There are probably a ton of these threads, but I'm going to start one!..... and because this is my first time going to a con.... ;D
well just have fun dont be offended if people are assholes about your cosplays its happened to me befor just brush it off there just being jerks and you know your there to have fun
dont spend to much on the first day unless your only there for one day
bring fix up suplies for your cosplays
eat food (kinda stupid but youd be suprised)
sleep (same )
and for the love of god BATHE (again same)
just enjoy yourself and welcome to the best time of your life
chill, relax, its fanime
have fun depending on which cosplay your planning
there maybe glompers but seems they banded glomping
if i'm not mistaken.
keep a emo bag or some sort of carry bag to put stuff in.
enjoy yourself bath
dont want to smell now do we lol
and ignore peoples stupid opinions
on what your cosplay look like blah if its bad only
ya thats bout it
http://forums.fanime.com/index.php/topic,8073.0.html
Try this thread, it hasn't been updated for months, but the tips are good. ;D
la victoria's has good burritos and is open until 3 if you need a late night snack.
there's a jack in the box right next to it.
iguana's is a good burrito joint too.
those are all... 3 blocks from the convention center.
PLEASE EAT!!!!!!!!!!
eat, sleep, drink, be merry. and duck.....
and that thread is really helpfull too!
no signs soliciting ANYTHING is allowed, sadly.
you can't have a glomp sign, a hug sign, a high five sign, a take a picture with me sign, nothing. :(
oh theres a good diner if you go out of the con center and keep walking across the street keep going through the little ally way next to the tech musieum and its right there its called peggy sues dinner its so freaking goooooooood ^_^
Quote from: BrightHeart76 on March 31, 2008, 07:59:44 PM
http://forums.fanime.com/index.php/topic,8073.0.html
Try this thread, it hasn't been updated for months, but the tips are good. ;D
thanks, that helped alot!
Hello, first timer here.
Is there anything a ninja should be wary of? Traps, assassins, guards, etc? ;D
Are there any events or areas that I should check out first?
Quote from: Kazuya Mitsubishi on April 03, 2008, 07:21:52 PM
Hello, first timer here.
Is there anything a ninja should be wary of? Traps, assassins, guards, etc? ;D
Are there any events or areas that I should check out first?
that would depend on what you're interested in. would be advisable you check out the events tab in the fanimecon webpage to see all the happenings.
But we're getting out of topic here so...
if you can't eat out, try hoarding some food to keep in your bag. Last year at saturday evening some of my newfound friends were sooo hungry, I shared them my home-made onigiris :D damn everyone split them all up that it all lasted with just a bite for each person.
hmm not only 'just food'. Fast food isn't good if taken in succession. If you've familiarized yourself with the light rail, you can take yourself to japantown san jose and buy decent food from the stores there, or if not stock on all the 'decent' food you can find at the japanese grocery there. They sell bento boxes everyday, freshly made and a variety of food from onigiri, sushi, maki, udon, noodles, takoyaki's and more ^^
-keep yourself hydrated. last year it was a great improvement that they have water dispensers at the video rooms and and music rooms, however, always bring one bottle of water with you. soda dispensers at Fanime run out fast, and soda isn't a good way to hydrate yourself.
Quote from: Rainbow Ichi on April 03, 2008, 09:19:17 PM
Quote from: Kazuya Mitsubishi on April 03, 2008, 07:21:52 PM
Hello, first timer here.
-keep yourself hydrated. last year it was a great improvement that they have water dispensers at the video rooms and and music rooms, however, always bring one bottle of water with you. soda dispensers at Fanime run out fast, and soda isn't a good way to hydrate yourself.
Bring a case of water and/or sport drinks (like Gatorade, Powerade, and so fourth) to your room. You can probably get a case of 24 for about $5 dollars, and a 12 pack of Gatorade for about $15 (depending on where you go, a big-bulk box store like Costco can have a case of 24 for $10). The sugar in soda and energy drinks will make you crash, and a crashing attendee is never a good thing.
BATHE
BATHE
BATHE
BATHE
BATHE
BATHE
BAAATHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
I cannot stress that one enough! Its just un-hygenic =\ and not alot of people dont want to hang arround that fanboy or fangirl (I remember that during the Kamijo concert) Funk
Bring water hydration is key unless you want to pass out on the floor in which i suggest you dont, batteries for like your ds or camera, light snacks to tote arround like fruit snacks are pretty decent since your going to be out all day.
