Convention Etiquette: The Dos and Don'ts of attending a pop culture or anime conventions

[@thistle1204]

Years ago, I was at a convention and someone came up to me and starting ripping into me about how inaccurate my "Harley Quinn" cosplay was and how I was ruining the character for them by doing it poorly... I was dressed as Ann from Persona 5 Dancing in Starlight and my cosplay looked great... 🙃

[@KirileeCosplay]

Oh wow- I hope that you corrected them and told them to mind their own business

[@Friendly_Neigborhood_Astolfo]

Wow what a neckbeard and idioit of him. How can someone not see the difference between Ann and Quinn like their outfits are not that similar at all. Edit: I can relate too because I was gender bend Miku at a con this year AND SOME GUY COMES UP AND ASKS IF I WAS FROM YUYU HAKUSHO!

[@hello__starlight]

Please also add people with props hitting people with them by accident! Please please be aware of them! Do not hit people in the head with your foam scythe well turning around! Do not trip people with your sword or start randomly swinging it in a crowded area! And for people with long dresses or skirts I would recommend avoiding crowded areas or at least have a way you can get it off the ground so people won’t step on it. You’re in a crowded area so it is inevitable for someone to accidentally step on your dress or cape or tail

[@KirileeCosplay]

I could not agree more! Yes!

[@candygirl77777]

Oh dear! Several of these no no’s happened to me at cons this year. The photos without permission happened a lot. I was also asked by like two groups for a photo while I was sitting down eating. I had like half of my armor off and sitting next to me too 😫

[@KirileeCosplay]

I am so sorry this happened to you!

[@Friendly_Neigborhood_Astolfo]

Ikr? A few years ago that happened to a girl (at the time was a girl) at a con back in 2014. There was a separate convention going on Simultaneously with AMKE and I was standing next to her and this guys gets very up close to her (like creeper close) and just snaps a photo with his phone no fucks given. She turns up with the "Um...can I help you?" Face and I am standing there, jaw dropped at wjat just happened . He snapsone last picture and then leaves. I asked her if he asked and she nervously said no. Wtf?

[@junkiexl86]

Ive been to alot of conventions and I can say the 3 biggest I see everytime I hate, you touched on. Stopping in the main flow of traffic or any reason. This is especially true as you said, in the dealers room/exhibit hall. Many conventions, esp if you go on a saturday is already hella packed and trying to see dealers stalls and shop while already fighting foot traffic and crowds is bad enough, so stopping in the middle just irritates me plus Ive accidently bumped props and costumes beacause of this and im super careful and respectful. Glad you touched on hygiene as well. Though alot of it cannot be helped. Many dealers rooms/exhibit halls can be naturally hot and stuffy with so many people and many are in costume which compounds sweat and odor for them. Natural sweat BO I understand and tolerate, but no deoderant or clean clothes etc is unacceptable, yet you still see it, commonly. The other is the cosplayers themselves. It's common sense and basic courtesy to leave a cosplayer alone when they are eating, but also when you see them resting or either fully or partially out of uniform which a lot of people disregard. A lot of the costumes can get hot, so we like to partially remove parts of it to cool off and rest. Idk how many times people will come up for photos and you have to immediately get back fully into uniform after you just took stuff off to rest. As a rule of thumb, if they are up walking around/standing fully in uniform and not appearing to be resting/eating, that's when a cosplayer is open for photos, etc. If you're unsure it's OK to ask. "Hey, are you taking a break? etc". A cosplayer will be more than receptive to any requests when we see you're respecting us

[@KirileeCosplay]

Exactly! I’m glad you enjoyed this!

[@canucknancy4257]

A great refresher for those of us who haven't been out much in recent years. We always do our best to be respectful, kind, and considerate, but a reminder is always good. Thanks, Kirilee.

[@KirileeCosplay]

Agreed! It’s all exciting that cons are coming back but we have to remember that it is still a public forum

[@brennanhuffsglue]

First cosplay con ever

[@KirileeCosplay]

Have fun!

