Things I Wished I’d Known Going to My First Convention

Why hello, everyone! It’s been quite a while hasn’t it? I’ve been busy wrapping up my final semester of university and this week I have finals. But I thought I might drop in a little post to let you guys know I’m still alive and to share with you one of my favorite experiences of 2017 so far: Wondercon.

In light of the LVL Up Expo celebrating its fifth year in Vegas, I thought to share a few tips and things I’d wished I’d known going to my first convention this year. If interested in possibly attending the LVL Up Expo in Vegas, check out some Las Vegas travel deals to help plan an affordable trip.

Let’s get started!

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$60 is Not Enough

Naive little Azia thought she would be going to the convention to have a good time with friends and to buy a few things here and there. Maybe just an art print and a little keychain, perhaps? No.

My spoils from Wondercon

I didn’t know how easy it was to fall victim to the Artists Alley in Wondercon. There were so many goods that I wanted and even though I managed to pick and choose my purchases, I ended up spending about $40 more dollars than I had originally planned.

If you’re attending a convention that contains a variety of your interests, you’ll want to come away from the convention with some fantastic memorabilia. And that’s okay. But first ask yourself how much you’re actually willing to pay and how much you really need that item. Also, remember that you have to pay for food (and parking), both of which I forgot to factor into my original budget of $60. In sum, budget accordingly, my friends!

It’s Okay to Take a Photo With a Cosplayer

I don’t know why, but when I arrived at the convention I was afraid to bother the cosplayers as they were walking around, showing off their outfits. I thought there was an unspoken “look but don’t touch”/”take your picture from afar and move on” rule. But no! If I had worked up the courage to take a picture with some of the cosplayers, I could have gotten more pictures like this:

A pic with Miguel and Tulio

It’s all right to compliment cosplayers. And it seems most cosplayers would be more than happy to take a picture with you. Always remember to ask first, though. I saw a few rude convention-goers walk right up to some cosplayers and snap a picture of them without asking. (Poor Darth Vader….) Like any other person,  be respectful.

There’s a Whole Convention to Explore

My friends and I made the mistake of staying on one side of the convention where all the art was being sold. Or so we thought…We had spent all our time in one section, albeit a very large section, and forgot to explore the other side of the convention. Towards the end of the day, we meandered over to the other side only to discover a variety of stalls we would have loved to purchase from.

By then, though, we were broke. I think it would have done us a world of good to research the convention beforehand to see which stalls would be present and to also walk around the entire the convention space so that we did’t miss so much of what was being shared with us that day!

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Bringing  My Own Water

Walking around a convention is tiring. You’re basically on your feet all day. Luckily, my friend reminded me to bring a refillable water bottle so that I wouldn’t have to pay for one at the convention and I could refill my own bottle at the fountains provided.  I managed to save money and to have water on me at all time. If the convention doesn’t allow you to bring your own water bottle, then just remember to buy some water and drink water throughout the day so that you stay hydrated and ready to go.

Going With A Friend

I find most events are much more fun if you have a friend with you. I made the right choice in going to Wondercon with a group of friends I consider my sisters.

We’ve decided to do all big events together and so it was nice having them with me as we milled around the convention stalls, fangirling over all our favorite fandoms.

Having Fun

I did a great job with this one. By going with my friends, embracing my geek tendencies, and immersing myself in the Wondercon culture, I was able to enjoy my first convention. I bought a large selection of art prints I’m proud to own and I have a new memory with my sisters to hold onto!

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So those are all the things I wished I’d known before going to my first convention! I’ll be much more prepared for my next convention (Anime Expo, maybe?) and hopefully my little mistakes will help you guys out if you ever choose to attend your first convention.

That’s all for now! Thanks for stopping by and see ya soon! ❤