What do you do at a convention?

[expirasin]

I've done a lot of cool things in my life, but never have I been to a convention. I'd like to know just what happens at a, say for instance, an anime convention. What things are up for display? What does everyone do? Is there a special session where people get to talk and get to meet new friends? Is it possible to find true love there?



Okay, forget that last question, but I would like to know the lowdown on anime conventions.

[Kat Avery]

I met my current boyfriend at a convention last december, lol. We're doing great so far and damn near inspererable, but that's all based on people, not cons. :O

In all truth though, conventions are a GREAT way to meet people. There are tons of things to do at cons (panels, AMV contests, gaming rooms, cosplay, and my love; THE DEALER'S ROOM) so there's hardly a moment that you'll be bored, because if you're not doing all that, you'll be with friends you either came with or met at the con.

Dealer's/Merchants/Vendor Rooms - Think of it as one big marketplace packed with anime and asian-related items. And by packed, I mean REALLY packed. In most dealer's rooms, you can find anything from doujinshi to weaponry, to figurines and manga/anime. I'd advise you not to walk in with your wallet if you're strapped for cash - you'll end up dirt poor by the end of the weekend.

Cosplay and Costume Contests - Kospure/Cosplay is basically putting on skits, musicals and other entertaining acts in costume (and most preferrably, in character. XD). The funniest, most well choreographed and the most well presented ones are usually given awards. Costume contests are usually either runway or stage shows of people modeling the costumes they've made. The best costumes get awards. :O

Panels - Discussion panels on pretty much anything pertaining to japanese culture or anime fandom. They also discuss topics like voice acting, dollfies.. etc etc. :O There are also workshops, which are basically panels you have to pay a bit for, for training and whatnot. I attend VA workshops every chance I get, especially at cons.

AMV Contests - Anime Music Video. They're all over the internet, and here, the best ones are awarded.

There are also dances (mainly raves, but some cons have formal balls) and other social gatherings that are a great way to meet people. :B

Uhh.. any other questions? XD;

[expirasin]

Are there any websites (Besides VAA) that inform you on convention schedules? I'd really like to see one in Tennessee. Just as long as its not Sci-Fi.

[Kat Avery]

The only one I know of in TN is MTAC, but uhhmmm.. I think cosplaylab.com has convention schedules somewhere!

[Katie]

Cosplay and Costume Contests - Kospure/Cosplay is basically putting on skits, musicals and other entertaining acts in costume.

Actually, cosplay is basically dressing up like fictional characters. ;D However, Kat did a great job of basically explaining Costume contests! lol

P.S. COSPLAY IS FUN! COSPLAY 4 LYFE! ;D

[Jessica Adnee]

Can anyone go?

Can they just like... show up and go in? Or do you need to be a part of the super secret otaku society or something? :/

Also... is it necessary to cosplay? not that it doesn't sound like fun but... will they not let you in if your in street clothes?

(Pixie's never been to a con either)

[Hikuro]

You can go to any convention that's open to the public, it wouldn't be a convention otherwise. All you have to do is pay the entrance fee, granted it may seem high but it can easily be well worth it.

The way I see it, if you pay under 20 bucks, the con sucks, but if your doing 45 or slightly higher, the con's got alot too offer to you.

And no, you don't have to wear some sort of costume. I've gone to these in regular clothing, people wont pay much attention to you, but still its fun to just go as you are.

Going in an outfit of some character that people recognize is a plus, you can get alot of attention, and many times pending how well your dressed up will be stopped for picture taking.

I remember Lila getting stopped every 3-5 minutes for pictures when she was dressed up as a Naruto character.

I only had my picture taken once cause someone thought I dressed up like Kaiba....*grumble* I wasn't kaiba dammit.

[Lila]

hehe yeah Tsunade was so much fun to cosplay tho Jake-san hogged all the attention in his Kakashi cosplay^^

There's so much to do and see at conventions. This year was the first time I actually tried to catch the events. AMV contest and cosplay contest were awesome but I completely avoided the dealers room. I waited outside till everyone was done.
Conventioning is one of the best experiences ever especially when you take part in the cosplaying ^_^

[Charil]

Can anyone go?

Can they just like... show up and go in? Or do you need to be a part of the super secret otaku society or something? :/

Also... is it necessary to cosplay? not that it doesn't sound like fun but... will they not let you in if your in street clothes?

(Pixie's never been to a con either)

What Hikuro said :P I've been to five cons since last June, only two that I've pre-registered for, and never once went in costume x) It's just... I dunno, I think it's kinda embarrassing. But then again, I get embarrassed at everything ._.;;

[Katie]

I dunno, I think it's kinda embarrassing. But then again, I get embarrassed at everything ._.;;

You know, the first time I went to a con I thought I was going to be really embarassed to be in cosplay, and that it would take me a while to feel comfortable, but that's really not how it was at all. As soon as I exited my room with the full Haruko get-up on I felt GREAT. And very comfortable. It was a blast- and I got stopped for a photo before I even reached the elevator, and I remember being SO excited because he was the first person to ask for my photo in costume at the con. But then again, I'm one of those little kids who played dress-up 24/7 when I was little, and I'm pretty outgoing, too, but I'm quite sure that most cosplayers know what I'm talking about, as far as first times go. ^^

[Windy*]

I don't think there's anything to be embarrassed about, considering... well, god, you're at an ANIME CONVENTION! XD Just look around you and you'll see TONS of people who look more embarrassing than you ever could!

If you feel bad about your costume, just remember there will always be more than one that's worse. :D

Heheh, I know that's so mean, sorry. <3 But it's silly to be embarrassed about something like cosplay. Once you try it for the first time, it's addicting like CRACK! :0

[arick86]

I've never been either... But I want to go to one. Only not many people I know would go with me... ah well... I will someday...

One day i'll put my job skills to work and start making and selling costumes...