Tips and Tricks for Your First Anime Convention (2016)

[@hellocloverkitty]

My tips: -Bring two water bottles, your ID, a phone charger, your phone, and earbuds to the actual con. -DO NOT USE A DRAWSTRING BACKPACK!!! You will have to carry it all day and the strings will rub against your skin and cut you. It's also really uncomfortable and inconvenient. Just bring a normal backpack. -Use your cosplay to your advantage. A lot of the time if you want to get into a panel the line will be so long that you can't even get in. Walk around the line and see if anyone stops you for a picture! Then ask if you can hop in line with them! It's worked for me a lot. -Wear well broken in sneakers. One time I wore sneakers that were too tight and I got blisters all over my feet. You'll be doing a lot of walking so be prepared. -Con food is over priced and usually gross. You are better off eating outside the con. Make sure you check out the line to get back in before leaving to get food. Sometimes later in the day the line will be much shorter. -Keep yourself busy in lines. Watch KZbin or anime on your phone. The time passes much quicker. -Bring your DS. Pretty much everyone will have their DS' with them and you'll get a lot of street passes. -Be friendly! This will get you far!! A lot of the time people will do really cool things because you were nice to them. One time I was at a dealer's table and the guy gave me a free plushy! -Bring your own lanyard! You will probably end up needing a lanyard and con lanyards can be cheap. If you want to get the lanyard made for the con you can just put your lanyard in your back until you get inside. -Don't be afraid to ask for help! There are almost always accommodations for disabled people. -Try to pick comfortable cosplay. It will get really hot in there. If you have wings or other accessories that stick out they might get broken. -Keep an eye out for the cosplay repair guys! At a lot of cons you will find them walking around. -If you get overwhelmed try to find the parent room. There is almost always a room for parents who were dragged to the convention by their kids. It's really quiet in there. -Research any cool side things! Such as @cookie_brigade! They go to conventions and hand out cookies to people in line in exchange for donations. You tweet them your location and they will come to you. -You can order pizza! Pizza delivery guys will deliver straight to the convention. No kidding. You have to wait for them outside though. -Research the exhibitors so you are familiar with what they do ahead of time. It really helps out so you don't feel like you're in the dark about everything.

[@bumblebee3195]

Kailey Ross, wow thank you! I’ve been planning to go to my first con soon and this is super helpful!

[@strawberryfluff2763]

Kailey Ross I know this comments two years old but thanks anyway!

[@dominolover85]

I'm planning to go to a con soon and idk how much money I should bring and I'm thinking to get £1000 is that enough???

[@grizzy-thekiwi1144]

@@dominolover85 1,000 euros is about 1,700 nzd and i think that is way more than you'll actually need. i'd probably drop that by half. although i'm not that experienced with euros so that's all i can really say

[@crustycarrots538]

Kailey Ross woah that was SUPER helpful

[@dogvillages]

someone linked me and my friend this last night at like 2 am cause they saw us at 3:52 and knowing that i am forever immortalized on film in a sans cosplay dancing to caramelldansen immediately cancelled my melatonin and i was awake with the weight of my sins

[@ImawerecatProductions]

This might be the best youtube comment I've ever seen

[@unseasonecookie8211]

It also says “don’t be this person” xD

[@flowerpatches3365]

My first con: 100,000 people. Good pick, I know.

[@ConventionReviews]

Jaizii Animations what con?

[@TrueFreedom4kindness]

Same

[@anna-ti6fy]

Convention Reviews me too! My first was Megacon and there was roughly 100,000 people. I was young (like 7?) and I went with my dad. I LOVED it.

[@pennyystone]

jesus, im going to a con that has less than 700 people going and i thought that would be medium-

[@perfectlylilac]

Lol I’m planning to go to anime expo for my first con- I want to go all out on the first :3

[@N3K0B3AR]

The first time I cosplay was at Matsuricon 2015 and I was not expecting for people to take pictures of my cosplay because I thought it wasn't very good, so I didn't practice poses. When I was at Matsuricon a good hand full of people ask for pictures, so I just stood there and smile awkwardly as they take the picture. So in conclusion, no matter how bad you think your cosplay is someone will always want a picture.

