Wondra's Convention Guide for Newbies
Have you ever found yourself staring adoringly at the screen, drooling over some Hollywood babe? (Hopefully alone where no one can see you embarass yourself...)
Wouldn't it be nice to meet that star? Of course it would!
...But how?
Well, you could spend the rest of your life hoping and praying that you'll bump into them at McDonald's...But that will probably never happen. (And if it does, tell me what McDonald's you eat at!) Or, you could hang around at premiers, hoping to catch a glimpse...But then you run the risk of getting trampled by hundreds of screaming teenagers. Or, if all else fails, you could try becoming a celebrity stalker...But then you'd better be prepared to be somebody's bitch when they throw your ass in prison.
Or, you can do what I do...Get up close and personal with them at a convention.
Convention attendance has exploded over the last few years, with more people than ever lining up for the chance to meet their favourite stars. This may seem hard to believe if you've never been to a convention before. I mean...
Aren't conventions for weirdos in rubber ears that speak to each other in made up languages?
Well...
Sort of. You'll never have any trouble finding traditional Star Trek conventions full of Klingons and people quoting Captain Kirk...badly. But there are others as well-conventions even for the most straight-laced among us.
The most popular types of conventions include:
*Comic/Anime
*Literary
*Sci Fi
*Film and Television
Film & TV conventions are my personal favourites. They'll be yours too if you're a film fanatic like me.
Finding the perfect convention for you is easy. Model Mart magazine here in the UK lists several conventions each month. You can also find most conventions on the net. Fanboy's Convention Listing is handy. You can search by area, convention name or location.
Now, you can either run off to the first convention you find and hope that all will go well...Or, you can do a bit of homework first. Conventions come in so many different sizes and shapes that, unless you've attended that convention before, you may have a few surprises-and they're not always pleasant.
Just about anything can happen at a convention. I've seen light sabre duels, live wrestling and singing Daleks. Heck, I've been chased by a Dalek.
So how will you know what to expect?
Look it up. Any convention worth its weight will have a website that lists what events will be taking place. Some will have guest talks. Some will have costume competitions, after parties, workshops, game play, etc. etc.
Don't be too shy to join forums. Convention forums are frequented by the people who paved the path for newbies like you.
Who is the nicest celebrity to meet?
What costume won last year's competition?
Which local chippy's serves the best kebab?
They've been there, they've done that. You'd do well to listen to them and learn from their mistakes.
As for me...
Well, I've done more wrong than most. Maybe that makes my advice more valuable than most. Maybe that makes me a blundering idiot. (Probably a bit of both.)
Whatever it's worth, here's my advice:
1. TO BE EARLY IS TO BE ON TIME AND TO BE ON TIME IS TO BE LATE
Okay...This was actually my high school band director's mantra but it's still true. If the doors open at 9AM and you arrive at 8:59AM, you're already late.
Many conventions use a system called virtual queuing, which requires you to get a ticket before seeing a star. If you want to ensure that you get to meet the celebrity you're after-and don't have to wait around all day to do it-arrive as early as possible and head straight for the VQ lines!
2. BE PREPARED TO PAY
How much you pay depends on what type of convention you attend. Entry is rarely free. Autographs are never free.
The exception to this rule is the specialty convention. Specialty conventions-events that focus on one movie or television show (book, comic, etc.)-often charge a much higher entry fee but allow you a limited amount of autographs for free.
Conventions are expensive! Don't expect a $100 day out!
3. AN AUTOGRAPH IS AN INVESTMENT
At most conventions, you're not going to be allowed to just walk up to a celebrity, shake their hand and go. (Actually...I've NEVER heard of a convention that does allow it.) You will be required to buy an autograph to meet them.
Here are a few things to remember about autographs:
- An autograph dedicated to yourself has less re-sell value.
- An autograph dedicated to yourself is easier to authenticate which gives it a higher end value.
- A badly smudged autograph is worth nothing. Be extra careful with your autographed photos until the ink dries and store them safely after.
- Stars frequently use thick Sharpies at signings. Consider bringing along your own. The thinner the tip, the clearer the autograph (and the more it's worth). Not only that but after a hundred autographs or so those sharpies start to look pretty dull.
4. LEAVE THE KIDS AT HOME
A convention-a Film & TV convention, at least-is no place for children. These events are teeming with people. Pushing a stroller through those crowds is uncomfortable for everyone involved.
Toddlers and children under 10 (I say 16, but then I enjoy an adults only day out) should also be left behind on convention day. They're too young to understand or appreciate the significance of what's happening. Plus, most conventions have dealer stalls flogging collectible dolls and other toys. Dealer stalls have been known to harbour the IWANTTHATNOW monster. Avoid the hassle, get a sitter.
5. BE CONSIDERATE
I can't believe I have to even say it but this is the biggest problem I've encountered at every convention I've been to.
Remember that you're not the only person there to meet your idol. Excitement causes emotions to run high and tempers to fray. A convention can be the best time of your life. "Excuse me," and "Thank you," go a long way to making it the best time of everyone else's lives too.
Just be thoughtful, it's as simple as that. Don't stand in front of queue entrance, gawking or juggling your things. Move to the side. Be aware of the queue forming behind you when speaking to celebrities or receiving your autographs. Give everyone the chance to chat.
No amount of preparation can prepare you for the giddy excitement of meeting someone you've seen on the telly. The joy of speaking to your favourite star...and of course being able to tell your friends, "Met him!"
See you at the next convention!
(Special thanks to the DH for his lovely artwork. Copyright Jay Vanian.)