[@Fairly-odd-kel]

I've never been to a convention and really want to! Thank you so much for this video 😀.

[@KirileeCosplay]

My pleasure! I’m sure you will have fun!

[@reikanart]

Very helpful reminder for others and myself, since the con near me is finally (& hopefully) taking place again! 😄🙌 totally agree with personal space, asking for permission & not interrupting cosplayers while eating etc. 👌

[@KirileeCosplay]

Let us eat in peace please! LMAO

[@coraberry]

Also worth noting a lot of the rules aren't because organisers or events hate cosplayers. Many of the rules are created in liaison with local police and laws and the insurance companies involved. Victoria (Australia) for example has more restrictions than other states due to their local laws. If anything is considered a 'risk' 99% of the time it's because of someone external, not the show itself. If an incident has happened at ANY show (not just the one you're attending) that'll be added as a potential risk to many policies across the country. Insurance companies don't want to cover you being stupid, you'll also find some professional cosplayers (who do stuff at events full time) have started to take out their own public liability insurance. All booths have it for their convention space, literally the event just covers those hallways you walk in inside the show.

[@KirileeCosplay]

EVERYONE! THIS COMMENT! READ IT!

[@queenshroomyt]

I’m going to two cons next month, so the refresher helps! I think a dos and don’ts of cosplay contest etiquette might be helpful to some of us too, and in general. luckily the cons I’ve been to where I am, we end up being a huge hug box backstage and for the most part we support each other no matter who wins, but sometimes… some people aren’t used to contests and let their emotions get the better of them, I’ll say. a reminder is helpful. great video!!

[@KirileeCosplay]

Agreed!

[@domiraleapscosplay6313]

To add to the part where you mentioned to be considerate of given he chance to hold a microphone particularly of in a panel. I have seen multiple times in a guest's (usually the VAs) Q&A panel how people will go on for several minutes telling the panelist who uch they love them and their work before asking 3 plus questions.. I get that it is exciting to interact with them and let let know how much you appreciate themselves, but so does everyone else who is attending the panel. That's why they chose to do so. It's fine to shoe appreciation but keep it short and simple and too the point. There are others who want to ask their questions in a very short amount of time. Don't be the one who takes 20 minutes of a 60 minute panel to ask your question. Grant it it also depends on how well the panelist takes to answer these questions if they tend to be a little long winded themselves but still

[@KirileeCosplay]

ABSOLUTELY! Yes! Luckily when I have been at Q&As, the volunteer who holds the microphone has always clarified with me before I had my chance to ask - what it was I was going to ask. I think that has always been a good way. They also remind kindly to keep it short and sweet.

[@truckerbrat7005]

Most of your rules are spot on, and I completely agree, except for one. Some people cannot afford a ticket, and should be welcomed in the lobby to dress up and hang with thier friends who could afford the ticket. Lets be honest, the tickets are often expensive, and while its a good bargain for what you get, it's simply out of reach for some budgets.

[@KirileeCosplay]

It is okay that you disagree with me but I am very firm in this one having friends who have worked for conventions. All you are doing is hurting the convention and in this age and time, potentially causing more risk. If you can afford a ticket, organise a different free cosplay catch up elsewhere not on the grounds of the convention as most of the time “lobby con” is not on public property but instead just outside the doors of the convention.

[@animestarz1768]

I love your energy!😊 also, these were great rules! I was Wadanohara at my first convention, and someone walked up to me and quizzed me about my character..... except it was the COMPLETELY wrong character😅😅

[@KirileeCosplay]

Oh geez!

[@HoneyBear36]

This was so fun to watch. I do really want to go to our local con but we’ve got other “vacations” on plan hopefully this year. Hopefully 🤞

[@KirileeCosplay]

Hopefully!

[@coraberry]

Convention organisers everywhere thank you

[@KirileeCosplay]

You and others I have spoken to have really informed me, so thank you xoxo

[@HimeCookie]

This is very, very good video ❤❤ Ooh the con drama.....Here in Finland is " okey" ( said no one ever) to bring all the hate to cons. especially if you are an ex couple or a friend. My ex Best friend is telling her " friends" that is okey to attack on me at cons. She even made one of my dream cosplay dress tp show me that she is better.

