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My friend Mina is fairly big on anime, and therefore anime conventions. I have been quite envious of her because I have wanted to go to a Con for a long time. And while she manages to not only go, but also makes really good costumes to cosplay in, I, on the other hand, must stay home and wait for the time in which I have money.
In college, one of my professors had each of us write up a "hundred things to do before I die" list (now known as a "bucket list" - things to do before you "kick the bucket"). Mina found the list and offered to help me cross some of the things off. First was going to the amusement park Knoebels in Pennsylvania. One of our mutual friends was getting married, and since the whole lot of us are far from the "strip club" type, we had the bachelorette party at the park. Very fun indeed. Anyway, Mina noticed that another one of the items on my list was to go to a con. And so it was her sole mission for the past 6 months or so to find us one. And she succeeded.
There is a con in the PA/NJ/NY tri-state area. It rotates the state that houses it or something, but whatever – not important. The important thing is that it’s called AnimeNEXT and if we register before the end of the year we can go the entire weekend for just $35! Best part is that we can all commute to and from the con, so no added dough needed for hotel rooms. We could even BRING food and save a little more cash! I could pull off $35! Mina for the win!
I even have Remy agreeing to come with. He’s asking some of his Otaku friends if they’d like to join, and I have Celia and Peter deciding on my end. If we get a large enough crowd we may get even MORE knocked off with a group discount. Plus that means more people to split gas, so we each pay less! Win again! TOTAL WINAGE!
ANYWAY, the only problem is that the convention isn’t until JUNE of next year! They don't even have any information up about the 2010 con except for the location and weekend! I have to wait 8 months (roughly) for this convention! GAAAH! I can’t wait that long!!!! I’m totally obsessing over it already! Eight months of obsessing!? At least this blog will fill up quickly. >_<
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Hey! I finally got my blog up, now I can comment on yours! So, I asked around, and got some advice on congoing. I compiled into a "convention 101": I hope you find it useful!
ReplyDelete1. GET THROUGH THE REG LINE QUICKLY: Have your ID and payment ready while in the registration line. If you are pre-registering, print out a copy of your receipt and bring it with you, in case there is an issue with finding your information at the pre-registration booth. If you are 18+ and wish to attend an adult, late-night panel, make sure to get your bracelet right away when registering.
2. 2. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF: Follow the sacred formula of “6-2-1.” This means, at a MINIMUM, get six hours of sleep, eat two full meals a day, and take one shower. This may sound like a no-brainer, but in the excitement of the con, you won’t be paying as much attention to your body as you normally do.
a. Also, stay hydrated at ALL times. Carry a water bottle and refill it at a water fountain or a bathroom sink if you have to.
b. Carry a few snack-type items with you, such as a granola bar or hard candy, for a pick-me-up for yourself or that girl in line who hasn’t eaten in 12 hours.
3. MAKE SURE YOU ARE COMFORTABLE: When not in cosplay, dress in comfortable, loose-fitting clothes with GOOD shoes. You will be doing plenty of moving around, so you want to be comfortable.
4. SAFETY FIRST: Be safety-smart! Keep your valuables with you at all times and don’t flash them or any money about. While a lot of con-goers are great people, there are a few scumbags with total disregard for ownership mixed in with the bunch.
5. BE PREPARED: Always carry a small (or large, depending on how much space you have) first aid kit; a cosplayer’s “first aid kit” with sewing supplies and a hot glue gun is also a good idea if there’s space. Personal hygiene products are also a good thing to bring along.
Continued in part 2!
And the rest of it:
ReplyDelete6. BE PREPARED, PART 2: In case the group gets separated, or there is an emergency, agree on a meeting point. Make sure it is not in a place where a lot of people gather, and that it is distinctive. Everyone should have each other’s cell phone numbers, and anyone without a cell phone should stay with someone who does. Ensure that your cell phone is charged before you leave your hotel room in the morning.
7. BE A SAVVY SHOPPER: Browse before buying! You may find a better deal elsewhere, especially if it’s a popular item. But beware: if you’re looking at something relatively rare, another shopper may snatch it up once you leave. Use your discretion.
a. Bring a combination of cash and plastic, if you have it. Some dealers will accept one but not the other, and in case you lose your wallet, you have a backup supply.
b. If you’re doing a lot of shopping, do it later in the day, so you won’t have to lug your bags around as much.
c. Some dealers are inclined to give you a discount on Sunday; otherwise they’ll have to lug/ship all that unsold merchandise back home with them. Not all dealers do this, but a bit of friendly bargaining may not hurt.
d. It may sound silly, but make a shopping list! Have an idea of what you’re looking for, and know what you already have. Set a budget. A list in hand may also deter you from impulse buying.
8. TIME IS MONEY: Make a list of things you absolutely MUST do or see, and a list of things you’d LIKE to do or see. Prioritize your schedule accordingly.
a. That being said, make absolutely sure to allot plenty of time for waiting in line for “big ticket” items like the masquerade or concert. To get inside or get good seats, be prepared to head on over and wait in line an hour to two hours for the event, depending on popularity. (Line waiting is a prime opportunity to play your DS, listen to your iPod, read that book/manga you bought/brought, or even talk to other people in line!)
b. Have a back-up plan in case you can’t get into the event that you planned to.
9. MAKE MEMORIES: Have your camera at the ready at all times, and make sure it has fresh batteries and at least one or two changes of batteries.
a. Cosplayers, in general, LOVE to have their picture taken, so don’t be afraid to ask! If they’re eating, appear to be in a conversation, talking on the phone, or attending a panel, it’s probably a better idea to wait until they’re done.
10. HAVE A GREAT TIME!
I hope you can use the advice! I hope this con goes well for you; looking forward to more posts!