There are lots of conventions all over the world. They're all very different, but they all have a few things in common. I've been to a few comic cons myself, and wanted to share some of my best tips and tricks. These will mostly be applicable to Salt Lake Comic Con, but hopefully they'll be helpful for others as well. Here we go!
Before the Con
Tip 1 - Buying Your Tickets
If there's one thing that deters most people from going to comic con, it's the cost. Especially for first-time goers, it can seem like a lot of money just to go spend more money or hear some people speak. One thing that's helpful to know is when to buy your tickets.
If the con you're going to is anything like SLCC, they'll have a few deals around holidays, and right when tickets go on sale. I always decide early if I'm going to the next con or not, because I want to buy my tickets right when the "Loyalty Launch" starts. With that deal, not only do I save a lot of money, but I get a lot out of it, too.
Normally, VIP is $230, Gold is $95, and a Multipass is $60. With the Loyalty Launch, you get VIP for around $150, Gold for $60, and Multipass for $35. (I'm estimating here, I can't remember exact numbers). But hey, that is a killer deal!!! Not only are the prices cut, but I also get a free Thursday pass, two free kids passes, and a free tshirt and lanyard with my purchase if I do it soon enough. Check out your local con for early deals you can snag.
Tip 2 - What to Wear
One of my favorite thing about comic con is dressing up. You should decide early on if you're going to dress up. Whether you're going to make your costume or buy it, you're going to need lots of time to plan it out in case something goes wrong. Start by looking through what you already have that could be used to dress up as a character, even past costumes you could use again. Then make a list of things you still need for your character.
It could be as simple as a dress, jewelry and heels. Or as elaborate as a wig, colored contacts, shirt, jacket, skirt, tights, shoes, and accessories. Whichever way you choose, make a decision and stick to it. It also helps if you go with a group, because then you can help each other find pieces of your costume! I'm going to be doing an article very soon all about cosplay, so stay tuned for that.
Tip 3 - Decide on a Budget
You don't want to go to comic con the first day only to find a piece of merchandise that's perfect for your collection.....and not have enough money willing to pay for it. Comic cons are swarmed with artists, authors, food, and vendors of all sorts. I guarantee you'll find at least one thing that sparks your interest.
Make sure you save up some money to use at comic con, and bring as much as you can in cash. Since most vendors aren't big companies, they may not have a card reader, and even if they do, they're usually willing to give you a discount if you use cash to save them a credit charge.
Some examples of merch commonly found at comic con:
Tshirts, necklaces, car decals, henna, glitter tattoos, leather journals, signed pictures, jewelry, neck ties, scarves, belt buckles, crafted swords, costumes, cloaks, hats, etc.
Footnote: Make sure you also budget money for food!!!
Week before the Con
Tip 4 - Transportation and Food
Now the week of the con has crept up on you, you're hurrying to finish last minute details for costumes, making sure you'll have the money you planned, and planning who you'll meet there. Don't forget you need to plan how you'll get there!
Usually a con will be in a fairly busy city. That means parking garages charging a minimum of $7 for your stay, metered parking, free parking only for 2 hours, or free parking across town. Whether you drive yourself, carpool, or use public transportation, you need to plan your route and how long it'll take you to get there.
On a similar note, don't forget that you need to eat!!!
Food at the con is usually pricey for not much, so I would recommend eating a good-size breakfast that will last you, and bring a few small, inconspicuous snacks for lines, or when you're too far away from a meal but need something to munch. They normally won't let you bring in food, so don't plan to bring a lunch box or cooler, because they won't let you in with it without a serious medical condition exempting you from the rule.
You should plan whether you'll eat lunch, dinner, or both while at the con. There's usually hot dogs, pizza, pretzels, popcorn, etc at cons. If you're lucky, they might have some food truck vendors. If they do, GO FOR THEM!!! They'll usually have a better amount of food than others, and I've scored drinks at fairly cheap prices, too.
Tip 5 - Plan your Panels
You've gotten excited about comic con, and you've seen all the cool announcements for guests....now what? Well, you could wander around the vendor floor all day just looking at merchandise, or....you could go to panels.
Panels have to be my favorite part of comic con. You have celebrity Q&A panels, where you hear straight from the stars. Then there's author panels, you can ask authors about their past and upcoming works! My favorite are writing panels where you get advice from authors, editors, and publishers about how to go from writing your book to getting it out and into the spotlight. They'll also have discussions on visual effects, weapon or costume makers, comedy panels, and interactive ones as well.
