First time convention

[yukishiro128]

Just wanted to let you know I'm probably going to the Anime Mid-Atlantic con in Richmond. This will be my first convention EVER (so excited!!), so any sort of advice (i.e. cosplaying & other stuff) would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!^^

[Nate]

If I were you I'd be more concerned about you going to an anime convention in a city that's consistently been ranked in the "Top Ten Most Dangerous Cities in the US" than anything else.

That's the main reason I'm not going. You couldn't pay me to set foot in Richmond. XD

[Etoh*the*Greato]

Bring lots of money (but for reasons state it above, keep it secure). Your first year or two will be expensive. Mainly because of the Dealers Room. After awhile you'll have bought everything you ever wanted and it won't be that big of a deal. Cosplay? Start sooner than three months before the Con. That always seems to create this stressful rush for my group. We tend to get burnt out on Cosplay by the end of it. Oh, and iron yoru costumes. That's one of the easiest ways to make them look their best. Every Hotelroom comes with an iron, but so few people use it. Trust me on this one. Oh, and one more piece of advice. ENJOY!

[yukishiro128]

Yeah...there's probably no way I could cosplay now (queen of the last minute). And I've had money stolen from me before, so I'll guard everything with my LIFE!!! Thanks.

[Mr. SmartyPants]

If I were you I'd be more concerned about you going to an anime convention in a city that's consistently been ranked in the "Top Ten Most Dangerous Cities in the US" than anything else.

That's the main reason I'm not going. You couldn't pay me to set foot in Richmond. XD

Baltimore is #11, where Otakon is. O.o

[Zarn Ishtare]

Yeah, off-topic, but where/when is Otakon this year? I'm heading out there.

[Roy Mustang]

Yeah, off-topic, but where/when is Otakon this year? I'm heading out there.

July 20th to the 22rd.


Col. Roy Mustang

[plutogrl03]

Congrats on going to your first con yukishiro. Others have told you about money issues, so my advice is that if you're going to buy stuff in the dealer's room, look at every seller's merchandise and prices before buying. You don't want to buy a plushie for $15 when another seller has the same one for $5 (I've seen it happen). Make sure you check out any sellers selling fanart and wares. I've found that their quality is usually very good and creative (I've seen people sell pictures, anime-related buttons and keycharms, even ragdolls!) Make sure you the maps and schedules carefully so you know where and when any interesting events are. Also, as far as cosplay, bring a camera. You're going to see some awesome and one-of-a-kind costumes. I don't know about you, but I would want pictures. Searching on the Internet later is hard. And if you still want to cosplay, there's always the option of dressing up as a ninja or a pirate. Just give it a creative twist, like cleaning ninjas. You and maybe some friends can dress as ninjas and have different cleaning supplies like a broom, or a Swiffer mop.

Wow. That was long. Hope my ramblings are useful to you.

[yukishiro128]

Congrats on going to your first con yukishiro. Others have told you about money issues, so my advice is that if you're going to buy stuff in the dealer's room, look at every seller's merchandise and prices before buying. You don't want to buy a plushie for $15 when another seller has the same one for $5 (I've seen it happen). Make sure you check out any sellers selling fanart and wares. I've found that their quality is usually very good and creative (I've seen people sell pictures, anime-related buttons and keycharms, even ragdolls!) Make sure you the maps and schedules carefully so you know where and when any interesting events are. Also, as far as cosplay, bring a camera. You're going to see some awesome and one-of-a-kind costumes. I don't know about you, but I would want pictures. Searching on the Internet later is hard. And if you still want to cosplay, there's always the option of dressing up as a ninja or a pirate. Just give it a creative twist, like cleaning ninjas. You and maybe some friends can dress as ninjas and have different cleaning supplies like a broom, or a Swiffer mop.

Wow. That was long. Hope my ramblings are useful to you.

Thanks for the advice. Rambling is okay--a problem in which you are not alone! XD

[Fish and Chips]

Being one of those fabled few who can resist impulse buying in all it's fearsome incarnations, I'd suggest you purposefully limit your wallet. You're probably going to be seeing a lot of stuff that catches your attention, and a lot of it will end up not being worth it. So bring a set amount so you have to balance out your paraphernalia, and buy only what you're certain you cannot possibly live without (maybe).

And have fun.

[Mr. SmartyPants]

The best way to enjoy a con is to go with a group of friends. To me, a con isn't about the anime or manga, it's about socialization with my buddies and just having an over-all good time.

[Kurama]

YAY!! I hope you will have fun. ^^;

[termyt]

The first con will likely be a bit confusing for you, hopefully the con will have a good schedule and be able to follow it for the most part.

Here's some tips:
Do not take more money than you can afford to spend, because you will probably want to spend more than you take.

Cons are very different from school or camp or anyplace else you hang out where there are a lot of people. It may take a while to adjust to the culture shock, but don't let it scare you. Connies tend to be a bit strange, but most of them are nice.

The first order of business, though, is learning where Con Ops is and what Con Staffers look like. Hopefully Ops will be clearly marked and staffers will be wearing matching t-shirts or buttons or something - especially look for Con Secutiry. If you feel unsafe or threatened by another person so that you are scared for your own safety, report the suspicious person to Con Security or Ops immediately. If you can't find a security member and Ops is too far away or unmanned, find any con staffer and ask for help. If they are not helpful, go to the hotel front desk.

Don't guard your money with your life. Your life is more valuable. Instead, just try to make yourself less of a target. Stay where other people are. If you find yourself alone, go find a place with people.