Convention Survival Guide

11 years ago, when I went to my first convention - Megacon in Orlando, Florida - the atmosphere surrounding the event was much different then it is today. Back then, when I told people I was going to a comic book convention, the response I most often heard was "Get away from me, geekette". However, with Comic-Con in California becoming a huge media event where trailers are premiered and entire casts of popular TV shows arrive for Q & A's with their fans...well, it's a different world. Now when I tell people I am going to a convention, the typical response is "Aren't you too old for comics, geekette?"

But in those 11 years of Con experience, I have picked up a few tricks which I would like to share with you, my young, hip, urban readers, so that when you venture to the con floor you do not fall victim to the dangers found therein.

Bring H2O: At least 2 bottles. If you wait to buy something to drink on the Con floor, expect to pay at least $3.00 a bottle and to wait in line for about 30 minutes for the privilege. If you do decide to forgo bringing your own bottles and opt to just buy your beverages there, you can also expect to be thwapped in the head no less than 3 times by a cosplayer's giant cardboard and tinfoil broadsword.

Bring snacks or know the locale well enough to be able to plan a lunch excursion: Yes, there will be food available at any convention worth it's salt.  No, you do not want to actually eat any of it. Not unless you want to experience some unfortunate gastrointestinal pyrotechnics. Seriously, any standard fast food joint is better than the food served on the con floor. Luckily, most convention centers are surrounded by the finest in American Chain Dining, so get thee to a Bennigan's or something.

Bring a Camera: You will want to take pictures. Some of the subjects of these pictures will be awesome. For example, the 501st Legion - a group of fans dedicated to detailed recreations of imperial characters from Star Wars. I don't mean "Wow, that's a pretty good Halloween costume" quality. I mean "Does that guy work for Lucas or something?" quality. On the other hand, some of the subjects of these pictures will be less awesome. For example, a hastily put together CatWoman costume...worn by a dude. Just be prepared.

Bring a bag: I prefer the book bag variety. I tend to buy a goodly amount of trade paperbacks at these shows, as well as rare individual issues. If I had to juggle a dozen shopping bags or carry all the items in my hands, I would likely drop and damage books or lose the circulation to my fingertips. Instead, I turn myself into a nerd-sherpa, carrying Alex Ross's Mythology, The Art of Joseph Michael Linsner and the entire David Mack run on Daredevil on my back! This leaves my hands free to carry any statues or toys I might buy. Or to push smaller nerds out of my way.

Bring your patience: It's likely to be crowded and geeks have just as much a capacity for inconsideration as others. Sadly, people will push, step on toes, bump into you with baby carriages, yell directly into your ear when calling for a friend, bump into you with ridiculously unweildy costumes and many will have left the house apparently sans deodorant for some ungodly reason. Take a deep breath and remember why you are there: to get Nathan Fillion's autograph!

A note on celebrities/artists/writers: It's likely that they've flown in on a red eye, gotten only a handful of hours worth of sleep and are fighting off a massive hand cramp from signing autographs all day. And they might also be hung-over, whatever. The point is, don't hold up their line by asking a million obscure questions in an effort to prove you are the biggest fan, don't try to trap them into signing more things then you paid for, don't ask for them to pose for a picture with you when they've got people waiting 30 minutes to meet them, and don't be an ass. On the flip side, if you are gracious and polite, they will be too, and everyone can have a nice, if short visit. And everyone appreciates to be thanked for their work, so toss one of those in too - after all, you enjoy what they do enough to go to convention!

Lastly, don't miss checking out the indie artists: A lot of big names got their start by sitting behind a table stacked with books they maxed out their credit cards to get printed themselves. Further, a lot of amazing and award winning stories started on those tables, such as Kabuki and Strangers in Paradise. Sure, there's a lot of Lost Island of the Battling Demon Babes to be found there too, but even with that stuff, you have to give credit to the people using all their resources to add the own little story to the comic universe.

And now it's your turn to add to the dialog! Have you been to a con? What did you learn? Give us your tips!

Comments

The only convention I have ever been to was a simulator convention with my father here in Orlando. He sells flight simulators so he brought us along to check it out. There were a lot of next-gen games and stuff so it wasn't too bad.

I almost went to Otronicon this year but I heard about it too late in order to get off of work. Maybe next year.

Blue Sean | Mar 27, 2008 7:35:25 AM | #

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Great tips! I've been considering going to Comic Con for years. This list is good prep.

And love the pic of you and Nathan!

Kalena | Mar 27, 2008 11:17:41 AM | #

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Yeah, great picture. Looks like Mal and Saffron are back together!

I, like others, can't get past the red hair, Jessica. At least you don't look like Anthony Edwards!

;)

Blue Sean | Mar 27, 2008 12:49:11 PM | #

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Haven't been to a con for years, but I once regularly attended.

I'd just add one addendum to your second point. I soon discovered that it was vital to get at least one *good* meal each day, even if it meant missing a treasured panel. Do little for breakfast or lunch if you want, but get a good diner (or any other combination of the same). Heck, even a midnight run to IHOP counts (and, boy, could I tell stories about that).

At least one good meal a day, rely on junk the rest of the time if you must, and you'll feel better able to tackle the other problems Jessica outlined in the rest of her post.

dbkirby | Mar 27, 2008 9:35:45 PM | #

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That is, of course, a good "dinner," not "diner" -- although I suspect a good diner could give you the good meal I suggested.

dbkirby | Mar 27, 2008 9:45:53 PM | #

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Thanks for the shout-out to the 501st Legion. We love to interact with fellow fans, take pictures, and spread the word about our charity work. Join us!

tuskentrooper | Mar 31, 2008 12:01:18 PM | #

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