Hello everyone! It's 1 week to AX, and I just wanted to give everyone some helpful tips! I've been going regularly to AX since 2011, and since then I've complied a list of things that can be super helpful!!! (Sorry that it is so long!!!) ~-Day 0 Tips-~ Day zero is honestly a must in my book (if you are able to, of course). Basically, it's a day you go to just to pick up your badge (I think there are some small panels and such as well on those days, but usually it's just a day spent waiting in line and spent hanging around the area) This year there is also Day -1 on Thursday when you can also pick up your badge I think, so honestly if you can go either day to pick up your badge, you really should! So for some tips for the day(s) I suggest -dress comfortably, the lines will be outside and the wait can be long at points -wear sunscreen, especially if you are fairer skinned, the sun is a deadly laser -bring lots of water bottles -bring snacks! -go with other people if you can! Make the day fun! -if you need to get out of line to walk around if you don't like standing, there are a few places within walking distance (there is a Starbucks near the Ritz Carlton that I always go to) so have a friend save your place and go! -bring your 3DS or something! It's always a good idea to have something to keep you busy! -don't be afraid to talk to people! The lines are a great place to make new friends! ~-General AX Tips-~ Anime Expo is a very big con and it can be very overwhelming at times, but remember that we are all just a bunch of nerds getting together to enjoy what we love! So as long as you have a good time, the con is a success!! -Be flexible with scheduling. Sometimes a panel isn't going to start or end when it says, or you might not make the panel you want to go to. Just go with the flow and you'll have a better time! -line up early for panels! If you want to go to a panel you know will be crowded, get there 1 hr+ early! -keep cool! The AC at the convention center works really really well, but some cosplay meet ups and lines and other things are outside. Luckily the weather app says it will be within the high 70s over the weekend (which is rare, as the last couple years have been almost unbearably hot) but always drink tons of water, and I also recommend bringing a small handheld fan or something of the like -Bring snacks!!! Food in and around the convention center can be expensive, and sometimes you and your friends will get so caught up in the excitement of everything that you'll forget to eat! That's why snacks are so important, to make sure that you at least have something in your system -Eat breakfast! This might seem weird but honestly having a good breakfast in the morning is super important when you're planning on running around all day. I'm a con-muter so I drive to the convention center with friends, and usually we either stop at a jack in the box, bakers, or Starbucks on the way, just to make sure our stomachs are nice and prepared for the day ahead! -Get some sleep! I know it's hard when you want to go to all sorts of events and panels and everything, but it's not going to be fun if you're walking around like a zombie! If you have a hotel room or have a friend who would let you sleep in a room of theirs, go take a nap. Or go into one of the programming rooms where they are showing an anime and sleep in the nice dark room. Usually what I do though is just rest a bit on the floor of one of the larger areas where everyone sits and just take a small power nap if I need. -know the layout of the center. If it's your first time going to AX, take some time to get acquainted with where everything is! Look at the maps online, look around when you get there! The convention center is pretty big, but I'm sure you'll figure out where everything is in no time! -have a meeting spot! With almost everyone having cell phones, most of the time if you lose your friends you can always just text them, but in case something happens (a phone dies, gets lost, etc) you should always set up an easy to find meeting spot! -bring chargers! This one is super important. If you are like me, you take tons of photographs of cosplayers on your phone and live blog your days at cons, and likely you'll run down your battery quick! So make sure you bring a charger for anything you bring with you!!! -REMEMBER TO ASK BEFORE TAKING PHOTOS OF COSPLAYERS! This is in caps because it is very very important. ~-Cosplayer Tips-~ As a cosplayer myself, I like to make sure that my fellow cosplayers have a fun Convention experience!! -bring extra clothes! This might sound like a no-brainer, but I failed to do this last year and had multiple cosplay malfunctions happen..... so extra clothes in the case of emergency is super important -bring a cosplay repair kit! In recent years, the cosplay repair station has really stepped up its game in what it provides for cosplayers, but I still recommend bringing your own pack of things, just in case! My pack usually includes: •hot glue gun •needle and thread •scissors •makeup •cosplay-specific items (spirit gum, latex,etc) -know when and where gatherings are! The gathering locations are listed on the website, as well as the times! Make sure you check in advance so you have time to get to where you are going -go early if you have a prop to peace bond! The peacebonding stations are usually near the entrances and they tend to be kinda crowded in the mornings (especially on day 1) if you have any sort of prop weapons you have to get the peacebonded! (I think the peacebonding stations are open on day 0 as well, so if you want to get some of those out of the way that is also an option) -try not to stand in high traffic areas for photos! This means: •in the middle of the hallways (off to the side is good, and the hallways at the LACC are really wide so there is room to take pictures on the sides and people can still walk) •inside booths in the exhibit hall (unless there is a specific photo op station) •in the aisles of artist alley (this is a major one, those get super crowded!!!) So this is all for my tips! I'm sorry that it is so long! If I missed any, feel free to add your own tips! Remember to have fun and stay safe at AX! This year is going to be a great one! And if you see me feel free to say hi, I might have treats to give out!!!!
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