Things I learned from AnimeBoston...

[starwolf8989]

Since the Con is a week away I wanted everyone to help each-other out by sharing what they've learned from previous conventions.
heres a few of mine:

[From 2010's con:]
- Even though a panel sounds good, they might not be...
- Request time off also the day before the con,
- Know what you want to spend your money on,
[From 2011's Con:]
- Your time management skills suck, give yourself 20 mins travel time,
- Mealtimes are an hour minimum!
- have some sort of antibacterial spray/liquid,
- create multiple budgets; food, goodies, emergency, etc...,
- rethink of the snacks!
- food court sucks and is pricey, bring better food for meals,
[2012]
- remember medicines!
- don't spend all con with one friend, make tons of more friends too!
- It's okay to do things on your own
- bring a spare water-bottle (I lost mine... )
- don't bring a cooler if you dont want to keep dumping out the water...
- bring foods that require heating with boiling water...
-
-

[Elli21486]

-Expect to wait in long lines at the malls food court. Travel around the area for better food choices.
-Find alternative routes throughout the con if you see a lot of people on an escalator
-If you can, bring more smaller bills than larger bills to spend
-If you are looking for coffee before going into the con in the morning, avoid the Dunkin Donuts at the entrance. There is a long line to be expected at that time.

[drgnladysupreme]

- Shaws is not only a short walk away, but is a life saver. Especially as it has a Dunkin Donuts with nearly no line.
- Seriously. I learned the importance of Shaws. (I end up going almost every year)
- Alternative routes and extra time is your best friend
- Body powder after all other hygiene rituals makes the day a little more bearable
- (cosplay) Shapewear is as protective as it is visually appealing
- (cosplay) Practice putting on costume and get a system set up for makeup and the like
- Actually try to sleep on Thursday
- If only getting enough time for one shower a day, do it at night because of how long it takes hair to dry
- Don't fear buddying up with con-goers
- Volunteering is an amazing way to fill time
- Sign up for everything you possibly can
- Plan for con-fatigue for the following Mon-Wed
- Marco Polo will always happen at Anime Boston
- That I pick things up and put them back down
- That we're all better than bacon

[RapaxGuardian]

- Shaws is not only a short walk away, but is a life saver. Especially as it has a Dunkin Donuts with nearly no line.
- Seriously. I learned the importance of Shaws. (I end up going almost every year)
- Alternative routes and extra time is your best friend
- Body powder after all other hygiene rituals makes the day a little more bearable
- (cosplay) Shapewear is as protective as it is visually appealing
- (cosplay) Practice putting on costume and get a system set up for makeup and the like
- Actually try to sleep on Thursday
- If only getting enough time for one shower a day, do it at night because of how long it takes hair to dry
- Don't fear buddying up with con-goers
- Volunteering is an amazing way to fill time
- Sign up for everything you possibly can
- Plan for con-fatigue for the following Mon-Wed
- Marco Polo will always happen at Anime Boston
- That I pick things up and put them back down
- That we're all better than bacon

-I love you

[Kasutieru]

- Voice actor lines can be up to 2 hours long; expect long lines (and turn downs)
- Take a break and sit; your feet will thank you (mine bled last year O-o)
- ALWAYS check what you are buying before hand; rips, tears, stains, etc.
- ALWAYS get business cards from the artist at the artist ally (if they have one)
- Give yourself an hour or two to eat and get refueled; you'll need it
- Panels may run longer then expected!
- Have your cell phone on vibrate AND sound
- Sunscreen is great to have for outdoor shoots!
- If you have a long cosplay to get on, wake up EARLY so you do what you want with it!
- WATCH OUT FOR ESCALATORS; they CAN snag your cosplay!
- Girls maybe guys (nothing against this)
- Guys maybe girls (nothing against this)
- Elevators maybe party elevators
- 'What time is it?' 'Adventure Time' WILL HAPPEN
- Marco Polo, Polo Marco WILL HAPPEN
- You DON'T have to buy something on the spot, say you'll come back later

[Faceman]

- Elevators maybe party elevators

New Lesson:
Elevators should NEVER be party elevators. It's a great way to get yourself kicked out of the convention and hotel if found.

[Kasutieru]

- Elevators maybe party elevators

New Lesson:
Elevators should NEVER be party elevators. It's a great way to get yourself kicked out of the convention and hotel if found.

This was in 2011 and I watch them get escorted out. First year at AB to so it was quite an experience to watch.