Check your con's website and/or FB page to check for a list of panels the week before, because that's when all their celebrities will be booked, and they'll be able to have times for when their panels are. Make sure you go through and make a list of the panel, time, and room of all the ones you want to see, so that you'll know when to get in line as well.
Book signings, photo ops, and autographs need some planning, too if you're going to those. Always plan ahead so you don't miss them!
Tip 6 - Make a List of Supplies
I'm serious about this, be nit-picky and list everything and anything you'll need while at the con. Money, costume, snacks, headache medicine, chapstick, makeup, needle and thread in case your stitching comes lose, notebook and pen, phone, phone charger (portable if you have it), headphones to block out the world while in line if listening to music, camera, tissues, cough drops or band-aids if needed, hair accessories, and anything else you can think of.
Night Before the Con
Tip 7 - Set EVERYTHING Out
Trust me on this one, you do NOT want to be running around like a chicken with its head cut off the morning of the con. You will be stressed and it won't be a pretty picture or get you in a good mood for the day. Put everything you'll need to carry with you in a bag (except your phone and anything else you'll use that night), if you can you should also plan a bag that will go with your character so that Cruella De Vil isn't carrying a bright yellow Minions bag. But that's up to you. Make sure your camera battery is full and the memory card has plenty of memory. Set out your tickets on your nightstand, and set your alarm(s) so you get up with plenty of time to get ready and leave.
Set your costume up on a chair or couch if possible so you know for certain that it's all together and you're not missing anything. If Harry Potter is without his glasses, or The Tenth Doctor without his converse....it'd be pretty weird, wouldn't it?
Tip 8 - Doublecheck Times
If you haven't already, check what time you'll need to leave. Especially with public transportation, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get there, so you don't have to wait for an agonizing half hour after you'd planned on leaving for the next train.
It's Time!!!
Tip 9 - Get Ready and Be Early
You're ready for your comic con debut! But on that mask and get there fast and safely. There are lots of other people excited about this, so make sure you get there in plenty of time to beat the rushes, and even earlier if you still need to register your wristbands, or pick up and register your wristbands if you didn't get them shipped to you.
Tip 10 - Check panel rooms and times
One thing cons are notorious for is changing schedules. So, make sure you look to see if there are signs saying that a certain panel you want to go to has been moved across the building, so that you're not running in your viking boots to get there. If you can get any early access to panels because of Gold, VIP, or other special status tickets, use them for the panels you want to see most.
Tip 11 - Linessssss lllllines liiiiiines lineeeeees linnnnnnnes
Prepare yourself mentally for a long day of lines. Lines for panels, vendors, food, author signings, photo ops, bathrooms, etc. Remember also to be courteous! Everyone else has to wait in lines just like you, so be kind to one another. NO butting in line. That is the biggest manner no-no.
Tip 12 - Peoplewatch, and take Pictures
You know that awesome Han Solo in Carbonite on the wall? Perfect photo op! Or that awesome Delorian, another photo op! Oooo, there's a guy dressed as the Joker! Do NOT just take a candid shot of anyone you feel like. Many people go to a lot of work to figure out the perfect pose to show off their character and/or costume to you if you're polite enough to ask them to pose. Not only should you ask for permission, but many times someone will have beat you to the punch, and a group will gather to take pictures all at the same time. Also, they might be hurrying to a panel themselves, so don't be offended if they don't have time to stop.
Look at all the costumes around you! There are so many people with elaborate costumes, it's fun to see. Who knows? You might just get inspiration for your next costume. Oh, and did I mention you might be a victim of paparazzi, too? If you have a cool costume, or if someone loves your character, they might just ask you to pose for them! Be prepared with a good pose for them if you have time...
P.S. If you want to be sought out among picture-takers, and people pointing you out, dress as Waldo! I did a couple times, and it surprised me just how much attention I got, and it gave me the chance to talk to some fun people. :)
Tip 13 - Be Early to Panels
Chances are, with big celebrities like David Tennant, Bonnie Wright, Stan Lee, Alex Kingston, Mark Hamill, and lots of others appearing at cons, there's going to be a big hall where the most special guests will be featured where the most chairs are. GET THERE EARLY. I can guarantee you that if there's a super popular character, especially if the con is advertising them most, there will be a huge line. I've found the best way to get a good seat for those is to go to the panel before, and then move closer when some people from that panel leave before your panel. If you don't care about a good seat, just about getting in, still get there early, because lines can form fast, and you may not get in at all.
