How to Attend a Sci-Fi or Fantasy Convention
- 1). Decide what type of convention is most interesting to you. Some are geared more towards literary interests and feature panels and workshops focused on books. Special guests usually include popular science fiction or fantasy authors, publishers and editors. Other conventions are more media focused and highlight popular sci-fi and fantasy television shows and films. They feature actors, directors, producers and so forth as guests. Other conventions may focus on comic books and graphic novels, gaming and role playing, costuming or anime. There are also numerous conventions that mix genres and cover several of these areas all at once---it depends on the convention's planners.
- 2). Locate the convention you'd like to attend. Resources below lists websites of upcoming conventions, some by geographic region and others by type of convention. There are conventions that happen all over the world and most major cities in the United States have their own annual conventions. Other good resources for finding sci fi or fantasy cons are through your local bookstore, comic book shop or gaming store.
- 3). Send in your registration forms and fees as soon as possible (there's usually information on registration on the convention's webpage). Book your accommodations early. Most conventions are held in hotels or convention centers with a hotel nearby and the planning committees have usually arranged special pricing on blocks of rooms for attendees. If you wait too long to book your room, you may miss out on the savings or even getting a room.
- 4). Make your travel plans as early as possible as well. Make sure that you know in advance, if necessary, how you will get from the airport or bus station to the con location. If you are driving, ask the con planners about parking options---space may be limited at the site.
- 5). Preplan your schedule. Big conventions can be overwhelming, and even smaller ones will have many events happening simultaneously. It will make your experience more relaxing if you plan ahead what events you'd like to attend, as well as the time and location. Once you get there, you will receive an official schedule book with more information, but most conventions will post their schedule on their website in the weeks leading up to the event.
- 6). Plan your budget and bring emergency cash. You'll need to pay for food and drink as well as anything you'll want to buy at con---and there will be lots to buy. Most conventions have a "dealer's room" filled with vendors hawking books, DVDs, magazine, jewelry, action figures, toys, collectibles, t-shirts--you name it. There is also usually some sort of art show or auction where you can buy original works by up and coming as well as established artists. Some may only accept cash, so you'll want to have some on hand---but also stow some "just in case." The con location or hotel may not have an ATM on site.
- 7). Attend your convention and have fun!
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