[Maxymas]

My tips
-Preregister, saves time and money!
-ALWAYS bring eyedrops. Whether you wear contacts or not. If you're wearing contacts they WILL dry out and become uncomfortable. If you're not, your eyes will probably still get dry, and if you're feeling tired eyedrops can help wake you up a little bit.
-Pack a small snack in your bag to keep you going in between meals. (Fruit, small veggies, cookies, etc)
-Or if you REALLY want to save money and time waiting in lines, pack all your meals like I do c:
-Socialize! Make friends while you're waiting in lines!
-If you have a smartphone, get the Guidebook app, it breaks down the confusing (for me >.>) schedule into something easier to understand!
-Remind your family and friends that reception in Hynes (especially the Dealers' Room) is practically dead. I forgot this last year and my mom was freaking out wondering why I wasn't answering my phone So let them know so they don't freak out if you don't answer right away.
-If you are a girl, BRING FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS, even if it's not that time of the month. You'll thank me later.
-Be kind to the other conventioneers, hold doors open, don't glomp, ask permission to take pictures of their cosplay, and watch your step.
-If someone shouts "What time is it?" yell back "ADVENTURE TIME!"
-If someone shouts "Marco" yell back "POLO"
-If you see a LARGE group of people Caramelldansening their way throughout the con at like 1 in the morning (2011), JOIN IN because it's super fun!
-Get at LEAST 5 hours of sleep a night (I learned this the hard way)
-SHOWER!! FOR THE LOVE OF GOD AND SWEET BABY JESUS CHRIST, SHOWER!!!
-AB is a great weekend full of fun!

[Risikafox]

*Good Idea - pack healthy snacks in case you miss a meal(water too); Bad Idea - skipping two or more consecutive meals because you're too busy(or broke)
*Good Idea - showering at least once a day; Bad Idea - slapping on extra deodorant/perfume/body spray and hoping no one notices
*Good Idea - sleeping for a few hours(whether it be at home or in a hotel room); Bad Idea - passing out in the hallway of the Hynes because you didn't want to leave and come back in the morning
*Good Idea - make a list of 2-3 things you MUST do each day of the con and go from there; Bad Idea - try to Do All The Things and get frustrated when you miss several key panels/events.

Also...

1. Don't be afraid to try something new, you might find a new hobby/area of interest/show to watch.
2. Do break from the herd and go do something by yourself. It's the easiest way to meet new people who share your interests.
3. Only buy the things you MUST HAVE or things that may sell out on the first day. Most vendors have awesome sales on Sunday.
4. Separate your Needs money(food, shelter, transport, etc) from your Wants money(Artist's Alley, Dealer's Room, pocky at the Cherry Mart, etc). Separating it further by day can also help when budgeting.
5. Find an appropriate place(courtyards, benches) to sit and people watch, you miss lots of awesome cosplays when you're busy running from event to event.

[Bowler4Ever]

- Only bring the essentials in your bag (light snacks, a bottle of something (water, juice, soda), camera(s), wallet) to keep the bag light and to get through the inspection quickly.
- Keep an eye on your bag AT ALL TIMES if you have to put it down (to take a picture or to have your picture taken)
- Keep a small bottle of body spray and/or deodorant on you for a quick spritz every few hours. Doesn't hurt!
- SMILE! xD

[midnightsiren182]

Def. the 3 most important here:

Eat at least two solid meals. You would be really surprised at how blood sugar drops at con when you don't.
HYDRATE. Water, omg, water. BEST FRIENDS FOR LIFE.
Shower. It will make you feel better and it takes like 5 minutes! Please be courteous to others and yourself in this.

Also, yes, Shaws is a lifesaver, and remember! Rite Aid and such is also across the street.

Btw- person who recommended eyedrops? THANK YOU! I have some and totally forgot to pack them in my makeup bag! Fixing that now!

[Maxymas]

Btw- person who recommended eyedrops? THANK YOU! I have some and totally forgot to pack them in my makeup bag! Fixing that now!

You're welcome. They're a real comfort saver. And you know when cosplaying it's best to be as comfortable as you can ^_^

[OtakuJolyn]

Btw- person who recommended eyedrops? THANK YOU! I have some and totally forgot to pack them in my makeup bag! Fixing that now!

You're welcome. They're a real comfort saver. And you know when cosplaying it's best to be as comfortable as you can ^_^

Yeah, it's the little things that we forget, to tend to overlook!!!

-This year I am packing a backpack full of food for this con. (then emptying of course for the con)
-also, I think it would be handy to bring a folder or index card holder for all those freebies we get!

[Goldfish221]

-Organize, Organize, Organize (Don't let your hotel room blow up)

- The Boston Chowder in the food court has amazing chicken noodle soup

- Try not to plan to many cosplays in one day, It's stressful and wastes time from enjoying the con

- Never glomp, jump, or tackle anyone....Unless you know them and they won't punch you in the face after for doing it!

- If you normally wake up super early try switching your sleep schedule prior to the con

-Veggies, Fruits, and nuts are your friends on the go~


And that's all I can remember mostly because I can barley remember yesterday.

