conventions?

[Sugarcube 213]

I am really considering going to a convention this year and possibly cosplaying as well. Anyone ever gone before and/or cosplayed at one? Any tips, stories experiences?

[NostalgicPony 310]

I have been to four conventions in the past three years, mostly Sakura-Con in Seattle every March/April, but just recently I went to my first anime convention in Vancouver called Cos & Effect.

 

They're A LOT of fun, you see and meet a lot of cool and interesting people and share common interests, plus, no one really judges you if you do random things that usually you wouldn't do casually, like hugging and saying weird things, because many would understand as well.

 

There is quite a lot of stuff to buy as well, but keep in mind, THINGS DO GET PRICEY. Merchants want to make a pretty penny because they know conventionalists will spend a lot to get the items they want that they probably can't get at normal stores locally. You will find good artists selling their crafts for a reasonable price as well. Usually a good amount to bring is 200-300 dollars (unless you have nothing better to do with your money then bring more). Prices to attend conventions are reasonable, big conventions like Sakura-Con that brings in about 10,000+ every year sells their passes at about 35-40$ a ticket for Preregistration, but keep in mind that the price usually goes up as the months go by nearing the convention, at door prices are the most expensive. I highly recommend you pre-reg to most conventions if you want to save money. Make sure to keep up to date with the news that comes from the convention, especially when they announce guests or if they have changed the schedule on certain panels or moved some places to another area.

 

Now, for the first two years of Sakura-Con, I never went to a panel, I was a bit shy but also I had a friend with me, so we never got around to go to fan panels or seeing guests. But this year when I went to my third convention I went to my first panel and it was a MLP one. It was really great, fun and I enjoyed it lots. Panels are great if you are interested in what they show or do.

 

Now there is one thing I have not done yet at conventions, that that is cosplaying. I have seen many cosplayers and have taken numerous photos of them. YOU WILL SEE GREAT COSPLAYS, so make sure to keep a camera handy because they are worth getting pictures for. For you, if you plan on cosplaying, I have a few tips just by observing the cosplayers: First, don't be shy, if people look at you or say things about you it's usually positive, you are there to have fun like everyone else cosplaying. Second, don't feel afraid to have photographers take your photo; you will have the kind of people that run around with big fancy cameras that love cosplay and will maybe ask you for a photograph, so just make a memorable stance that is part of your character you are cosplaying, rather then just standing there being normal, it usually does not put much into the attitude of the character and that is what photographers look for. And thirdly, if your cosplay gets damaged by something due to packaging or just how its made, most conventions will have a room for cosplay repairs, people will be there to help you fix your cosplay.

 

Also if you plan on bringing weapons, remember that there will be strict policies on handling toy guns or metal swords, some will want you to sign a contract and peacebond your weapon, make sure you don't hit people with your weapon lol.

 

Other then all that, just be safe, remember your way around because places like conventions can be hectic and crowded. You will also see lots of staff roam around conventions and never be bothered to ask one of them for assistance, because that's what they are roaming around for. Make sure to keep your convention booklet handy as it will show you maps of the convention area and the schedule for events as well as when certain places will close like the Artists Alley, Dealers Room, Registration, Etc.

 

And have fun!

 

If you also like to hear some of my Pony experiances at the conventions I have gone to, then please stop by and read this: http://mlpforums.com/topic/30547-pony-experiences-at-sakura-con-2012cos-effect-2012/#entry707196 It may give you a good idea on what to expect.

Edited September 2, 2012 by NostalgicPony

[~Lawful Jordo~ 2,066]

Conventions are great I've never been to a Brony one, but I plan on going to Bronycan.

 

Like Nostalgic said, you get to meet a lot of cool people and see some really cool things. The most recent convention I went to was the Calgary Comic & entertainment expo. It was a ton of fun! I cosplayed as Boba Fett

 

(That's me on the left obviously )

 

 

Cosplaying is a ton of fun, I recommend it. If you pour time and money into your costume you feel like a freaking celeberty! People asking for your picture left and right

 

I plan to go as Rorschach next year, working on my costume now

 

Biggest danger about Cosplay is that it will empty your bank account :S I spent about $700.00 on the Boba cosplay, and I plan to pour $1000.00 into my Rorschach costume.

 

It's worth it if you ask me, I had a blast.

 

I think my favorite cosplay I saw at that particular convention was this guy dressed as Gordon Freeman from Half Life

 

 

 

 

ALSO, a few tips:

 

Bring a camera: There WILL be awesome cosplays, no matter what convention you go to. You will be kicking yourself if you don't bring a camera.

 

Arrive early: Even if you pre purchase a ticket, be sure to get there as soon as it opens. It will be crowded at most conventions. At the Calgary expo, the building got so packed that the fire marshal wouldn't let anyone else into the building only two hours after it opened. Even people with advanced tickets were being turned away.

 

Prepare to stand in lines: Lines are part of any convention. Get used to them.

 

Bring a ton of spending money: Trust me, there will be awesome stuff there that you will want to buy. Usually there are cool things like artwork and movie props for sale. Also most autographs cost money, depending on star status. On average an autograph is about $30.00.

Edited September 2, 2012 by Eljordo

[Flying Whales 311]

I went to my first convention this year (Anime Expo), and I can honestly say it was one of the best moments in my life. Like NostalgicPony said bring a lot of money, you will see some great cosplays so have a camera ready, one thing I learned and learned fast is don't be shy. I can't stress this enough. One of the best part about conventions are the connections you make with the people at them. Also there was a MLP meetup which was awesome, there were some great cosplayers, nice people, and we sung songs from the show. It was amazing. I'd highly recommend going and cosplaying; it only enhances the experience.

Edited September 2, 2012 by Flying Whales

[Sugarcube 213]

Thank you guys so much! It would be me, my boyfriend, and another couple that usually go to conventions, the girl is an artist and usually goes to the one I am considering and has encouraged us to go last year there just wasn't enough forwarning for us to get off work. I kinda of really want to go to show off my costume I have put a lot of work into for Halloween, sadly not pony related but G.I.Joe related . I defintely think we are going to go, just have to talk to our friends and see if they are too, either way it will be a fun trip! Great costume btw Eljordo!