Three Simple Rules to Enjoying Anime Cons
Anime conventions are actually one of the most popular facet of anime fandom in the United States. I don’t have any real numbers to back this up, but I bet more people go to any major west-coast con than people who would buy the entire season of Nanoha StrikerS if it was ever licensed.
I’m writing down my observations because I’ve seen and read about how fans are learning to deal with cons as they age into either an exiting phase of anime fandom, or simply giving cons up to some extent. And while ultimately it’s up to each individual to evaluate their own investments and the returns on their joy-making, as well as their reasons for going to an anime con, I think it might be good to share some of the stuff I learned over the years. Hopefully this post will shape into a simple guide on fighting con fatigue, how to plan your con experience, and what to look for to max your enjoyment. I don’t really think this is going to be a great Convention 101 post, but more like something to think about after your first couple cons.
I am nowhere a hardcore con goer–I do anywhere between one to five full-blown anime cons a year, usually just two or three. I think my “home” con is Otakon (2008 would be my 11th Otakon) but it isn’t really close enough to commute to, so it’s a road trip + hotel cost-wise. I’m also pretty frugal and live a lowly and low-maintenance lifestyle. Every con, I do the math and figure out what’s the best way I can squeeze every dollar from rooming (I always book a room, even if now I have friends in the area to crash with), eating, and other expenses. Why? So I can afford more goods in the dealer’s room, buy some roses if it seems like a good idea, glow sticks for crappy con concerts, or for the next con I plan to go. Stuff like that. I like comfort and luxury, but it’s not high up on the list of priorities unless it’s necessary.
But still, cons get tiring. I think there’s always going to be a physical factor to cons. Unless you’re a hormone-driven teenager, it’s tough to get peppy on a Sunday morning with full realization of going back to work on Monday, that last night you didn’t sleep all that well because of all the ruckus going on at the hotel, after walking all day and standing in line for hours the day before. In general, a relaxing con is virtually non-existent. It’s tough on fans, tough on the staff, and tough on the guests and retail/industry guys working cons for a living.
Naturally, one of the first things I learned about cons is to make sure you take it at a pace where you can physically handle it. For some it means being tipsy 12 out of 24 hours while you’re there; for some people it just means to drink water and keep yourself hydrated whenever you can. For some it means watching a lot of anime at the video rooms or lounge around watching colorful pedestrians walk by as those are some of the most relaxing things to do. I mean, I hope it’s common sense that if you find cons exhausting, it’s probably because you are taking it at a too fast of a pace.
And for a lot of the big, proper cons, there are a ton of things to do and the trap is that you will end up doing a lot of them. It would be okay if you can handle it both physically and socially, but it won’t be the case every time. And to be honest it’s just going to make life miserable later on. It’s like eating too much at an all-you-can-eat buffet. If you plan to go all out at a con, try to get the Monday after off work. Or even Tuesday, too.
Along the same lines, anime con goers are often not that well off. I used to run cons with a Spartan mentality when it comes to financial discipline and luxury. As I gotten older it occurred to me that if I’m going to waste my vacation moneys and days doing these straining things, I don’t really want to be in a position where I want a vacation from my vacation. I think if you really want to hit a con, and can just barely squeeze it in, then that is okay if you know what you are getting into. But it’s not a way to do cons on a regular basis. In practice it does mean that for an away-from-home con I want to stay at a nearby hotel instead of crashing at someone’s, because the commute cuts into con and sleep time. It means I might spend more time doing nothing, or eating at least one real meal that weekend (not fast food, in other words), if not more. It means I take my time, and do spend that extra $3 for rip-off priced hotel or con food/drink if I feel I really need it; but waiting half an hour for an overpriced cup of coffee at the Otakon Starbucks is pretty dumb.
Another thing I learned really fast is how priceless a con buddy is. I use the term loosely but if you can find some kindred soul, who is interested in the same menu items at a typical con as you, definitely try to do those things together. It can be a Significant Other who is dutifully dragged to the con, but it’s more fun to go to a con with friends you can talk with, and enjoying his or her time there as much as you.
Besides the obvious benefits of con buddies–another set of eyes to spot good cosplays and interesting dealer room goods, line place holder while you go to the restroom, cameraperson, videographer, extra set of hands to hold your stuff, plus many other roles–it’s helpful to get a second opinion often. It can be simply as “I’m hungry” as a reminder for you to go eat when it’s appropriate. It’s not unusual that people lose track of time, money spent, friends, cell phones and personal effects, and/or sanity overall at a con. Having that extra person there makes all of that less likely to happen, and if it does, less problematic. And of course, you will want to return the favor.
There are still going to be times you want to keep to yourself, and likewise respect others’ wishes to remain by themselves, but don’t be a loner.
I think one thing we all realize, even if we rarely acknowledge this in words, is that anime cons are really just giant block parties. And at a party invariably you need to socialize, and socialize amiably. Fly with a wingman. Don’t get into stupid trouble. Be pro and don’t lose your head. Cool customers are welcomed everywhere, and it’s good to earn the favor of the locals and staffers. First impressions are important. But like I said, you should already know all that.