[@fizzysodapoppop]

+_Chibi _ thats exactly how i felt wen i went to tampa bay comic con...i was a jawa from star wars and i had so many people come up to me and ask for pics and said my costume was so good people thought i was in the 501st

[@alannahroxannetorres4384]

+_Chibi _ true. I cosplayed as L at Tora-Con 2016 (which is a VERY simple cosplay) and some people asked for pictures. I wasn't expecting that so I did what you did.

[@yvonne3745]

Really?!!!! Send me a link to it

[@alexbazzelle377]

At my first con, I had a really crappy (Haruhi, Ouran High School Host Club) cosplay. It was the blazer and tie from Amazon, a white tank top, black pants, and a haircut that was, if you squint, somewhat similar to the character's hair. Despite this, a lot of people wanted a picture and all I was prepared for was an awkward standing pose--the type you do at a family get together when a random family member wants a picture. Morale of the story: prepare a pose and expect AT LEAST one picture

[@stalebread9050]

Yeah even if you cosplay a character from an anime you think NO ONE KNOWS you'll still have people asking for photos. I went to a con as Inga from UN-GO and several people still asked for a photo.

[@MarijaEnchantix]

+EmPtY MeLoDiEs True story! People do appreciate well-made costumes even if they don 't know who you are. Quality is still respected no matter what. (I cosplayed as Valindra from Neverwinter - nobody knew who I was and the judges said they can't evaluate me because they don't know the character. like what?)

[@Day-et3fm]

"Go to a small con if you're a first timer" Me: *is going to my first con* Me: ANIME BOSTON! (Its the only one I live near)

[@yellowRose806]

Day mine was Leakycon for Harry Potter. Lol

[@theoriginal_vanilla]

Yea for mine I’m going to Anime Matsuri, and it’s my first time

[@genxsxs]

@@theoriginal_vanilla same

[@ahhhhhhhhornery]

My first con was the big comic con, I was 8 :)

[@acethepacifist1041]

Mine is a Fan Expo- so i say we’re pretty similar in this boat-

[@nyxnoir3450]

I think the funniest thing that ever happened to me at a con was I was walking through the hall with a friend and making bets and I bet that we wouldn't see Vic before the panel and right after that he walked right by us and waved to us.... that was the best day ever

[@GamingSuccub]

I have gone to Sakura Con in Seattle for 2 years now. This would be my third year going (still need to work out if Im going). Last year, I saw that it had close to 30,000 attendants, so it would be a large con. Heres a few things I have learned. - DRINK WATER! its so important to stay hydrated. - Some snacks are smart too so that you can stay full or your friends might need something to eat. - Staying at the hotel would be nice but honestly, I wouldnt go through the trouble of a hotel room might carry. I only live 30 mins away from Sakura Con so really, sleeping at home is the best option. - Always ask for pictures before taking it. Its just common sense to show that respect. - Make a budget! I already have the $60 for the badge but I still need to save $350 for merchandise and my cosplay. Not to mention food and parking. - I got allergies last time I was at Sakura Con, so do bring medical supplies, like band aids, ibuprofen, allergy relief, etc. - For gods sake, wear comfortable shoes. Youre gonna be walking around all day and I made that mistake before, took me a whole week for my feet to recover from blisters.

[@alexanderip1003]

Plan before going *Specialized Transportation for anime conventions are minimal to negative At Anime North I Could not find any Shuttle Buses from the Con to the transportation hub (Weston Station)

[@Steampunk_Ocelot]

i heard this tip elsewhere.if i could remember i would credit them. if you are adamant on wearing cool shoes in pics put the cool ones in a bag and comfy ones on your feet or make the cool ones a half size up and add thick gel insoles

[@bumblebee3195]

MiyuChan, hello! I’m surprised to find another Seattle dweller here! I’m (maybe) going to Sakura Con for my first convention this year. Would you really say it’s a big con? I’ve been thinking of it as a small con as I’ve heard it’s not very popular. Do you have any updated tips? (These really helped) And I know you haven’t been an active poster for a few years but I hope you can get back to me!

[@indiemoon4546]

:0 I was just thinking of going there once COVID was over!!!

[@thegreatgatzby1997]

I've been going to cons for 3 years now, and I can say that everybody who plans to go to a con (experienced or not) needs to watch this video. Thanks for doing this.

