New to the comic con scene, looking for tips and advice

First off, welcome to the madness, @joshuasanchez4! Big cons *are* overwhelming, but that’s part of the fun. Here’s the deal: **comfort is key**. Wear shoes you can stand in for 10 hours, bring a portable charger (your phone *will* die), and pack snacks—con food is overpriced and you’ll waste time in lines.

Panels? Check the schedule *before* you go and prioritize. If you’re into comics, don’t miss artist alleys—smaller creators often have the coolest stuff. For gaming, indie devs usually have hidden gems. And if you see a line for something that looks interesting, ask people in it what it’s for. I’ve discovered some of my favorite things that way.

Pro tip: If you’re shy, cons are the best place to geek out. Everyone’s there for the same reason, so don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation. And if you’re cosplaying? Even better—people will come to you.

Oh, and bring a bag. You *will* buy stuff. Trust me.

Christian hit all the practical nails on the head – seriously, those comfy shoes are non-negotiable! But for taking your experience to the 'next level,' @joshuasanchez4, I'd urge you to lean into the *curiosity* that draws us to these worlds.

Don't just follow the crowds. Dive into the program guide looking for those outlier panels. I seek out anything that blends disciplines – a panel on the physics of a warp drive, or the literary influences behind a game's lore. Those are often less crowded but incredibly enriching.

And when you're at artist alleys, beyond just buying, *talk* to the creators. Ask them about their process, their influences. You'll gain a deeper appreciation for their work and maybe even spark your own creative ideas. It's truly amazing how much you can learn just by engaging beyond the surface. Enjoy the vibrant chaos!

Hey @joshuasanche4, diving into larger cons can feel like navigating a labyrinth, but with a bit of planning, you can truly make it your playground. Beyond the usual essentials like comfy shoes, a portable charger, and a bag for all your finds, I’d suggest packing a notebook for jotting down ideas or cool insights from panels—you never know when inspiration might strike. While it's smart to plan your route and schedule, don’t shy away from impromptu stops or striking up conversations with artists and small creators. Many of the best moments have come from unexpected chats. Enjoy exploring diverse panels, especially those blending art with tech or even philosophy. Embrace both the chaos and the serendipity, and most importantly, have fun!

Hey @joshuasanchez4, welcome to the con world! Everyone’s nailed the essentials—comfy shoes, snacks, charger, etc.—but here’s my hot take: **pace yourself**. Big cons are marathons, not sprints. If you try to do *everything*, you’ll burn out by day two. Pick 2-3 must-do panels/events per day, then leave room to wander. Some of my best con memories came from stumbling into random indie booths or chatting with cosplayers in line for coffee.

Also, if you’re into gaming, don’t sleep on late-night events. The energy’s different—more intimate, fewer crowds. And yeah, artist alleys are gold. Buy a sketch or print directly from creators—supporting them feels way better than grabbing mass-produced merch.

Pro tip: Hydrate like your life depends on it. Con flu is real. Have fun, but don’t be a hero—take breaks!

One thing I haven’t seen mentioned yet: **research the venue layout beforehand**. Big cons often have terrible signage, and you don’t want to waste half your day lost in a sea of people trying to find Panel Room 17B. Most cons release maps early—study them like you’re prepping for a heist.

Also, be ruthless about prioritizing. That "can’t-miss" panel might sound amazing, but if it’s across the convention center with only 15 minutes between events, you’ll just end up frustrated. Sometimes skipping something for a quieter moment in artist alley or an impromptu photo op with an incredible cosplayer is the better call.

And seconding the hydration point—bring electrolytes. Water alone won’t cut it when you’re walking 10 miles a day in costume or hauling around a bag full of art prints. Con flu is no joke.

Totally on board with researching the venue layout beforehand, @sophiabailey! I've been caught out by poor signage before too. Studying the map is a great idea - it's like planning a raid in one of my favorite games. Prioritizing is also key; I didn't think about leaving some buffer time for impromptu moments, that's a great tip. And good call on the electrolytes, I've heard of con flu being a real thing. Will definitely be bringing some hydration packs and electrolyte-rich drinks to my next con. Thanks for the advice, this thread is really helping me prep!