There are my lucky 13 tips for Comic Con!!! Was there anything I missed? Let me know if I did, I'd love to see what tips and tricks you have. Have fun at your local con, hopefully with this list it'll be more planned out!
Tip 1 - Buying Your Tickets
If there's one thing that deters most people from going to comic con, it's the cost. Especially for first-time goers, it can seem like a lot of money just to go spend more money or hear some people speak. One thing that's helpful to know is when to buy your tickets.
If the con you're going to is anything like SLCC, they'll have a few deals around holidays, and right when tickets go on sale. I always decide early if I'm going to the next con or not, because I want to buy my tickets right when the "Loyalty Launch" starts. With that deal, not only do I save a lot of money, but I get a lot out of it, too.
Normally, VIP is $230, Gold is $95, and a Multipass is $60. With the Loyalty Launch, you get VIP for around $150, Gold for $60, and Multipass for $35. (I'm estimating here, I can't remember exact numbers). But hey, that is a killer deal!!! Not only are the prices cut, but I also get a free Thursday pass, two free kids passes, and a free tshirt and lanyard with my purchase if I do it soon enough. Check out your local con for early deals you can snag.
Tip 2 - What to Wear
One of my favorite thing about comic con is dressing up. You should decide early on if you're going to dress up. Whether you're going to make your costume or buy it, you're going to need lots of time to plan it out in case something goes wrong. Start by looking through what you already have that could be used to dress up as a character, even past costumes you could use again. Then make a list of things you still need for your character.
It could be as simple as a dress, jewelry and heels. Or as elaborate as a wig, colored contacts, shirt, jacket, skirt, tights, shoes, and accessories. Whichever way you choose, make a decision and stick to it. It also helps if you go with a group, because then you can help each other find pieces of your costume! I'm going to be doing an article very soon all about cosplay, so stay tuned for that.
Tip 3 - Decide on a Budget
You don't want to go to comic con the first day only to find a piece of merchandise that's perfect for your collection.....and not have enough money willing to pay for it. Comic cons are swarmed with artists, authors, food, and vendors of all sorts. I guarantee you'll find at least one thing that sparks your interest.
Make sure you save up some money to use at comic con, and bring as much as you can in cash. Since most vendors aren't big companies, they may not have a card reader, and even if they do, they're usually willing to give you a discount if you use cash to save them a credit charge.
Some examples of merch commonly found at comic con:
Tshirts, necklaces, car decals, henna, glitter tattoos, leather journals, signed pictures, jewelry, neck ties, scarves, belt buckles, crafted swords, costumes, cloaks, hats, etc.
Footnote: Make sure you also budget money for food!!!
Week before the Con
Tip 4 - Transportation and Food
Now the week of the con has crept up on you, you're hurrying to finish last minute details for costumes, making sure you'll have the money you planned, and planning who you'll meet there. Don't forget you need to plan how you'll get there!
Usually a con will be in a fairly busy city. That means parking garages charging a minimum of $7 for your stay, metered parking, free parking only for 2 hours, or free parking across town. Whether you drive yourself, carpool, or use public transportation, you need to plan your route and how long it'll take you to get there.
On a similar note, don't forget that you need to eat!!!
Food at the con is usually pricey for not much, so I would recommend eating a good-size breakfast that will last you, and bring a few small, inconspicuous snacks for lines, or when you're too far away from a meal but need something to munch. They normally won't let you bring in food, so don't plan to bring a lunch box or cooler, because they won't let you in with it without a serious medical condition exempting you from the rule.
You should plan whether you'll eat lunch, dinner, or both while at the con. There's usually hot dogs, pizza, pretzels, popcorn, etc at cons. If you're lucky, they might have some food truck vendors. If they do, GO FOR THEM!!! They'll usually have a better amount of food than others, and I've scored drinks at fairly cheap prices, too.
Tip 5 - Plan your Panels
You've gotten excited about comic con, and you've seen all the cool announcements for guests....now what? Well, you could wander around the vendor floor all day just looking at merchandise, or....you could go to panels.
Panels have to be my favorite part of comic con. You have celebrity Q&A panels, where you hear straight from the stars. Then there's author panels, you can ask authors about their past and upcoming works! My favorite are writing panels where you get advice from authors, editors, and publishers about how to go from writing your book to getting it out and into the spotlight. They'll also have discussions on visual effects, weapon or costume makers, comedy panels, and interactive ones as well.
