How to Attend a Fan Convention

You've seen every "Star Trek" episode and all its permutations, can recite dialogue from "X-Files" in your sleep and your Tivo is set for reruns of "Xena," "Stargate" and "Battlestar Galactica." Then you, my friend, should take your hardcore worship to the next level. Go to a convention and listen to panels of the stars, stock up on souvenirs and mingle with your fellow fans. My friends Sue and Melody gave me tips on how to go about it...

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 

   Get tickets to the convention EARLY. The prices often go up the closer you get to the event--and they sell out.

2. 

   If you're going to a convention outside of your current town, make hotel reservations ASAP. They may offer discount hotel rooms and if so, the rooms will sell out within a few hours of the phone lines opening up (Comic-Con for example). So start dialing the first moment you’re allowed to and keep hitting re-dial. Enlist loved ones to dial or go on-line, too.

3. 

   Some of the cost of the room can be defrayed by getting a roommate. Find one by chatting on message boards and newsgroups of the particular show you love. If you read what people write for a year, you get to know them pretty well. Then consider:
   1. Are they an early bird or night owl?
   2. Are they a party room or quiet room type?
   3. Smoker or non-smoker?

4. 

   For a day trip, figure out the lay of the land of the venue early so as to park close. That way you can use your car as a locker.

5. 

   Bring a backpack--even one with wheels. You'll be toting snacks, water, souvenirs to get autographed… and anything you purchase in the dealers' room.

6. 

   Bring your camera--and a long lens. Don't let convention security dissuade you from or rush you through taking good photos in the aisles of the theatre. Also, please be considerate of your fellow fans and don’t block their views as you take your photos.

7. 

   Get a schedule when you arrive and then plan which panels you want to see and which you want to skip—thus penciling in your dining breaks during the talks you’re not attending.

8. 

   The party doesn't end with the convention events. Might want to bring your own DVD player so you can watch DVDs in your room. You'll finally be meeting your on-line friends face-to-face so set up other activities. Socializing will also give you more potential roommates for the next convention!

Tips & Warnings

• Don't view standing in line as a burden. Think of it as an opportunity to make new friends.
• General convention dates for 2007 are (so you can plan anead for the future): NY Comic-Con is the third weekend in February; Wonder-Con is the first weekend in March; Comic-Con in San Diego is the last weekend in July. Dates are posted about a year ahead of time on their websites.
• So here are some websites: http://comic-con.org and http://www.newyorkcomiccon.com.
• Some conventions offer complimentary admisstions to professionals in the comic book, TV, film and publishing business. Contact them via phone or email for details. Might need to pre-register to get it, though. If that slips your mind, might still be able to get a pass for a nomimal processing fee ($25) at the Pro Desk at the convention site.
• Don't plan to drive down from L.A. to San Diego for the Comic-Con in a leisurely couple of hours on a Friday night or Saturday morning--traffic will be brutal. Consider taking Amtrak--and book that early, too--it sells out as well.
• Be dubious about buying autographed anything. If you didn't see the celebrity sign it… who knows…
• You'll have to pay to stand in an autograph line at certain conventions.
• There have been better run conventions than ones put on by Creation. They have been known to mess up tickets, rush patrons through autograph lines and overprice "preferred seating" aka "Captain's Seating." However, they do get the stars to come.

[Rockney]

on 11/29/2008 Great advice!