So you have never been to a con and it seems like you will be out of your mind, but fear not, true believers, here is an awesome guide to give you the lowdown with a little bit of video intervention and theme music to get you going. Star Trek and comic cons have been happening since about the 60s and were small. These early cons usually were fans getting together, trading comics, and meeting comic pros. Nowadays, quite a few cons are big deals, but planning ahead can be a big help.
There are many independent pop culture and comic cons across the country there also companies that host a trying to convince country during the course of the year, for example, The Fan Expo or Wizard World Series of Cons. Generally, at these shows, you’ll find actors from blockbusters such as Justice League or Marvel movies. Actors who appear in your favorite live-action TV such as Star Trek, The Flash, or Agents of Shield. Even the voices behind such cartoons as Rocko’s Modern Life, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Batman: The Animated Series.
If you’ve never been to a con before, but are going because of your kids or other relatives, or want to go or a couple of your crazy nerd friends want to take you there are a few things to remember.
First, from going into the show to meeting people, to concessions, you’re going to wait in line a lot. Here’s my perspective from the second day of Wizard World Auston 2017, to give you an idea. Enjoy the rambling narration:
Also, very important: comfy shoes, comfy shoes, comfy shoes.
Good walking or hiking, comfy shoes are the biggest plus I can get for yourself.
This video should give you an idea of the layout and why shoes are important. DIg, the groovy action music.
And now to give you a little more inside very useful info, here are Samara Burks of Mixedhues.com and Lauren Rubin of Notcool.co to give some insight into attending a con:
And now for vendors/authors perspective on what to do and not to do it at a con and a vendors/creators perspective on comic shows, Jon Messenger:
Also:
-Check online versus day of show pricing for tickets, celebrity photos, and autographs.
-Know all shows do not set prices for parking, concessions, or celebrity photos and signings so be aware of what you can pay.
-Food and parking can be high so plan your budget appropriately.
-Understand that authors, artists, craftspeople, and vendors are spending money fro renting tables, and sometimes, the slots they have as well as wi-fi access to make sales so be kind and patient when talking to them. They are trying to work at the show.
-Decide how many days you want to attend, and plan ahead.
-Cosplayers can weird out the uninitiated so be aware. And politely ask to take pictures. No unwanted touching, and be mindful of their meal and potty needs as well.
-Have a ball.
