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First Things First – Where are you Going to Go?

If you live anywhere near Washington DC, go to atthecon.com. Here you will find details for six great conventions. For the rest of the USA and Canada look at Animecons.

What Should you Look For?

For your first convention look for one not too far away. A two hour drive at the most! Find one held in a hotel as opposed to a convention center. Find one that runs three days, Friday through Sunday. Make sure your First is an anime convention, not anime/sci-fi, not a comic book con. Just anime. Use these criteria to find your first con.

Now that you know where you would like to go, visit the web page for the convention you have chosen. Note the dates of the convention and the hotel. Can you still get a reservation at the hotel? If not, then chose another convention or wait until next year. You want to stay at the same hotel where the convention is being held. Even staying next door will lessen your overall experience.

Stay at the Same Hotel where the Convention is Being Held

If the convention is in a convention center, then stay at a hotel within walking distance. And take note, you will be walking back to the hotel well after midnight! Consider this when selecting your hotel.

Making your Hotel Reservations

The convention will likely have negotiated a special discount rate. Follow the instructions on the convention web page to get this rate. However, do not stop there. Call the hotel directly and see if you can a better rate. If it is a large chain hotel, call their 800 number as well. Finally, check the internet. Check the hotels web site and check a couple of travel sites. Usually, you cannot beat the convention discount, but sometimes, with a little work, you can save yourself a lot of money.

Pre-Register for the Convention

Again, look at the convention web page and follow the directions to pre-register. This will save you from having to fill out a registration sheet when you get there.

When to Get There

Find out what time the registration opens on Friday morning and plan to be there one hour after opening. Do not bother going Thursday evening. (The only exception to this is Otakon and Anime Expo. These conventions are huge. You will want to go a day early or you will miss the first day waiting in line even with pre-registration.) Do not get there early. One hour after registration opens is a good rule. This way they will already be set up and running. Bring your ID and a print out of your pre-registration information from email or from the convention web site. When you check in you should receive a badge that you will need to wear for the weekend, as well as a schedule of events. Most conventions also include a small goodie bag with magazines, sample DVDs, and such!

Check in to the Convention First, and Then Try to Check into the Hotel

Do not be put off by the, “check in is at 3PM” rules. Go up to the desk. Have your ID and credit card out and say, “Good morning, I’m Mr. Advisor and I’m checking in.” In most cases, you will get a room right then and there. Sometimes they just do not have a room available and you will have to wait until later.

Now get a Highlighter and Go Over the Convention Schedule

Highlight the events that sound interesting to you. If you can not decide, then do this: Select one panel that features a guest from an anime that you have seen or heard of, select one anime showing of a genre that you enjoy, plan to attend the AMV contest, the dances on both Friday and Saturday evening, and the musical guests performances. Be conservative in making your selections. Spend some time visiting the dealer room, the art show, and artists alley.

Should you Wear a Costume?

Yes, but keep it simple! Unless you are really into cosplay, do not go for a complicated costume. Do not wear makeup. Simple cat ears and a tail will make you feel right at home!

A Few Simple Rules will Add to your Enjoyment

Eat a full breakfast on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings. Shower everyday. Get at least six hours of sleep each night. Drink a bottle of water in the morning and another in the afternoon. Wash your hands before you eat anything.

Convention Food is Usually Poor Quality and High Price

Try to find a good spot nearby for a nice dinner on Friday or Saturday evening. If there is fast food nearby, so much the better for lunches!

Anime conventions are great fun for even a casual fan. With a little planning and some common sense, you will have a great time!