Tips & Tricks for 1st Time Con Attendees
Edited by Tina
The 90’s Con kicked off the year of the 25th ROSWELL Anniversary in an amazing way.
Cast members are scheduled to attend more conventions in the upcoming months.
If you already bought a ticket, but haven’t been to a convention before, the ROSWELL fans were very helpful to share some to-do‘s and handy suggestions on our social media channels.
Many, many thanks to Michelle, Jess, Ajna, Sophie, Sam, Wendy and everyone who contributed to our own research.
Please make contact if there’s something to add!
What convention tips and tricks do you have for convention newbies?
You met the cast already? Please, please share your experience with the Roswell cast with us!
Tips for first time convention attendees:
- Bring Cash. Some guests will allow virtual payment, some won’t.
Set a budget and stick to that. - Have comfy shoes, cash $, tote bag. Bring your own top loader plastic sleeves for pics
- Schedule out your ops, panels, make time for selfies and autographs at tables
- Double check the schedule and times throughout the day in case of last minute changes
- Shake hands first, hug if they show or say they’re OK with it.
- Mind your time, people are in line, too.
- Follow the social media handles of the convention for updates or changes.
- Stay hydrated
- Be polite.
- Be prepared.
Shoes
One of the most added suggestions: “Wear comfortable shoes!“.
You might be surprised by the huge amount of walking at a convention. From getting to the location of the convention to walking between sessions, hunting for lunch or a snack, and reaching panels in time… you definitely don’t want to do all that in your brand new shoes.
Pick comfortable ones and carry some first aid supplies like plasters and a spray to disinfect wounds. If not for you you could help a fellow fan.
Money
The second most shared tip is: bring cash.
Some guests will allow virtual payment, some won’t.
Also, split your cash to keep it at different places near to your body. Crowds might give thieves good opportunities.
Set yourself a budget. It’s very important to have a maximum spending amount in mind and then sticking to it.
Some conventions offer an autograph mailing service. If you planned your budget, you could ask your family and friends to surprise you with a signed item for your birthday from a guest you’d love to have a signed autograph from as well.
Check out all the merch tables in order to find the best deals, in case you’d love to add items to your collection.
Structuring your day(s) is key
Schedule out your Ops and Panels beforehand, make time for selfies and autographs at tables.
Most conventions will post timetables and schedules on their website or social media pages before the start of the event.
Sometimes you can download a map of the venue or get it at the convention. Print important documents. If your phone battery dies, you will be thankful to have your documents in hand.
Buy your pass(es), photo ops or autographs online to avoid long waiting lines.
Sometimes it’s even more pricey on location so it’s good to have bought them early.
Get to your panel early. At least 30 minutes to one hour since they fill up quickly. Some conventions clear their rooms before every panel.
Double check the schedule and times throughout the day in case of last minute changes.
Some events even have their own app with schedules and info ready for you to download. It is recommended that you download apps or anything else you want to have ready before traveling to the convention.
Be prepared
Bring your power cord to charge your phone, if needed. Some conventions might have charging stations. In case they don’t, you could pack a portable charger so you don’t have to leave a waiting line or miss the opportunity to take a memorable photo.
Better be over-prepared than under-prepared!
If you want to ask a question at a panel, prepare some good ones in advance.
Surprise the celebrity with a well prepared and researched question. The audience will love it too.
Photo Ops / Autographs
Shake hands first, hug if they show or say they’re OK with it.
If you‘ve seen those amazing photographs from cons you might have seen that fans often came up with special poses to do with the actors or phrases that might make the celebrity smile and fill their heart with nostalgia while signing autographs.
Mind your time, the people in line behind you have been waiting awhile too.
If you are wearing glasses, you might want to take them off for professional photos. They might glare and you surely want to avoid shining alienating lights in your face in all your memorable photographs.
This goes without saying but…
since it cannot be taken for granted.
Don’t forget the deodorant and chewing gum or a zip bag with a refreshing flannel.
Bring extra clothes to change.
Overall tips
Connect with the other fans waiting in line. If you come alone you might go home with new friends.
Do some research about what the rules of the conventions are!
Check if the announced guests are sharing and verifying the info that they are attending the convention on their social media channels. This is important if it’s a new convention.
For those with disabilities, be sure to check the accessibility services of the venue before you attend.
Have fun and enjoy a fabulous time with your all time favorite show actors and please share your ROSWELL experience with us!