Here in Canada May is the start of convention season, so it’s the perfect time to discuss these large social gatherings. As a recent article suggests, there’s a lot to do at a convention, but the large crowds and sprawling venues can make them a little overwhelming. So let’s take a journey together, outlining the basics for your first visit to an anime convention, from ways to prepare to con survival tools. For you veterans out there, I hope this post reminds you of the little things in preparation for the season, and please share your own hard-won experience with new convention-goers in the comments.
Your first convention experience should be as local as possible, ideally in your own city. You’ll have the chance to meet cool people closer to home and become part of the local community, and you’ll minimize costs. I like to prioritize things I really want to see, and otherwise have a fairly open schedule. Some people take a highlighter to the schedule and plan out walking routes, while others check their convention schedule as they go. Whichever method works for you, you’ll benefit from having a map, and many convention booklets contain one for exactly that reason. Give it a look. There’s usually an identical map online via the convention’s website.
Do visit the convention’s artist alley (or equivalent), and the vendor hall early enough that you aren’t picking through scraps. Or, stake out what’s on offer, and then return at the end of the con to benefit from discounts. Some conventions hold special vendor or artist events that make it a busier time to visit. Being aware of special events can help you avoid the crowds or take advantage of good deals. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the talent of the artists who go to cons, so I definitely suggest you check them out.
For the typical weekend-long convention, open for six hours or more, consider your resources. A bottle of water is smart, as is bringing snacks. Even if there are water fountains or vending machines, having your own bottle helps you skip the lines. I usually don’t bring any snacks, because I have an overwhelming need to try whatever street food or overpriced snacks are available. If you’re going to participate in a time-intensive event, like a video game tournament, snacks may be necessary because you might not have time to go looking for food.
Your money is your most important resource. Budget. If you remember your limit and check your expenses daily, you’ll avoid buyer’s remorse when you return to the real world. This will help you cut down on extra expenses and get you that extra anime figure.
Conventions have rules or standards of good behavior, many involving cosplay. Most are common sense, like ‘don’t be a jerk.’ There may be rules you don’t know about, so check the convention’s website or brochure, just to be sure. Many conventions are taking a harsher stance on certain cosplay materials for example, like wood, and I’ve been to a few that explicitly ban photography outside of designated areas. If you are cosplaying, or want to photograph cosplayers, it’s vital that you read the rules.
That said, there are a number of good, practical behaviors which benefit the group as a whole. The most practical is good hygiene. You’re about to go wandering among vendor crowds, sit down in tiny dark rooms to watch anime, and wait in lines. Being clean when you start the day will make it more bearable. You’ll probably feel grimy and tired at the end of the day, so start the day clean and in comfortable clothing. Deodorant is a good idea.
There are plenty of other rules of thumb. Asking permission to take photos of cosplayers will usually mean they’ll happily pose for you. Not clogging the thoroughfares in the vendor hall for photos or to catch up with friends means you won’t have people shoving past you. There are other tips that depend on your situation, like whether or not to bring your suitcase. If you’re taking it with, you can head straight for the convention, but wheeled luggage is clunky and likely to smack into someone, so finding a place to keep it is a must.
Some conventions have official forums, a Facebook page, or other social media where you can speak to convention goers or to staff, ask questions, or find the convention’s FAQ. You’ll often learn about cool traditions or semi-secrets, like the favorite after-convention bar, if you visit these communities. When you do attend, keep common courtesy in mind and you’ll probably have a good experience. Think of your trip as a chance to learn, and remember anything that bugs you, or people politely point out to you, and you’ll be fine.
The point of a convention is to go enjoy the community built around the hobby you love. Have fun, explore, and see new things. Hopefully, with these tips, you’ll feel more comfortable heading into convention season. Have a good time with your friends, make some new ones, and who knows, maybe I’ll see you there again soon.
