Tips and Tricks for Your First Anime Convention 

DONT PULL THE FIRE ALARM. Someone did this at ACen 2015 (probably to get into the rave) and EVERYBODY had to leave the convention center for 30 minutes. Everyone was in the streets, half of the people were drunk, and people tried to protest and start raving outside. I know most people would not even think to pull the fire alarm, but if you do, DONT DO IT! ! Thanks

You forgot, "Don't sexually harass people."

Make sure to respect people. Don't insult their cosplay if you think it looks bad or off because they probably put a lot of time, work, and money into it and feel really proud of it. If anything, give them advice on improving it *politely*. If you're with other friends that came with you to the con, make sure they don't just run off or go to any strange rooms without you or another friend. Have a meeting place set in case you do get separated. If you can, try to check your phone to see if anyone has tried to contact you for help or to tell you where they are. At the cons I go to, the schedule is on the website and lists all of the events. Printing it out and holding onto it for the duration of the con helps manage what you're going to do.

*COSPLAY PIC TIPS*: for the photogs, especially amateur n00bs :U (1) as a cosplayer, i've have TONS of people taking my picture without my permission. it's very flattering that people want my picture, yes, but PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE always ask the cosplayer for permission. if you want to post it somewhere, please ask for their name, so you can credit them, too! i love seeing my pictures up on websites, but it's always a little disheartening to see that im not credited :'u an ok time to skip all these, imo, would be if the cosplayer already has a hoard of people around them. :P because yeah, that's a little tough to ask for all that info in such a fast paced, crowded area, i know. *(2) IF THE COSPLAYER IS EATING, SITTING DOWN, RESTING, DO NOT ASK FOR THEIR PICTURE, DO NOT TAKE A PICTURE W/O PERMISSION*. remember we are people too, and we get tired and hungry and cranky too! :P im fairly sure all you good people know this, but just a reminder uwu (3) please always ask a cosplayer if you want them to pose a certain way, or if you are allowed to touch them (like a hug, or a hand around the shoulder/waist, you pervs!), or if you want to hold a prop of theirs! as a cosplayer, i dont mind letting people hold my props, hugging me, putting an arm around my shoulder, etc, but always ask first!! uwu mmmm i think that's it for now, but yeah!!! tips!!!!!!

VERY IMPORTANT: If you're waiting in long lines without shade then bring sunscreen! I went to Anime Expo last year and got one of the worst sunburns I've ever had because I waited for 5 hours in the sun without any sunscreen on

another thing i noticed at cons if person say dresses as sakura or character other person may not like don't tell "oh i hate sakura she so ugly" that's hurt cosplayer feelings and they may not like it so be nice to that person costume just because you don't that character don't mean have be mean to that person.

You forgot to mention that if buyers are after official merchandise, to be warned of bootlegs ! A very important factor for all to know about. Great video though.

I have always been told if you're a girl to bring your boyfriend or some scary guy, especially if you're smaller. Which was a rule set when I was a kid, due to me being smaller then Edward Elric. The bigger and scarier the guy the less creeps will come near you, which worked out very well for me due to being a steampunk cosplayer.

15:58 i was at a store with my dad just wearing a attack on titan hoodie and a scarf cause its cold here and one girl came up to me and said "excuse me excuse me i LOVE your cosplay sooo much" and i looked at her weird a bit and i just said "its just a hoodie" she kinda freaked me out... me and my dad just walked away at first i thought she needed something in the freezer behind me and she was like jumping and crap

What if I scream "This Con has so many weeaboos!" what will they do to me?

7:17 “the majority of people are just like you and me” *dude starts to take his pants off* Didn’t know it was that normal😂

Someday I will travel to America and go to every big Con that's there. Ugh it's making me so jealous that you guys have such awesome Cons and such awesome things to do there!! We don't even have panels! And I heard that the people are much nicer than here... sure, german cons are hella fun, but american cons sound so overwhelmingly awesome... it just sounds and looks so much better! someday.... that had absolutely nothing to do with your video but I needed to say that xD your advices are very helpful! most of them are also helpful for german cons, but not all of them since you have so much more features there.. but all in all, very helpful x3

This is probably the most helpful video when it comes to planning ahead for any convention in general! Thanks dude!

Wow I cant believe this hit 10,000 views! Thank you guys so much! Also I have a lot of people asking me what cons are in this video. It is a mix of Anime Midwest 2013, Matsuricon 2013, Ramencon 2013, and Anime Crossroads 2012.

This was such a good video!! You covered everything about conventions. I'm going to an anime convention tomorrow and watching this made me even more excited!