Bring cash, but mainly an ATM card incase you need to get more x: but the ATM machines have a fee at the con so I suggest you dont use it as much
Keep a cell phone on you and always have atleast one friend be with you at all times, sure cons are fun but when you get lost its kinda scary especially at night when you get a bunch of interesting people~
This will be my second convention but my first to Fanime
XD
My first convention didn't go to well it was so last minute and we didn't have a room...so we had to sleep standing for a few minutes before those people would come and tell us we could sleep there.
XD
Although we did make it all three nights, but with only 200 dollars and a backpack full of snacks (it was a horrible thing to carry around) we didn't smell all that bad.
XD
We were insane, and well since it was just my sister and I it wasn't all that fun..
I have a fear of big crowds but i'm trying to get over it
I hope you have loads of fun, and eatting and resting for a while is always good.
Don't want to overload ;3
there was a similar question like this but i goes on my person opinion rant.
for most part have fun.
keep an eye on your value-ables both on you and in your car/hotel room
actually have a vague plan of what you like to do, how to get there and give your self time to allow to lines, delays or cancelations. have a back up plan.
join friends, but dont make the group so overly large or a difference of opinion that may split up or cause any unwanted drama a good rule of thumb would be a party of 2~4 members.
please remember to eat, drink, shower and rest.
theres are pretty self explanitory-
be mindful of your surroundings, try not to run, glomp or start prop fights without bumping into the crowd around you.
sometimes you may have fanboys/girls follow you around so please let Fanime staff know if you feel uncomfortable any time or any place. We're here to make sure everyone is safe and enjoying the con.
other that that, just use your best common sense and enjoy.
thats the reason why your going to Fanime ne?
after going to several cons...good things to keep in mind asides from those mentioned above...
definitely the cell phone tip, it's essential to keep time (time gets warped at cons) and keep contact
go through the program schedule first thing, plan out which events you simply must attend and avoid overlaping time slots.
Get in line early for major programming events. Good, assured seating. I cant remember much about Fanime, but at Acen, I'm always in line for the masquerade at least two hours early.
Bring food with you, because hotel food/eating out is often unhealthy and more often pricey
all in all, you'll learn more from experience. there's only so much that can be told, ya know?
Leave your DVD's at home.
We have a "video-programming" dept. which runs 24 hours at Fanime in multiple rooms.
The most ridiculous thing an attendee could bring to an anime con would be anime DVD's, yes I'm biased.
*see my sig*
Sorry astroboy, but some of the things I regretted most was that I sat in video rooms when one-time Japanese guests were giving panels.
In particular, I didn't know anything about You Higuri when she was here. Fanime didn't give much warning that Higuri-sensei would be showing up, so I didn't have the chance to do research about her. I had bought a Japanese manga at the Swap Meet that year, even though I don't read Japanese, just because the art was so beautiful. I couldn't read the name of the person that created that manga. So, during Higuri-sensei's autograph session and panels, I was probably sitting in a video room... It wasn't until years later when I started running across the CMX releases of Higuri-sensei's work that I realized what a lucky find I had in my hands if I had understood what I bought. I was in the right place at the right time with the right item to get an autograph and meet the creator, but I missed the opportunity because I just didn't know any better.
So, my tip would be to research the guests ahead of time as much as possible. If a live event you want to see conflicts with a video, go to the live event and make friends with someone who can lend you the video later. Read the forums to get a sense of which panels come back from year to year so you will know which you're likely to be able to see in the future should two interesting panels conflict. Accept that you're just not going to be able to do everything you want to do, so don't make yourself sick by trying. For the first few years, I ended up sick for the two weeks after Fanime (so don't do what I did). Between lack of sleep, lack of proper nutrition, and being crowded in elevators and rooms with people who may lack proper hygiene, the immune system gets very stressed out. Remember, thousands of people are carrying whatever bacteria and virus into the same air space, and some of them won't wash off those germs as often as they should. Sleep and food will help your immune system protect you against all that nastiness. Fanime will keep coming back for a very long time, so it's not worth getting sick over.
Speaking of coming back, another tip is to check back at Registration mid-morning Monday to see if they'll take pre-reg for the year after. For the first few years, I seemed to not hear about next year pre-reg until after Registration closed for the year. Also, they don't seem to accept next year pre-reg if you go too early. Through trial and error, I eventually came to the conclusion that mid-morning Monday is a good time to bug Registration for next year pre-reg.
