Convention etiquette-12 things every con newbie (and seasoned pro) should know

So you’re on your way to your first convention. Your bags are packed, and you’re ready to go. Maybe you’re pumped to get going. Maybe a friend is dragging you and you’re not really sure about this whole “con” thing. That’s fine; it’s completely normal to be a bit apprehensive about your first con. Here’s a few things to know to help you into the con experience, as well as a few tips to help you avoid trouble.

If you’re a seasoned pro in the cosplay and convention scene you may know many of these, but here’s some things to consider when you’re at your third, sixth, or tenth con.

1. It’s okay not to have a costume

No, I mean it. It’s okay not to have a costume for your first convention. I know it may feel like you’re the only one who is not sporting a really elaborate cosplay, but you’re not alone. I know at my first con I only had the Velma costume I’d bought for last Halloween. I didn’t have anything anime related which I felt bad for (since it was an anime convention I was attending.)

It can be very intimidating seeing people in their costumes when you have none. Keep in mind that a lot of the cosplayers have made their costumes over the years, collecting pieces and improving upon it every time. You’re not going to look perfect your first con. Here’s how to deal:

DO: Use this experience as a great way to people watch. You can still take a lot of photos with cosplayers and have a good time.

DON’T: Don’t get jealous, nervous, or depressed. Many people started out in the same boat as you. Your first con will be something of an awkward phase in your experience. Don’t forget to enjoy it for what it is just because you don’t have a costume.

2. Don’t be discouraged if you bought your costume

You may run into a cosplayer or two who will tell you that because you didn’t construct your costume yourself, its not a cosplay. It’s rare that you’ll find someone who is so rigid in his or her standards, but if you come across one don’t get discouraged. Cosplay is cosplay whether it is bought online, modified from existing clothing, or made from scratch. If you have the skill to make your own cosplay then by all means. However, if you’re like me and sewing patterns frankly baffle you, then feel free to collect the pieces from thrift stores, or buy your costume online.

DO: Be polite. While it may feel like they’re being rude (and they are) you don’t need to retaliate.

DON’T: Don’t make a big deal out of it unless you are being harassed. In that case seek out con security and let them know. You’ll have plenty of opportunity to vent online or to friends later. Don’t let it ruin a good time.

3. Make sure you pack thoroughly

It may seem rather self-evident to you the reader, but you need to pack for things other than cosplay, if you intend to do it. It would be a good idea to make a checklist of what you need prior to packing your bag. Do you have shampoo? Check. Do you have deodorant? No? Better pack that.

It may seem silly, but I’ve had friends who have forgotten to pack the essentials in their hurry. Some people have forgotten to pack comfortable shoes for when they’ll be walking long distances. It’s very painful to hike in four-inch heels. I have had a friend who had to sleep in tights and a kimono because she forgot to pack her pajamas. It’s easy to do in the excitement but can end up being uncomfortable experience and an unneeded expense.

DO: Make sure you have what you need. Pack extras of the essentials in case of an emergency.

DON’T: Forget to bring basic hygiene products. You don’t want to be smelly in close quarters with that many people.

Check out TheGeekyPandaBlog’s video on sensible con packing:

4. Think about packing ibuprofen and Dayquil

With such a large number of people in close proximity it’s a sure thing that you’re getting a large dose of germs. Every surface will be touched quite a bit, and you don’t know the health of each person to touch it. It isn’t uncommon to come down with something during or after a con. Additionally with so much noise you can easily develop headaches. If you’re especially prone to them, make sure you have some pain medication handy before it becomes miserable.

DO: Pack some preventative measures. Pack any medication you think you may need. Hand sanitizer wouldn’t go amiss either. Make sure you wash your hands often.

DON’T: Stick around if you do get sick. A con is not a good atmosphere if you’re catching a cold or the flu. Go home and recover if at all possible. If not, you might want to avoid a lot of interaction with other con goers.

5. Don’t shoot holes in other people’s ships

Okay, so many of us have pairings we like (alright, that we’re overzealous about.) That doesn’t mean that you should try to fight or convert someone who doesn’t share your opinion. Most importantly you should not insult someone for his or her likes and dislikes. There isn’t an acceptable reason to be hostile to another cosplayer, no matter their opinion.