I just wanted to say another tip that some people might find helpful. If you have low self esteem or are just shy in general don't forget to be yourself when you're with your friends and family if you bring your parents like I did when I first started out. Just be yourself while in your cosplay or when your just there without cosplay I'm sure that if you are at the con (while being yourself) you will make more friends just don't be annoying when you are being yourself like don't scream a lot or hit people I've seen it happen but the moral of this comment is to just be you and have fun.

I SAW SO MANY HOMESTUCKS AND IT MADE ME SO HAPPY. I WAS LITERALLY CRYING TEARS OF JOY.

I wish I had seen this before I went to my first con a few years ago. I wasn't rude or anything, I was just scared of everything! Honestly, I still needed this now and you just answered lot of questions that I had. Awesome video and great info! Thanks!

This helps a lot man, I'm going to Bronycon this year and It's my first time. I been to a couple smaller cons but Bronycon is the main convention and it's gonna be so awesome! xD

This list pretty much covers everything! I just want to add some helpful tips to con newbies as well! ~In my personal opinion, getting a hotel room is a necessity if you're coming in from well out of town, and commuting back and forth from the con to your house is not an option. If you live close enough to the con in which you can drive or use public transportation, I say just skip the hotel. Yeah it is convenient, but you can save alot of money skipping it if you live pretty close to the con. Plus that's money you could be spending on the dealer's room! My personal rule is that if the con is over an hour away, get a room. ~Another thing about hotels and friends! Cons give the hosting hotel discounts for their attendees! This helps alot if the con takes place in a pricey and swanky hotel. However, having one person pay for the room is still alot of money. 4 people dividing up the cost of a $300 room is alot easier to handle than just 1 person paying up. But make sure everyone is on board with paying their share of the room! Screwing over your friends means you're losing them! ~Sticking to a budget is very very good, but I also like to have emergency money on hand JUST IN CASE LIFE DECIDES TO KICK YOU IN THE BUTT FOR NO REASON. Keep it SEPARATE from your spending money. And keep your priorities in check. If the money you have needs to go toward necessities like food or transportation, don't spend it on an action figure. And sometimes vendors in the dealer's room/artist alley can be a little pushy in you buying their wares. Remember that its your money, and you decide how to spend it. If you're dealing with a vendor who really really really really really wants you to buy something, but you can't, just say "I'll think about it" and be on your way. Buy their wares because you wanted to, not because they promised you the world if you did.

I dunno why but I'm crying tears of joy ;u; I wanna go to my first con now >.< but I'm bad at cosplaying as my aot character (Ymir)

I watched this video in preparation for my first convention in 2014. Now in 2021 I showed this to mt friends who I'm bringing to their first convention next year (if it isn't cancelled)! This still holds up. And the comments section is very helpful also! Hope you all are doing well, and thank you for the very comprehensive video! P.S. I'll emphasize that it's easy to forget to hydrate. At my first con I got kinda sick because I was having so dang much fun I forgot to drink water. There's usually water coolers set up along the halls, but don't count on them being full; there's a lot of people at a con and they also forgot water bottles. Keep some manor of water-filled flask on you at all times! Even a hip flask which can be easily hidden in your cosplay is something!

If your younger than 18 yrs old, and you still wanna go to the Anime Convention... Can your parents come?

So beautiful~ Also, the dealer rooms are like money death traps. Last April was my first convention and spent like 3/4 of my money at What Pumpkin and other booths as well...

Are cartoons, such as Adventure Time or Gravity Falls, included in anime cons?

AT 1:46 I LOVE THAT KOKICHI AND MIKU ARE DANCING TOGETHER XDDD

Are there any younger teens at cons? Like 13 or 14. I'm afraid I'll be the only one and stick out like a sore thumb.

omg I just saw a Dirk and a Jake with a smol dave OH MY GOODNESS THAT IS SO CUTE

This looks like it will help a lot. I'm going to me first anime con in June and I know it seems like a long way away but I am still studying right now. Thanks for making this ^w^

Also ask to take pictures of people. Don't just take a picture of them randomly.

The food tip is the MOST IMPORTANT thing in this video. Went to a con last weekend and my friends decided to skip dinner because we were running late for the registration deadline. Then we skipped breakfast! Had I known that was the plan, I would have packed a PopTart or two to snack on! Next time, I will be more prepared! Lol

I went to my first con November 15 it was the best day of my life u helped me so much there was no rude people I went to a panel I meet voice actors and it was amazing what u said about being starstruck was true but I kept it together thank u so much for help!!

