attendees, and of course, always be prepared for the worst-case scenario. By following these tips, you can make sure that your convention experience is enjoyable not just for yourself, but for everyone around you.