[@truckerbrat7005]

Aw, thats awful. I hope you're able to avoid the drama, and find some better friends!

[@KirileeCosplay]

Unfortunately there are those who love drama. However, nobody owns a character or cosplay. She can chose to do that cosplay, but that in no shape or form means that you can’t do it

[@davidlove236]

Sounds like good, sound advice. Thanks for the video!

[@KirileeCosplay]

Pleasure

[@sarah-the-dog-lover]

At the last minute I decided to not go to the local con which would have been my first but I don’t like people being close to me and I’m just not comfortable with that right now. Too many people in close quarters, I’ll wait for next year I guess

[@KirileeCosplay]

That is absolutely fair enough

[@junkiexl86]

I hate to say it, but it sounds like cons are not the thing for you. However if you want to enjoy the con, while dealing with the least amount of people, go on afternoon/late afternoon of the *last* day of the con(usually Sunday). This is when there is the least amount of people, though also the least amount of things going on, or cosplayers in intricate costumes. But youll still see some and have the best experience to shop in the dealers room/exhibit hall(s). There are also lot so discounts on the last day, as dealers are trying to move as much product as they can before it ends. Conversely based on what you stated, if you do go to one, steer clear of Saturdays, regardless of time. Saturdays are the main day with the biggest crowds, but conversely, also the most things going on.

[@the_secret_metalhead]

I'm going to my first con today:]

[@KirileeCosplay]

Have fun!

[@animestarz1768]

also, on the note about wearing bikinis, I thought those follow convention rules? at least the two conventions I frequent, bikinis are allowed, and it's a family friendly event.

[@KirileeCosplay]

I know that there have been events that I have been too here in Australian where bikinis are not acceptable nor are men without a shirt on. Basically, if you couldn’t walk through the middle of the city with the same level of clothing without being arrested for indecently exposed, then don’t wear it

[@junkiexl86]

There are a few conventions here in the States where visibile underwear is allowed in addition to bikinis. So youll often see some cosplayers where thier underwear is in full view or part of the costume. Bottom and/or top. though now that Im thinking about it, most of the conventions here in the states I've attended are pretty lax on "dress code". Aside from full or partial nudity, pretty much anything goes.

[@boots1622fan]

isn't the pandemic still going strong in australia?

[@KirileeCosplay]

At the moment over east, very much so

[@TheFlauschig]

Some of these points are oddly specific and the bikini comparison has a... questionable vibe to me. Wearing a bikini is not indicent exposure, in my opinion.

[@KirileeCosplay]

That is fine you disagree. But be aware that other people, especially parents of young children, may not agree with you. Bikini cosplays have their events like 18+\21+ cosplay events or pool parties.

[@TheFlauschig]

@@KirileeCosplay I'm lucky to live in a country, where conventions do not forbid swimwear or clothes that cover as much as swimwear. A parent trying to force their sexism on a cosplayer is luckily not the norm.

[@23Datcat]

I think its less forcing sexism on others, and more about the person in the costume being considerate, and ensuring that the costume fits the event. Rocking up in an anime style nearly there two bits of leather and some string ensemble, on Disney princess day ...... is a bit tone deaf. By all means, if the event calls for two bits of leather and some string, then rock it full volume.

[@KirileeCosplay]

What 23DatCat said. It is just about being considerate.

[@TheFlauschig]

@@23Datcat Since when is normal swimwear "two bits of leather and some string ensemble"? Usually conventions (in my experiance) formulate this rule as having your butt, breasts and private parts covered. The average bikini does just that.

[@mizwoody1]

Add please please buy a $1 deodorant. If you can afford a ticket, buy some deodorant

[@KirileeCosplay]

True!

[@Bane_Amesta]

Oh yes, asking for photos when the cosplayer is eating, or about to enter the bathroom, God is just rude! Don't do that please 😵

[@KirileeCosplay]

So rude!