How to Make the Most of Your Anime Convention Experience

Interesting costumes are one of the many attractions at an anime convention.

Anime conventions have grown from the simple gatherings of a few fans in college dorms, to spectacular events that sprawl across huge convention centers. The largest conventions host big-name bands, voice talent, and animation industry leaders. Whether it is your first time, or you are a veteran attendee, there are a number of things you can do to get the best value for your cash, and enhance your con-going experience.

Things You'll Need

• Checklist
• Convention schedule
• Camera
• Cell phone
• Extra batteries
• Charging cables
• Laptop
• Costume
• Duct tape
• Sewing kit
• Twist ties
• String
• Snacks
• Beverages
• Books
• Portable game system

Instructions

Before You Go

1. 

   Maps or online maps are a must-have before planning your trip.

   Plan your travel. If you are driving through urban areas, plot a route that accounts for heavy road traffic. If you are traveling by air, make sure you have made accommodations for cab or shuttle to the convention center, once you arrive. If you are traveling by train, make sure to made similar accommodations, but realize that train travel is often delayed unexpectedly.

2. Book your accommodations. For most conventions, it is considerably cheaper to stay at a nearby value hotel, rather than staying at the convention hotel. However, if you can afford it, the convenience of the convention hotel is worth considering. In either case, plan your stay well ahead of time, to get the best room rates and the best rooms, while they are still available.

3. Plan your events. One of the biggest mistakes a convention goer can make, is to go without knowing which events they will attend. Most conventions have overlapping panels and big-ticket events that will require making a choice. Good selections for a first-timer are the opening ceremonies, the cos-play contests, music events, and raves. Voice actor or artist panels can be fun as well. If you see Scott McNeil, Greg Ayres, or Amelie Belcher on the list of panel talents, you should give them a high priority. They are fan favorites for good reason.

4. Make an emergency costume repair kit. If you are wearing a costume, this step is a must. Even if you are not, it makes sense to carry one. The kit should include, at the minimum; needles, thread, and half a yard of sturdy cotton cloth, but good additions include duct tape, string and twist ties, plus any other material unique to your costume.

5. Make a starvation survival kit. Some events are long, or have long waiting times. It makes sense to carry snacks to keep energized, until you can get a meal. It is best to carry individually sealed snacks that require no preparation or refrigeration, as well as bottled beverages and water.

6. Make a line-time kit. This is a bundle of items that will keep you entertained during the waits you will inevitably endure between events, or while waiting in line. This kit can contain a camera, cell phone, or portable game systems, as well as books, or comics. Travel versions of games, or cards make great additions -- and give you a chance to make some new friends.

7. Make a staples kit. This kit contains all the sundry support items you need, to keep your other devices up and running. This kit includes batteries for games or devices, memory cards or film for cameras, or charge cables for cell phones and laptop computers.

8. Make a checklist. You should have a checklist to prepare for your trip, and one for your return.

During the Convention

1. 

   Take the best camera you can afford to preserve your memories.

   Photograph everything. Even if you are not particularly amazed by a costume, you should get a picture. People wear costumes to show their enthusiasm for their favorite characters, and having someone ask for a picture is the highest compliment you can offer. Additionally, a number of celebrities often attend in costume. Unless you are a well-informed fan, you might overlook talent by just photographing the best costumes.

2. Communicate with everyone. Besides avoiding boredom, every single attendee of a convention is a potential friend. You already share several passions, be they animation, costumes, or games. You can learn a lot about surprise guests, or potentially entertaining activities you might have otherwise overlooked, by chatting with someone you meet in line or at a booth.

3. Contact friends. Even if you plan to attend different events than your friends, it is a good idea to keep in communication with them. You never know what impromptu photo shoots, last-minute changes, or dealer specials you might miss. Your friends act as extra eyes on the floor.

4. Adapt as needed. Even the best convention will host events which run long or start late. If you keep the convention schedule on hand, you can make last-minute amendments to your list of events, if things don't go exactly as planned.

5. Visit non-event locales. Even if you have filled your convention time with events, there are lulls in activity that allow you time to visit the dealer rooms, cosplay cafes, gaming rooms, or artists alley areas. The artist alleys in particular, are a great source for independent comics, art commissions, and fan art of anime favorites.

Wrapping Things Up

1. Check the last-minute dealer room specials. Most dealers rooms have special discounts just before the convention ends. If you are interested in making the most of your convention purchases, and don't mind a smaller selection, you can make some great purchases in the final hours.

2. Check your checklists. Before you leave, make sure you have everything you brought to the convention. Nothing can turn a great weekend into a bad memory faster than realizing you have left a camera or cell phone behind.

3. Say your goodbyes. This is a good opportunity to reaffirm your new friendships and share contact information to stay in touch.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear comfortable shoes. You will be doing a lot of walking, and unless your costume prohibits it, nothing is better to enhance your enjoyment of the convention experience than a good pair of sneakers.

• Stay hydrated. Even though you may spend most of your time indoors, you will lose a lot of pep by failing to drink enough water. This is especially important during summer conventions, or if you are wearing a heavy costume.

• Travel in groups. Most conventions take place in urban areas which can be unsafe for the solo traveler. By going to local shops and restaurants with other convention goers, you lower the chance of being robbed or harassed.

• Make sure you secure your badges firmly. Don't place them where they can be casually brushed off, or will go unnoticed for a long time. Getting a replacement badge is a complication that will cost you much of your precious convention time.

References

• Anime Academy: Anime Conventions: A Survival Guide
• Anime Detour: Convention Survival Guide

Resources

• Anime Cons