Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Useful Advice for Anime Convention Attendees


A lot of people like to take a leap of faith into the unknown. The same goes for many otaku who are attending conventions for the first time. While it's a good idea to explore and learn, I think that it's also necessary to be prepared for anything. So if you're a newbie when it comes to conventions or an expert, I have a few words of advice for you. Stick around you might learn something!

I attended my first anime convention a few years ago. I discovered it pretty close to the actual date and decided to go with a group of friends at the spur of the moment. Unfortunately, I was forced to pay a lot more for a weekend pass. Fifty-five dollars doesn't sound like much, but every bit takes away from my spending money.

So in a crazy rush, we made it to the hotel connected to the convention center. We arrived sloppily and disorganized. Later, things escalated quickly as I tried to catch up with the my group. After searching and texting I eventually found them, but I had misplaced my glasses along the way and ended up blind. The group dashed around the convention from one panel to the other. They were in such a hurry that we barely stayed still for more than a few minutes. I didn't get to see much of anything that was going on and missed quality merchandise at the vendors. The first day had been a total disaster.

Luckily I'm a fast learner and realized quickly that the previous day was horrible. I corrected everything that was wrong, and had a much better time. Instead of chasing around a group of people too caught up with a convention schedule, I decided to take things slow. I even went around the convention center with my family instead. Of course, I found my glasses. (thank goodness) Meanwhile my friends were too busy rushing around trying to see everything, but in reality, they saw nothing at all.

"Okay, this story is nice and all, but what are you teaching me?"

"Hey, don't make that face! Just wait and I'll tell you!"
Go into your first convention with a good mindset. Don't worry about seeing everything. Take things slow and you'll have the time of your life. It's okay to plan out your time, but don't obsess over it.

If you're worried about going to a convention by yourself, don't be afraid. The people I met at conventions are some of the nicest people I know. Even if you don't have anyone willing to go with you, it shouldn't stop you from having fun. All you need is one good convention buddy.

Be careful what you buy. Don't always buy things without inspecting them first. If there's an item that's in a box, ask the vendor to open it so you can see for yourself. A good one will do it, a bad one won't. Make sure you're not getting ripped off. (I paid sixty dollars for a thirty dollar figure.)

Make sure to be prepared. If you're going to stay at a hotel, reserve a room early. If you need a pass for the convention, get it early. Don't rush last minute. It'll drain your energy and make your trip less fun.

Lastly, just have fun. Above everything else, enjoy yourself. Anime conventions are like a paradise for fans. The big step before Japan. Take your time to enjoy yourself while you can.

From all my years going to con, I've learned these few tips slowly and steadily. Take the time to read so you won't make similar mistakes. Remember to have fun dear anime fans!

4 comments:

  1. This reminds me of my own experience! My very first convention experience was in 2008 (and I didn't realize it was six years ago until I started typing... whoa), it was also the very first time an anime-related event was held in my hometown. It wasn't as big as an actual anime convention, though. Just like a get-together arranged by the otaku community in town. At that time I was just starting to like anime and barely know anything about anime let alone cosplay... but somehow my friend talked me into doing cosplay and it was a disaster XD I wore the wrong costume, horrible makeup and I even froze on stage because I couldn't catch up with my partner's pace.
    My first ever cosplay experience was traumatic, to say to the least.
    But that opened my eyes! Afterwards, I started to join the community and learn a lot from them... until I was finally able to enjoy myself in the following events XD
    (I wish this article existed before then though...)

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for commenting!

      I see! I think it's good that you were able to start off in a small community for your first convention. I started in the biggest of my state, and it was crazy confusing. Ah well that stinks! Luckily we learn from making mistakes and it sounds like you did!

      Who did you attempt to cosplay? I ended up buying cosplay at the convention and just joining in on the fun that way. The Akatsuki Robe is easy to pull off.

      Very cool! I hope you have a lot of great convention experiences in the future, and I'm happy you didn't let one bad one stop you.

      I wish I would've read something like this too, but hey, it exists now!

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    2. I attempted to do Ran Kotobuki from the shoujo manga series Gals! because I thought her Ko-Gal style was super cool... but yeah, I kinda regret not doing more research before trying the cosplay XD
      My friend, on the other hand, was successful on her first try and now ended up as one of the most prominent cosplayers in our hometown! So happy and proud of her!
      It would take me a lot of work to get to her level but I would surely try again... if I have the chance that is XD (school's been so hectic.. I barely have time and cash to do simple things like buying comics. Sigh)

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    3. Ah cool! I've heard of that series before.

      I see! Congratulations to her ^^

      I think you can do it, if you get the time definitely try it again! I've been pretty limited myself with school...but I've been trying to push out blog posts constantly xD

      Thank you again for commenting ^_^

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