The Anime Convention Survival Guide

Okay, you're an anime fan, getting ready to make a trip to your first convention. But it's your first one, and you're not sure what you need to do. So here's ten handy tips to help you out as you head for three days and two nights of fun.

1. Sign Up Early

   Once you've located a convention taking place in your area, you'll want to register for it as soon as possible. The main reason for this is that for most conventions, the sooner you register, the less expensive the fee is. Some places allow you do this online or have a form you can print up, fill out and mail off. You'll then later get a receipt in the mail that you turn in to pick up your convention packet. Best of all, the convention badge that you wear to get around will have your name on it, rather than just saying "Guest". Admit it, that's much cooler.

2. Book Your Hotel Room

   Most anime conventions take place in hotels that are built for these sorts of things, thus allowing you to have a convenient place to sleep. So you'll want to book yourself a room, also as early as possible since rooms can and do go quick. Actually, you might want to do this first, then that way you'll know the place isn't completely booked after you've already registered and paid the fee. Sure, you could still book a room at a nearby motel, but then you'd have to leave the con to get cleaned up and sleep, so what would be the point? It's much better to just stay in one place.
   
   One good tip when booking your room is to have it so that you arrive the day before the convention starts. This way, you're right there for the opening ceremonies. You'll even be allowed to pick up your convention packet that same day, so even if you have to wait in line you won't waste valuable convention time doing it.

3. Save Your Money

   This is definitely an important one, since you are going to be spending some big bucks at the convention, on both goodies and your hotel stay, both of which can and do get expensive. It makes sense to start saving as soon as you register, maybe even before, putting a little aside each week so you have something to spend. And it is preferable to take cash, since that's easier to keep track of and lessens the chance of you running up a huge credit card debt.
   
   One way to save some money is by going to the convention with a group. By doing this, you can all book one room and split the cost together. This is especially helpful if this is your first time going to a convention and watch your money a little bit.

4. Have a Plan Ready

   Between the opening and closing ceremonies, events such as the costume contest, panel discussions, meeting celebrity guests and a concert or two, there's a lot of stuff going on at anime conventions. But there's only so much one can do in three days, and you don't want to waste valuable time just wandering around. So what you'll want to do is whip up some sort of plan of what you want to do, so then that way you won't look like a complete newbie.
   
   At the same time when you register, check out the Program Guide on the convention website to see what events they'll have planned, what guests they have lined up, what panels they might having, etc. If possible, print this up, or otherwise look it over and jot down on a piece of paper what you want to see and what time they start. Be prepared to make a revision or two, since things can change in the time until the start of the convention, so be sure to check the website for updates. This is especially where arriving early comes in handy, since you can take the time to look over the program booklet and make any last minute changes. Also be prepared to make on-the-spot revisions, since things can and do change at the very last minute.
   
   
   One important part of your plan that you'll want to have is a shopping list. With all the vendors there selling stuff from DVDs to model kits to clothing, anime conventions are a great way complete a collection or two. Make a list of any particular items you know you need, like certain DVDs, manga volumes, T-shirts, whatever. You will want to wander in this case, since you'll want to shop around and get good deals. Be prepared to not completely follow this list, either, since you'll either find extras you didn't think of or just not find what you were looking for.

5. Bring a Big Suitcase

   You're only going for three days, but you'll want to take a big suitcase with you. Aside from carrying your clothes (bring a little more than enough, in case of accidents) and toiletries (better to have your own stuff rather than the dinky little things the hotel provides), the main reason being is that it makes it easier to carry all the stuff you're going to buy home in. Most vendors probably won't provide you with bags to carry your stuff in, so the big suitcase helps. And certainly better than lugging a bunch of shopping bags around and keep track of, anyway, particularly when check-out time's usually before the convention ends and you have to store your luggage until it's time to leave.

6. Bring Your Own Food

   One thing that's going to be particularly expensive is food. Whether it's hotel room service or the vendors at the convention, you'd be spending some bucks. It's okay maybe once or twice if you have a sudden craving for a particular snack or want a decent meal, but let's face it, you have better things to spend your money on. The solution (and a lot of cons actually encourage this)? Bring your own food.
   
   Basically you'll want to bring stuff that doesn't need to be heated or refrigerated, since coolers can only do so much (unless you have one that you can plug in, so look into that). It also has to be something that's easy to pack and carry. Granola and/or cereal bars (in particular the ones with fruit in them) are good for breakfast. And of course, there's always the traditional sandwich, which you probably make before you leave. If you want a hot meal (and get some dose of veggies), there's always cups of instant ramen and even cup of soup packets, both of which you can make using the little coffee maker provided in your room to heat the water.
   
   For drinks you'll want something you don't really mind drinking warm. Water, of course, comes to mind. This is a definite essential, since you'll want to keep yourself hydrated. So you'll want to bring a few bottles, which you can also carry with you while walking the convention and even refill later. It also might not be a bad idea to bring some juice boxes, in particular the ones made from 100% real juice (or so they say).

7. Bathe and Sleep Regularly

   Conventions of any kind always have a lot of people at them. And it's not good to offend anyone by stinking to high heaven, especially if you find yourself lucky enough to meet your favorite artist or voice actor. So take the time to grab a quick shower once or twice during the convention. Trust me, you'll be appreciated for it.
   
   Also, you'll want to sleep. You're there to have fun, and you can't have fun if you're crabby and tired. Take the time to grab at least a few hours' sleep each night, which will make experiencing everything more enjoyable. And if something's going on that runs late into the night, no biggie. Just grab a quick nap during the day and that should help a little bit in the long run.

8. Bring a Camera

   This one's a no-brainer. With all that's going on, you'll want some memories to look back on. So make sure to have a camera so you can take plenty of pictures. And by camera, I don't mean a camera phone, since they can only store so much. I'm talking a real camera, digital or otherwise. If you have a digital (and who doesn't these days?), but sure to have at least a couple memory cards with plenty of gig space so then that way you can take as many pictures as you possibly can.

9. Be Considerate of Others

   You won't be the only person at the convention, so don't act like it. Aside from bathing and sleeping regularly, don't go shoving people around trying to get somewhere, even if you feel the need to hurry. Take your time and wait if necessary, and say “Excuse me” when you have to. If you meet one of the guests, don't needlessly bother them and take up their time. When hanging out in the viewing rooms, don't bother anyone by doing commentary or giving away a plot. And if you have a cell phone, put it on vibrate if you're at an event or in said viewing rooms. That will save some embarrassment on your part and keep folks from being irritated with you.
   
   One particular group you'll want to be considerate of are the cos-players, the folks who attend the convention dressed as their favorite anime and video game characters. You'll probably see more than a few that you like, and naturally you'll want some pictures. But don't just run up and snap a picture while they're unprepared. Wait for the right moment and ask first. Not only will you respect these folks, but you'll even get a pose out of them, making the picture that much cooler.

10. Be Prepared For Disappointment

    The most important thing you'll need to know is that things don't always go the way you want them to. Chances are, you won't be able to meet the voice actor you wanted, you'll miss the showing of the anime you wanted to catch, or you won't find that certain volume of your favorite manga series that you're looking for. It happens, but you shouldn't let it get to you. You have to accept that things didn't go your way and move on, making necessary changes to your game plan if necessary. That way you won't waste the rest of the convention in a foul mood, or risk getting kicked out and/or banned if you try to spread it around.

And that's it. It's not a totally complete lists of tips, and someone else might have some better ideas, but this should give you a sense of what you can do when you hit your first anime convention. Do things right, and you'll end up having a lot of fun. Enjoy!