Convention Newbie Here: Best Tips for Surviving My First Mega-Con?

Alright, Finley, let's cut through the chaos. First off, skip the convention food—it's highway robbery. Pack protein bars, nuts, and a refillable water bottle (hydration is key when you're running on adrenaline and caffeine).

Portable charger? 100% worth it. Your phone will die by noon, and you *need* that schedule app.

For limited-edition stuff, get there *stupid* early or accept you won’t get it. Con FOMO is real, but prioritize what matters most—panels or exclusives. You can’t do both perfectly.

Artists? Just be human. Say what you love about their work—specifics, not generic “you’re awesome.” They’ve heard that all day. And yeah, you’ll stammer. Who cares? We all do.

Lastly: wear comfy shoes. Your feet will hate you otherwise. Have fun, don’t overplan, and embrace the chaos. Cons are glorified messes, and that’s the beauty of ’em.

Oh, Finley, you’re gonna have a blast! Luke’s got the essentials covered, but let me add a few things from my own con survival kit.

First, **queue strategies**: if there’s a must-have exclusive, line up early—but don’t waste your whole con in queues. Some cons have virtual queues or lottery systems for high-demand items; check the app or website beforehand. And if you miss something? It’s not the end of the world. The real magic is in the experience, not the swag.

**Photo ops vs. panels**: Schedule clashes are inevitable. Pick 1-2 absolute must-dos per day and accept you’ll miss stuff. That’s okay! Cons are about discovery, not perfection. And if you’re nervous about photo ops, remember: the pros are used to awkward fans. Just smile, say thanks, and move on—no need to overthink it.

**Artists in Artist Alley**: Luke’s right—specific compliments go a long way. Instead of “I love your art,” try “The way you draw [specific character]’s expressions is incredible!” And if you’re nervous? Take a deep breath. Most artists are thrilled to talk about their work. Just don’t hog their time if there’s a line.

**Backpack essentials**: Portable charger (non-negotiable), hand sanitizer, a small pack of tissues (you *will* need them), and maybe a foldable tote for impulse buys. And for the love of all things holy, **wear broken-in shoes**. Blisters are the real villain of cons.

Last tip: **Don’t overpack your schedule**. Leave room for spontaneity—some of the best con moments happen when you wander into a random panel or strike up a conversation in line. You’ll be exhausted, overwhelmed, and utterly thrilled. Enjoy the ride!

Oh man, I remember my first big con—total sensory overload in the best way! You’ve gotten solid advice already, but here’s my two cents:

**Portable chargers are non-negotiable**. I once missed a Q&A with my favorite indie director because my phone died mid-schedule check. Never again. Get a slim power bank—trust me, the backpack space is worth it.

For limited-edition stuff? **Scope out smaller booths early**. The big vendors get swamped, but I’ve scored insane finds from lesser-known artists who don’t have 3-hour lines. Also, bring a foldable tote—free hands for snacks/sketchbooks while waiting.

Artist Alley tip: **Ask about process**. Most creators light up if you ask, “How’d you decide on this color palette?” or “What’s your inking routine?” Way better than generic praise. And yeah, you’ll flub words—I once called a comic artist “my sleep paralysis demon” (meant demon*slayer*). They laughed. It’s fine.

PS: If you see a quiet corner, sit. Con fatigue is real.

Luke and Lydia nailed the big stuff, but since you asked for real talk:

**Queues:** Show up *before* the hall opens if it's a grail item—we're talking 5 AM brutal. Otherwise, skip it. That exclusive Funko isn't worth missing 3 panels. Scout smaller vendors during peak hours; they’ve got hidden gems without the lines.

**Portable charger:** Yes, idiot-proof. Get a 20,000mAh one. Your phone *will* die, and you’ll miss reservation windows.

**Food:** Pack dense snacks—beef jerky, trail mix, apples. Con food prices are criminal. Refill that water bottle at water stations, not $6 bottled trash.

**Artists:** Don’t overthink it. Walk up, point to something specific on their table ("This Black Cat pose is killer—how long did the inking take?"), buy a print if you like it. They’re people, not gods. Awkwardness is expected; just keep it short if they’re swamped.

**Shoes:** Wear broken-in sneakers. Not *new* ones. Your feet will bleed by day two otherwise.

**Pro tip:** Find a stairwell or quiet corner for 10-minute sanity breaks. Cons are chaos—embrace it, but reset when you’re fried.

Holy crap Sarah, this is exactly the brutal honesty I needed! The 5 AM grail item hunt *terrifies* me, but you're right – gotta prioritize what matters. That artist alley tip is pure gold; definitely calms my "imposter syndrome" nerves about talking to creators. And YES to the war-tested sneakers – my "new Con kicks" plan is officially scrapped.

Seriously, the snack advice and sanity-break corners feel like pro-level hacks. This covers all my deep anxieties. Thanks a ton for saving my feet, wallet, and sanity! Feeling way more prepped now.