Check your con's website and/or FB page to check for a list of panels the week before, because that's when all their celebrities will be booked, and they'll be able to have times for when their panels are. Make sure you go through and make a list of the panel, time, and room of all the ones you want to see, so that you'll know when to get in line as well.
Book signings, photo ops, and autographs need some planning, too if you're going to those. Always plan ahead so you don't miss them!
Tip 6 - Make a List of Supplies
I'm serious about this, be nit-picky and list everything and anything you'll need while at the con. Money, costume, snacks, headache medicine, chapstick, makeup, needle and thread in case your stitching comes lose, notebook and pen, phone, phone charger (portable if you have it), headphones to block out the world while in line if listening to music, camera, tissues, cough drops or band-aids if needed, hair accessories, and anything else you can think of.
Night Before the Con
Tip 7 - Set EVERYTHING Out
Trust me on this one, you do NOT want to be running around like a chicken with its head cut off the morning of the con. You will be stressed and it won't be a pretty picture or get you in a good mood for the day. Put everything you'll need to carry with you in a bag (except your phone and anything else you'll use that night), if you can you should also plan a bag that will go with your character so that Cruella De Vil isn't carrying a bright yellow Minions bag. But that's up to you. Make sure your camera battery is full and the memory card has plenty of memory. Set out your tickets on your nightstand, and set your alarm(s) so you get up with plenty of time to get ready and leave.
Set your costume up on a chair or couch if possible so you know for certain that it's all together and you're not missing anything. If Harry Potter is without his glasses, or The Tenth Doctor without his converse....it'd be pretty weird, wouldn't it?
Tip 8 - Doublecheck Times
If you haven't already, check what time you'll need to leave. Especially with public transportation, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get there, so you don't have to wait for an agonizing half hour after you'd planned on leaving for the next train.
It's Time!!!
Tip 9 - Get Ready and Be Early
You're ready for your comic con debut! But on that mask and get there fast and safely. There are lots of other people excited about this, so make sure you get there in plenty of time to beat the rushes, and even earlier if you still need to register your wristbands, or pick up and register your wristbands if you didn't get them shipped to you.
Tip 10 - Check panel rooms and times
One thing cons are notorious for is changing schedules. So, make sure you look to see if there are signs saying that a certain panel you want to go to has been moved across the building, so that you're not running in your viking boots to get there. If you can get any early access to panels because of Gold, VIP, or other special status tickets, use them for the panels you want to see most.
Tip 11 - Linessssss lllllines liiiiiines lineeeeees linnnnnnnes
Prepare yourself mentally for a long day of lines. Lines for panels, vendors, food, author signings, photo ops, bathrooms, etc. Remember also to be courteous! Everyone else has to wait in lines just like you, so be kind to one another. NO butting in line. That is the biggest manner no-no.
Tip 12 - Peoplewatch, and take Pictures
You know that awesome Han Solo in Carbonite on the wall? Perfect photo op! Or that awesome Delorian, another photo op! Oooo, there's a guy dressed as the Joker! Do NOT just take a candid shot of anyone you feel like. Many people go to a lot of work to figure out the perfect pose to show off their character and/or costume to you if you're polite enough to ask them to pose. Not only should you ask for permission, but many times someone will have beat you to the punch, and a group will gather to take pictures all at the same time. Also, they might be hurrying to a panel themselves, so don't be offended if they don't have time to stop.
Look at all the costumes around you! There are so many people with elaborate costumes, it's fun to see. Who knows? You might just get inspiration for your next costume. Oh, and did I mention you might be a victim of paparazzi, too? If you have a cool costume, or if someone loves your character, they might just ask you to pose for them! Be prepared with a good pose for them if you have time...
P.S. If you want to be sought out among picture-takers, and people pointing you out, dress as Waldo! I did a couple times, and it surprised me just how much attention I got, and it gave me the chance to talk to some fun people. :)
Tip 13 - Be Early to Panels
Chances are, with big celebrities like David Tennant, Bonnie Wright, Stan Lee, Alex Kingston, Mark Hamill, and lots of others appearing at cons, there's going to be a big hall where the most special guests will be featured where the most chairs are. GET THERE EARLY. I can guarantee you that if there's a super popular character, especially if the con is advertising them most, there will be a huge line. I've found the best way to get a good seat for those is to go to the panel before, and then move closer when some people from that panel leave before your panel. If you don't care about a good seat, just about getting in, still get there early, because lines can form fast, and you may not get in at all.
No comments:
Post a Comment