[@ConventionReviews]

+TheGreatGatZby I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@denmark1142]

+TheGreatGatZby Even though I am experienced in conventions somewhat watching these videos right before going to a con is always a nice refresher.

[@gastlygabby2184]

You should make a video on how to make friends at a con. Im going to evillecon this year and i dont have any friends.

[@Circus-and-Circuits]

+Bird Jesus I don't have friends either x'D i'm probably going to have to take my brother >3> and he's socially awkward and VERY stubborn

[@Circus-and-Circuits]

Bird Jesus wow, how old are you now, if you don't mind me asking?

[@Circus-and-Circuits]

Bird Jesus I'm 14 and my birthday's in june u3u I don't know anyone who lives where I do and cosplays ;u; where's the con taking place? u3u

[@summerwithsai]

Jake Sherman I know how that feels, bro.

[@GXedits0]

Go and talk to someone

[@TheFlauschig]

And if you visit a foreign convention: Inform yourself even more than you would for a local convention. For example: In my country almost no convention is hosted in a hotel and that makes things different.

[@bluerose83092]

I kinda recommend a smaller con for newbies myself. Because if you go to a large size con first, that con might end up spoiling you. Anime Expo was my first con. I've been going since 2011, and I end up comparing it to Anime California (a smaller con). The good thing about AC is the time it took to get my badge and get into panels.

[@caitircosplay]

Despite having attended many conventions with almost three years of going to them, I still find this to be a really helpful video! It's always good to hear tips that other have to say!

[@ConventionReviews]

Wait I made a new version of this??? Yep! I have learned a ton over the last few years and this really needed to be made! I hope this can help a ton of people out!

[@charkox2665]

+Convention Reviews Thank you!!! ~Charlie :3

[@jiub760]

im happy you touched on the subject on not having to wear only anime cosplay, i was very nervous.... sense im going to my first anime con :)

[@HatsuneMiku-wh7sc]

+Conventions Reviews Do you have to pay to get in a Convention without staying in a hotel?

[@kenyauslaender]

you forgot to mention to stay away from the people wearing "free hugs'' signs.

[@jiub760]

Cikei -Y why?

[@damanwithaplan8056]

How the hell can you go to thirty freakin' cons in such a short amount of time isn't that super freakon expensive?

[@ConventionReviews]

DA MAN WITH A PLAN It is, but I do have a job and I work a lot, also bring lost of friends as it makes the hotel much cheaper. I am in no way even anywhere close to rich lol, trust me its doable if you know how to save.

[@damanwithaplan8056]

Convention Reviews Nice. I unfortunately don't know how to save.

[@neenskay812]

My first con was Alamo city comic con and next I'm going to San Japan .... I'm so screwed... 40,000+ people...

[@mznoobplayz8571]

Neens Kay I always go to San Japan

[@skyed.9764]

con drama well you could say con-flict. god I'm awful

[@laurenfobes8855]

my first con was tekko and man it was so overwhelming like there was a parade of raptor Jesus's, tho i'm going again this weekend so 10/10

[@lynseesequasis4496]

im going to my firat con next year xD i cant wait♡♡ im 13 and always wanted to go to one ♡♡

[@tigrexalchemist7720]

lindsay seesequasis I hope you have/had fun! I don't know if you've gone yet.

[@jitterbug9903]

รυgα cσffєєღ what one are you going to? if I can ask and I'm just super curious XD

[@dio5775]

I’m in the exact same boat buddy! I’m going to my first con in a few months!

[@joeltheturtle7645]

Yeah! I'm going to ACen In may of next year! So less than 6 months away! I'm 12 now, but my birthday would be like 2 or 3 days befoee the con so I'll be 13 by then

[@callumm278]

I'm exited for my first this year!! I'm going in my second cosplay as well

[@ShiggitayMediaProductions]

My first con each year is local to me in Boston, MA. If anyone has a con local to them (and you're not taking a hotel room) and your city has public transit, be sure to catch the last bus/train home so you won't have to spend a small fortune on a taxi or Uber. That's what I can add.

[@trulut]

ShiggitayMedia you going to AnimeBoston 2018?

[@camdensimpson10]

If you see a group of people sitting and hanging out, and they seem to have the same interests as you, is it OK to ask to sit with them? if it is, how should I ask?

