While conventions can be enjoyable they can also be incredibly stressful. I’ve had my fair share of conventions I’ve attended or worked where I needed to take Monday off after just to recover after. This guide is to help you navigate a convention better to avoid some of the exhaustion and give you some tips you might have otherwise not thought of. I have also tried to make this all-inclusive for all nerd genres including furry conventions.
**NOTE**
Please check the rules of the convention center beforehand. Some convention centers or conventions have rules against food, props, shoes, and possibly other things which can affect some of the items suggested leading to them having to be omitted or forcing you to make other plans.
Before the Con
1- BUY TICKETS AND HOTEL ROOMS IN ADVANCE: Most cons offer tickets at extreme discounts earlier on before the convention, almost a full year before even and also most have discount room blocks at various hotels that get snatched up pretty quickly. You can solidify plans and save money in the process as the closer it gets to time for the convention, the price of tickets and hotels goes up significantly. This also happens with plane tickets as well.
2- MAP OUT YOUR SCHEDULE: Most conventions post schedules a few weeks in advance for panelists, competitions, autographs, and other things ahead of time. Some even include an app you can download to your phone ahead of time to make planning easier. Planning ahead of time will help you gain the most out of your experience and help you not miss a single thing you wanted to attend. Don’t overload yourself and pick the most important things you want to attend.
3- MAKE BACKUP PLANS: Have a set of backup plans in case other plans fall through. Accidents happen, people miss deadlines, guests cancel, and panels get booked up. Make sure you have other things you can go do/see just in case.
4- START PACKING THE WEEK OF NOT THE DAY BEFORE: Having adequate time to back will make sure you do not leave anything behind that you planned on taking. This can be especially important if you tend to leave or have left behind a cosplay piece before. Make a list if you need to in order to make sure you have all of your hygiene products (because AXE Body Spray is NOT A SHOWER IN A CAN), medications, clothing, and any other essentials for your trip. If you are a last minute cosplay-crafter, this will especially help you in that frazzled state for finish cosplay before the convention.
5- BUILD A CONVENTION SURVIVAL KIT: I will list items and ideas below everything else for your survival kit to help you get through a convention and hopefully quickly fix any cos-accidents which may occur (if you cosplay).
6- KNOW THE RULES: Most conventions have rules and guidelines con-goers are to abide by. Knowing the rules ahead of time can help you avoid issues you could potentially face and keep you from getting kicked out of a convention or having to throw away items before entering the convention center.
The Day of/During the Con
1- ARRIVE AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE: Beat the rush for badges, arrive as early as possible to get checked into your hotel or to get to a friend’s house and get your badge. You may also get more access easier to vendors before everyone else does so you can get better items!
2- GO TO OPENING CEREMONIES: Usually conventions have an opening ceremony where you get to learn the rules of the convention, meet the guests, see who the staff members are, and have some fun to kick off the convention.
3- GET A PROGRAM: Most programs have a map of the convention so you can more easily find where events are. I’ve even been to some cons that had free refreshments and a break room for con-goers to keep everyone from getting too exhausted.
4- GET ADEQUATE SLEEP AND REST: During all the excitement you want to experience every bit of action and adventure you can, but don’t neglect the fact your body needs you to take breaks and plan for at least 7-8 hours of solid sleep to be able to feel rested the next day.
5- HYGIENE IS IMPORTANT: Please do not neglect hygiene at conventions. You should always take a shower either the night before or early in the morning each day of the convention. Also wash your hands frequently, especially after going to the bathroom. Hygiene is important not just for social purposes, but also to keep con-crud to a minimum. Also don’t forget deodorant! You will gain charisma +3
6- DRINK RESPONSIBLY: Some conventions have bars and often times people will have “after parties” in their rooms. You may meet a variety of strangers but please be aware you are out of your element and don’t over-do it. Not saying bad things could happen, but protect yourself so nothing happens to you. If it’s a bigger city and you need help getting back to your hotel room, most places have Uber these days. Also don’t forget water and gatorade to avoid hangovers!
7- COSPLAY IS NOT CONSENT: Always ask to take pictures and be respectful of boundaries and inappropriate touching when taking pictures or interacting with cosplayers or fursuiters. A hand on the shoulder is often times okay, but a hand on a hip or somewhere else is likely to make someone uncomfortable. Fursuiters often times have a limited field of vision so please wave to get their attention and then ask them if they mind having their picture taken. Also if you want to hug a fursuiter the same thing applies, please ask permission first. Another fursuiter “no-no” is do not “scratch/scritch” a fursuiter’s suit as that does cause damage to the suits over time. Pets are okay with permission from the suiter or handler if they have one.
8- NO MEANS NO: People are allowed to say no and it’s okay, just apologize and give them space. If someone is tired, not feeling well, has somewhere to be, or is in dire need of a bathroom break/about to pass out, let them have their space.
9- BE RESPECTFUL: If someone in costume is sitting down or has food in their mouth picture time is over. Everyone needs a break from time to time, especially cosplayers and fursuiters. If you really want that picture, leave and come back at a later time to where they are to see if they are available. Also, if you see someone harassing, stalking/following, or making another con-goer or cosplayer uncomfortable please reach out to convention security immediately so they can handle the problem.
10- DON’T TOUCH: Do not touch a fursuiters tail/ears/wings/etc or a cosplayer’s props without permission. Some are totally cool with it, others are not comfortable with it, so please ask.
11- AVOID FOOD AT THE CONVENTION CENTER: It’s usually overpriced and not always the best quality. Opt to try local restaurants or fast food nearby if you are in a hurry. If you can’t afford either try packing a cooler with ice and leaving it in your car at the convention with sandwich stuff and have a big bag of chips. Some hotel rooms also have microwaves and fridges (you can call and ask ahead of time) if you’d prefer to heat up frozen or microwave meals. DON’T FAKE AN ILLNESS TO GET A FRIDGE. Certain con-goers are offered this for medical conditions such as diabetes and it’s imperative they have their medications easily accessible.
12- ENJOY YOURSELF: Have fun, make new friends, talk to people, play some games, tell people their costumes are cool (we like that) and enjoy your time and experience!
CONVENTION SURVIVAL KIT
**NOTE**
Please check the rules of the convention and convention center to make sure all these items are allowed. Some have rules not permitting outside food or drinks. Also do not leave it unattended if possible.
Items to include:
Backpack or messenger bag to place everything in
Hot glue gun with glue sticks (for cosplayers)
Small pair of scissors (for cosplayers)
Duct tape (for cosplayers)
Needle and thread or small sewing kit (for cosplayers)
Alternative shoes and clothes (for cosplayers and fursuiters)
Safety pins (for cosplayers)
Hairspray (for cosplayers with wigs that are styled)
Battery powered hand fan (for cosplayers and fursuiters)
Batteries (for cosplayers and fursuiters who use them)
Female hygiene products (if you need them, mother nature is not kind)
Makeup/Touchup kit
Bottles of water OR empty refillable water bottle
Small snacks (higher protein-packed ones are best)
Power-bank with charging cord
Hand sanitizer or hand-wipes (helps keep con crud at bay)
Deodorant
Bandaids or tiny emergency med kit
Notebook and pen to write down important things or for autographs
Important medications you take
Cash in small bills for emergencies or in case a vender does not take cards
Chapstick
(optional) A facemask for conventions which also fall in flu season
(optional) 3DS to get those street passes
(optional) A lanyard for your con badge
(optional) Art storage tube if you are like me and love getting prints
(optional) Your own business cards
At a later date I’ll also provide a con-volunteer survival guide!
Much love and wishing you luck in your con experience, Mel <3
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