howdy. do you have any advice for a first time hypnocon goer? I'm heading to charmed alone next week, and I'm worried about making connections. not so worried about hypnosis related things, since I have years of experience there. but it seems like a lot of people who are going are older and or have lots of established partners and friends. just generally nervous about fitting in and trying to make friends!
Hiya! I actually have a post I wrote up a while back for this linked here. (If the link isn't working, it's called 'So You're Going To A HypnoCon' and tagged 'cons'.) I haven't thought about it in ages, but thanks to your ask I got to read it all over again. The reblogs of that post also have some other advice from fellow congoers as well.
But, here is my answer right now, and a bit condensed from that long post (which is optional reading). Be flexible - if you go into your hypnocon with a million plans and a rigid structure, you'll find yourself quickly overwhelmed and then beating yourself up for taking a break or resting, which no one wants! There is no one definitive way to do this - some people like attending as many classes as possible, some only really come out to socialize at night. My plan used to be, pick a handful of classes you really want to go to, have a list of some you might attend if you have the energy, and then leave the rest to vibes. There's a high energy in the con sometimes that can wear you out if you're not keeping an eye on your own energy levels.
You're not a passenger in this journey! Most cons including Charmed have a great con beginner track and lots of events aimed at socializing and meeting people. They stop just shy of pulling you into the rooms - you've got to make that step yourself. Often in the con discord, there will be people advertising board game or pizza or general socializing room parties, and there are tons of evening events that people often link up at as well. There's also a 'wish list' that often pops up in con space where people talk about scenes or ideas they want to talk about, and you can meet like-minded people there as well.
In my opinion, there are more new people attending these cons than before - I feel like it gets newer and younger every year! But that's me. There are definitely people who are con veterans who often go with their established partners and meet old friends, but many of them are also often happy to say hi and meet new people as well. Leading up to my first con, I also messaged several people I knew were attending to make plans to say hi - which you've also accomplished with this ask!
If you happen to see me, or my badge, please come say hi! I'll be happy to meet you and introduce you to whoever I'm nearby at the moment. I hope you have a great time, and I hope to see you there!
