Sometimes you want to go to a convention so badly that you will do anything.. Even go alone!
There may be times in the beginning or during your fandom journey that because of plans changing or work scheduling you have to go to a convention or plan multiple convention trips on your own.
I had my first solo trip (and a trip that did not start out but ended as a solo trip) and wanted to make a blog giving some advice! It doesn't have to be a heart-breaking bummer.. going to conventions on your own can be as adventurous or as casual as you want to make it!
Plan your trip.
Don't panic. Hopefully you had enough warning to be able to create a rough draft of how you want your trip to go. If you have a rough idea to keep you calm than you won't feel so lost.
When do you want to arrive at your lodgings? How close do you want to be to the convention center(s)?
If you are staying all day, for each day, you will need to look for restaurants in the area - the ones closest to the convention center(s) will be the most packed with lines.
Are you going to make friends, meet other cosplayers, do photoshoots, play games, meet celebrities, go to workshops/events or shop merchandise?
Don't be afraid of AIR B&B and Uber
Being in another city (or a new one if you've never been there before) may seem terrifying but that doesn't mean that you have to keep to yourself and walk everywhere so that you are not near any potential people or danger.
Most Air B&B and taxi/Uber drivers know how busy (and profitable) that "convention season" can be so they are more than happy to give great customer service - some have even been patrons themselves and given me advice or recommendations!
Just breathe
If you had your heart set on spending the trip with a friend(s) it may seem awkward now that you are alone. You may feel it but I promise.. No one is watching you or feels bad for you because you're alone. Some people have even come up to me and said they were impressed and wanted to hangout for a bit! As long as you give yourself some things that you want to do, watch or try than eventually you will stop feeling like the odd-man out.
Cosplay alterations
This is a good idea to think of in general for every costume you create/buy but if you know you will be going to a convention or event alone then you will want to consider how easy or quickly you can remove pieces or all of your costume(s).
Will you need to add extra pockets to carry your things?
Do you need to begrudgingly make extra cuts with zippers?
Can you easily breathe or should you add more ventilation holes?
Is it possible to make more pieces detachable with Velcro, buttons, snaps or loops?
Cosplayers are friendly - just ask!
Some cosplayers may be tired and on their way to take a break.
Some cosplayers may be just starting their "wandering loop" and may be more willing to stop for you.
Some cosplayers are willing to share their tips, tricks and advice but some may not be..
Either way it's worth the risk of feeling a bit silly or embarrassed to just ask. A couple of my fellow cosplay friends are in my life now simply because I got excited and yelled at them for a picture (lol).
Take a walkthrough of the markets first before you buy anything
This is a good idea whether you are an "impulse buyer" or have enough will power to show restraint. Even if you want to spend money at every booth to support every vendor you should pick and choose what is most important to you at the time.
Ask for business cards and social media contacts for any vendors that you still want to buy from that you may not have the time, money or arm space to do so.
Make new friends
This may seem tough to do especially since you do not have the confidence of already having friends with you. BUT most people go to conventions to connect with other like minded members of the fandom community so although it may seem daunting or awkward you should always try! It may end in a friendship or it may end in at the least a conversation that takes up some of the time you didn't have a plan for. And if enough people see you at conventions frequently enough than they start to recognize you and may come up to you on their own! It happened to me :)
Watch all of the performances
If you don't feel motivated to do much else than take advantage of all the performers and events that go on at conventions! Most weekends have workshops and classes, gameshows and fashion shows, parties/raves, musical and acrobatic performers and of course cosplay masquerade/contests. Going to an event or performance with other people is a fast easy way to break the ice.
And a situation as simple as stopping to watch a performer, may turn into a great friendship!
Especially when you get excited to finally meet T-K Entertainer from online videos, and he in turn got excited because he knew I was cosplaying as Shinjo-kun!
Important things to remember to pack:
- sunscreen & deodorant- clothes for cooler or rainy weather
- contact lenses & solution
- bottles of water
- non-perishable snacks
- program guide book or at least a summary of things you want to do
- contact lenses & solution
- bottles of water
- non-perishable snacks
- program guide book or at least a summary of things you want to do
- selfie stick
- rechargeable battery packs
- charge chords
- pass holder with lanyard
- cosplay emergency kit
This is what I keep in mine: tide-to-go stick, measuring tape, black & white thread with needle, sewing pins and safety pins, black sharpie, gold sharpie, Band-Aids, mini lint roller, mini scissors, magnetic sticky strip, black and red pen, crazy glue.
- Tylenol or pain relief cream - for all of the walking and/or posing
- GPS or map
* remember all your ID cards and a small enough wallet
- a back-up extra set of make-up
And when its all over... Don't forget to be proud of yourself!
What other things do you remember to pack with you? What other advice would you tell first time convention goers? Let me know in the comments!
