The Obligitory Convention Survival Guide: Part One

Well it's finally here, convention season 2017! Time for all of the geeks and nerds to make their respective pilgrimages to the nerdy Promised Land. But, conventions CAN be very intimidating, especially the really big ones. Some like GenCon (my favorite) host thousands of people a day. With event lists that fill an entire book, gaming demos, tournaments, artists, writers, game publishers, designers, celebrities, and tons of stuff to buy. But whether your geeky passion is tabletop gaming, video gaming, comics, sci-fi, fantasy or all of the above there are many things you should be prepared for at all conventions.

Large Crowds

All conventions, the good ones at least, will draw a crowd. That means navigating a sea of people. Personally, I avoid large crowds of strangers in my day to day routine as I have some social anxiety, but when I’m at a con it really doesn’t matter, maybe it’s the sense of belonging or the anticipation of all the cool stuff I'm going to see, but large crowds don't bother me in this situation. Now navigating the crowds can be trying. You'll be getting up close and personal you’ll bump into people, step on feet, get your feet stepped on, etc. most convention goers know it’s bound to happen. So don’t worry if you accidentally run into someone, apologize, brush it off and move on, it’s all part of the experience.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

With large indoor crowds comes heat and dehydration. At a big convention it will set in before you know it. Have a bottle of water filled and ready to go, keep it in your backpack (I’ll get to that in a minute). And refill at water fountains whenever you get the chance, you’ll thank yourself.

Carry a Backpack or Bag

It is a very stereotypical thing to see people walking around at cons with a back pack or shoulder bag. Well there is a utilitarian reason, you can keep your water in there, along with aspirin, stomach medicine, Kleenex, etc. But it also gives you a place to put your stuff you’ve no doubt picked up. I never go to a con without mine. A backpack is essential.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

It may seem like a play from Forrest Gump’s book, but a pair of good comfortable shoes will make or break your con experience. At any con, especially really large ones, you will walk and walk and walk some more. Make sure your shoes are good and take a break when you need one. There will be so much to do you may not want to stop, but you most definitely should take a break from time to time.

Research

I’m a bit of a stickler for this one. Research the events and people that will be there. Research floor maps and which vendors will be there. Research nearby restaurants, or maybe even touristy things to do around your convention. But definitely look into food options before you go. Also bear in mind this is coming from a foodie, great food is a major part of my con expectations.

Don't Overbook Yourself

Many Conventions will have A LOT of events going on simultaneously. Don't ever think you'll be able to do everything, in some like GenCon, you'd be lucky to experience 10% of it. Concentrate on going to events that really interest you, and if you don't hit everything you want, let it go. Enjoy what you did, don't lament what you didn't.

Do Something Kind For Someone

Last but not least, do something kind for someone. It's easy to get caught up in the rush of the convention

keep in mind your fellow con goers. It might make someones convention.

If you want to know more check out my packing list and what to put in your convention bag check out Part 2 of my guide,

HERE:

The Obligatory Convention Survival Guide: Part 2

#Convention #conventions #Gencon #regionalevents