It’s that time of year when convention season is starting up and our local Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo (C2E2) is in a little over a week. Personally, I love conventions. I have been going since I first officially moved to Chicago in 2001 with the Wizard World show out in Rosemont. That first convention was mind blowing for a first time convention attendee. There was so much to see and do that it was hard to really accomplish much of anything. Since then, I have attended multiple shows a year as both an attendee and on the other side of the tables as both a retailer and helping out artists. And over that time, I have gotten better at accomplishing everything at a show through careful planning and preparation. This has also made the conventions more manageable and most of all, fun.
The first and probably most obvious thing is to make a list. Do you want to meet creators? Do you want to shop? What panels do you want to see? Etc. Write it all down. The nice part is that most shows put up programs ahead of time for the show. They have where creators will be, what panels are going on and when, and other various maps and information. I cannot stress enough to use this. Write down where creators will be either in artist alley or where their publisher booth is so you can check signing times. Take note on where and when panels are so you can plan accordingly when you have to get there and allow enough time to get from where you currently are to there. Write down what you want to buy. I don’t know how many times I have left a show and remember that one issue I forgot to look for and probably could have gotten a dozen times.
I usually write everything on a piece of paper. Others use a notepad or you can use you your electronic devices of various types. Either way works, just use what works for you. I use a piece of paper because it nicely can be folded up and put n my pocket. Or I keep it in a folder with my comic lists. I have a Savage Dragon and Iron Man completion list going and it’s easier to keep everything together. Also, the folder is nice when I buy smaller prints or get random fliers and cards at the show.
Of course, what I deem the second most important thing is the carrying bag. I, like many other convention attendees, carry a small shoulder bag with them throughout the show. It’s packed with a variety of things and varies from person to person. However, each one is suited to that person’s goals for the show.
Now the most important thing will determine what you prioritize in the bag. For me, I love meeting artist and writers. Thus, a good portion of my bag space is used for a sketchbook, and the books I am bringing to be signed. I bring one of two of titles that creators work on for a few reasons. First, I only pick a few of each issue that are important that I want signed. Second, creators usually limit the amount of books they will sign. And third, I have found that creators will talk more and be a lot more sociable with fans when they have smaller stacks. I met Greg Rucka years back when he was on Wolveine. The guy in front of me had a large stack of books to be signed. Greg kindly asked him to pick 10. The guy was in shock and slightly taken aback that he had to choose. But he did and took his books and left. I walked up next and commented that I only had one book for him. He laughed and we ended up chatting for more time than it would have taken him to sign the previous guys stack. Just something to keep in mind.
Anyway, if you are a shopper, the main part of your bag might be space. If you anticipate buying a lot, you need to leave room or have a shopping bag to carry. Either way, remember to keep in mind what you are buying and how you are going to carry it.
Another thing about a show is that it is all day. You have to eat but also, it’s nice to carry snacks and a bottle or two of water. You can buy this stuff at a show but the convention center prices are going to be significantly higher. I usually have a box of granola bars and a few bottles of water or Powerade/Gatorade for the day. This year, I picked up a water bottle that snaps to my bag and the powder packs to make my own Gatorade. They do not take up space like a full bottle does and I can make multiple drinks throughout the day.
Also, do not forget the little things. Have you ever heard of Con-crud? It what is refereed to as being sick after a convention due to the convention itself. Remember that it is a huge space packed with lots and lots of people You may be a very clean person but unfortunately, some others are not. A small bottle of hand sanitizer is a good idea, also maybe a small travel deodorant. Both go a long way to battle germs and keep you feeling much better.
And one last tip I want to pass along. A show is big and there are lots of people attending. Many have similar goals and not every one will be achieved. So first and foremost, have fun. Try to do as much of what you want as possible. But also, and more importantly, do not get discouraged if you do not accomplish everything. Sadly, I have been there and the first time, it felt bad. But then I took a step back and saw what I did accomplish. I ended up meeting a lot of people and had a really good time.
You can take away from this what you want. This is your show. Come prepared, but make sure to relax and have fun. You will look back and enjoy the experience that much more.
