Baby’s First Con Checklist
Is it your First Con? We’ve got your back!
~For PNWC and Beyond~
Basics
- Take. Your. Time. Conventions can be overwhelming with all the lights, people, and energy, and panic attacks are not fun. Taking a breath, reviewing schedules, and putting together a plan of attack will do you nothing but good in the long run.
- There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking breaks in between activities and jumping back in later. If you live near or have a hotel near the con, taking a nap or physical break away from the con can do wonders.
- While it can be really fun to talk to certain vendors and artists, conventions are, for many of them, their job. Try not to loiter too long in their space if you aren’t making a purchase so that they can socialize with and help other customers.
Getting and Going
- Rideshare services can become significantly more expensive when an event is happening. Car pooling or splitting the cost with other people can make it way more affordable.
Cosplay
- Having a Cosplay Repair Kit consisting of items like sewing materials, buttons, tape, stain remover, and Velcro can get you out of a cosplay emergency.
- COSPLAY IS NOT CONSENT! Do not touch, stalk, or advance on folks in cosplay just because you like what they are wearing or the character that they are cosplaying. Same goes for taking pictures. And this all ESPECIALLY go for youth and children!
Safety
- Especially in cities that you are unfamiliar with, it is always recommended to go out in pairs and groups.
- Make sure that at any given time you have any needed medications such as emergency medicines like an EpiPen or an inhaler immediately on hand, like in a purse or fanny back. It is also recommended that less serious but still helpful medications—think Acetaminophen, Dramamine, or Antiacids—be brought along as well.
- If you ever feel lost, uncomfortable, or scared at the con, find a volunteer or staff person who can either steer you in the right direction or help get you out of an uncomfy or dangerous situation. There is no need to feel bad about it because that is what they are there for!
- When asking things of or interacting with special guests, don’t ask them needlessly racy, intimate, or inappropriate questions. This behavior is often most commonly seen between attendees and voice actors. They are not their character, they are not your friend. Always exercise common sense and respect.
Food and Drink
- Even if it may not be convenient, eating healthy food can help you from feeling sluggish and tired during a convention weekend.
- Stay hydrated! Nobody wants to have to leave mid-panel to use the bathroom, but it is WAY less embarrassing than passing out or having to deal with the rest of the day’s migraine.
Hygeine
- Deodorant. A tale as old as time.
- A convention is one of the easiest places to get sick! Keep those hands washed and mask up if you have any concerns.
- Think twice about putting on anything heavily scented, like perfumes, lotions, or colognes. A lot of folks can be sensitive to harsh smells and you don’t want to be the evil twin of No Deodorant Guy.
Financials
- Making a budget for the weekend can help you stay on track! Keep in mind what you may be spending on art, merch, food, transportation, parking, and special guest fees.
- Going to a con can sometimes feel like when you went to the store to just get one thing—going beyond your budget and leaving with more than you meant isn’t exactly a bad thing, but it can turn into one! That is why it is recommended to save for conventions that you plan on spending at. That way, if your budget is looking a little worse for wear, you aren’t breaking the bank.