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« on: January 03, 2010, 07:26:27 PM »
A few things:
- TAKE A SHOWER BEFORE YOU SHOW UP. Good hygiene goes a long way. Brushing your teeth is also recommended.
- Be courteous. Don't be that dude who just accidentally bumps into someone and then walks off like it wasn't his problem. Apologize to the person if that happens.
- MAKE A BUDGET. Figure out how much you want to spend on what day (food, hotel expenses, any disposable income for the Dealer's Hall, etc.). Plus, when out in the Dealer's Hall, browse around a bit. You never know; that figure or model you've wanted so badly might be cheaper at another booth or stall. This also goes hand-in-hand with buying on impulse; try not to do this. You don't want this convention to become a financial money pit for you personally.
- HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE. If you gotta go to CostCo before the con and buy 3 cases of bottled water, do so. A lot of people in one place = a lot of body heat, which will also lead to dehydration, fainting, etc. Make sure you have some water on you when you're out and about; don't just drink some when you go get a bite to eat.
- Tip the masseuses if you decide to get a massage. Just throwing that out there.
- Don't stay in one particular area for too long. Go around; enjoy the sights. If you stay in one area the entire time, before you know it the con's already over and you haven't really done anything.
- Keep a positive attitude. Con drama = no fun for anybody, plus you risk getting banned. Don't be that guy.
- Try to watch the language (as in the profane or vulgar kind), especially amongst the younger kids. Although some of them might also say such things, I'd still watch out; you might accidentally offend somebody and not know it.
- Get a good night's rest the night before.
- If you feel a little too overwhelmed by all the goings-on (stress, exhaustion, just too much anime, people constantly saying "you just blah blah blah"), just get away for a bit. Go back to your hotel room; take a load off. Get a power nap in. Relax.
- Try to be sociable. It's an anime convention; we all like the same thing. Try to make a few new friends while you're at it.
That's about all I can think of. Also, one last thing: if you see any demonstrators or protesters like the ones we got last year, try not to egg 'em on. The only thing you're doing is making yourself as well as the staff look bad. If an incident like that happens, just call the police.
