Ever wondered what to bring to a convention, but don’t know where to begin? Don’t worry, I’m here to explain everything you will need to survive any kind of convention whether it be anime, comics, or any other huge event you may want to attend in the future. It can be overwhelming but I’m here to break down what you should do to prepare. Let’s get started:
1. Plan Ahead
Firstly, you want to make sure you buy tickets ahead of time for the convention you plan to attend. Some events have a limited amount of tickets or special offers so be sure to take advantage of this while you can. Also, be sure to check where the event will be held to plan ahead for parking and mapping out how long it will take to get there. Don’t forget to factor in traffic and unexpected delays that could occur. Be sure to coordinate with others if you are going with friends on where you are meeting, so you all can be on the same page. You don’t want anyone to get lost. Don’t forget to look at the event schedule online to find out which programs you would want to see and plan out your day accordingly. If you are going to a convention for multiple days, this is definitely helpful so you can make sure you know what’s going to happen each day.
2. Have A Budget
You definitely need to consider how much you want to spend when going into a convention. You don’t want to buy every cute keychain or cool print you see. (Trust me I’ve done this and you will realize your wallet is crying by the end of the day). Prioritize what type of items you would like to buy and make sure to spread it out through the day. Don’t forget to save money for food or other stuff you may need after the end of the event. You don’t want to be eating Cup Noodles for the rest of the month because you bought that Totoro plush you couldn’t resist. Only buy merchandise that you truly and absolutely want. Think about a series you love endlessly and focus on that as a way to control what you buy. Impulsive buying can be your worst enemy so be aware.
3. Bring Emergency Supplies
What do I mean by this? Well, you should bring things in your bag that could help you out in a tight situation. Definitely bring a portable charger. This is a must when going to conventions as your phone or other electronic device may need charging. You never know how many photos or videos you may want to capture, and you wouldn’t want to miss the big moments because your device ran out of battery. That would be a huge bummer, so carrying extra portable chargers would be helpful in case your friends may need one. Don’t forget to carry some water and snacks on the side if you’re able to bring some inside the building. You can save money and stay replenished at the same time. If you are cosplaying, bring anything you would need in case anything happens, or you need to fix what you’re wearing. You always want to look your best and smile for the camera.
I hope this guide will give you some comfort as to what you should consider when going to your next major event or convention. You’ll definitely have an easier time when figuring out what you need and would like to partake in. Be sure to have fun and soak in all the awesome vibes while you are there. Meeting people with common interests is a great way to experience something unique every time.