r/comiccon • u/ezraafaee • 3d ago
Con Advice what are your niche con survival tips?
I’m not just talking about wear deodorant or pack your own food- what’s your best kept secret?
26
u/Tsingya 3d ago
I still think about when I cosplayed Snow White and had a fresh red apple as a prop for most of the day. THE SENSATION OF EATING A CRISP, HEALTHY RED APPLE halfway through a con day will never leave me.
Being an apple, it took time to eat and forced me to stop. Just having something healthy amongst all the other crap/lack of self care that happens at a con was amazing.
19
u/inflatablefish 3d ago
Challenge: go as the evil queen one year, bring a basket of apples and give them out to people. Cackle and gloat as you do.
10
u/Tsingya 3d ago
OOOHH THAT'S GOOD FUN. I have a friend who regularly goes as a 'helper' (eg, granny with a trolley of water and werther's original sweets, fairy with all the cosplay repair tools) and I think she'd dreadfully enjoy that!
2
u/inflatablefish 3d ago
Werther's original! Classic choice!
8
u/the_force_that_binds 3d ago
I pack some apples in my bag for the con. By the time I’ve eaten them, I’ve replaced their weight with something I bought at the con, so my bag doesn’t feel any heavier.
15
u/IntenseWonton 3d ago edited 3d ago
NO OPEN TOE SHOES OR SANDALS. Your feet will thank you by not bring stepped on or rolled over by some stroller. Pack your own lunch and drinks to save money. Make sure you give yourself at least an hour break during the day. Drink plenty of water
3
u/Run4This 3d ago
Does the food/drink rule vary from con to con? I had planned on taking snacks for the Rhode Island Comic Con in a few weeks, but saw somewhere that outside food/drinks aren’t allowed. Wasn’t sure how enforced this rule was.
2
10
u/TheOrder212 3d ago
Empty your pockets before getting onsite at the con so you don't have to do the awkward item juggling at security.
Masking and hand sanitzer prevents con crud. Can't trust people to not be gross/assholes.
Bring a collapsible stool/chair, sit down every opportunity. Once you fuck up your feet, it can be permanent. There's squishy stuff in there that doesn't heal back to 100%.
Know what you like to buy and bring the supplies to get them home safely. Poster tubes, art print folios, TCG card boxes/sleeves, comic case, figures, etc. Cheaper than buying onsite and you can configure your gear so its easiest for you to carry.
10
u/adventureremily 3d ago
I've never been to NYCC, but these tips work for me at any con.
If you're overheating, go to the restroom and run cold water over your inner wrists for a couple of minutes.
Slim Jim (or your favorite individually-wrapped shelf-stable meat stick) and Rice Krispie Treats are excellent little snacks that don't take up a ton of room, can be eaten without having to touch (just hold the wrapper), and give you a little boost of energy without feeling too heavy.
Don't just drink water, drink something with electrolytes. Gatorade, Pedialyte, whatever. This is especially true if you've been sweating.
16
u/HGFantomas 3d ago
Google sheet with your plan, including schedule, booth numbers, creators / books, things to buy, ... etc.
7
u/toastforscience 3d ago
Take an ibuprofen before walking around all day to prevent soreness, which is especially helpful when wearing an uncomfortable cosplay. Bring hand sanitizer to clean your hands and hopefully avoid con crud.
1
u/Live_Ask4279 1d ago
My dad had problems being sore after work until he started having a glass of milk mixed with protein powder before work. So that's also an option.
5
u/Outrageous_Mouse_489 3d ago
My tips are for getting autographs. Mostly applies to autographs you buy at the table, not pre-purchase:
- Check panel and photo-op schedule. (Don't get in a long line right before the guest has to leave.)
- Never wait in line if the guest isn't at the table, unless there are clear signs saying when a guest will return, they are only there for a limited time, or you're ok with missing other opportunities.
- Only pay for a pro photo-op if you're getting a photo with more than one guest (group photo-op) Otherwise, pay for a selfie at the table. It's almost always cheaper and a better experience.