This will be my 11th Fanime, so I shall pass on some wisdom to you young ones just joining the crazyness.
1. BATHE!-For real, there is nothing on this earth worse than standing in line with people who reek of Otakufunk. Gross.
2. Bring easily portable food and snacks- Save your money for the Dealer's Room. It's also easier than having to bail to a restaurant every time you get hungry. But treat yourself at least once. I usually will have brunch on Sunday with my sister and her family (and this year my Dad), to visit.
3. Sleep- Get some.
4. If your costume is uncomfortable, CHANGE! I know it feels stupid to have gone to all the effort to make a costume and then only wear it for two hours a day, but you're supposed to be having fun. Be comfortable.
5. Beware the Cosplayers! Some people go to a lot of effort to make their costumes, which occassionally have pieces that hang down. Just be aware of your surroundings and watch where you put your feet.
6. It's okay to ask passers-by for help!- we were all NooB's once and sometimes, you get lost. Ask for help if you need it.
7. Have FUN!
Welcome to the mental ward. I hope you enjoy your stay!
- Don't be loud and/or obnoxious.
- Don't be stupid.
- Don't act like a n00b.
- Don't try to get attention by acting like a loud, stupid, n00b.
;D
If you plan on not bathing, do everyone a BIG favor and not take the elevators. j/k. Have fun, and prepare to have your entire life evolve around fanime.
Quote from: rude32 on April 05, 2008, 06:33:17 PM
If you plan on not bathing, do everyone a BIG favor and not take the elevators. j/k. Have fun, and prepare to have your entire life evolve around fanime.
but seriousely bathe
Sorry to add on but I didn't feel like making a new topic though I have some questions as this year will be my first fanime.
1) If I'm going Friday, what time should I get there? (I've already preregistered)
2) Will a program be out online before the Memorial Day weekend? There seems to be lots to do that it seems like I will have to pick and choose what I want to do.
Thanks!
Quote from: migitlicious on April 05, 2008, 09:49:42 PM
Sorry to add on but I didn't feel like making a new topic though I have some questions as this year will be my first fanime.
1) If I'm going Friday, what time should I get there? (I've already preregistered)
2) Will a program be out online before the Memorial Day weekend? There seems to be lots to do that it seems like I will have to pick and choose what I want to do.
Thanks!
1. Anytime, well as long as the lines are open I forget when they are closed
2. Normally they are put up online but you do get a freebie at the con with the program~
Quote from: migitlicious on April 05, 2008, 09:49:42 PM
Sorry to add on but I didn't feel like making a new topic though I have some questions as this year will be my first fanime.
1) If I'm going Friday, what time should I get there? (I've already preregistered)
2) Will a program be out online before the Memorial Day weekend? There seems to be lots to do that it seems like I will have to pick and choose what I want to do.
Thanks!
1. The earlier you get there the less long of a wait you'll have to pick up your badge.
2. Usually. Although there are almost always last minute changes.
Quote from: migitlicious on April 05, 2008, 09:49:42 PM1) If I'm going Friday, what time should I get there? (I've already preregistered)
I recommend picking up your badge on Thursday night if possible, so you can go in on Friday just in time for the first thing you want to see and not have to worry about how bad the badge pick-up line might be.
Quote2) Will a program be out online before the Memorial Day weekend?
That's a good question. There was a year or two in Fanime history when the schedule didn't come out until Saturday even though the con started Friday. I think the schedule was posted online a week or two before the convention last year.
Quote from: Nyxyin on April 07, 2008, 04:23:24 AM
Quote from: migitlicious on April 05, 2008, 09:49:42 PM1) If I'm going Friday, what time should I get there? (I've already preregistered)
I recommend picking up your badge on Thursday night if possible, so you can go in on Friday just in time for the first thing you want to see and not have to worry about how bad the badge pick-up line might be.
You know, funny thing with Fanime's pre-reg line is that I noticed I never had to wait very long on Friday. At most there'd be like a dozen other people in line with me each year, and the line would just grow from people walking by. I've heard that it's actually
longer on Thursday because most people want to get their badge early. And the rest of them just line up on Saturday, so that gets somewhat crowded as well. Maybe it's just my luck.
Quote from: rude32 on April 05, 2008, 06:33:17 PM
If you plan on not bathing, do everyone a BIG favor and not take the elevators. j/k. Have fun, and prepare to have your entire life evolve around fanime.
