Attending your first ever con?

[KuroNekoCosplay]

Not this year, but next year I'm planning on attending Phoenix Comic Con 2014. I'm moving to AZ in a few months (which makes this month's Con not happening for me).

What should I expect from my first con?
I have never been to a convention before and I'm so excited to finally attend one, but I'm not sure what to do besides wear a costume and check out other costumes XD
How was your first con experience?

Any help/advice is appreciated

[Rangiku12]

Prepare for a lot of walking and stay hydrated. My first one was overwhelming so just be prepared. Also head to the place to get your badge first after you get there...xD

[Waifu Beam]

Originally Posted by KuroNekoCosplay

What should I expect from my first con?

Expect to walk around alot, so make sure you bring comfortable shoes just in case the ones you're wearing for cosplay may break or get uncomfortable for you. Also, if you end up going with people make sure your phone is charged and you all plan out where to meet just in case one of you gets lost.

Originally Posted by KuroNekoCosplay

How was your first con experience?

It was good for the most part and I had a lot of fun, but my friends on certain days ditched me and I was stuck wandering around with my friend's little brother. :/ Managed to make the most of it though. >w<

AZ is super hot so if it is your first convention, start with something light and cool. Trying to wear a coat for a cosplay on the first ever con experience never works out.
Bring plentiful money, bring own bottle of water and if applicable food (they are expensive elsewhere unless you decide to check out McDonalds outside, definitely check out exhibit hall, and I recommend checking out gatherings.

My first con experience went swimmingly to an extent. It's mostly because of my obsession with making a checklist beforehand.

Speaking of checklist, this will help you:

[Kelley]

Make sure to check out things like panels and events - that way you know what's available and can see if you'd like to go to any of them. I've heard that a lot of people don't really know about those things their first time and miss out.

[KuroNekoCosplay]

Thank you all for the information and advice!

[SweeneyTodd]

Don't have much advice at the moment, but I just wanted to say that you have great photos in your gallery! Nicely done!

Also be prepared to stop for photos, many people will ask you for a photo. This should be easy for you though if you have modeling experience. Your poses look really great, so this will be no problem for you

[ladysphinx07]

I'd say to try and carry a small purse/bag with essentials in it. There's nothing worse than lugging around a huge or heavy bag all day when all you may need is your wallet and camera! Plus, if you're in costume and only have a small bag, it's much easier to toss it to the side if someone asks for a picture!

And if you can, get a printed version of the map/schedule to have on you, so you can refer to it whenever you need!

[Kelley]

I usually only bring stuff such that fits in one slim pocket - I usually build at least one into the costume to fit in ID, credit card, et cetera. I usually don't carry much more than that. These days I think I will probably want to bring my phone (to use its camera and if we split up)- which might be hard because it's gigantic. I think I'll put it in my boots for all my upcoming costumes (I could make a holster out of elastics). If I didn't have boots I might have to get more creative.

But it depends on what you're comfortable with. Some people need things that require a bag. I've heard of people making bags that their character would have or that would go along with them even if they're never shown with one - which is a really cool idea.

I know a lot of people like to have water bottles and things like that with them. I know that I'm fine without that, but it might be a good idea to keep it in mind. You know yourself.

[ChocoboxDreamer]

Make sure to get a good amount of sleep as well!
Nothing would suck more than to have your energy level drop to 0 in the middle of the day due to lack of rest.

[KuroNekoCosplay]

Those are some great ideas!
And thank you SweeneyTodd for the comment!

Also, one costume I'd wear (my Lupo) has a bunch of pockets and pouches that I can stuff small essentials into Other than that I'm sure I could find more ways to put things. I do thank you all for your inputs!