GENERAL TIPS
- Have water !
- Bring a small snack !
Same as the water, you'll most likely get hungry and while they do have food stands, they get pretty expensive and aren't always the best choice especially when you want to continue walking around or you have someone you want to go see. I'm not saying "don't eat there" because you do need a decent meal rather than just snacks all day, but for standing in line and walking around snacks are a good idea.
- Wear comfy clothes and shoes !
Make your outfit or costume as comfortable as possible, the important part is the shoes since you will be standing and walking most of the day.
- Consider a bag !
I would suggest thinking about bringing a reusable bag of some sort. Sometimes a purse just isn't enough. It's hard to think ahead about what you might buy because you never know what you might fall in love with but if you are wanting a photo op or an autograph a bag is one of the best ways to ensure it doesn't get bend or damaged.
**NOTE : most conventions sell their own reusable bags for about $5-$10, it makes a souvenir and a handy bag in one.
- Be sun ready !
Who knows how long you may end up out in the sun, apply sunscreen before you leave and bring sunglasses and a hat with you.
TIME
- Check times and schedules online ahead of time !
Use apps and websites such as Google maps to plan your route and how long it will take to get there, etc. Many conventions also have their own apps with schedule times for autograph signings, photo ops, and Q&As [ and more ! ]. This will help ensure you get to do everything you want to and see everyone you want to. For me, I was going to comic con after work so checking times and creating a rough schedule helped ease my mind because I knew I would get to do everything and still have time left over to walk around and just take it all in.
- Be early !
Lines can be ridiculous! Arriving early will make the wait a bit shorter in the long run, plus you'll get to see all the cool outfits as people arrive.
- Be patient !
This goes hand in hand with my 'be early' tip. The volunteers and employees are doing what they can to make sure the entire event runs smoothly. If what you're in line for is for something you really want to do / see it'll be worth it! Conventions only come a few times a year so just enjoy the adventure.
MONEY
- Plan ahead !
Most conventions have prices for autographs / photo ops / etc. listed on their website, so find the prices for those you want and figure out how much money you are comfortable spending so you'll know a rough amount of money you can spend on other things. But always be prepared for extras! Some celebrity guests will charge less for a selfie than for a regular photo, it just won't be advertised online or in pamphlets, [ they're usually a last minute decision type of thing ] so check the price list by their booth first, just in case.
- Use cash !
For autographs and photos they generally only take cash anyway, but using cash instead of debit or credit makes it a whole lot easier to keep track of how much you're spending [ because, trust me, it is SO easy to spend more than you have ]. This will also help you "prioritize" so you'll get the things you really want first. I know for me, I bring both cash and debit just in case, because you never really know what you'll find, but if you want to try to stay on a budget, give your card to a friend or family member [ someone you trust ! ].
- See everything first !
Before you actually buy stuff, make sure you've walked to every booth first. When you see something you want make a list on your phone of the booth name, what it is and the cost. Some booths may have similar items at a cheaper price. If they're running low on an item you want, talk to the vendor, they may be willing to put it aside for a bit if you're very interested.
- Gather business cards / vendor names !
For the more expensive items, or if you do run out of money, get the card or name and make a note of what it was you wanted. When a birthday, holiday or special occasion rolls around and people start asking what it is you'd like for a gift, you can tell them ! [ being willing to pitch in for more expensive items makes it more likely you'll get them ].
- Split prices !
This may be hard to do for most things, but keep it in mind just in case. For packs of items, or sales [ ex. 2 for 1 ] split the price with a friend so you can both get one! Especially for photo ops, as they can be expensive, split the cost with a friend and get one photo together [ if you must you can always try cropping them out after, I won't judge ].
Have you ever been to a convention ? Which one and what was your favourite part ?
COMMENT BELOW :)
COMMENT BELOW :)
xoxo - Gouu
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