Planning a convention trip
By Karen Wang
04 May 2013 Planning an anime convention trip can be both exciting and stressful. These steps outline factors that are important to keep in mind as you are making preparations. When you're done, visit the Budget guide for more detailed information on these costs. Basic convention costs will include:
Note: If you decide to commute to-and-from the convention, a popular choice among teenagers who live close to the area, you will not need to worry about hotel costs. |
1. Find a convention near you
Some of the biggest anime conventions include Anime Expo in Los Angeles, FanimeCon in San Jose, and SakuraCon in Seattle. However, there are plenty of smaller, lesser-known conventions in the US that you may have never heard about. Check this guide for ones near you: Conventions.
2. Go as a group
Consider attending anime conventions with a group of friends or acquaintances. Besides having people to hang out with, you’ll be able to share the costs of expenses such as hotel fare and food. Groups of 2 to 6 might be able to comfortably fit in one hotel room with one or two beds; anything beyond that might be considered a fire hazard by the hotel. If you are looking for people to go to a convention with, check the convention website's online forums. There will usually be threads for con-goers looking for roommates.
3. Buy a convention badge
You’ll need one of these to get into many of the events and programming; they are basically your “ticket” to the anime convention. You can buy them at-con, or online before the con.
Buy them early online for the most discounted prices, as prices generally increase as it gets closer to the con. Also, if you don’t mind putting in volunteer work, many conventions offer the option to volunteer or staff to pay off badge prices. If you enjoy your con experience and want to attend next year as well, conventions often begin selling tickets for next-year at deeply discounted prices DURING the convention. Ask the registration or information desks at the convention to find out more.
4. Book hotels and transportation
Whether you’re going by air, train, or bus, plan well ahead for transportation to get cheaper rates and double-check transit schedules.
Many conventions offer special hotel rates for attendees. Be sure to check the convention website for details. Oftentimes, you will need to specially register for these rates at a given date and time. These special-rate rooms often fill up fast, so be sure to stay on top of updates. Finally, keep in mind that hotels will require registration under a legal adult's name, a credit card and a deposit on the room beforehand.
5. Food
Eating options can range from convention-run food stalls, to independent vendors, to local fast food and eateries in the area. If the convention is being hosted in a downtown or urban area, there will likely be many dining options to choose from. You should do a quick Google or Yelp search of the area beforehand to scope out any good places.
Likewise, many people opt to bring their own food, which can be convenient and less expensive than eating out every day. Good options include bottled water, fruit, sandwich ingredients, and energy bars. It can be easy to forget during the excitement of a con, but be sure to stay healthy by eating 2-3 meals a day and not eating junk food all the time.
6. Spending Money
One of best things about anime conventions is the dealers’ hall, where you can buy hard-to-find and limited edition action figures, manga, gift sets, and even samurai swords. Of course, you’ll want to budget for this, so plan on setting aside anywhere from $20 - 300 for spending money.
Don't forget to check out the Budget guide for ways to save money and plan your expenses!
References:
http://forums.fanime.com
http://animecons.com/articles/article.shtml/817/How-To_Guide_for_Making_a_Budget_for_a_Convention
Some of the biggest anime conventions include Anime Expo in Los Angeles, FanimeCon in San Jose, and SakuraCon in Seattle. However, there are plenty of smaller, lesser-known conventions in the US that you may have never heard about. Check this guide for ones near you: Conventions.
2. Go as a group
Consider attending anime conventions with a group of friends or acquaintances. Besides having people to hang out with, you’ll be able to share the costs of expenses such as hotel fare and food. Groups of 2 to 6 might be able to comfortably fit in one hotel room with one or two beds; anything beyond that might be considered a fire hazard by the hotel. If you are looking for people to go to a convention with, check the convention website's online forums. There will usually be threads for con-goers looking for roommates.
3. Buy a convention badge
You’ll need one of these to get into many of the events and programming; they are basically your “ticket” to the anime convention. You can buy them at-con, or online before the con.
Buy them early online for the most discounted prices, as prices generally increase as it gets closer to the con. Also, if you don’t mind putting in volunteer work, many conventions offer the option to volunteer or staff to pay off badge prices. If you enjoy your con experience and want to attend next year as well, conventions often begin selling tickets for next-year at deeply discounted prices DURING the convention. Ask the registration or information desks at the convention to find out more.
4. Book hotels and transportation
Whether you’re going by air, train, or bus, plan well ahead for transportation to get cheaper rates and double-check transit schedules.
Many conventions offer special hotel rates for attendees. Be sure to check the convention website for details. Oftentimes, you will need to specially register for these rates at a given date and time. These special-rate rooms often fill up fast, so be sure to stay on top of updates. Finally, keep in mind that hotels will require registration under a legal adult's name, a credit card and a deposit on the room beforehand.
5. Food
Eating options can range from convention-run food stalls, to independent vendors, to local fast food and eateries in the area. If the convention is being hosted in a downtown or urban area, there will likely be many dining options to choose from. You should do a quick Google or Yelp search of the area beforehand to scope out any good places.
Likewise, many people opt to bring their own food, which can be convenient and less expensive than eating out every day. Good options include bottled water, fruit, sandwich ingredients, and energy bars. It can be easy to forget during the excitement of a con, but be sure to stay healthy by eating 2-3 meals a day and not eating junk food all the time.
6. Spending Money
One of best things about anime conventions is the dealers’ hall, where you can buy hard-to-find and limited edition action figures, manga, gift sets, and even samurai swords. Of course, you’ll want to budget for this, so plan on setting aside anywhere from $20 - 300 for spending money.
Don't forget to check out the Budget guide for ways to save money and plan your expenses!
References:
http://forums.fanime.com
http://animecons.com/articles/article.shtml/817/How-To_Guide_for_Making_a_Budget_for_a_Convention