- Research prices beforehand and DO NOT haggle at the guest's table. (This isn't a negotiation.)
- Some cons post prices beforehand. Always expect to pay more for larger items, funkos, and quotes.
- Don't be afraid to ask to say hi without buying anything, but be ok with being told no, or with a very short interaction.
- Even the nicest people in the world might act cold or unfriendly toward you. It's nothing against you, or them, it's just a byproduct of human interaction. Don't take anything personal.
- Unpopular panels are a great place to sit down and rest for a while.
4
4
u/SilasZekzul 3d ago
Usually there is one washroom everyone misses. Often at the back of main events hall. Maybe just a little too far away from another option. Always clean, always empty, quiet. I take breaks from the overwhelm
7
u/komododave17 3d ago
A nice comfortable hiking backpack, not just a Jansport from Walmart. It’s on your back for hours every day. Proper support and fitment will save your back and neck while hauling around all the swag and snacks.
9
u/daveyhh 3d ago
take vitamin C and immunity boosters avoid con crud
5
-8
u/GunnyClaus 3d ago
Skip the antibacterial hand sanitizer, it’s toxic
9
u/MsMargo 3d ago
Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol has been used for hundreds of years. It's only toxic if you drink it or huff it.
I recommend you not drink hand sanitizer.
-5
u/GunnyClaus 3d ago
It dries your skin and causes cracks allowing in germs, bacteria and viruses. It’s also inflammable 🙃
3
u/MsMargo 3d ago
No it doesn't, on both counts. If you're soaking your skin in pure isopropyl alcohol, yes, it could dry your skin. Your skin would have to be extremely dry to develop cracks big enough to break the skin barrier. And all hand sanitizers also contain some sort of skin softener.
I recommend you not go around trying to light hand sanitizer on fire.
3
u/BearCatcher23 3d ago
If there is a light rail to the convention center I always take it as this reduces 2 things. No parking headache to deal with. Much cheaper than downtown parking.
3
u/Intelligent-Taro-316 3d ago
Go with people who A) are cool doing your own things and meeting back up B) who like doing similar things or go at the same pace.
I hate going with someone and feel like im rushing them or being rushed. Or if there is conflicting schedule things or a lack of interest in the same events.
Some friends are great friends but terrible people to go to cons with.
3
u/pastpresentfuture777 3d ago
Pre-tape any and all hot spots on your feet. Do not wait until the blisters/soreness start.
Break in your shoes well before hand.
Put on your entire cosplay together, every single element, and sit down. Use in a restroom. Sit on the floor. Try out any and all possible movements.
If cosplaying, be sure to have adequately-sized themed purses/bags.
Bring Ibuprofen, pepto, contact lens/reg eye drops, etc.
If possible, bring comfortable sandals to switch out for foot comfort. Will need a bag large enough for original shoes/boots as well.
2
2
2
2
2
u/Saboscrivner 3d ago
COMFORTABLE SHOES!
Bring a water bottle and then refill it from the water fountain as necessary so you don't have to buy overpriced bottled water or other drinks.
Bring either a backpack to carry stuff you bring to get signed and/or buy to keep your hands free, OR bring a rolling carry-on bag with spinner wheels to spare your back and shoulders.
2
u/Thayerphotos 3d ago
Getting my vendor buddies to lend me their pass so I can bring food AND COFFEE in.
Most cons don't have great coffee selections and sneaking my big ass 60oz stainless steel coffee jug past security isn't easy. So, once I'm inside I borrow a vendor friend's "vendor" lanyard, and bring my own in.
2
u/CplSlicks 3d ago
Mole skin.
1
u/Similar-Date3537 3d ago
???
6
u/CplSlicks 3d ago
Mole skin is a piece of soft cloth with adhesive on the back (similar to a bandage). Place this on a hot spot developing because of shoes or clothing rubbing. This will prevent (or at least slow) a hot spot from becoming a blister.
