Confessions of a Game-Mistress

Con Season is mostly over for us this year, but that doesn’t preclude the possibility you have a new convention coming up. Accordingly, here are my pointers for getting the most out of any convention (not just gaming ones).

First - get the program. Yes, the program. Cons have one. They usually shove it into your bag when you register, if you don’t get it before then. Get it as quick as possible. Actually read the silly thing. Pay attention to it. Reading the program means you won’t be as surprised by things at the con. There’s all kinds of useful stuff in them - from hotel maps to guest schedules. Convention rules are in there, so you don’t lug your sword to the doors and have to go back to the room with it.

Second - Decide what you want to do at the convention. Every convention is different, but there’s always a schedule of some kind - even if it’s only ‘room parties are on Friday, the masquerade is Saturday, and Sunday is for hangovers.’ If you go through the schedule, PLAN your activities, and then act accordingly, you’ll have a lot more fun. By planning, I don’t mean go all Rimmer on it - don’t book yourself to the ten-minute block. But know when the events are you want to participate in, plan your wardrobe and stuff to match, and enjoy. This will make sure you get to the autograph table in time, and have your dice when you reach the gaming table. (I know, that’s a trick statement - no TRUE gamer is EVER without their dice. I have indeed been carried into the ambulance once after a car accident, with nothing but wallet and dice. Yes, I suck that badly.)

Three - Comfortable Shoes. I don’t care if they’re not period for the costume. Deal. Your feet are your most important accessory. If they’re falling off, you’re not gonna enjoy the costume anyway.

Four - Pack light, both to the convention, and day-to-day. You don’t have to carry all your belongings on your back, unless you’re a Con Nomad with no room sleeping in the Anime Lounge. Plan accordingly. Pack two empty bags, one for your dirty laundry, one for the con swag.

Five - If you’re sharing a room, all of Four goes double, and add these points. LABEL YOUR STUFF. Keep all your stuff in your bags when not in use. Expect everything not in bags to be fair game. Bring stuff to make fair game, it’s always appreciated, and label it for public use. If there’s ganna be a room party, bring bag locks and USE THEM. Nothing will ruin your con faster than having someone barf in your luggage. (Happened to me once.)