If you plan on not bathing, prepare for the rwath of a water hose.
Thanks for all the replies! I will try to get there sometime in the morning on Friday and see how everything goes =]
srsly though, DO NOT SMELL LIKE ASS! Or else I'm gonna spray body spray at you!
This year my friends and I decided that anyone we walked by who smelled like ass, we were gonna secretly spray them with some febreze, and also hang up some air fresheners in the elevators.
Quote from: rude32 on April 08, 2008, 07:53:33 AM
This year my friends and I decided that anyone we walked by who smelled like ass, we were gonna secretly spray them with some febreze, and also hang up some air fresheners in the elevators.
That would actually make them smell even worse
I am a second time Fanime goer this year. Here are my tips:
One follow the rules of fanime. Really or else they get to you. Don't bring signs unless It doesn't really bring to much akward attentions
Two bring lots of money, cause they have a huge dealer's room. Bigger than any in the Bay area. (of course, cause its the biggest con in the bay area).
Three, beware of fangirls or people who randomly glomp you.
Four, bring pleaty of water or you will dehydrate because u will be walking alot. Even eat too.
Five, Please bath so people wont get sick from you. Even though you are sick, you may have something that some else can get really sick from.
Six, Plushie really attrach people and make you popular. Bring your plushies.
Seven, Bring your camera. It fun when you share memories with other that didn't go.
Eight, of course bring a backpack to put everything in. You will drop alot of things
Nine, print out schedules on your computer couple days before the con, plan your day out, and put em on a clipboard. It will help, cause you may miss out on somethings if you don't really plan ahead.
Ten, if your talented at something thats anime related, bring it with you. People will like you. Make sure that its an anime everyone knows about.
Eleven, if you see something that related to what you like go for it. Whether its gatherings, or shopping. Although, I reccommend going to a variety of events to make more of your experiences at a con.
Twelve, If anything random goes on such as someone hiding behind your back, video tape it.
Thirteen, Pre register always. Last year the line was huge, but if your amvist, you can get it faster. I am in fact an amvist. Last year, I got in with a free badge, but I am not sure about this year.
Fourteen, always cosplay. Its part of the fun at anime cons. Even though your not part of a contest, you can still do alot of things. It does not have to be anime related, but I don't reccommend everyone to nonanime cosplay. You can even be elmo to scare everyone off.
And lastly fifteen, Have Fun!!
Quote from: rude32 on April 08, 2008, 07:53:33 AM
This year my friends and I decided that anyone we walked by who smelled like ass, we were gonna secretly spray them with some febreze, and also hang up some air fresheners in the elevators.
Please don't :/ Some people are -very- sensitive to chemical air fresheners. BO may not be pleasant, but it's also usually not life-threatening. If I get stuck in an enclosed space with one of those, my throat closes up and I could choke to death if I don't get an injection in time.
My tips:
1. Figure out a budget for each day and stick to it! You don't want to be broke by Saturday afternoon.
2. Don't be an impulsive buyer. Another dealer may have the same item for less.
3. Bring your own food and drink. Convention prices are outrageous.
4. Go to Wal-Mart and buy your own Japanese snacks. Don't buy Pocky from the dealer's room.
outside of the con what are others places that would be good to go to (in san jose thats close to the convention) other than japantown?i know there is a kinokuniya but my knowledge of san jose is limited.
Quote from: maeiounj39 on April 10, 2008, 04:29:06 PMFour, bring pleaty of water or you will dehydrate because u will be walking alot.
The convention usually leaves out some water bottles or pitchers if you know where to look, but the water seems to be filled from the San Jose tap (which I can identify because I think it tastes nasty), so I bring my own bottled water. Just be warned that lugging enough water for even one day gets very heavy and bulky, and it majorly sucks if a bottle should rupture or spill all over your new anime purchases.
Quote from: Chocolate Lover on April 10, 2008, 08:45:06 PM1. Figure out a budget for each day and stick to it! You don't want to be broke by Saturday afternoon.
I think it needs to be more flexible than a budget. I'd recommend setting a daily minimum aside in a separate area. For example, I keep $40/day separate from the rest of my money inside the inner pocket of my purse. That way, if I lose my wallet (or if I really want to spend everything in my wallet for some must-have item in the dealers' room on Friday), I will still be able to buy enough food to eat and enough gas to drive home at the end of each day. No matter how tempting, I do not spend that money on anything except for food and fuel. This makes sure I have enough money to take care of myself while giving me the flexibility to also "blow a wad of cash" if something worthwhile comes up.
