Newbie's Guide to Katsucon, East Coast's 2nd Largest Anime Convention

Ever year thousands of rabid anime fanatics descend upon the District of Columbia to partake in the 2^nd largest anime convention held on the East Coast, Katsucon. Katsucon hosts an array of events, panels, games, and demonstrations during the weekend it occurs on in mid-February. This convention might seem daunting to the first-time attendee. As someone who's been attending for years, I created this guide for reference so that you can avoid getting frostbitten, or killed by angry staffers.

The Con Hotel is Best!

There aren't many other hotels in the convention's proximity, so if you can book at room at the Omni, do so! Considering how bad the weather usually is during February in D.C. (ie. Blizzard Con?). And how expensive it can be to park at the Omni, it's in your own best interest to book a room for the weekend.

Metro is the Way to Go!

The metro is relatively cheap and very easy to use. The con hotel's metro stop is also a very short distance from the hotel itself. If all possible, I recommend using the metro to the con, so that you won't have to pay for a taxi, or to park your car at the hotel.

Go Out for Food!

As with most hotels, the food inside the hotel is going to be over-priced, if not out-right expensive. Your best bet is to take a short walk, and visit the many eateries in the area, like Chipotle, McDonald's, Baskin Robbins, and various other restaurants (some of whom deliver). There's also a CVS for those that wish to purchase items other than food.

Dress Warm. Eat Well.

Running around in the snow in your bikini will prove nothing, other than how quickly it takes for you the dreaded "Katsucon Flu". Please wear warm clothing when venturing outside. Likewise, please eat a reasonable amount of food and consume a modest amount of fluids. (Alcohol does not count.)

Costumes are in the Lobby.

The best place to display your costume is in the hotel lobby. This will ensure that a large amount of people will see it, and that you also will not be blocking a hallway with people taking your picture. Many photoshoots are also held in the lobby, so be on the look-out for other cosplayers from your series.

Do NOT anger the Staff and Hotel Gods!

If you want to be able to continue attending Katsucon, it's in your best interest to do as Con Staff or Hotel Staff instruct, even if you disagree with it. Getting in a verbal or physical fight with someone will only guarantee that you be ejected from the con or hotel, possibly both.

Take your grievances up with the appropriate member of con operations, and everything will be fine.

The Best Photo Opportunities are after the Masquerade.

You'll have a better chance of someone taking your picture if you're hanging around in the lobby after the Masquerade, likewise if you want to get good pictures. This is where most of the cosplayers in the Masquerade go for photo opps after the event, and it's where most of the photographers know they've gone to. Just be patient, and wait your turn.

Don't know? Ask Info!

If you're wondering if a panels been cancelled, or if a guest has arrived, talk to information. It's their job to know what's going on with the con. Likewise they also have information about the con area, dealers, etc. They often also have "freebies" lined along their table. Along with raffles or contests associated with the convention.

HELL is an elevator.

Due to the sheer number of attendees at the convention, the elevators become back-up very quickly. If you only need to go one flight up or down, take the stairs. They're a lot quicker, and it'll free up the elevators for those that have to use them, like the handicapped or those with lots of equipment or suitcases.

Don't "Glomp" the Guests!

Please remember that the guests are people too. They are happy that you really like them, but running at full speed and then jumping on them can cause bodily harm. The best way to interact with a guest is in a polite manner that won't have someone possibly going to the hospital.

Good Hygiene is Your Friend!

If you'd like to interact with your peers, other than via the internet or phone, I suggest taking a bath with soap, and using deodorant. Nobody is interested in socializing with someone that smells like a dirty laundry bin in the boy's locker room. I guarantee that you'll make many more lasting friendships if you follow this one rule.