2
u/DizzyLead 3d ago
As pricey as it may seem compared to other places, it may be worth it to park at the nearest/attached parking structure. You’ll want someplace to unload your loot, and maybe even decompress sometimes.
2
u/Minimum-End-9464 3d ago
- pack light
- comfy walking shoes
- do your shopping on the last day for non exclusive items
2
u/Missiledude 3d ago
For ranger or similar helmet cosplays, a bigger helmet hole, so u can put a straw up the helmet for drinks
2
u/Wipeout3D 2d ago
Do not invest all your joy into only experiencing one event at your con. Be open to new positive experiences, make plans but be flexible, & roll with the punches.
2
u/Alternative_Exit8667 2d ago
Safety pins! I always take safety pins. Perfect for emergency costume fixes, securing bag zips if it's crowded, sealing carrier bags, lost buttons etc etc.
3
u/Drakeytown 3d ago
Not sure any of this is niche, but it's what i can think of:
Bring and drink lots of water.
Bring and wear a mask to prevent the spread of germs.
Plan around your particular needs: If you need time alone every day, schedule that shit, don't wear yourself out with a completely packed schedule.
If you can use stairs, use the stairs.
If you can use an escalator, use the escalator.
Leave the elevators for people who can use neither stairs nor escalators.
Discuss beforehand with anyone you go with whether you each want to be joined at the hip or occasionally do your own thing.
Take your meds.
It does count as cheating, even if it happens at a con (not sure anyone even jokes about this any more).
Don't be a dick.
Go to the kink/queer/diversity panels. They'll have the most interesting content and you'll meet the most interesting people.
1
1
1
u/Parking_Performer723 3d ago
To add onto the snacks suggestion - I pack a lot of granola bars and cereal bars. Not just for me, but to share with people you see in line. Building good will with your linemates and keeping everyone's energy up is key.
1
u/hawkeyethor 2d ago
Make sure to hydrate regularly, especially if you plan to wear a bulkier costume. Also be sure to take rest breaks whenever you need to- always listen to your body!
1
u/Temporary_Being1330 2d ago
Batch prep breakfast burritos wrapped in parchment paper to microwave in the morning so you don’t have to worry about breakfast on your way out the door. Same with some iced coffee. Con experience was night and day when we started doing that.
Also ear plugs for busy vendor hall, and a folding hand fan for when it gets hot and stuffy
1
1
u/Kingdomcome33 2d ago
Wake up early, get in line. That’s how you guarantee you’ll get exclusives or be first to line up for a specific panel
(this does not include Hall H @ SDCC)
1
u/LopsidedAstronomer76 2d ago
Never ever eat communal food. Dip trays, buffets, open candy bowls. Unless it's single use individually sealed, communal food is a vector for illness.
1
1
1
1
u/Live_Ask4279 1d ago
Didn't think to do it myself at the time but panty liners for the armpits if the cosplay your wearing is warm and/or you sweat alot. Panty liners are cheaper than the armpit liners and are designed for the same thing just for a different part of the body.
1
u/powerisastateofmind 1d ago
Put the timings for photo ops, panels etc in your phone calendar so you get a buzz just before they start. Also carry an external phone battery and make sure you charge it the night before.
1
u/Brilliant-Drama6969 40m ago
Have snacks and water with you at all times.
Comfy shoes if you can. Insoles and/or specialty socks if you can't. Both are a game changer. Apolla Shocks and Feetures both offer socks with padding and arch support, and can be hidden with many costumes.
1
-1
u/Cumulus-Crafts 3d ago
At my most recent con, I replaced my backpack with a small milkcrate sized trolley that I can pull behind me/push in front of me.
It means I still have somewhere to put my stuff, but my backpack isn't getting in the way of my cosplays OR making my back sweaty!
I can also sit on it if there's no chairs around, and use it as a footrest if there are chairs around
7
-1
u/batman-bridge 3d ago
I'm a heavy Google Calendar user. I used AI to add panels and meetups to my calendar to keep things organized and easier to track
0
43
u/ccash05 3d ago
Collapsible stool is a life saver.