I know a lot of this might go without saying, but it's easy to be overwhelmed with things to do/remember, so here's my advice for being prepared and getting the most out of it!
Disclaimer: I'm writing this with FanExpo Canada in mind, but it can be relevant for any convention.
-Do your shopping on the first and last dayThe first day is best for those rare, special items that will probably sell out. If you see something you absolutely have to have, buy it immediately. It might be gone when you come back, and no one should have to face that kind of despair.
For the more common items you might be looking for, save those for the last day- infact, save a few hours at the end of sunday for snagging deals. Vendors will usually be offering discounts, sometimes you can haggle (Be classy, don't lowball). Because another feeling of despair that you should never experience is seeing that item you bought yesterday for 10$ cheaper today.
Other shopping notes: Unless you have somewhere to put them, save the big items to be bought and the end of the day, no one wants to be carrying around a giant stuffed Yoshi (the guy sitting behind you in a Q&A will definitely hate you for it). Also, and this is just my preference, try and spend a lot of time and money in the Artists Alley, I promise you won't regret it. These people make some really amazing, one-of-a-kind things that you'll hold on to for a long time.
-Bring cashLots and lots of cashey money. For several reasons. First of all, if you see something that you need to buy immediately, and the vendor only takes cash, in the time it takes you to run to an ATM, wait inline, get the cash and get let back into the vendor area, you might have lost your precious. Secondly, the ATM's there charge a robotic arm and a leg. Well, about 3$ but still, if you get money from their ATMs every day, that's 12$. That 12$ could have bought you something awesome. Thirdly, it will help you stick to a budget. It's so easy to over spend when you are literally surrounded by the acres of the most awesome stuff you have ever seen in your life. Spending 300$ on a life size Salacious Crumb might seem like a good idea at the time, but when you look at your wallet and realize that's all your money for an entire weekend, you might reconsider.
While on that subject, I suggest making a shopping list, come with an idea of what you want to go home with. Is there a specific comic or bust you might be looking for? Or do you just know that you want to expand your book or action figure collection? No matter how specific or vague your list is, it will still help to have one.
-Bring your own foodI've advocated it in the past, and I'll say it again, bring your own food. Even if you don't want to make whole meals to carry around, at least bring some snacks to tide you over and then go out and buy your meals at odd times. The food in the hall is poor quality, lacking variety and way overpriced. Even going outside of the convention center will still only give you fast food options. You'll save money and time if you bring your own. Try and grab some relatively healthy snacks too, you'll want to keep your energy up all day.
While your at it, bring a refillable water bottle, stay hydrated. You're going to be walking and sweating, avoid feeling sluggish or getting headaches by drinking tons of water.
-Talk to peopleThere is no better way to pass the time of standing in line than to strike up a conversation with your neighbors. You're all standing in line for the same thing, chances are you've got something in common to talk about. It's a great way to make friends too, because you're never going to be in a room with as many like minded people again (well, until next year at least).
-Come prepared with questions for the celebrity guestsI usually get tongue tied when meeting my idols, and I think that goes for a lot of other people as well. It's helpful to consider what you would like to ask or say to them (that also goes for considering how you want to get your picture taken, what you want them to sign, etc). Sometimes, they will also be working on new projects that you might not even realize, so it never hurts to come prepared. The celebs will probably appreciate it too. (Side note: No matter what you want to say, be respectful!)
-Decide your schedule in advanceI learned this lesson the hard way. I'm a pretty easy going person, I usually hate making plans, but when it comes to conventions, I become a bit of a planning Nazi. It's for a good reason. One year, I foolishly thought I could walk around without a plan, and realized too late that I had missed Brent Spiner's Q&A. The schedule is released in advance, go through and pick out your must-see's, and make sure you allow enough time for shopping, autographs, etc. I even go as far as to bring several highlighters and colour-code events in order or preference and urgency. Yeah, I was pretty damaged from that Brent Spiner thing.
-Have an emergency kitAn emergency kit is going to be different for everyone, so figure out what that means to you. Mine includes: Flip flops (I'm always cosplaying and that usually involves uncomfortable shoes, it's good to have a backup); needle, thread, super glue, make up, bobby pins, safety pins (again with cosplaying, wardrobe malfunctions happen, be prepared); reusable shopping bags (for all the swag and awesome purchases); some form of entertainment (a book, DS, deck of cards, whatever- just something to pass the time because you will have to wait around a lot); backup batteries/charger (my camera died last year, I literally took about 6 pictures the entire weekend); pen and paper (never know what you're going to need to remember); hand sanitizer (I don't even have to explain why); deoderant/perfume/cologne (There will be a lot of foul smelling people there, don't be one of them) and please please please don't forget your ticket, receipt and ID (just in case).
-Have funIt's so easy to get stressed out or overwhelmed, just remember, you and everyone around you is here to have a good time. Enjoy it, take the good with the bad because there will be bad, but you'll be happy you were able to laugh it off and make the best of it.
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