When you're not even going to a convention yet you just wanna know for future reference

_//Im really new to this, I just found out what anime cons are and etc. I was thinking of going to one next year, since you recommended to prepare on year earlier....But my parents won't really understand what's going on (and I have a little sister so I don't think it's a good idea) so I'm thinking I can go with a family friend? I have a friend who's into anime and I can invite like 1 or 2 more.....I would need help on this though...Jeez these things can be complicated!_

OMG! Thank you I might be going to a con soon and this really helped me out! Thank you again!

WATCH THE NEW VERSION HERE - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-HroYWx88bo0.html IT HAS A LOT MORE TIPS THAT WERE MISSING IN THIS VIDEO!!!!

My first con I went to, my only other friend that is into anime was working the maid cafe. I had to walk around by myself for four hours....never felt so alone. BRING FRIENDS!! It makes it 10000000000x's better

This is great advice! When a person attends their first ever con, it can be quite frightening. In fact, the next anime convention I'll be attending will probably only be my fourth one in my life. I don't think that's a lot, but it's going to be my fourth one. From what I've seen in my short life (Edward Elric would freak), not too many people in the US love anime. A lot of my friends either have never watched it or they hate it. Anime convention are amazing places because hundreds, usually thousands of people can get together and love anime together. You can meet new friends, enjoy panels, cosplay, take pictures of cosplay, etc. Believe me, cons are just the best in the world. It is always good to do everything, and I mean EVERYTHING in advance. That convention I mentioned is in 3 months, and I registered 1 month ago. Do you know how hard it was to find a hotel room? I also bought new cosplay makeup a few weeks ago, since this will be my first time cosplaying. Surprising, right? I've also been following the website for a few weeks as well, checking up on updates, panels, events, etc. Do not be nervous! Basically everyone there loves anime or is interested in anime, and chances are, just telling them this is your first con is fine. Everyone needs to have a first convention, so it's perfectly okay. On the other side, be polite to people who say they are at their first con. Remember how scary or nervous you might have been? Don't put more pressure on them, and give them tips about what to do. I'm a tiny bit nervous, since the convention I'm attending, Anime California, is expecting over 5000 people, making it one of the largest cons I've seen. The others had around a thousand or sometimes only a few hundred people attending. I guess I was one of the lucky ones. I already predicted most of these problems, and actually managed to avoid most of them. I'll be detailing how my first con went. My mom would always badger me about bringing dozens of bottles of water everywhere, and now, I'm thanking her for it. Go moms! I also walked around the dealer's hall TWO times before buying anything. Once again, I thank my mom for the budget tips. Last, I bought some great food for a relatively cheap price, so that worked out. There was also the fact I live only half an hour from the con in Las Vegas. Yes, I live in Las Vegas!

I'm going to my first con in two months and I CAN'T WAIT :D This video helped me get an idea of what to expect, so thanks :)

CON-flict //nudge nudge wink wink//

I'm going to my first con, and I only live 15 minutes away so I won't be staying in a hotel or anything. How much money should I bring??? I'll probably just need it for lunch and buying products (unless attractions cost money... Do they?)

12:15....no drugs?....every con rave i've ever been too there were drugs lmao but no violence though.

I sent this to my best friend and we literally rewatched the video like 3 times to analyze all the cosplay- THANK YOU FOR THIS BEAUTIFUL VIDEO

me hoping i can go to a con after covid

This video is making me super excited to go to my first big con! I've only been to small 1-Day cons in the past, I can't wait for the one i'm going to! Too bad I gotta wait like 2 months Dx

I went to comic-con before I could appreciate it...That was before I knew anime…I was so innocent.

Great video. Otakon is in a few months and I can't wait. I went last year, but this time I'll be going with friends! I was utterly clueless last year, but this time I'm going to be prepared. Thanks for the tips.

This has the STRONGEST 2013 vibes I've ever seen. This is a time capsule.

Hi, um, I'm 12 and I'm planning on going to AWA. I'll be trying to doing a Meenah cosplay and I'm really nervous concidering this is my first con. I'm also kinda awkward when meeting new people but I really want to make friends that are Homestucks! I feel like I'm gonna die/get kidnapped/get mugged/ be thrown off a building or something. >°< I really want to make friends but everyone I see in videos look 16. Any help?

