Postby Rev. Doc » Tue Mar 08, 2005 8:51 am
Here is Rev. Doc’s Anime Convention survival guide:
Plan: Check the on line site for the convention. Some larger ones will list important information that will help you plan. Or take the guestbook you will receive at registration and sit down first thing to do the following:
A. Plan your purchases: Know what it is that you would like to find in the dealer’s room. They will most likely have that and so much more. Impulse buying will most likely keep you from getting some of those hard to get items that you are really wanting or that you collect. Set yourself a budget (about $200.00) and stick with it. Remember, there are other places for things to be purchased besides the dealers room. T Shirts, art room, and some cons offer DVDs of Cosplay performances, Karaoke, and Music Videos. Also remember, some of those dealers will offer discounted prices on the last day of the con. They would rather sell it than take it back so hold a little back for that possibility
B. Plan your Panels: There will be those guests, companies, and cultural panels. Most are only offered once and therefore you will have to decide ahead of time what it is you wish to see and hear. Guest panels are the biggest and you will want to get in line early for these. Remember space is always limited. Autograph sessions are even more popular and you might have to stand in line for two or more hours for this. Always have the item (CD, picture, paper) you wish to have autographed ready. Because there are so many people the guest will not be able to answer your questions during this time. Be courteous of the fact that there are other people waiting.
C. Plan your remaining time: Do you want to see the cosplay contest, go to the dance, listen or take part in karaoke, see the anime music videos or watch some shows in the video rooms? Most conventions will plan these a specific times (usually early to late evening) however, they may also be going on even during panel times. You have to know what is most important to you and prioritize your time. Secure the listing of the titles being offered in the video rooms early and see if there are any titles that you want to see. Most video rooms run 24 hours a day so you will want to block off these times if they are important to you. If you are a gamer most cons have a game/card room. If DDR and Yu Gi Oh are your thing you will definitely want to make time for this.
You will find that there is so much to do and so little time to do it. Remember if you are a cosplayer and if your costume is good you will constantly be asked to stop and have your picture taken. This takes time so allow yourself enough to get from one place to another.
While planning is the key to a good convention experience, there are some things to remember both for yourself and the courtesy of others:
1. Eat: There will be so much going on that you will have little time for nutrition, but eat you must. People do pass out at conventions because of lack of food or water. Make sure you get plenty of both. Purchase snack items before leaving home. It will be cheaper to do this. Hotels and convention centers may have stuff, but you will be paying a lot for it. And wouldn’t you rather have that money for the dealer’s room. Bring cookies, chips, cheese crackers, bottled water or a 12 pack of Cokes. If you don’t have a regular eating schedule, at least slip back to your room occasionally to grab something. Check with the hotel. There are usually a McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Burger King or other fast food places within walking distance. Get something from these at least once a day that will carry you through. Remember though, if you go later at night make sure to go as a group. Most conventions have now been taking place for a number of years. Sadly, both anime fans and stalkers know of the event. Always use precaution when journeying outside of the hotel and even inside going to your room especially at night. Most cons have security. Don't be afraid to tell them or a staff memeber if you feel something is wrong. Also in regard to food, most cons have a Con Suite that has finger foods and drink for con goers. Find where this is and stop by occasionally.
2. Sleep: People have also passed out from lack of proper rest. Your body will not be able to last 3 straight days without it. When you do your planning pick out some down times when you can go back to your room to grab a couple of hours here and there. Naturally, a good 6 to 8 hours a night is good but the dances and video rooms sometimes will prevent this. Plus, convention staff frown on using the video rooms for sleeping. This goes for the hall floors also. Why pay all that money for a room and not use it occasionally.
3. Bathe: There is nothing worse at these conventions than walking into the sweaty game room (DDR, etc.) or the video rooms and smell people who haven’t bathed in a couple of days. In fact after day one things can get a little rank. A quick shower takes only a few minutes. People have passed out from standing near others who haven’t bathed. OK, just kidding, but it is greatly appreciated when someone standing in the panel line next to you doesn’t notice what smells like 10 day old summer road kill. ACen in Chicago has developed a T Shirt that sells each year with the slogan, “Got Soapâ€
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