[@woahtherefriend6407]

Ive never done that, but I assume it would be good to ask like; "Hey, I dont got anyone with me today and I noticed you like the same things as me so I was wondering if you wouldnt mind that I joined your group?"

[@blake8671]

I think so? I’m relatively bad at conversation but when I’m at my con I seem to turn a lot more outgoing. Perhaps it’s because you already feel a bit closer to everyone because you know for a fact that you have something in common with them. I’d definitely say yes to anyone wanting to hang out, but you should expect some awkward moments. Possibly just kind of approach and say “hi! I really love your cosplay(s), I love __ too! Do you mind if I join you?” Of some sort

[@novemberninth4392]

It's absolutely okay! In fact, in my city, there's an otaku community that just loves card games like Yu-Gi-Oh and Pokemon. I just walk up to their spot, take a look at their cards and watch them play for a bit (I'm introverted and can't start a conversation with people I don't know), and they kindly ask me if I want to join them. They'll even teach people how to play the card games.

[@dinkylinky2552]

I know this was years ago but absolutely. I really recommend that you do that. Obviously be polite, ask nicely to join them. Introduce yourself, then try to open a conversation about your shared interest. Most people will be exactly like you and will totally light up when you talk about something they like to them. If you can plainly see that they like it, then they'll obviously think highly of it.

[@stellekoski]

That moment when you see your favorite character so you're just smiling for a few seconds

[@npr386]

I recommend you staff/volunteer a few cons; gives a new perspective, and is a different way to enjoy a con. Then you can make a video on that too

[@meriam832]

my first con was London Comic Con. It was a record-breaking size this year. So my first con was a large con lol

[@shinex7317]

I might be going to my first con in October, it’s the madfest in Perth and I’m rlly exited

[@TheeGenMagikahn]

thanks as an "old timer" this helped me prepare for my first con in my life. Thanks for the helpful tips and words of wisdom. I cant believe people dont shower "das nasty" as my daughter says

[@yeahitsme2084]

You forgot to mention NOT BAGGING ON SOMEONE BRCAUSE THEIR COSPLAY IS "NOT PRRFECT" OR "THE WRONG SKIN COLOR" OR EVEN "TOO FAT" IT'S RUDE!!! Seriously! We come there to have fun and be free of judgment. Some of us work really hard on our cosplay and judging us won't make you look any good so just don't

[@summerwithsai]

gabby gomez Agreed

[@Nectarrat]

Yeah I agree as well

[@gabeguzman]

Amke is good for insulting people

[@melon5692]

I’m still gonna do it tho

[@cosmicaxolotl1432]

Also, do run up on cosplayers along with taking unwanted pictures! That makes the cosplayer uncomfortable!

[@kittycutie6596]

when i went to con last year the people in the game room were nasty! they rarely ever gave you a turn and when i played smash bros with a group apparently they put us on a team and didnt say anything and this little 12 year old yelled at me saying "Why you hitting me i'm on your team" like i didnt know uggh they were rude in there

[@maryvanslyke6542]

I'm considering going to anime fest in Dallas this summer, and this was really helpful. I'm more sure about it now. Still pretty anxious, but I have a much better idea.

[@katnerddd6223]

I'm going to Animefest too! :)

[@kt3gacha]

My first con was a very, VERY small local con. I’d say there was somewhere from 50- 200 people there. It was extremely fun since I was so young, and I 100% recommended local cons for the first one.

[@goldendeer545]

I've been to about 4 large cons now and this video has been very helpful! All of this is sooo true. Planning is definitely key to going to a con. This video includes the little details too! Worth taking the time to watch/study. See you guys at MoMo and Dragon con this year!

[@madi_stellar]

I’m hyped!! I’m going to NYCC this year and Christopher Sabat will be at the con!!!!!!!!!!!!! ( Performing ) Idk what day though and this is my first con and OFC it’s one of the biggest cons

[@Dani0ki]

life goals right there! That con is massive! xD we have small cons where I live. I'm going to my first con next weekend, and possibly an anime con here during the summer.

[@bulw4rk856]

I live in Alabama and the only fair sized con in the state is Kami-con in January, and while I wasn't able to attend this year, I'm planning to go next year possibly as an older, more adult Link clad in armor, but still with the signature hat, sword, and shield. And I'll have to purchase elf ears.