[tobiinpajamas]

-Ask someone before touching them. This should be a rule everywhere--some people (me included) really don't want you to touch them, or you could break a costume. Don't glomp people.

-Bring more money than you think you need, but make a budget and stick to it. Don't blow 300 dollars at the convention and then kick yourself for a month after

-Conversely, don't carry around more than 20 dollars at a time in cash if you can help it

-If someone is bothering you/touches you inappropriately, TELL STAFF. This shouldn't be something anyone tolerates ever.

-Always have a backup plan. Don't rely on others to give you rides/house you/pay you if you booked the room/etc

-Don't carry more stuff than you want with you for the day

-Eat a small snack every couple hours

-WATER. Especially if cosplaying.

[KitsuneCreations]

Great thread! Most of what I am going to say has been said, but its so important!

- Water! Bring it every day. You need to drink. Refill when you are out.
- Go to SHAWS the day you arrive to keep food with you and in your hotel (saves room when packing!) Also, they have a great selection of ready made food like pizza that isn't too expensive and much shorter lines.
- Have a meeting place if you get split up. There are LOTS of people, and you dont always hear your phone or have reception.
- If you are unsure about buying something DONT BUY IT. A good rule of thumb I use is if I want something but can't decided I will pass on it. If I remember the said item the next day and its still there, it was meant to be and I'll buy it Half the time you will forget all about whatever you were going to buy, which tells you it wasn't all that important. If its gone, oh well! It wasn't meant to be.
- Have fun while being respectful to those in the area that aren't con-goers!
- Bring comfy shoes.. you will be walking A LOT.
- Don't be shy like I was my first con. If you like someones cosplay, tell them! You might spark up a new friendship. Most people are happy to talk with you even if you are a stranger because we are all here for a common reason, we all have common ground. Go outside your comfort zone if you are shy, its a welcoming environment.

[tobiinpajamas]

Great thread! Most of what I am going to say has been said, but its so important!

- Water! Bring it every day. You need to drink. Refill when you are out.
- Go to SHAWS the day you arrive to keep food with you and in your hotel (saves room when packing!) Also, they have a great selection of ready made food like pizza that isn't too expensive and much shorter lines.
- Have a meeting place if you get split up. There are LOTS of people, and you dont always hear your phone or have reception.
- If you are unsure about buying something DONT BUY IT. A good rule of thumb I use is if I want something but can't decided I will pass on it. If I remember the said item the next day and its still there, it was meant to be and I'll buy it Half the time you will forget all about whatever you were going to buy, which tells you it wasn't all that important. If its gone, oh well! It wasn't meant to be.
- Have fun while being respectful to those in the area that aren't con-goers!
- Bring comfy shoes.. you will be walking A LOT.
- Don't be shy like I was my first con. If you like someones cosplay, tell them! You might spark up a new friendship. Most people are happy to talk with you even if you are a stranger because we are all here for a common reason, we all have common ground. Go outside your comfort zone if you are shy, its a welcoming environment.

Double agreement on the footwear. At the very least bring comfy sneakers or walking shoes as a backup just in case, even if they don't match your costume.

[Maxymas]

Great thread! Most of what I am going to say has been said, but its so important!

- Water! Bring it every day. You need to drink. Refill when you are out.
- Go to SHAWS the day you arrive to keep food with you and in your hotel (saves room when packing!) Also, they have a great selection of ready made food like pizza that isn't too expensive and much shorter lines.
- Have a meeting place if you get split up. There are LOTS of people, and you dont always hear your phone or have reception.
- If you are unsure about buying something DONT BUY IT. A good rule of thumb I use is if I want something but can't decided I will pass on it. If I remember the said item the next day and its still there, it was meant to be and I'll buy it Half the time you will forget all about whatever you were going to buy, which tells you it wasn't all that important. If its gone, oh well! It wasn't meant to be.
- Have fun while being respectful to those in the area that aren't con-goers!
- Bring comfy shoes.. you will be walking A LOT.
- Don't be shy like I was my first con. If you like someones cosplay, tell them! You might spark up a new friendship. Most people are happy to talk with you even if you are a stranger because we are all here for a common reason, we all have common ground. Go outside your comfort zone if you are shy, its a welcoming environment.

Double agreement on the footwear. At the very least bring comfy sneakers or walking shoes as a backup just in case, even if they don't match your costume.

Also agreed! I'll be bringing flip flops and I shouldn't have an issue with them but I'm bringing sneaks just in case. c:

[bentheechidna]

- Always have spare batteries for your camera. It's the most painful feeling in the world to have your camera die when you find the most perfect cosplay to take a picture of.

[Haru]

If you over tighten your corset you will pass out.

Some times it is faster to take the stairs in the hotel than to wait for the elevator.

I have been told Pocky is not a food group, but I still don't believe it.

