Conventioner's guide of do's and don'ts

Even though most people use debit and credit cards these days, this doesn't quite apply to vendor halls and artist alleys. Most booths showcasing art or merchandise for sale don't have the means to run credit or debit transactions in the temporary space allotted by the convention space. Carrying cash is a surefire way of getting what you want as soon as you spot it, and can help you maintain a fixed budget for con swag. Become a cash customer for your chosen convention, and the vendors and artists you buy from will much appreciate it!Most convention goers like to snap photos of the cosplayers they see at the event. The worst thing that can happen is your camera dying when you spot someone cosplaying your favorite web comic character and you just need to get a picture. If your camera runs off regular disposable batteries, then bring a lot of backups. If it uses a rechargable set, be sure to bring a charger with you just in case. Throughout the day of events, you'll be likely to snap off a few hundred pics and wear out your power source pretty quickly. Same rules doubly apply if you're using your phone too!This is always a must, especially if an attendee plans to go for the full duration of the convention. Between panels, artist alleys, vendor halls, demonstrations, and gaming, conventions usually have multitudes of things to see and do so there's hardly any time to just sit. Even though a convention space may be small, it is likely as an attendee you will walk around the convention floor a good five or six times in a day (maybe more!). You'll want to ensure you've got some comfy footwear so you're not worn down by day one.View the list »
Will you be going to Con-Nichiwa for the first time this year, or returning to it?

Arts & Exhibits newsletter

With Con-Nichiwa coming up this weekend in Tucson, convention season in Arizona is getting started. With many conventions kicking off, this may be the first year many comic/anime/sci-fi/geek culture enthusiasts may make the decision to take the plunge and attend an event. For those people (or even a few who are getting back into the convention groove), here's a small list of good ways to prepare for a con and have the best time you can.

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  • This is always a must, especially if an attendee plans to go for the full duration of the convention. Between panels, artist alleys, vendor halls, demonstrations, and gaming, conventions usually have multitudes of things to see and do so there's hardly any time to just sit. Even though a convention space may be small, it is likely as an attendee you will walk around the convention floor a good five or six times in a day (maybe more!). You'll want to ensure you've got some comfy footwear so you're not worn down by day one.
  • Most convention goers like to snap photos of the cosplayers they see at the event. The worst thing that can happen is your camera dying when you spot someone cosplaying your favorite web comic character and you just need to get a picture. If your camera runs off regular disposable batteries, then bring a lot of backups. If it uses a rechargable set, be sure to bring a charger with you just in case. Throughout the day of events, you'll be likely to snap off a few hundred pics and wear out your power source pretty quickly. Same rules doubly apply if you're using your phone too!
  • Even though most people use debit and credit cards these days, this doesn't quite apply to vendor halls and artist alleys. Most booths showcasing art or merchandise for sale don't have the means to run credit or debit transactions in the temporary space allotted by the convention space. Carrying cash is a surefire way of getting what you want as soon as you spot it, and can help you maintain a fixed budget for con swag. Become a cash customer for your chosen convention, and the vendors and artists you buy from will much appreciate it!
  • As with many conventions, there are multitudes of panels and events going on within a given one. There may be a select few panels you want to hit up, but don't limit yourself to just that. If you find yourself sitting around and feeling a bit bored, pop into a panel. Unless specifically posted, many panels are open for attendees to go in and out, and randomly going into a few can contribute to your experience instead of leaving you sitting around with nothing to do (besides, you can do that at home!).
  • Going into a convention of any given genre can be a bit daunting at first and can sometimes lead attendees to be a little overwhelmed. Don't feel bad that you don't know every costume that passes you by or who a certain guest is, just ask a fellow attendee or convention staff! A convention is where thousands that share the same passion can congregate, meaning many like to talk to others about a specific game/book/movie, etc. Chances are, if you ask someone to elaborate on something you don't know (like a costume), you may learn something interesting!Do you have some convention tips of your own? Let us know in the comments section and share with your other potential attendees!
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, Scottsdale Geek Culture Examiner

Christen Bejar is a graduate of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and self-proclaimed mega-nerd. From anime to video games, Christen has dedicated her skills to creating honest reviews and critical looks at pop-culture pieces that don't harp on "the good ol' days" of yesteryear.

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