[@ijornhribrudkrvir]

I've been going to cons for 8 years but I watch these whenever I'm making a cosplay bc it hypes me up :D

[@SD-lz7fn]

so. many. HOMESTUCKS.

[@calicotrees]

Kumo Yōkai It’s..... it’s... BEAUTIFUL

[@calliespltn]

YASSSS. X3

[@piratetoast53]

I loved that there was an amtgard section in the video! I'm realizing it is a lot more common at cons than I have realized!

[@lee8208]

I'm going to a Anime and Gaming convention in 4 days with my bsf and I'm really excited! Even though I am kinda experienced with conventions and have been to quite a few, I decided to look up tips for them to make sure I don't accidentally do something that might ruin my / others time at them! Thank you for making this video!! :D

[@grizzy-thekiwi1144]

thank you for this video and to the people in the comments dropping advice. I'm writing down a metric load of notes and stuff so i make sure I'm prepared and organized. thanks everyone

[@devilsscowcroft419]

Here are a two things. 1# Look up the signs of heat exhaust and heat stroke because cons will have a outside area for pictures or videos, write it down and takes it with you. If you notice someone having three or more sighs let them know and help, if it's heat exhaust getting them out of the sun and some water will always help. 2# If you notice someone's cosplay is falling apart somewhere( especially if it's a big cosplay ) let them know nicely and offer help.

[@koldskalbanden7991]

No anime cons in my country takes place at a hotel...

[@denmark1142]

+Molly.dk Well the cons themselves usually never fully take place in a hotel. They just will have some small things going on there that are part of the con that they maybe didn't have room for in the convention center.

[@koldskalbanden7991]

+KT kiteii yes...

[@gustav275]

+KT kiteii i live in Denmark xD im maybe going to a com next year if my parentes allow me to. Do you have any recommendations to Danish anime cons?

[@koldskalbanden7991]

+Asriel Dreemur we have 4 conventions in Denmark: J-popcon (Copenhagen, anime), Genki (cosplay in particular, Farum), Koyocon (anime, Randers) and ComicCon (Copenhagen, comics)

[@evant8032]

a tip for if you live close to the con you're going to: you don't have to get a hotel room. I'm a half hour drive away from both of the cons I've gone to so far, so we just drive up in the mornings and head back home for the nights. saves a lot of money

[@8UG83AR]

I totally second the instruction to bring a few water bottles with you. I went to NYCC2015, first day, it was crowded, and by mid-day I got so dehydrated that apparently it looked obvious that I was irritated when a few people asked to take my pictures. One of the few people asked, "Hey are you okay? You look upset." Right before taking my picture. And I was so surprised because sure I was on borderline hunger and terribly parched, but i my mood was pretty fine! Talk about embarrassing :/

[@Reboyo1]

I'm going to my first con in september. Thanks for the very helpful video. While the hotel and travel info doesn't apply, (I live in the city that houses the con) the other info is very helpful.

[@MarijaEnchantix]

Completely agree with every single thing! Will share this to my cosplay page :) Here in Latvia cons are quite different ( like, hotels and parking aren't a big deal because most people live in the city of the con and only a few travel within the country (Latvia is super small) or from the outside). The food is MUST. I made this mistake - didn 't eat or drink all day because I had a huge costume and going to the bathroom was a problem. Regret not eating or drinking - had a headache for a week after the con from dehydration. So please, eat and drink. And the part about place to put your stuff - very true. Was wearing a costume with no pockets so had no place to put anything. That's why I 'm now making a costume with 2 bags that are a part of the actual costume. Life will be awesome at the con!

[@masonrodberg7522]

Im going to my first con with 2 of my friends this Friday so this was really helpful 😄

[@darealpapajon]

Its 2021 and these conventions are a relic of the past

[@Steel_blade_alchemist]

I watched your video right before my first con when it first came out. Now I've been to 5 cons. It helped out a lot thank you

[@skylarkwashere7317]

I am going to my first anime con in 3 weeks, I am so excited this helped a lot thank you so much!

[@indesomniac]

@3:53 is my best friend and i and it is just an ongoing joke between us "don't be this person" the timing is incredible.

