how to survive your first anime convention

^{How to Survive and Succeed at Your First Anime Convention}

• Find the best fit for you, even if it means starting small. Not all conventions are alike. ...
• Spend less money on the convention so you can spend more money at the convention. ...
• Make a realistic, flexible schedule. Putting together an itinerary for each day of the convention is easy. Making one that you can actually stick to is something else entirely.
• As crazy as it sounds, bring sunscreen. Bringing some basic items like a bottle of water is just common sense. ...
• Give cosplayers extra room. I have a lot of respect for cosplayers. ...
• When in doubt, remember why you’re there. It’s physically impossible for one person to do everything, even at a fairly small convention. ...

Full Answer

Should you go to your first anime convention?

You’ve decided to go to your first anime convention, and that’s awesome. It’s also probably a little overwhelming, if not a bit terrifying. There are admission and travel arrangements to take care of ahead of time, budget concerns looming at every turn, and part of you is wondering if it might not be a better idea to just hide under a desk.

How will anime conventions evolve in the next decade?

As we enter the next decade, conventions are no doubt going to be evolving much as they have been since the early days of gatherings. Anime conventions are places to connect with likeminded people who happen to enjoy the same things, be it anime, manga, video games, and a wide variety of cultural touchstones.

How to survive as a first-time convention goer?

With a little preparation and some insider knowledge, it’s easy to survive and thrive as a first-time convention-goer. Find the best fit for you, even if it means starting small. Not all conventions are alike. Some are massive events where thousands of people descend on enormous convention centers for day after day of constant activity.

How do I plan a day to attend an Anime Festival?

The best idea is to create some sort of plan that consists of the things you want to do but understand that you may not be able to get to all of them. An easy way to do it is to choose one or two things a day that you will absolutely attend, whether that is a main stage show or an anime trivia podcast recording.

What can I expect at an anime convention?

At a typical anime convention, expect to find rooms and rooms of anime fans and anime paraphernalia. Expect a lot of cosplayers to be there as well dressed up as all sorts of characters. More often than not, they're open for a photograph so don't be afraid to ask for one!

What should I expect from my first con?

0:2511:047 Things to Expect At Your First Convention - Tips & Survival GuideYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSometimes expected to be crowds. There will be so many people of different nationalities wearing.MoreSometimes expected to be crowds. There will be so many people of different nationalities wearing. Different costumes walking here and there that you'll just be like wow.

Can an 11 year old go to a cosplay convention?

COSPLAY IS AN ALL-AGES EVENT. There will have one competition for children 13 and under and then a contest for anyone else entered. The Cosplay choice should be considered a PG-13 rated event at the most.

Can a 10 year old go to an anime con?

These wristbands are optional; though we do highly recommend them as a safety precaution. Ages 6-13: Child badges have the same access as a 4-day badge. Attendees age 13 years old and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18 for the duration of their time at the event.

Should I cosplay at my first con?

Absolutely, in fact the majority of attendees don't do cosplay for the event. And if this is your first time, it may be for the best if you opt for comfort over creativity. If you have a relevant t-shirt, Comic-Con is a great place to wear it.

How do I prepare for my first con?

How to Survive Your First Con: Advice for Newbies from a Veteran Comic Con AttendeeCome Prepared. newyorkcomiccon. ... Get Ready to Wait. ... Pick a Meeting Place Ahead of Time. ... Keep It Clean. ... Cosplay With Care (and Respect) ... Make a Plan on What to Do/See. ... Bring Cash (and Make a Budget) ... Don't Panic.More items...•

Should I let my daughter cosplay?

You Should Let Your Kid Cosplay — and You Should Try It, Too It can be hard when your kids don't turn out just like you, but it's even harder to watch them struggle. This is especially true if your kid doesn't fit preconceived and prepackaged molds that the Disney industrial complex serves up.

What is a good age to start cosplaying?

It's no surprise that most people who cosplay are in their 20's and 30's.

Should a 12 year old cosplay?

“Can kids cosplay?” A resounding YES. Children can cosplay and even do a good bit of the work that is involved in creating costumes and characters.

Are anime conventions kid friendly?

Generally, if your child is above the age of 13, well behaved, and traveling with a group of trusted friends, it's probably fine for them to attend the convention without you. Is my child safe? Anime cons are generally very safe environments.

Are cosplay conventions safe?

Contrary to their reputation, anime and comic conventions are actually pretty safe. This is especially true over the past decade as anti-harassment policies have been put in place and groups have worked to bring awareness to issues of consent to photographs and hugs.

Do you have to pay for anime conventions?

Smaller anime conventions usually cost around $30 for a pre-registered badge. Larger conventions can cost $50-$60 for a badge. You may also need to factor renting a hotel room or a home stay, as well as transportation, such as airplane tickets or parking and gas for a car.

What is anime convention?

Anime conventions are places to connect with likeminded people who happen to enjoy the same things, be it anime, manga, video games, and a wide variety of cultural touchstones.

What to remember for a con?

Outside of hydration, this is the most important thing to remember for your con experience. Cons are nothing more than a gathering of people for a similar cause. However, everybody has different motives and not all of them are good. What should be number one in your mind is staying safe while at and around the con.

Is the Monster Cosplay walkable?

Imagine it is the day of the con and you have dressed up in a fantastic monster cosplay that is made of foam and cardboard. The con is a few blocks away but it is easily walkable. As you head out, it is absolutely pouring, which has been expected for about a week.

What is an anime convention?

An anime convention (“anime con” for short) is a formally-organized gathering of anime fans, who get together for a few days at a hotel or city convention center and share their enthusiasm for anime. To see what anime cons are coming to your area, Google Anime Conventions.

Getting to an Anime Con

Now that you know what an anime convention is and what there is to do, you’re wanting to go to one! First things first, check out local anime con in your area.

Time for Cosplay!

One of the most fun elements to attending an anime con is cosplay. Not a requirement but you will just have a much more awesome time if you do choose to don a unique costume. Decide if you want to cosplay for the convention or not. I’ll say that about 1/3 of con attendees do cosplay, but if cosplaying is not for you, no problem.

Packing for the convention

So you’ve taken this guide into consideration and now you’re ready to pack and head out to this convention. You have your ticket purchased, hotel room booked, reliable transportation and even picked up yourself a spiffy new cosplay. If you’re going to be staying at the convention for the full weekend you’re going to need a bunch of things.

How long after a dealer's room is open can you walk in?

There's no reason for this. Go to some panels or events instead while you wait until the initial line clears out. Often, in less than an hour after the dealers' room is scheduled to open, you will be able to walk in without any wait at all and there will still be plenty of merchandise waiting for your wallet.

Will convention season be upon you?

The convention season will be upon you before you know it. We wanted to share some helpful tips for getting through any convention visits you may have planned with minimal harm to your mind, body, and wallet.