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I want you to ask yourself: Is this your first comic convention? Or maybe you’re a seasoned convention goer?
Either way, this guide is for you. Welcome to the ultimate guide for comic conventions. Summer time is the kickoff to most conventions, and I want everyone to be equipped with the necessary things to bring and do.
I’ve personally made many mistakes in bringing things not needed, not bringing things needed and not being the most organized. This guide will be for everyone, whether you are a cosplayer or just someone who wants to go to a convention and have fun. Let’s break it down in three sections.
General items:
-Reusable bag – To hold items you purchased or a backpack of some kind
-Sharpie Markers – If you plan to get autographs
-Rechargeable portable charger
-Lanyard (for your pass) – though they’ll sometimes hand some out for you
-Bottles of Water
-Comfortable shoes (preferably sneakers)
-Portable Fan – It’s summer!
-Bring things to sign (comic books, pictures, Funko pops and more)
-Cash – you do NOT want to use the ATMs
-Map of the convention space
-Sunglasses (you might step outside, and it’s sunny)
-One of those collapsable seats if you plan to get a lot of autographs
For the cosplayer:
-Change of Clothes (so you can get out of the cosplay)
-Portable fan
-Cosplay fix it kit (just in case something breaks)
-Tide Pin for stains
-Change of shoes (bring sneakers)
-Deodorant
-Lotion
-Any type of perfume or cologne
Other items:
-Camera (vlogging the experience for creators)
-Portable microphone – it’s VERY loud inside conventions
-Extra cords for charging a phone or camera
An Inside Look at My Convention Life
I just finished up Fan Expo Philly, this past weekend. It was a fantastic time, and had a lot of fun with my two friends. There are so many people there, that are interested in the same things. The panels and signings were amazing.
Although, I felt bad for the people waiting for signatures and photo ops with Joseph Quinn (Eddie from Stranger Things), since he was only able to come for one day, I had some signatures and opportunities myself.
I got to meet Sam Raimi, director of Maguire’s three Spiderman movies, as well as Multiverse of Madness. I also met Shameik Moore, the voice of the new movie Spiderman: Across the Spider-Verse’s Miles Morales. Again, another amazing interaction, and he took his time to speak to me and nerd out about Spidey.
I will also note: please make sure you are ready to stand. These lines are very long, and you must wait your turn to get everything signed. They can last for hours at a time.
I hope this guide will help you, as you navigate your own personal convention season.
All of these conventions are so exciting, but please make sure you are pacing yourself during this time.
My final tip is not to plan too much, focus on a few key things you want to get accomplished. There will always be another convention right around the corner!
