From Agriculture trade shows and homeowner conventions to anime and pop culture cons. I’ve attended my fair share of conventions and expos.

There’s always something to learn or share to help make cons easier for others. Cons can be intimidating, especially if it’s a larger con like Anime Expo. Community knowledge is great when shared. These are general rules that I try to follow at cons.

Let me know if you have a tip to add!

The 5-2-1 Rule

The 5-2-1 rule is one of my favorite convention tips.

At least 5 hours of sleep, 2 meals (a day), and one shower.

Sleep and eating are important for your body. It does wonders. Cons are best without hunger or tiredness. Be sure to eat and sleep. It doesn’t have to be three whole meals, but it should be at least two meals. Same with sleep, at least five hours. Driving (if you’re traveling) can be dangerous while tired.

And hydrate. Dehydration is dangerous. Hydrate now.

The shower portion is for everyone. Hygiene is a touchy topic, but try to shower once. Cons can be smelly. Lots of people in one area. Also, that goes for germs and bacteria as well. A good shower helps get rid of the convention crud. It also lowers the risk of con-flu.

I know I always feel gross after a con, and showering is one of the first things I do when I get home.

(Unfortunately, my old work schedules didn’t allow me to have the chance to do a full weekend con in a while.)

Bring a bag.

This is the one thing I tend to forget, even when I leave a reusable bag by the door to take with me. It always comes back to bite me in the rump.

I suggest bringing a bag if you plan on doing a good chunk of shopping. It makes things easier to carry, and I’ve encountered booths that don’t have bags for their merch. Double-check and see if the venue has rules about bags. Some require clear bags or have bag checks before entering for safety concerns. I’ve never had my bags checked before, but people have told me they’ve been bag-checked.

Some people get upset with bag checks, but safety is important.

Safety and Security

Speaking of safety and security, I always review the venue map if there’s one available online, just to get a feel of the layouts and booths. Having worked in security, I like to know where emergency exits are located.

I also keep an eye on my bags and wallet. I wear a fanny pack that crosses my chest so it’s always close and in eyesight. Mine is from Hurley, which I got on sale from Dick Sporting Goods. It’s large enough to keep my wallet and ID, but small enough to be worn with no issue.

If something happens at a con, you should be able to report it to either security or a volunteer. Some smaller cons I’ve attended don’t have an active security team, but some volunteers should be aware of safety regulations.

Hydrate and Stay Cool/Warm

Again, stay hydrated and cool if possible in hot temps. Heatstroke is no joke. I’ve heard about too many people passing out at cons.

Cosplays and fursuits can be heat traps. Be safe. Take a break. If you need to ask for a cup of water, do so. Most places have to provide basic cups of water legally. It might not be bottled, but water nonetheless.

If it’s a winter con and in an area with winter hazards, prepare accordingly. Slipping on ice, snow, or slush can be a health issue. Plus, it just sucks.

Circle Around

Try doing a lap of the venue floor. I do one lap before I start buying items. Then I do a few more if I missed any booths or items. Smaller items can be tricky to look at if a booth is crowded.

Cash and Payments

Bring cash. Most vendors and autograph booths take cash only.

Granted, I did go to a booth that did Venmo, which was interesting.

Clothes and Comfort

Remember to dress comfortably. Wear practical shoes and clothes.

(I only wear sneakers because I’m old, and my knees hate me.)

Cosplay is not consent.

Ask cosplayers for pictures. Don’t just assume people will be okay with it. It might be exciting to see someone dressed as your favorite character. It’s great! It doesn’t mean they want pictures taken, though.

Cosplayers, you don’t deserve harassment, groping, or inappropriate behaviors. It doesn’t matter how revealing or who you’re dressed up as.

Most cons should be good at handling complaints and inappropriate behaviors. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen. People who harass cosplayers should be escorted from the con.

(I think some of them should be banned, but that’s my opinion.)

Good Con Etiquette

Be polite and respect personal space when you can. Cons are often crowded and people can be packed like sardines. Don’t go grabbing things at booths and leaving them a mess.

Pack Essentials

Tickets. Badges. Phone charger and Phone. Cosplay touch-ups. Event lists. Hand Sanitizer. Meds. Don’t forget to bring them with you if needed.

Follow Con rules

Some might have the clear bag rule. Some might have a no outside food/drink policy. If it has 18+ hours, adhere to it. Follow the rules and keep it fun for everyone.

If you have a prop weapon, make sure it follows the convention guidelines.

Take Breaks

Pace yourself. Take breaks. Rest. If you need to hide in a quiet corner, so be it.

Packing Models and other items.

I go to scale modeling events and one thing I’m always careful of is packing my finished models. I use foam, old shirts, soft materials, and so on so that they don’t get jostled on the road. The worst thing that’s happened to me is improperly packing a model and having it break or the paint chip.

I take my TCG cards in deck boxes and binders so they don’t bend or get damaged.

At some point, I need to pick up a portfolio holder for comics, since I’ve been buying more of them at cons lately.

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Have a happy Monday! — J