Like the con's group page, it's a good way to get a feel for the people there and get recommendations and tips for that particular con

I got a tip of advice - If you are a vlogger VLOG ABOUT THE CON AND VLOG AT THE CON! Show your viewers and friends what the con life is about. Also, if you see something awesome that you may not get the chance to see again, VLOG IT ASAP! (kicking myself for not vlogging me having backstage access of a rave for a con I was at)

This is so super helpful. There were a lot of things in here that I haven't heard in other videos, like the game room and booking a hotel so far in advance. The link for the website, also super helpful. Thank you so so much for this video.

This video is on point! Very well put together, man. Subbed.

I've been to over 30 conventions and this video is great for new people! If only I watched this before I attended my first con; I was petrified when I stepped into that convention center!! Currently getting ready for San Diego Comic Con. Gonna represent the LoL community and cosplay Firecracker Jinx and Popstar Ahri. Wish me luck on Jinx's impossibru rocket launcher.

Thanks for the tips I'm going to an anime con Dis year ))

Tip: Please understand that cosplayers (and in general) not all will look their age. They are COSPLAYING after all. Cosplay = role-play + costume. People will act different and look different in costume. So be careful Tip: A note on the rave + friends thing…establish a security thing. Cons can attract a lot of creepy people and at a rave you can't see much because of lighting (not all raves are like this though). Whether there's good lighting or not, you still want to have a security thing set up between you and friends in case. For instance, say you're dancing and some guy walks up to you and starts to talk to you. You get a bad vibe from him and try to get away but it doesn't work. That's where your friends come in and say: "Oh, sorry she's taken or blah blah blah". You want to be safe and having fun. Not scared. I've experienced this a few times I've gone to raves and have had my friends do this as well as I have done this. Tip: Take extra bobby/hair pins and hair nets and hair spray, etc. You don't want your wig falling apart or off your head in the middle of the con and you don't have anything to fix it with.

you cant escape the homestucks

This got me even more excited for the con this summer omfg

0:24 lol idk how to say this but LOOK AT THOSE BLACK BUTLER COSPLAYERS-😌

Thanks so much for the tips. This is my 2nd Comic Con I'm going to in Columbus, OH on Oct.31, Nov. 1 & 2nd I'm so nervous and excited, last year I asked Jason David Frank a question and was OMWow! And now I'm excited bout this year I'm dressing as Korra, and getting other stuff there, and never been to a panel before.

I just recently compromised with my mom that I would clean the house for a week if she got me 1 cosplay(my first cosplay) we will discuss a convention at a later date xD

Thank you so much! This helped me a lot. The link helped me find two upcoming cons near me, and one is less than an hour away!

I'm going to be going to my first con in august! (it's the con in chicago) and me and my two other friends will be cosplaying as our trollsona's! HYPPPPPEEEDDDDD

ayyy watching this before midwest and lmao you saved me a panic! I forgot i had to get my cosplay ready. Ive done it so many times i dont even think about it too much anymore

I have never been to a con but now I really won't to go!!!!

Great vid! I've been going to Cons for 6yrs now and I just started to do a panel on this very topic!

everyone: BOOK A HOTEL ROOM EARLY AND CHEAP AND GET A GOOD ONE me: *laughs in con is 15 mins away from my house*

What he said about the Dealer's Room is so true. I always scan the room at least one time while making a mental list of things i would like before I buy anything. However, don't wait too long to buy something because Saturday is usually the day everyone is shopping and things can go quickly.

This was 6 years ago and ppl still comment 0-0

This is very helpful for me! I have been to a con but it was awkward bc it was just me and my dad and i did see 1 person my age and thats it. So thankyou so much for the help.

Omg. There are Homestucks!

So, I’m a cosplayer, and on the topic of treating us like people YES we’re people BUT if they’re like me they will like being called the character and talked to like the character. But use the character’s name ASAP so they’re not confused, (this doesn’t apply to everyone tho, so be cautious) it just makes me happy :)

WHAT.STEAM POWERED GIRAFFE WAS THERE. I'M SO MAD.

Thanks! I went to my first one yesterday, and this helped so much!

I am going to a com soon and I am going to propose to and Muichiro from Kimetsu no Yaiba (demon slayer) So if you are going to supanova AUS Sydney as Muichiro... Be prepared....

In my city, there's hardly any medium-sized con and I can guarantee there's never any big ones. Most cons I've been to weren't even held at a hotel, just a convention hall and at other times, malls. I really want to experience going to cons held at hotels with my friends

What are the best conventions to go to if you are a minor like me? I'm 11 and really into cosplay but I don't know what conventions to go to

Thanks for making the video! I'm going to Hartford Comic-Con this weekend as my first convention, so I'll keep these tips in mind.

