In a few weeks, I will be attending Planet Comic-Con. It is the largest comic book and pop culture convention in the Midwest area. My first Convention was back in 2011 it was a small local anime convention and ever since then, I’ve been hooked. I enjoy traveling to different types of conventions and meeting people with similar interest.
I have social anxiety so in public social settings, I tend to feel anxious, nervous, and uncomfortable. But, at conventions, I feel the complete opposite. I feel comfortable and confident because I can be myself and connect with others in my fandoms and have fun without the fear of judgment. Plus there is a little something for everyone. If you like art and collectibles there’s a section dedicated to vendors selling handmade items, vintage comics, and other collectibles. If you like video games there’s a section dedicated to gaming and, some conventions even hold tournaments.
I’ve been a fan of cosplay for many years now. The challenge of recreating characters and, just being creative is what drew me to it initially. I only recently started showcasing my cosplay builds online and at conventions. I was always nervous about getting a negative reaction and, it kept me from showcasing my work. Last year I decided to face my fears and posted some of my work online and wore some of my cosplay builds to a convention. At first, I was super nervous about the response I would receive from others but, I ended up being surprised at how positive and kind everyone was. I received a lot of praise from others and this experience inspired me to keep improving and cosplaying. Attending conventions and cosplaying has fueled my love of creativity and helped me conquer some of my fears brought by anxiety.
I’ve been to both large and small conventions throughout the years and have learned a lot from each experience. But, there are some things I wish I knew when I first started attending conventions. With convention season upon us I wanted to share some tips for the first time convention goers to aid them in making the most of their first convention experience. So no matter if your going to a big or small convention here are some tips, and what to expect for your first Convention.
Dress Comfortably
You’ll probably be doing a lot of walking and standing so be sure that you’re dressed comfortably and wearing comfortable shoes. Convention areas tend to have limited seating so you’ll end up doing a lot of standing, leaning, or sitting on the floor. Even if you decided that you are going to cosplay make sure that your cosplay is comfortable or that you bring a change of clothes and shoes. This tip comes in handy if your planning to spend a whole day at a convention.
Be Prepared To Wait
You’ll be waiting to get your badges, panels, food, and the bathroom especially when it comes to larger conventions. So, be prepared to spend a few hours waiting or sitting in line. Last year I attended DragonCon and spent an average of 2 hours waiting in lines for panels. Luckily I brought my 3DS and a deck of cards which helped pass the time and, kept me from running down my phone battery. So, be sure to bring something that will keep you entertained and help pass the time while your waiting. Like a portable game system, deck of cards, or a book.
Keep Your Phone Charged
When you’re at a convention you probably going to spend a lot of time on your phone. You’ll be taking pictures, videos, looking at the program, or just passing the time. So be sure to bring a charger or a power bank. So that your phone stays with sufficient battery power throughout the day. You don’t want to miss out on taking a photo of an awesome cosplay or capturing a special moment during a panel.
Save
Conventions can get pretty expensive especially if you plan on attending one that is out-of-town. The cost of the hotel stay, transportation, exclusive merchandise, photo ops, and signings can take a toll on your wallet. To be able to afford everything without breaking the bank, you are going to have to save. Conventions tend to be around the same time each year. This will give you plenty of time to put together a budget and put away money monthly. This way you can make the most out of your convention experience and not have to worry about running out of money.
Plan Ahead
Some conventions have a large number of people attending which makes it difficult for those attending to find parking, available hotels in the area, and even purchase badges. To help make it easier I recommend following the convention on social media, or join their mailing list. So you stay up to date on what’s happening. This way you don’t miss out on any special announcements such as badge sales, parking information, or hotel lotteries. Conventions also tend to publish their programs and map of the facility a few days or weeks before the convention. This will come in handy if it’s your first time attending the convention. Viewing the program and map in advance will give a general idea of the layout of the facility. It will also allow you to plan out each day, and give you the upper hand in getting to panels.
Related post: Planet Comicon 2018 Recap Part 1
Pin me!
Leave a Comment