Convention Tips for Beginners | AnyaPanda

This video is sponsored by Karma.

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Today we're talking convention tips! I realize I've made a lot of cosplay tip videos, but have never talked about convention tips, so I thought this would be helpful for some of you. Shoutout to my roommates for helping me with this video by contributing some tips of their own!

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Thank you so much for watching, it seriously means a lot! ❤ If you'd like to see more cosplay and nerd-related videos, please consider subscribing!

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[Thesharktemptress]

Also, as someone who works at a convention... If someone is being creepy or making you uncomfortable, don't be afraid to let con staff know. We're here because we want you to have a good time and be safe. We don't want creeps around ruining your time. Even if it's a misunderstanding (and we've had those, where the person was cosplaying Tamaki from Ouran and roleplaying, didn't realize that he was making people uncomfortable, and the second we talked to him he realized he fucked up and said he would tone it down.) we'd rather sort it out than potentially have people harmed.

[ChibitaliaLoverEiri]

If you're going in cosplay, be sure to take an emergency repair kit. Most cons nowadays have cosplay repair stations, but it's always a good idea to have your own kit on hand in the event you can't make it to the repair table.

[janedoesgames]

Here's a tip: don't be afraid to ask for pictures! I have had many times where I asked for a pic with a young cosplayer (I'm also fairly new to this) and they were so happy that I asked.

[Pineapple_Coffee]

My biggest tip is something I learned the hard way at my first convention: remember that none of your plans are ever set in stone! And sometimes that’s a good thing! The morning of my first convention, one of the panelists canceled all of their panels last minute, leaving my morning completely open. It turned out to be one of my favorite convention experiences because I went to a karaoke party instead! Later that same con, I was feeling sick and didn’t want to wear the wig for a cosplay. So, I didn’t wear it, and it made the day much less stressful and more fun!
TL;DR: Don’t be disappointed if plans change! Plans are never set in stone and that’s a good thing :)

[stickyfingers]

Btw, don’t feel worried if you think you’re cosplaying a character that no one knows about or is not as popular at the time !!
I went to my first con recently as Kyoya from Ouran High School Host Club, and I was the only ohshc cosplayer there, but people will still recognize and compliment you and ask for photos, it’s awesome, so definitely go for it

[hunterkiller]

Thanks for the tips. Went to my first con last week. Pity only two parties recognized my obscure cosplay.

[wanderingsoul]

Con tip if you're a particularly ambitious first timer with big costume parts or cosplays that limit your vision (This means you too furries): HAVE A HANDLER

A handler's role is basically
-To lead you around if you can't see well
-Hold stuff you can't carry
-Tells you if you're bumping into people or asks people to get out of the way
-Is the one who's designated to help you in or out of the costume
- Talks to other people for you if your cosplay/costume inhibits that ability
-Helps you take breaks whenever you need it

Seriously. Having a handler not only helps you enjoy the event in your cosplay/costume, but also helps minimize accidents and misunderstandings

[-ARSNCCATNP-]

Small tip: If your drinking or eating anything that might stain and your wearing white, I recommend to try and find a napkin or bring a cloth you can get dirty so if it does spill it wont stain your shirt because if you did you would have to take time out of your day (especially if your not near the center) to go wash your cosplay.

[WillTheChill]

I still feel naked without a cosplay at a con

[jettydog]

I love that I’ve been doing cons for like 8 years and I still love videos like this because sometimes there’s still something to learn or help! Thanks Anya!

[QueenShireen]

I like the trees in the background, very peaceful.

[alexdonthavelastname]

I remember seeing this other tip, for people who wear more makeup in their cosplay it's better to get a smoothie because it has some sort of drink and food in one because you know its a smoothie, and it won't wreck your makeup as much 😁

[elizabethhiggs]

Wear comfortable shoes and bring bandaids for blisters. If in cosplay bring an extra pair to wear for breaks.
Make sure your bags are securely closed, if something falls out without you noticing you will have a hard time locating it.
If you can take breaks outside of the con to get fresh air.
If you have anxiety or panic in public settings and are with someone, come up with non-verbal signals and establish what you need to do if signal is used.
Have a meeting spot if you come with people and seperate.
Watch out for large props, normally they are safe but you can get hit with one accidentally.
Remember to find where the bathrooms are when you enter the building.
Be respectful and mindful of the people around you and ALWAYS ask for permission to film, photograph or physically interact with another person or their belongings.

[QueenShireen]

When I was little / younger I always had someone with me that was older, but when I got older I started to like walking alone because you only have to think about you being happy. But because I have some handicaps I do like familiar people being around, luckly that is always the case. Because I am going to events my whole life I know A LOT of people by know, and even more know me, hahaha. It helps that the Netherlands is a smaller country so event communities are smaller.

[xxcreations]

I’m going to a con in 6 days (with masks, sanitizer, and other precautions) with a friend and we’re super excited for it this will be my third con

[sosalosa]

Tip 1: Never go alone
Alright, step 1: *make a friend*

[ceapaire]

I’m pretty thankful that I (a teenage girl) have my older cousins to go to my first con with me. One of them is 6’ 2” and pretty muscular, so I have a feeling that weirdos will leave us alone

[baralinni]

Love this video, lots of great points! 💖
❗Important note on NUTS❗: I recently learned that people with severe nut allergy can get an allergic reaction if they're at all close to nuts, it travels through the air.
So if you're about to snack on some nuts and there are people around you, ask if anyone's allergic, or find a less crowded place, you could save someone's day 💪💜

[candygirl]

Thank you so much for mentioning to take someone with you during photoshoots!!! I’ve been doing cons for about 10 years and from my experience that seems to be the biggest cause of uncomfortable and potentially dangerous experiences amongst my peers. Especially if your doing something like boudoir or really anything where you are going to more private areas without the crowd around. I’d say at least 9/10 photogs are decent people. But it’s not worth the risk. Plus it’s helpful to have someone there to flip your cape or hold a reflector!

[tcfluidity]

Also, try to make most of your purchases closer to when you're leaving the con so you don't have to carry them around the whole time, especially if the items are large or fragile, or if your cosplay has a prop that you have to carry around.