10:19 It's Grell and female Ciel! Also I have a question but can kids (Im 12) Go the anime conventions? I want to cospaly Grell and one of my friends are going to cosplay Miku and the other one Sebastian but we want to know if we could go cause most people who go are like teens or adults so yeah

I am going to Kastucon in 2015, it will be my first one and I am so excited!! Thank you for the vid!

not me watching this in 2020-

Thank you so much for this video! I'm gonna be attending my very first con in the beginning of next year, and I'm pumped! Seeing all of these tips really helps me to put forth a good plan before the con to make sure I'm not stupid at my first one. All of your videos get me pumped!

homestucks spotted

I was making a list of the things I need to bring and I asked my dad if I was missing anything and he said in all seriousness "ya mace,pepper spray and a taser" XD

SO.MUCH.HOMESTUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!

In regards to preregistration, it is true that buying in advance will be cheaper, however some conventions will actually have a shorter "buy-at-the-door" line than their preregistration line depending on the popularity of the con. For example, Metrocon has had a Much shorter at-the-door line for the last couple years so it definitely helps to know your con and ask around.

I have a question to ask to people that go to con's in the past and in this last year, i know this is going to sound really stupid but bear with me. I have a serous phobia of heights and i'm sad to say the said phobia has kept me from going to con's in the past. My question is, are most of the con's activity's on the ground floor or on the second floor of the hotels that the con is being held in? I have my heart set on next years A-con but it is in a huge hotel and if something con related is on the top floor i would fear missing out.

man thank you for making this video exist! I went to my first Anime con last year and this video helped so much!!!

Is it normal for people to cosplay from other fandoms, such as BBC Sherlock at anime conventions?

Thank you for watching! Yeah i get sick of people hating on staff. Im not gonna say i have never done it, but people do need to chill out about it a little bit. If you liked the video plz share it! thanks!

Anime midwest is where I'm going to ))

VERY good video. It covers everything and is very informative. You have a nice, fluid speaking voice! I especially agree with the voice actors. They're nice, funny people! Give them a chance! I don't get upset when they get a little irritated when the dreaded "how do I become a voice actor" question pops up because they get asked that ALL THE TIME. I slump down in my chair when that question pops up because it is literally asked in every voice actor panel I've ever been in. Also thanks for mentioning the elevators. Some people just love to ruin it for other people by jumping in them and doing other stupid stuff. Also expect a line for pretty much EVERYTHING. Everything will have a line even for the elevators. Expect to wait for a lot of things especially if your con is big. Be patient with staff people because most of them are literally volunteers. They're doing the best they can and we should appreciate the time they take to make the con happen. Thanks for the video!

One thing I found helpful when I cosplayed Fionna from Adventure Time is when I was making my backpack I didn't stuff it and I put a zipper on it so I could open and close it and put my water and stuff that I bought in there so if you cosplay something that has a backpack you could try to make it where you can put your stuff in it. I know it seems like common sense, but in almost all of the tutorials I saw they stuffed it which would leave you or somebody else holding your stuff.

A tip I've recently started using is have a con packing checklist! There's a generic one online but basically make a list of what you know you'll need whether it's for a cosplay or your regular street clothes or just normal hygiene. That and if you're using any type of makeup like body paint, for the love of god seal. Just because your makeup is dry does not mean it won't come off and stain whatever you've touched. If you don't have sealer just hairspray and baby powder will do the trick! There is no excuse to not seal. As a Homestuck cosplayer, let me tell you that getting grey out of your own cosplay is /not/ fun.

As a con-veteran, I 100% approve! Great job! :) Regarding scheduling if you have a smartphone or tablet (Android/iOS) get the GuideBook app and the con guide. If there's an event time change or cancellation it's good to know that it's been cancelled or changed before lining up etc. That's what I got.

This is good advice, I don't normally go to the a con as an attendee but I usually volunteer because even within the volunteers you get to meet people and become friends as well. Also, weapons some people love bringing real weapons, you should add the weapon part to this list. Thanks for the last tip because people would get pissed at me for telling them if they got to show me their badge and what they're doing is wrong. So thank you

I'm 13 and had my first con last year and it felt kind of lonely when having to walk with your dad and no friends ;-;. But this year I plan on bringing friends... yay.... Most of these tips really helped, thank you!

Dude I really liked your video you have a great voice to be commentating

Thank you so much! I'm about to go to my first Anime-Con in March with my Uncle and you helped me out a lot with the tips!

i'm planing on going to waku waku +NYC this year as my first con and I'm so exided!