- Jessica
5 Tips For Going To Your First Convention

Going to any convention is exciting, but going to your first one is something special! It’s your first experience of becoming a part of something that is bigger than you, it can feel like you found your people. There is just an amazing feeling in the air from the excitement of going to panels, seeing cosplays of your favorite characters, and exploring the expo floor that some words cannot describe.
But going to your first con can also feel overwhelming with you not knowing 100% on what to do and how to prepare for it. Luckily, I had some amazing friends to help me prep for my first con. So here are some tips to help you make it through your first con in one piece!
5. Wear Walking Shoes
If you are not cosplaying and you are going to a convention you want to make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes throughout the weekend. At cons, you are going to be walking around a lot and if you are not wearing supportive shoes you will definitely feel it by the end of Sunday. And I know many people like to cosplay and the character you are portraying might not be wearing sensible shoes, but try to wear a different pair as you walk from your hotel to the convention.
4. Bring A Water Bottle
Buying anything at a con can be expensive and you want to save your money for buying items at booths, so it is important that you bring a water bottle. Bringing and empty water bottle you can fill up at the con is going to save you money and make sure that you are hydrated. And if you are going to a con during the summer than you want to make sure you are getting enough fluids.
3. Get In Line for Sessions Early
One fascinating part of going to a convention is checking out the panels that are going to be happening that weekend. So first make sure to check out the con’s website to see all of the panels and start selecting the ones you want to go to. When you are at the con make sure you give yourself enough time to line up for a panel line. And remember that some of the more popular panels can fill up an hour before it even starts to make sure to get their early!
2. Go To The Artist Alley
Personally, I love going to the artist alley at conventions. The artist alley is different from the main expo floor because these are smaller companies and individuals who are setting up a booth at the alley. In this area of the con, you can find amazing fan arts about all of your favorite shows and movies, and you can buy many beautiful handmade pieces there too. So make sure to leave some time (and some money) to shop for some souvenirs at the artist alley.
1. Have Fun
No matter how prepared you are for your con, things will go as they want to as you start talking to other con-goers and hang out with them. So when you go to your first con make sure to have fun and talk to other fans of your favorite shows. And don’t be afraid to try something new to make some lasting memories.