While cosplay is fun, trying to RP and act in character is even more fun and can really make someone's day if they are a fan. Often this is the closest we will ever get to meeting the real thing we admire so much.

As my good friend Chris Ayres often says "don't let anyone ever tell you who or what you can and can not cosplay".

[tobiinpajamas]

If you over tighten your corset you will pass out.

Some times it is faster to take the stairs in the hotel than to wait for the elevator.

I have been told Pocky is not a food group, but I still don't believe it.

While cosplay is fun, trying to RP and act in character is even more fun and can really make someone's day if they are a fan. Often this is the closest we will ever get to meeting the real thing we admire so much.

As my good friend Chris Ayres often says "don't let anyone ever tell you who or what you can and can not cosplay".

As for the corsets, ANY type of tightened garment can cause you to pass out. Back in 2010 I had worn a very modestly laced corset as a shaper. Yeah, after 14 hours you had better well believe I passed out. If you're going to wear something like that, BRING SOMETHING TO CHANGE INTO.

[OtakuJolyn]

Hey everyone, AB 2017 is almost here!
Don't forget to remember what you learned last year, or years previously!

Last year:
- Sometimes a hotel that isn't the Sheraton is a better place to stay. (and your wallet will thank you)
- (cosplay) things that don't seem heavy at first, do become heavy after a long time wearing...
- get out there and make friends!

[Lamron]

- The guidebook app is your best friend

- Get to a show/panel early if you need to charge anything. (easier than trying to find an outlet in the halls)

- Learn where you are going. If you really want to see a panel/show find out where it is and how to get there.

- Save time by eating at the Hynes or Pru mall. Save money by eating somewhere else.

- Try to have a back up plan. A) You might not like the panel/show. B) The panel/show might be full or canceled

- Read other peoples posts and take their advice (if it applies to you)

[Elli21486]

Hey everyone, AB 2017 is almost here!
Don't forget to remember what you learned last year, or years previously!

Oh what I learned....don't go to bed at 4am to wake up at 6am to leave at 7am to be there by 8am... Yup, that was my Saturday last year...

[Aurabolt]

...This should be a Mega Thread =O


Let's see...

From AB2016:

- It's certainly possible to enjoy AB flat broke (LOL!).
- The Swap Meet is a great opportunity to get some real good swag from your fellow Congoers =O

From AB 2012:

- Buying Manga on the Sunday of the Con from Comicopia (confirmed for AB2017!) is the best time to buy Manga while saving money: The more Manga of the same series you buy, the bigger the discount =O

[Master of NERV]

Let's see...

From AB2016:

- It's certainly possible to enjoy AB flat broke (LOL!).

That, sir, is truly an accomplishment. You're a better man than I am!

Here's my greatest hits:

2003: Learned to pre-reg from the very beginning! (Got a nice t-shirt that year for my trouble. Plan to wear it to AB17!) Take Friday off from work next year--it sucks when you arrive after dark and realize that most of Friday has come and gone. Also, heed what can happen when elevators get overcrowded...
2004: Spend the year between cons saving up. Since learning this one, I've never had to borrow a dime or dig into savings.
2005: Next year: take Thursday off from work, book hotel room Thursday night, and get your badge before con opens! Also, take off Monday as well! I learned the latter the hard way after AB05. Like an idiot, I went to work Monday--and at noon, I went to my boss and said, "I don't care if you tag it as vacation or personal--I'm leaving now. See you in the morning." I get paid to think, you see, and when you're that physically wiped, the brain shuts down. Fortunately, the boss understood this and was cool with it.
2007 or thereabouts: pre-reg for next year this year. It's the best rate you'll get!
2015: Preparing homemade bags of trail mix is a great idea, as is never forgetting that water coolers are everywhere.
2016: The Artist Alley's entrance is your friend. Also (if you're so inclined) the Swap Meet is a great place to give stuff away, too!

[MandaTifa]

Yes, take a day off before the con for prep/travel. But also, always take the day AFTER the con off. For me this means Tuesday, since I spend Monday travelling home from the con. Having that extra day between con and real life to detox is so important!

[Selestyl]

Yes, take a day off before the con for prep/travel. But also, always take the day AFTER the con off. For me this means Tuesday, since I spend Monday travelling home from the con. Having that extra day between con and real life to detox is so important!

This is so important! I wasn't allowed to take the time off last year and it took a week for me to get back to myself.

[Selestyl]

That's cool that your boss understood! I worked at a school, and nobody was allowed to ask the Thursday or the Monday off since it was a holiday weekend. I was so exhausted!

[THX1139]

Last year I checkout on Sunday and drove home. I missed the RWBY photo shoot. This year I'm staying on Sunday until they kick me out. I'm thinking of spending some time at the Boston Common after I checkout.