Bigger conventions have a longer list of things to do but they can be overwhelming for first time attendees. You may want to go to a specific anime convention to see an anime celebrity or to experience a particular sub genre of anime with other attendees. You can research different anime conventions at Animecons. com, which lists almost every anime convention in the world by region, country, and state. You can also look at the ten largest anime conventions in North America on Animecons. com. Some of the largest anime conventions include the Anime Expo in Los Angeles, California, the Anime North in Toronto, Ontario, and Anime Central in Rosemont, Illinois. [2] X Research source
Smaller anime conventions usually cost around $30 for a pre-registered badge. Larger conventions can cost $50-$60 for a badge. You may also need to factor renting a hotel room or a home stay, as well as transportation, such as airplane tickets or parking and gas for a car. You may decide to go with friends or a partner to cut down on the costs of the anime convention, especially if you are on a tight budget.
You should also be sure that you are able to attend all three days of the anime convention, if you are going to a larger convention, before you pre-register. You may need to request days off at work or clear your schedule on the convention days so you have enough time to experience the convention. If you do not pre-register for the anime convention, you can still pick up your pass at the door. But it will likely be more expensive and you will have to wait in a longer line.
You should check for flight deals online in the weeks or months leading up to the convention. You may want to give yourself a buffer of one day before the convention or arrive the night before so you can get settled in your accommodations before the convention starts. You should consider other transportation options like taking the train or the bus, especially if you are on a tight budget. You should factor in the travel time that will be required if you take the train or the bus and make sure it is worth the effort.
You should check with the anime convention to see if they have reserved hotel rooms for attendees close to the convention center. Some larger anime cons offer discounted rates to attendees. These rooms tend to fill up fast so try to reserve them right after you buy your badge or as soon as they become available. Most hotels require you to be at least 18-21 years of age to book a hotel room. You are usually allowed no more than four people per a room. If you are trying to save money, you may decide to split the hotel room four ways.
Make sure your costume is appropriate for a potentially crowded con if you are going to a larger anime convention. Try to avoid long trailing pieces of clothing that could easily be stepped on or large accessories on your back that could hit people as you turn around. Your costume should allow you to move around easily and see reasonably well. If your costume does limit your vision, recruit a friend to escort you around the con and try to stay aware of your surroundings. If you’re cosplaying, practice poses in costume beforehand. That way you’ll be ready to strut your stuff when people ask to photograph you - and they will if your cosplay is halfway decent!
A sewing kit, duct tape, and markers to make emergency repairs on your cosplay. This way, if your cosplay gets damaged, you can fix it easily and quickly. Loose cash to spend on food and souvenirs. You may want to set a budget so you do not spend too much money on clothing, posters, DVDs, books, and other merchandise at the con. A camera and extra batteries or a plug in charger. You will likely be taking lots of pictures of other cosplays and anime celebrities, so make sure your camera is always charged and ready to go. Photo ID with you as well as loose cash and a debit or credit card. Water and snacks for when you get hungry between meals, as well as sunscreen. You may end up lining up outside to get into the venue and you do not want to get a sunburn in the process. [8] X Research source
You should also make sure you have enough time throughout the day to see everything. You may block off your schedule and make a plan day by day. You can then adjust the schedule once you get to the con, if necessary. You should look at the list of food options on the convention’s website or around the convention. This way, you know what to expect for food options and can budget accordingly. You may end up bringing food with you or eating at your accommodations to save money.
You should make sure your cellphone is fully charged and your camera is fully charged. If you are with friends, you should exchange numbers so you can find each other in the event you get separated or lost.
You should also be sure to arrive early for events that you know are going to be popular, such as a meet and greet with an anime celebrity. Lining up early will ensure you use your time at the convention well and increase your chances of getting into popular events.
You may get pictures with anime celebrities or request a picture of someone’s cosplay. Try to give cosplayers room when you are walking around the convention so their cosplay does not get damaged. Have fun and try to experience the con to the fullest.