[@sillymikl]

Thanks! I’m going to be going to comic con in NY in my Ibuki cosplay and I needed this video!

[@jaidaarain795]

Thank you so much! This really helped.

[@Sasu123456789x1]

Fantastic video, so helpful and many people need to watch this! :D

[@ConventionReviews]

+Sasu123456789x1 Thank you very much!

[@BLSoldier00]

10:35 - there are other exceptions to this as well. Some events require purchasing a separate ticket to enter, such as Lolita tea parties and formal dances (although some dances are not ticketed).

[@spinecollector2054]

I've seen more homestuck cosplayers in the background of this video than I saw in three whole years of cosplaying at a large-ish convention 🤣

[@SCUBADlVER]

I've just been bingewatching videos like this because I haven't even been to a con before. In October, I'm going to my 1st con ever (Edmonton Expo) because it's the only one in Edmonton that wasn't cancelled. Ya see, I would travel but my parents wouldn't even go to Calgary so I'm stuck in Edmonton. I'm gonna go as Frisk and be waaaaaaay to in - character! I'm suuuuper excited!

[@kikir9171]

Thank you so much for this! It's not a recent video but I'm going to my first con in 2 months and I needed some more experienced advice

[@YoursTrulyThe1Pony]

I going to try to go to Saboten Con 2021 in September, hopefully.

[@Nectarrat]

Wow!! This video is very helpful!! I am going to comic con Columbus tomorrow and I am SUPER EXCITED!!! This will be my first con ever! Thank you 4 making this!

[@KimberPrime]

I've only been to one small con so far and am looking to my first larger convention at some point when time and budget allows it. Thanks for all the tips! =D

[@narutofamily1]

going through my 7th con prep and this video just pumps me up. it never hurts to look up some old tips. great video and all these things are soooo true! you don't know how many times i have done some of the no-nos of con going QAQ

[@cbthbhgg6425]

I was so excited when I saw this on my notifications, love your videos cody!!

[@ilu.vchuuu]

But I'm scared I can't make friend because I'm only 11 yrs old or I'm scared I'm the only kid there 😢

[@Only4Vale]

Same except I'm 12-

[@virgildodgerofchildsupport5774]

you forgot to say ''make sure you bring pepper spray''

[@tebma61]

Do make sure to drink enough because most of the time the air inside the building is altered or sterilised in some way to minimalize diseases and the air gets dryer. I went to comic con and didnt drink for at least 6 hours and when i got home i actually almost passed out and had to keep drinking. Felt like crap aftee

[@GastlyGirl]

Great video! These are all great tips. Just a few things I would add. DON'T go to a con for one guest/event as things can and do get cancelled. It sucks but it happens all the time. Don't take it out on the con as they're probably just as upset as you.

[@callumm278]

I'm going to a con this November for the first time and I'm uber exited. Doing a ship cosplay (lawlight) with my cousin. Can't wait, J con!

[@Tsunami0fGaming1sraeL]

Thank you so much for your tips. I also watched your last version, thank you!! :D

[@TheMonyarm]

I'm planning on going to AniFest in Varna, Bulgaria in August (it lasts for 2 days and i'd say it's a small sized con) It's in the neighboring city so i don't have to worry about some of the things you mentioned.

[@edwxrdfox]

Thanks, this helped a lot. My third con ever is today, but this is my first anime con opposed to a comic con so I wanted to know what to expect. It's also my first con with a friend. It's only small but it should be really fun and this video helped so much!

[@casosullivan639]

My first con was a small one in London called LAGC it was quite packed but it was really good. My second con was a BIG one in London, MCM London comic con, there was over 100,000 attendees. When writing this I'm going to MCM London comic con again for the second time in about 5 hours.

[@hopelessva6835]

I'm going to Sabakon! How much of you guys are going as well?

[@Steampunk_Ocelot]

my first con will be minuscule and my second would fit into the large con category. my first apparently has like 20 stalls all local businesses and 2 panels over the two days.mcm and showmasters used to both do comicon in the same venue but the bigger one mcm moved away.

[@beatlever89]

This is good not only for first-timers but as a review for con veterans.

[@TheeBookGoblin]

Omg thankyou for this video! I’m going to madman animefest this year and this is going to be really useful you are a legend bro!!!

