This year marks my second trip to the Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo. Before last April, I had only been to smaller conventions in places like Monroeville and Columbus, but I had never gone to one in such a large city, and neither had anyone else that I knew at the time. I had no idea what to expect or how to prepare. Even so, I still had a great time, but now I’d like to share what I’ve learned with you.
1.) Buy your tickets early.
Trust me, the sooner you make your plans, the cheaper everything will be. Hotels are cheaper if booked in advance, and tickets are usually cheaper through presale than they are at the convention. Plus, having your tickets delivered to you means that you don’t have to wait in the insane lines at the will-call or ticket counters. There are plenty of other reasons to buy early too. Scarcity is a big one. I was very excited last year to watch Kevin Smith come and speak to the masses. However, by the time I tried to buy my tickets, they were long sold out.
2.) Plan
There is nothing I can say that would emphasize the importance of pre-planning your trip enough. Conventions usually post a schedule of events a few weeks beforehand. This list of panels, signing times, and other events is really important. Chances are you won’t have enough time to do everything you want to do, so its important to plan things out ahead of time. It’s even more important to allot yourself enough time for everything. Last year, I was very excited to be able to meet Alex Ross, but because of his popularity, I had to stand in line for over three hours to do it. The wait was well worth it, and I met my now-editor and good friend Logan while waiting in that line, but I had to miss nearly all my panels to do it.
3.) Be flexible
Its just as important to be flexible with your plan as it is to make it. You’re going to see a lot of things that you really want to check out, so you have to be willing to adjust your plan on the fly.
4.) Don’t be stupid
You wouldn’t think I’d have to tell people this, but I do. I know they won’t listen either, but it bears repeating. Don’t be stupid. You’re in a large crowd of people, don’t bring realistic weapons. Don’t hit on the cosplayers if they’re not into it. Don’t get drunk on the overpriced convention beer. Don’t harass the talent. Treat it like your workplace: anything that wouldn’t fly there won’t fly here. Use your damn common sense, people.
6.) Pay attention to DDP (Or anyone else that is speaking to you)
Noted professional wrestler Diamond Dallas Page promoted his new yoga system at C2E2 last year, and I was lucky enough to be in the panel room for the demonstration. My attention, however, was on the cute blonde in the Harley Quinn costume just outside the room. DDP did not fail to notice, and you do not want to piss off a professional wrestler, no matter what skills you think you have. These people do not have to be here for your entertainment. It’s more important to treat them with respect than to check out that girl across the room. Don’t forget that.
7.) Pack for the day.
You’re expecting to be there for the whole day, right? Unless you want to stand in line to spend ten dollars on a cheeseburger, or five dollars on a bottle of water, pack some food. The conventioneers don’t usually mind, but make sure it’s not something messy. You will be touching comic books, after all. Bringing your own water is just as important. Your body needs to stay hydrated, but you don’t really want to give up your place in line now do you?
8.) Talk to people
I’m about as anti-social as they come, but everyone here shares some of the same interests and chances are, you will make some good friends.
9.) Hygiene
No one needs you out there perpetuating the stereotype of “smelly nerd”. If you’re going to be in a large group of people all day, it’s probably going to be warm. You’re going to be moving around a lot. Its important for you to shower before you show up. Wear some deodorant, maybe even a little cologne.
10.) Haggle
Believe it or not, there are a lot of vendors there who are willing to make a deal. They want to make money just as much as you want their product, so make sure you haggle a little bit. With all the vendors trying to unload overstock, they are going to be competing for the sale. don’t be afraid to look around for a bargain or try to strike a deal with a vendor that you like.
11.) Go Indie
The one thing I love about conventions are the independent comics. The artists are passionate, the writers know their material, and best of all, the ideas are original. Nothing beats it. I always take the opportunity to pick up a lot of creator owned works. This year, of course was no exception, but that’s an article for another time