At the same time, it’s part of the point of a con to get your geek on. Part of being a cool customer is knowing when to do that. Talking and knowing what you’re getting into at a con panel is good if you’ve done the homework (or written the textbook). Screaming internet memes about dental plan is good only if you are in line for 4chan. It’s a balance, and I think if you got your head on the right way, it is a natural balance that is easy to strike.
In short, the veteran con goers are:
1. Chill.
2. Take it at their own, easy pace (which generally manifests itself in a way that they end up doing the same thing every year at a con; con vets find a comfortable niche).
3. Social creatures that run in a pack, large or small or even flying solo for a time.
One of the ultimate lessons I’ve learned the past few years is that anime cons are something that you make of it. If you put in the effort, it’s likely that you’ll reap the benefits. And even as attendees, if you bring a positive and fun-loving attitude balanced with respect and sensitivity, you will enjoy the experience. In fact, rather than an attitude of entitlement, I found that going to con as an excuse to give, to enrich the overall experience for everyone, is much more fun and rewarding. It’s like organizing an otagei and watching it pay off, or making a joke on your own expense to entertain guests.
And lastly, I think it’s fair warning that none of the above are reasons why I still go to cons today; they’re just reasons why I haven’t found a good reason to stop. No matter why you attend cons, these are just helpful guides to keep things fresh so you can focus on doing the things you like at the con.
Well since I’ve been going to cons since like 2001 I sorta know how you feel. However in the past year the cons I’ve gone to were just SO AWFUL than there’s nothing that can save my hatred of 1000 flaming suns against them. No matter how chill we try to be, there will always be someone who will shove managled Japanese in your face and insist they’re right, someone who will accidentally paddle you and then just laugh it off instead of apologizing, someone who will run around like an idiot and bump into you also thinking it’s hillariuos, someone who will act like an asshole and ruin a panel or a serious event, someone who will screw up all the schedule and events and move them to all sorts of different rooms (Otakon is a great example of this) and someone who will not shower thinking they smell like roses instead of goat cheese.
I think you’re just too happy about how nice Animazement was. I assure you when you come back to Otakon you will regret your words omo! XD Also Anime Next sucks balls, this is totally my last year, the panel is the only reason I’m going.
Which cons do you normally go to?
I think I’ve been spared a lot of the bad experience just because I only go to cons with “real” Japanese guests, and it takes some level of professionalism and organization on the part of the convention to get one to come. I use “real” in quotes because random no-name bands don’t count XD
Actually I went to Otakon in 2002, 2004 and 2006.
2001 I went to Shoujocon.
2006-now I went to a mix of Anime Next, Manga Next and New York Anime Festival.
This year was my first (and last) Anime Boston.
That pretty much summarizes my con going.
Hopefully next year we can make it to Animazement.
Do you fly or drive there? We checked and apparently taking the amtrak from NYC is cheaper than flying >_>
These are all great tips. I admit that I’m one of the people who was feeling some of the con burnout, but I think all of your tips are right on. Especially with having at least one other friend there with ya.
I’m already looking forward to your panel at Otakon. Do we bring pom-poms to cheer you on or what? XD
Hinano: I drove and carpooled to Animazement; it’s a tough 8-hour ride but it wasn’t terrible that I won’t do it again. You can get plane tickets as low as $250 just 2 weeks before, though, caz I was looking for alternative ways of getting down there this year before I settled on a method. I think I only flew to Acen and AX, so far, con-wise. Drove/carpooled to all the other ones. Something about my friends and their attachment to cars or something XD
Anna: thank you for your support. The panel is still an uncertainty right now because we’re just waiting for Otakon to accept/reject it. I’m sure either way I’ll post what happens next.
For the most part your advice is sound, though as one who has lost wingmen over the years packing light and having a near by parking space helps out a lot as a storage locker for not so expensive things.
Also in terms of hydration I found that a sizable backpack style camelbak does wonders for mobility and hydration. Though the bloody things cost a lot I get a lot of mileage out of mine, it also helps that it was discounted for working for Uncle Sam. It also pays to recon the area for local and nearby eateries and doing a super market run for snacks and drinks before you go. I am miserly and have refused for years to pay those outrageous hotel prices.
Hmmm, I pray that your panel is on Saturday seeing as I have to work Friday and wont get there until late at night (gotta drive about an hour and get my hotel stuff settled). I would LOVE to see you and a bunch of other bloggers there.
As for cons in general, I’ve been to Otakon these past 3 years and I’ve been to a smaller con near my house 2 times and I’m still developing my own pace. Add that to the fact that this year I’ll have to miss most of Friday due to work AND I want to cosplay… I’ll probably have to change my pace again. You do bring up good points though. I’m glad that I have a con-buddy. Without him, the experience would be so different. But in the end, I still get embarrassed sometimes when I’m there yet I miss it the day after when it’s all over. Cons are just a whole other experience.
I’m also praying that my panel is not on Friday (at least not until late at night). I think one of our committed panelist isn’t going to get to Otakon until late, at least so he plans currently.
Also there’s the JAM Project concert, which, uh, I will not miss.
Thanks for the additional advices you two.
True; if you’re going by your lonesome to a con it’s better you rather not go at all (unless you go for a particular Guest/event). It’s a good place to meet/know people you can’t in regular schedule (either they live far away or each of us have difefrent agendas, blast).
It’s a shame I’m a complete failure at socializing, though.
aww.