[@Grysok]

I'm going to my first Con in April. Sakura-Con is a big one, but I'm gonna go with people who've gone before, so I think it'll be alright. Thanks for the video!

[@NZOMV]

Brilliant advice.

[@oscarmorales8979]

I remember going to my first con it was Animinneapolis 2015 but I have yet to go to a convention outside of Minnesota.

[@fizzysodapoppop]

luckily when i go to tampa comic con i can just drive there every day of the con since i live not even a half hour away which is a great thing!

[@CrimsonGhoul117]

this video is very helpful, this year I'll be going to Rtx Austin. it's my first time going a convention.

[@reeses_unicorn]

I've wanted to go to an anime convention for a few years, now, but I'm not sure when it will happen. However, they sound really cool and I can't wait to go to one! ^.^

[@fs_a_m_russia8722]

My first con is coming up. It’s Saboten Con 2019 in PHX, AZ. It’s gonna have an estimated 15,000 people attending. I’m getting a full access badge, and I’m going to be cosplaying the entire time I’m there. I’m going with my best friend Ashlyn, and we have both never been to a con and are both cosplayers. If there are any people who frequently go to cons who can help us out a bit, please tell us any tips. We’ve been watching a lot of con tip videos, but we want to be really sure that we’re gonna know what we’re doing.

[@angelicice213]

Thank you so much! This will help so much for my first con this weekend 💕

[@iavenderdreamz]

I'm going to Phoenix Comic con this year, and I'm going as 3 different things. On the first day, I'm doing a partner cosplay of Eliza and Alexander Hamilton. Second day I'm going as Damara Megido. Third day as Yuno Gasai.

[@SoggycereaI]

HELP! Im worried no one will talk to me (etc) cause Im a 10 Year old cosplayer! Im really scared that people will ignore me since "Its a ten year old like wtf, plus that anime is too mature for her" In short: Anxiety from Older people :-)

[@nymphicide]

i know this is an extremely late reply, but you’ll be okay. :) don’t worry.

[@suprphats]

And this is an extreme extreme late reply, But I started to cosplay when I was 11, And most people were actually really supportive and nice about it, I don't think there is anything to worry about ^^

[@gowom]

Hey! Don’t worry about it ! I was also ten when I went to my first con! I had glitter all over my face and a crappy flower crown and a toga cosplay , somehow ppl still wanted to take pics!

[@SoggycereaI]

Honoka_Chan Omg.. Well I didn’t expect to see this today lol. I’m 14 now and have been to three (And a half) cons these past years and have been wanting to go to another this year, so I definitely lost all that anxiety. And personally now that I look back, my worries were kind of silly, but I guess as a kid who’s had literal crippling anxiety all their life, I will cut myself some slack, not to mention it does have *some* base, being really young in a place full of practically adults. My first con was a crazy experience though and I think it helped that I had two other friends to go with me at the time. Everyone was really nice and welcoming and I didn’t at all feel I was looked down upon, the only limitation was that there was an 18+ afterparty but I don’t really think I’d call that a limitation lol. All my cons have been absolutely amazing and there’s so many good moments I look back at, though now it’s sad to think about considering I’ve since moved away and hadn’t had the chance to gain friends again being unschooled for a couple years and now... COVID-19. But that was a little journey into my life I guess! I just find it funny that you replied so late and considering current society shenanigans, it was nice to remember. If uh... any other kids happen to find this comment then I hope it reassures them too. Thank you for the comment though lmao, whew

[@rinnamonroll4821]

What's great about anime con is how you can be things from games, comics, etc. and others are very chill with it. It's not like a test, where if you cosplay something that isn't anime you'll be forever shunned. It's for the fun!

[@infinitycat5428]

hopefully, I'm going to my first anime convention so stuff like this is really going to help so thanks for this awesome video :)

[@thehideoutpodcast9109]

great info going to my first con in a few months! :D

[@InuMiroLover]

Something I learned with hotels is that you gotta pay attention to hotel policies when it comes to checking in. Many hotels prefer that you use a credit card over a debit card when its time to pay. Hotels charge "incidental" fees which is usually like room service or to cover any damage you make in the room. Depending on the hotel, it could be like $50 a night. Its refundable assuming you dont destroy your room or get room service, BUT! If you're using a debit card, the incidental fees will be withdrawn from your account and be considered a "HOLD". The money wont be released back into your account for like a week or longer. With a credit card however, it will just be hold on your credit card. Call the hotel beforehand if they take cash if you don't want to use your debit card and dont have a credit card. If you want to use your debit card, make sure you have enough funds to pay for your entire stay. Inquire about any fees the hotel charges at check in. And be aware that the hotel will withdraw about one night's stay a few days before you come in, so make sure there is enough money in your account to cover it!

