Comicbook Convention Tips

As the 2019 convention season approaches thoughts turn to which conventions to attend and what to do while there. For those that are new to comicbook conventions it may even tend to what tips and insights can they find in order to enhance their experience.

Since anybody who has been to a comicbook convention can probably recommend their favorite shows, we won’t attempt to do that here. We have however convinced our very own geek girl to share some insights on how to make the most of your time at the show as there is so much to see and so little time.

Unless you have managed to acquire your own personal TARDIS or time travel device/spell you simply can’t see and do everything that these shows offer. There are shows I have attended for multiple years and there are still corners of the show I have never seen. It doesn’t matter if you are talking about a 2 day show such as the Tidewater Comicon or the 4 1/2 day extravaganza of Comic-Con International: San Diego (SDCC), there just never sees to be enough time to do and see everything.

Obviously I can’t tell you specifically what to see and do, but I can give you some advice on how to make the whole experience a little less stressful and more enjoyable.

The first thing to do is smile, you are planning on spending time doing something fun, so don’t stress the little things.

Think about why it is you want to go to a comic book convention. Is it because you have never been and simply want to experience what your friends have been talking about? Perhaps you have become a huge fan of a comicbook, movie, professional and want to have a chance to learn more about it/them maybe even meet them in person. Or perhaps you are an aspiring creative and want to try to get your foot in the door. There are so any different reasons to go and any of these could influence what is important to while you are there.

Regardless of the reason for going stay open to new experiences, to learning about people or things that were not on your radar when you decided to go. Some of my most treasured moments from the shows were from people or things that weren’t in my initial plan for that show.

Be sure you check the show’s website to learn the does and don’ts for that show. The rules of what you can bring with you may vary from show to show, even from year to year. It is also one of the best sources for information to plan your time at the show. It usually will have a floor layout so you can have a feel for where people/things will be. A guest and exhibitor listing, though keep in mind that they do their best to be accurate on who will be at the show, however life happens. What I mean is that though somebody was planning on being at the show, southing can still come up in their personal or professional lives at the last minute preventing them from being there. Don’t let that ruin your day. This is also one reason I usually tell others to have more than one person or thing that you want to see/do at the show.

As the show starts to publish their schedule of events, panels, signings etc, start to review them. Again, keep in mind things can change even at the last minute. Start making note of things you would like to see, and don’t sweat the fact that some will be happening at the same time. Make note of the ones that you most want to see/do, and then which are the backup ones in case something is cancelled, rescheduled or you just can’t get to because everybody else wanted to see/do the same thing and they can only fit so many people into a room/space.

Plan on the fact that food and drink at a convention is more expensive. You either need to factor the cost into your budget or bring them with you each day. Keep in mind the earlier suggestion of being familiar with the shows rules, they may not allow you to bring in outside food/drink.

Don’t underestimate the need for staying hydrated even if you are indoors. Amazing how much walking, talking etc will dehydrate you and you don’t want to spoil your day by making yourself sick by overlooking such a simple detail.

Avoid the Con-Crud… yes the bug that many come down with after attending one of these shows has earned its own nickname. Hand sanitizers are your friend, as are fist/elbow bumps in place of handshakes.

Be respectful of personal boundaries, not everybody is going to want a complete stranger to run up to them, hug them screaming in their ear how they are that person’s biggest fan. Ask if you can give them a hug, take a selfie with them, etc. Surprisingly this is a little detail that people sometimes forget.

Wear comfortable shows, you will be on your feet a lot. Be ready to stand in lines, it could be a line for a panel, an autograph, even to buy that must have collectible. Don’t let the lines be the thing that turn you into a grump, that will only spoil your time at the show as well as spoiling it for those around you

Oh oh oh and please people, remember cos-play is not consent. It is not consent to make inappropriate comments, touch them appropriately or not, without permission. If you wouldn’t want somebody treating your brother/sister, boyfriend/girlfriend, whatever in such a manner, why would you treat anybody in that manner.

Again, don’t sweat the small stuff. Whether it is missing that panel you REALLY wanted to see, not managing to get that autograph you were dying for. Just enjoy it. Go see a panel you weren’t planning on simply because you have some time between other things you are doing and want to get off your feet for a few minutes. You may be surprised to find it becomes on of the most memorable ones from your day. Happened to me at a few shows, and since most shows are trying to fit in as many exhibitors as possible the amount of seating on the show floor to just get off your feat is usually minimal.

And final piece of advice… just relax, smile and ENJOY. You are there to have a good time as are others, best way to do that is by smiling, laughing and not sweating the little things. Don’t get too upset when they cap the line just before you. It happens, just find something else to see/do and keep enjoying. Talk to strangers in line, you are there to see/do some of the same things so share that with each other, you never know just who you might become friends with as a result.