Your first anime convention is approaching, and you’re not sure what to expect. The crowds, the cosplayers, the merchandise halls—it can feel overwhelming for newcomers. But conventions are also where anime fandom comes alive, where you’ll find your people and make memories that define your relationship with the hobby. Here’s everything you need to know to make your first convention a success.
Before the Convention
Choosing Your Convention
Not all conventions are created equal. Anime Expo in Los Angeles draws 100,000+ attendees with major industry presence. Smaller regional cons might have a few thousand attendees with more intimate atmospheres. Your first con should probably be mid-sized—large enough to have programming and vendors, small enough not to overwhelm.
Research the convention’s focus. Some emphasize industry panels and premieres. Others focus on cosplay competitions. Some are more family-friendly; others skew older. Match the convention’s vibe to what you want from the experience.
Tickets and Registration
Buy your badge early. Popular conventions sell out months in advance. Early registration often costs less than at-door prices. Most cons offer single-day and full-weekend badges—full weekend is usually better value if you can attend multiple days.
Keep your confirmation email accessible. Some cons use digital badges; others require printed tickets. Know your convention’s process before arrival.
Budgeting
Convention expenses add up quickly. Beyond the badge, budget for: food (convention centers charge premium prices), merchandise (that figure you “have to have” will cost more than expected), parking or transportation, and any paid events or photo opportunities.
A reasonable first-con budget: $50-100 for badge, $50-100 for food over a weekend, $100-300 for merchandise depending on your discipline. Hotel costs vary wildly by location.
What to Bring
- Comfortable shoes: You’ll walk miles. Seriously.
- Portable phone charger: You’ll take photos constantly
- Water bottle: Convention centers are dehydrating
- Snacks: Convention food is expensive and lines are long
- Backpack: For purchases and supplies
- Cash: Some vendors don’t take cards
- Deodorant: Please. Trust me.
At the Convention
The Dealer’s Room
The merchant hall is overwhelming on first entry. Hundreds of booths sell figures, manga, posters, clothing, accessories, and items you didn’t know existed. Strategy helps: walk the entire hall first to see what’s available, then return to purchase. This prevents impulse buying and ensures you don’t miss something better.
Prices vary between vendors for identical items. Large retailers might beat small vendors on popular items but can’t match boutique selections. Don’t buy the first thing you see unless it’s rare.
Artist Alley
Artist Alley features independent artists selling original work: prints, pins, stickers, handmade items. This is where you’ll find unique pieces unavailable anywhere else. Supporting artists directly feels better than buying mass-produced merchandise.
Commissioning art is common. Many artists take requests for custom pieces, though turnaround might not happen before the convention ends. Ask about their process if interested.
Panels and Programming
Conventions offer panels on everything: voice actor Q&As, industry announcements, academic discussions, fan panels about specific series, and how-to sessions for cosplay or art. Pick up a program guide early and prioritize what interests you most.
Popular panels fill up. Plan to arrive early for in-demand programming—sometimes 30+ minutes before start time. Less popular panels often offer better interaction with presenters.
Cosplay
You’ll see incredible costumes. Appreciate the work that went into them. Ask permission before taking photos of cosplayers—most love being photographed, but consent matters. Don’t touch costumes or props without permission.
If you’re cosplaying, expect to be stopped frequently for photos. Build extra time into your schedule. Consider comfort: elaborate costumes get hot and restrictive. Many cosplayers change into casual clothes for part of the day.
Meeting People
Conventions are social events. Everyone around you shares your interests. Complimenting someone’s cosplay or merchandise is an easy conversation starter. Lines and seating areas are great places to meet people.
Convention friendships can be lasting. Exchange contact information with people you connect with. The anime community is friendlier than its online reputation suggests.
Convention Etiquette
The Hygiene Rule
Shower. Wear deodorant. Convention centers are crowded and warm. “Con funk” is a real problem that makes events unpleasant for everyone. Basic hygiene is the minimum expectation—don’t be the person who ruins someone else’s experience.
Respect Personal Space
Crowded doesn’t mean boundaries disappear. Don’t push through crowds aggressively. Don’t touch strangers—including their costumes or props—without permission. Give people space to move.
Cosplay Is Not Consent
Someone wearing a revealing costume is not inviting commentary or contact. Treat cosplayers with the same respect you’d want. Photographs require permission. Comments should stay appropriate.
Children at Conventions
Many cons are family-friendly, but content varies. Supervise children in dealer rooms (some merchandise is adult-oriented). After-hours events often skew older. Check convention policies and program ratings.
Pacing Yourself
Convention Fatigue Is Real
First-timers often try to see everything and burn out by day two. Plan rest breaks. Sit down periodically. Return to your hotel or car for quiet time if needed. A convention is a marathon, not a sprint.
Food and Hydration
Convention centers make eating expensive and inconvenient. Bring snacks. Drink water consistently—it’s easy to forget when you’re distracted. Take actual meal breaks rather than grazing while walking.
Sleep
Convention culture sometimes glorifies staying up all night for room parties and late programming. First-timers should actually sleep. You’ll enjoy day two much more rested than running on four hours of sleep.
After the Convention
Post-Con Depression
The emotional drop after conventions is common. You’ve spent days surrounded by your people doing what you love, then return to normal life. This feeling passes, but acknowledging it helps.
Organizing Purchases
Unpack and catalog what you bought. You probably spent more than you realized. Display or store items appropriately. That poster you forgot about will get damaged if left in the bag.
Following Up
Reach out to people you met. Join the convention’s Discord or follow their social media for next year’s announcements. The convention community exists year-round, not just during events.
Final Advice
Your first convention will be imperfect. You’ll miss things you wanted to see. You’ll spend too much on something. You’ll get tired. That’s fine—it’s a learning experience.
Focus on enjoying the atmosphere, meeting people who share your interests, and experiencing anime fandom in physical space. The specific panels or purchases matter less than the overall experience.
Welcome to convention culture. You’ll probably be back.