[@saaomg12]

14:25 Lady Ciel. We will never forget that episode.

[@ajlovesharpoons]

I might go to momocon for 2019, But the only thing is I'm scared of people and I have anxiety, I have no friends to go with so I'm going with my mom TwT

[@愛-t9w]

Aj_ loves_harpoons I’m planning on going to a con, but I have no friends and anime weirdos my mom out. It’s matsuri. Idk what to do ;.;

[@kt3gacha]

I still don’t travel out for cons. lucky for me, I live extremely close to most of the cons I go to! Most of them range from 20- 40 minutes away from my house, so I don’t need to worry about hotels. Here are some of my tips ( these can go for anyone, but especially cosplayers!) If you are staying in a hotel, take advantage of that. Use the free stuff like lotion and stuff to your liking PRACTICE POSES. I didn’t practice at my first two cons and I regret that. I didn’t think my cosplays were great but many people liked them. GET PERMISSION FOR EVERYTHING. I film myself in cosplay and at cons, and post it. Some people don’t really like to be posted, RESPECT THAT. If you are younger, there is a chance you will be extremely creeped out by some people. Keep in mind most people there are adults who will step in if anything happens. And if you are a parent waiting for your child, like my dad at my first con, waiting for your child while they are with a friend group, expect to be watched by security. They don’t want anything funny happening. Drink water! I personally get dizzy attacks / fainting spells, and I live in an extremely hot place. Make sure to have water with you so you don’t faint. BRING SAFETY PINS, ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE A COSPLAYER. I am a cosplayer and my worst fear is something happening to the cosplay while at the cons, so these will allow anything to be fixed. If you are alone at the convention, find a group of people ( or even just someone else who is alone ) and talk to them. At my first con when I was about 10, I went alone with my father. I was super anxious the whole time until the cosplay meetup. I found a Toga cosplayer who looked about my age ( they were like 12 ) and I hung out with them for the rest of the con. These are just some of my tips, but I definitely have way more! 💜💜💜

[@shyannescott7019]

The first time I went to a con I was 7 at dragon con and for child me it was so over whelming but dont let that turn you way cons are like a different world everyone can be themselves making them one of the most amazing places in the world

[@rexolithe]

My first con was an incredibly small local convention. Couldn’t have been more than a hundred people. I didn’t go to any of the panels, but they had someone who voice acted a character from... I forgot what show, oops! It was cool. I was really shy and didn’t really talk to anyone expect my friend. I’m going to another very soon. I keep getting lucky and finding cons so close I don’t have to get a hotel, I can just go home. This one is going to be a lot larger and I’m cosplaying this time, so i’m really nervous. I know it’s going to be great though!

[@GamingChiliHedgehog]

Thanks for posting this! I'll be going to Matsuricon this Friday with my brother (Cloud Strife) and cousin (Yandere-chan) :) I will be mentioning these tips to them tomorrow when we gather and map out our list. Better yet, show them this video :)

[@Koakuma]

American Conventions seem amazing! In Germany we don't have too many events, and maybe only one or two matching your "large" category^^

[@tedib7115]

Omg I really wanna go to a con one day!! Its seems soooo awesome! Also thanks for the video! Really learned a lot from it!

[@hayleeh18]

1:30 me: *nodding along, looking at the cosplays while listening when all of a sudden TRUCY WRIGHT

[@lucifer_the_d]

uhhh... i fell weird if i want to go to a convention, that is 1 677 kilometers away from me, but its the closest one i can find, is it okay?

[@starryluna9961]

I'm going to a small manga convention in 2 weeks that's only for 1 day, and I'm wondering if I'll still need a badge? The badges part of cons really confuse me, I don't think I'll need one at this con since it's so small and there won't be any panels involved. This is my first con too!