How To Survive NYCC or Any other Con

How To Survive NYCC or Any Other Con

Going to conventions whether it is comic book, sci-fi, multimedia or what have you can be either very fun or very stressful.  Most times it is very stressful as well laid plans never happen and you have to improvise on the run.  Take it from me no matter how well you plan you can never predict the human element.  Something always goes wrong. It always does it’s inevitable.  So here I have a nifty list of things to be prepared for NYCC or any convention you plan on attending.  So like the Joker says, “And Here We Go.”

The most important thing is to have lots of money saved up.  Cons are expensive. Especially with guests charging for their autograph your money supply will be sucked dry in no time. Plus you might see something cool in the dealer’s room that you might want to buy.  Plus food is expensive and if you don’t bring snacks you will need money for food. Well for supper at least.



This brings us to this tidbit.  If you’re going to a four day con like NYCC it would be to your benefit to bring snacks with you.  Snacks are essential because food inside a convention center is pretty outrageously priced.  I generally will bring peanut butter crackers and pop tarts with me.  Granola bars are good also.  You need to snack on something substantial that will keep your energy up. Candy and sugar is fine but will leave you feeling low later on when the high wears off.

When I was younger I never really did this but now I do.  Bringing a water bottle is a good idea.  You can always refill the water bottle at the water cooler and it will cost you nothing.  Plus it is better than having a soda even though drinking a soda once in a while is pretty good also.  But it is very important to keep hydrated at NYCC as there are tons of people and it gets quite warm there.  So drinking lots of fluids is a wise thing to do.

While walking through a very crowded convention center you experience lots of different smells.  Not all of them are pleasant.  So for the love of god please wear deodorant and take a shower.   My hotel room has a shower and it comes with complimentary soap.  USE IT.  Plus if you forget your deodorant NYC has thousands of stores that sell it.  PLEASE for the sake of our noses PLEASE shower and wear deodorant.

I like watching people at cons and one of the amazing things is seeing the costumes that people make and are wearing.  Some people do an amazing job and well some people just well at least they try and participate.  But I know we come in all different shapes and sizes and girls we all aren’t shaped like Sara Jean Underwood from Attack of the Show and guys we all aren’t shaped like Hugh Jackman so please wear clothing or make your costumes to compliment your shape and build.  I know I’m not the best body on the planet but I do know to wear clothing that will be comfortable for a four day convention. Plus wear shoes that are comfortable as you will do a lot of walking and waiting in line.

Have a plan and work the plan.  That is truly the important thing.  Plan out what you want to do and who you want to see and make a list of things you want signed and keep tabs on it.  Plus always have a backup plan as things don’t normally go as planned.  Panels change times and location and guest cancel at the last minute. Those things happen and you need to be prepared for it.  Always have a check list of the books and who is signing what.  It makes it easier and when you get to said guest you can have your items ready and be in and out and on to the next person or panel.

The main thing is to have fun.  Despite what disappointments or snags you hit along the way the important thing is to enjoy yourself and have a great time. NYCC and conventions in general have lots to offer and you get to meet lots of people with the same interests as you.  But the main thing is to have and then start to plan what to do differently for the next time.