Attending a geek convention can be an exciting and fun experience, but it's important to keep in mind certain dos and don'ts in order to make the most out of your experience and to be respectful to others.
DO
Research the convention before attending. Take a look at the schedule of events and plan out which ones you want to see and attend. Also, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the layout of the convention center so you know where everything is.
Pack easy and simple snacks. Conventions take all day and the last thing you want is to starve, leave your booth unattended, or pay for expensive convention food. Packing easy-to-eat and simple snacks will save your day by making sure you have the energy to make the most out of your day without having to stress about how and where to get food.
Prepare your booth. If you’re an artist exhibitor or a fan of buying cute merch from artists’ booths, you know that the overall appearance has a significant impact on your sales. A booth that appears sad is less likely to attract people compared to a booth that is well-decorated or set up.
Booth tip: customize your own tablecloth! You can stand out by customizing your own tablecloth and making your table pretty. Tablecloths are inexpensive and a great investment when attending conventions because they are reusable and last a very long time.
Your Stuff Made creates high-quality, wrinkle-resistant tablecloths for almost all table sizes in conventions. You may order your high-quality tablecloth here.
Dress up in cosplay. Many conventions encourage attendees to come dressed as their favorite characters from comics, TV shows, or movies. It's a great way to show off your creativity and meet other fans who share your interests.
Bring business cards. Bring business cards to hand out to people you meet. It's a great way to make connections and network with others. For those who sell on booths, having business cards available on your table is a great idea. Some attendees who cannot decide whether to buy or not, often look for business cards so they know where to buy your products when they are decided. It could also happen that some of your products are out of stock. Let them know if you plan on restocking and hand out your business card so they know where to buy them when restocked.
Be respectful of other attendees' personal space, and be mindful of the convention's code of conduct.
Have fun! Remember to take a step back and enjoy the experience, take lots of pictures and interact with other fans and attendees.
DON’T
Don’t bring weapons or props that could be considered dangerous. Many conventions have strict rules about props and weapons, and you could be asked to leave if you bring something that is not allowed.
Don't touch or take pictures of cosplayers without permission. Cosplay is not consent, it's important to be respectful of other attendees' personal boundaries.
Don't be rude or offensive to other attendees or staff. Geeks conventions are meant to be a fun and inclusive space for everyone, so it's important to be respectful and considerate of others.
Don't litter or leave trash behind, always look for the proper trash receptacles and be mindful of the space you occupy in the convention.
Don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Many conventions have staff and volunteers who can help you with questions or directions.
Attending a geek convention is an exciting experience for many fans with a wide variety of activities and opportunities to immerse oneself in their favorite fandoms, meet new people, see exclusive merchandise and see upcoming new content. Everyone who is attending wants to have fun so be mindful and don’t forget these dos and don’ts.
Attending a convention soon? Talk to our creative consultant for FREE to make sure you're ready for your next geek convention. Book a meeting here.