Hello darlings!
Now that we've gone over etiquette, let's focus on some planning and preperation. Organization is important! I was originally going to cover both packing, planning, and travel but once again, it got lengthy so I'm breaking it down again. Today we'll focus on basic planning.
REGISTRATION AND PLANNING YOUR SCHEDULE
Determine your budget. This should actually be done BEFORE you register. There's nothing worse than registering for a convention and then realizing you can't afford to go. :( Things to budget for include(but are not limited to) the following:
- Travel(plane tickets or gas, rental car, cab fare, etc.)
- Food and Water
- Hotel/Lodging
- Artist Alley/Dealers/Vendors
- Extra Convention Events(Cafes, Concerts, etc.)
- Convention Registration(basic or VIP pass?)
- Emergency Cash is good to have on hand in case something unexpected comes up.
Pre-register if you can! It's cheaper, and you'll spend less time waiting in line for your badge once you get there.
Test drive your cosplay(s) before the convention. This includes makeup, props, and wigs. Wear them for a full day if you can. Check how they fit and make any alterations or repairs before you leave. Does your costume hold up well to a day's use? It is hot, heavy, or difficult to wear? How heavy is does the prop feel after carrying it around for eight hours? Did your hair and makeup hold up or did you need to fix it? You may need to carry extra makeup with you and touch up throughout the day, or you may need to re-style your wig.
Make a list of EVERYTHING you will need, no matter how mundane. Check each item off as you pack it, and double check to make sure you have everything you need. If you don't have a list, chances are you will forget something.
Make a meal plan. Look up nearby restarauts and/or grocery stores around the convention, and see if there will be food vendors at the convention. Be warned: convention food isn't cheap.
Be weather-ready. Will it be hot? Pack extra water and sunscreen. Will it be cold? Perhaps cosplaying Rukio Matoi isn't such a good idea if it's going to be chilly. If there's rain and/or snow in the forecast, make sure your cosplay is waterproof in case you get caught in a downpour.
Review the schedule of the con before you go! Conventions are huge! There's tons of things to do and see: skits, concerts, cafes, panels, presentations, anime viewings...this list is long! I print out the schedule as soon as it's posted, highlight what I want to see and do, and then plan around that. Keep your eyes open for opportunity, and don't feel like you have to stick to a rigid schedule. Random events and occurences are one of my favorite things about conventions!
Tomorrow I'll cover travel. As always, if you feel that I forgot someething, let me know in the comments! <3
-Vik
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