Quote2. Don't be an impulsive buyer. Another dealer may have the same item for less.
I used to walk through the dealers' room once before I buy anything. However, there was one year when that was all it took for all of the cute plushies I wanted to sell out from every booth. So, I think it depends on the item. If it's a normal US release of a DVD or manga that you can easily get off of Amazon or RightStuf, then shop around. Otherwise, if it's something rare (such as something imported or limited edition) and you know you really want it, go for it! It might not be there when you circle back around.
Quote3. Bring your own food and drink. Convention prices are outrageous.
And make sure what you bring is worth the weight and bulk. Nuts or trail mixes tend to keep well and pack a lot of nutrition. Same with hard-boiled eggs if you don't peel them until you're ready to eat them. (Eggs are also cheap for the amount of nutrition.) Nutrition/energy bars and jerkies also tend to have a lot of nutrition for the amount of space they take up in the backpack. (To keep with the Asian culture theme, try some dried squid and fruity/strawberry beef jerky. I think they have better texture and taste than normal American meat jerkies.) Trader Joes has a few dried fruits without sulfur for dessert.
Quote4. Go to Wal-Mart and buy your own Japanese snacks. Don't buy Pocky from the dealer's room.
Frankly, I'd recommend against using Pocky for food. It's great fun and entertainment, and it's wonderful for socializing, but it's not food. Don't eat a whole box of Pocky yourself, and don't eat Pocky when you're hungry.
Quote from: sweet_milk_tea on April 11, 2008, 09:49:04 PM
outside of the con what are others places that would be good to go to (in san jose thats close to the convention) other than japantown?i know there is a kinokuniya but my knowledge of san jose is limited.
Were you looking for Japanese stuff in particular? Otherwise, I personally think The Tech Museum is worth visiting once, and it's within walking distance of the convention.
thanks
Don't forget to let loose and have fun. Planning for everything is great, but if there's something else going on that looks like fun, go do it. You never know what's going to pop up unexpectedly and be the best part of your con experience.
Thanks for all your advice, everyone. This is really going to help!
=]]]
If you buy things in the dealers room, buy stuff the last day- and HAGGLE. HAGGLE LIKE A 70-YEAR OLD SPANISH WOMAN FROM A MOUNTAINOUS REGION WHO BEARS A LOAD OF GOODS ON HER BACK FOR THE LOCAL MARKET! HAGGLE LIKE MY 75 YEAR OLD ASIAN GRANDMOTHER TAUGHT ME TO!
Then you gets swords for like half off. Is good, ya?
ahem
You get good deals that way- no one wants to haul their lewts back with them- vendors want to sell to you.
This is my uh... more than 7th fanime, (guh I'm old) and yeah, bathing is important- but that really falls under the general tip:
"Be kind and courteous to those around you."
We're all fans here, we all get along on something- Fanime is full of cool people who all know the same jokes and all laugh at lolcats, you'll be fine.
Quote from: Zog on April 14, 2008, 01:29:46 PMIf you buy things in the dealers room, buy stuff the last day- and HAGGLE.
That only works if you want stuff that doesn't sell out earlier in the weekend, especially if it's stuff everybody is already carrying (which you can probably find online for cheaper anyways). It works both ways: because dealers don't want to carry things back, the quantities they bring are limited. The dealers try to anticipate what people will buy, but demand is fickle, and the dealers can guess wrong. If you wait, you risk the dealer running out of an unexpectedly popular item. That said, it is still fun to go in on Monday and look for "opportunities" on items that you were somewhat curious about, but not so curious that you'd be willing to pay full price. Sometimes, depending on tastes, some good deals can be had on Monday. Other times, Mondays really do feel like the stock is reduced to mere leftovers that nobody else wanted. There are advantages to shopping both early and late. I'd speculate that the fans of the merchandise are better off shopping earlier while the fans of bargains are better off shopping later.
1. browse the dealers room before you shop, haggle the dealer like hell and when buying bulk, haggle harder.
2. eat before you go. bring water and food. it was like 2 dollars for a small bottle of coke and 1.50 if u go into the hotels and got coke. ._.
3. bring a camera. i didn't have a camera back in 2006 so i missed alot of good shots T_T
4. [optional mission] go to panels, cosplay meetups, and the masquerade. (good memories..)