DO: Agree to disagree. Engage in reasoned debate about why you like the couple you like.

DON’T: Don’t let disagreements dissolve into arguments or physical altercations. This is unacceptable behavior. You may be taken aside by con security, and lose privileges for that year or be unable to return indefinitely.

6. Cosplay does not equal consent

It is vital that we don’t forget that cosplayers are still people, no matter what costume they’ve donned. No matter how much or little a cosplayer is wearing its not acceptable to harass them. Harassment happens to both genders at cons, and it isn’t funny or cute. If you are harassed contact con security to handle the problem.

DO: Report any harassment-physical, verbal or otherwise to con security.If you are able to stop in before the situation gets serious, do what you can to help someone who is being harassed.

DON’T: Don’t step into the middle if it looks like there is going to be physical violence. This rarely happens but if it does, you don’t need to get hurt. Report the situation to con security to be dealt with.

7. Cosplay does not excuse rudeness

Unfortunately because cosplay is a visual art, many people feel like they can make “critiques” of other people’s bodies when they cosplay. Nothing ruins a con faster than to be told “you’re too fat, too old, too thin, too short, not the right skin color” and so on and so forth. Anyone can cosplay regardless of age, race, sexual orientation, weight or height. Check out the cosplay positivity movement, an increasingly large presence at most cons. http://www.popculthq.com/2015/10/20/cosplay-opinion-you-dont-need-to-be-a-model-cospositive/

Cosplay does not mean that you are allowed to violate social norms. Don’t run up to someone you don’t know and hug him or her without permission. Don’t leap onto anyone without warning. It will probably result in an injury and hurt feelings. Don’t touch props without permission. A lot of cosplayers make their own props, and as such they may be delicate.

DO: Ask permission before touching someone else or taking their photo.

DON’T: Make disparaging comments about someone’s appearance. Don’t become offended if you aren’t allowed to touch someone’s prop, and do not take their prop if they allow you to handle it.

8. Check your con’s rules

Convention planners try to take everything into account to make sure their attendees have as fun and as safe a time as possible. Please look over your con’s rules before you attend.

9. Don’t make it a competition

One surefire way to ruin your con experience is to compare yourself to others. No body is alike, and you’re not going to look the same as someone else even while wearing the same costume. You’re going to make yourself miserable if you’re coming with this goal in mind.

DO: Tell yourself that you look great, and graciously accept compliments people give you.

DON’T: Don’t come to a con with the idea that you’re going to be the prettiest/handsomest/best dressed especially if you’re doing a cosplay that is popular.

10. Keep in contact

Convention centers are usually large and easy to get lost in. If you plan to be away from your family, your friends, or your significant other for long, you should make sure they know where you plan to be.

DO: Keep a cellphone on your person at all times. Keep in contact through texts or phone calls. Plan a rendezvous point that your group knows about so if all else fails you can meet there. The merchandise room is usually a good spot for this.

DON’T: Don’t wander off without telling anybody where you are. Don’t forget your cell phone in a bathroom or agree to go another location with someone you don’t know well.

11. Take care of yourself

It’s a good idea to bring your own food, drink and snacks with you to the convention. Con food can be overpriced, and it will strain your budget to buy food every day. Keep yourself fed and hydrated. I’ve seen many a cosplayer collapse because they did not eat, or became too dehydrated in warm weather.

DO: Take water bottles and small snacks with you while you’re out and about. Eat elsewhere in the evenings or have food delivered if you can afford it.

DON’T: Don’t forget to feed yourself or to drink water. If you clothing is too warm, or you have a heavy prop, be extra careful that you don’t get dehydrated.

12. Network

Cons are primarily a place to meet people who have like interests and a place to have fun. If you make friends be sure to add them on social media. Get the names of the people you photograph so you can share your content with them.

DO: Ask if you can post their pictures. If they say no, be respectful.

DON’T: Don’t use social media as a place to harass people about their costumes.

Still not sold on the con thing?

Check out what the Missouri Western Anime Club has to say and what they personally like about cosplay and their local convention Naka-Kon: