Convention Checklist for Anime Fans

Anime conventions can sometimes be chaotic, especially when you are surrounded by everyone's favorite series of DVDs, plushies, posters, CDs, figures, and other goodies. Hopefully, this checklist or guide can help relieve any stress you might have had about an upcoming convention.

What to do before the convention?

Plan. Try to think of everything you might need or might bring a couple of weeks before the actual convention. If you plan on entering a contest, set aside a week or so before the convention in order to give yourself time to work on any projects. This really helps relieve any anxiety when the big event does come around.

Organize. This can be especially important when you plan on bringing extra items, such as cameras, cash, cosplay costumes, and artwork. It is also a good idea to keep these items where they will be easy to find later on. This way you will not be so frantic moments before leaving for the convention.

What to bring?

Cash. Money is absolutely essential if you plan on attending any type of convention. Also, make sure you have enough money for any additional costs besides for merchandise. A few examples include paying for admission, food and drinks, entrance fees for contests, camera film or batteries, and gas.

Cameras. Many fans decide to bring cameras to help capture this important occasion. If you do decide to bring a camera, make sure to bring extra film and recharge any digital cameras you plan on bringing to the convention.

Collectible Checklist. A checklist of all your collectibles can come in really handy, especially for individuals with a large anime or manga collection. If you do decide to bring a checklist, you might want to list everything you have, as well as things you might be missing from your collection. This is especially true for your collection of DVDs, CDs, magazines, and figures. Also, write down any particular collectible you have or had an interest in buying, but have yet to do so. Remembering everything in your collection can be confusing, so making a list can tremendously boost your confidence when making purchases and also helps you manage your spending.

Contests. If you are planning to enter an art contest, amv contest, or any other type of contest, make sure you do not forget to bring your drawing or video. For drawings, presentation can be a major factor when determining a winner. I would probably recommend framing your artwork. Black construction paper will usually do the job. Also try to keep your artwork somewhere safe, and where it is less likely to get bent or damaged. For those who plan to work on your drawing at the convention, make sure to bring a few drawing pencils, a sketchbook, erasers, and a pencil sharpener. If you are doing an amv, make sure to check your video's format, as well as any other requirements ahead of time. The last thing you want is to show up and not be allowed to enter your video. Another thing to consider bringing are informational index cards. Some contests require these cards upon entering a contest for contact purposes.Such cards usually list your name, age, address, phone, email address, and the anime or manga series the drawing or amv is referring to.

Bring A Bag. This can be especially important for those of you planning to make quite a few purchases. Simply bring an extra backpack or duffle bag to help carry your merchandise, as well as any cameras, costumes, or other supplies you might have.

Bring Your Cards. Card tournaments are often very popular at anime conventions so make sure you have your cards on hand for any tournament your might enter while there.

What to keep in mind?

Think Before You Spend. Pace yourself when do start spending your cash at the convention. Try not to spend your money frivolously or for things that might be less expensive at a comic store or online. Also, make sure to set aside some money for any special buys, especially for rare or hard to find items.

Look For Deals. You can usually find great deals at anime conventions if you shop around. Try and visit several different booths that seem to be selling similar items. Usually, you can find someone selling something for a little less than neighboring booths.

Shower & Deodorize. Yes, I know what you might be thinking. Why shower, right? Well, when there are hundreds of people crammed into a low air conditioned or small building, a smell issue can become quite apparent after awhile. So please try to keep a somewhat decent hygiene when you go.

Now that you have your checklist, try and enjoy your next anime convention. After all, conventions are all about having fun, especially with your friends. And who knows, you might just make a few new friends at your next convention.