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First time Anime convention. Need tips!


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Hey everyone! 🖐🏻️

Is anyone else heading to Anime Midwest this year? I’m super excited because this will be my first time attending, and I'd love to connect with others who are going! I've been a huge anime fan for years, with some of my all-time favorites being Cardcaptor Sakura, Fullmetal Alchemist and Code Geass. ❤️‍🔥

I'm looking forward to meeting fellow fans, checking out the artist alley, and attending some of the panels. I'm particularly interested in the cosplay contest. I'm not sure if I'm going to dress up but I can't wait to see what everyone else has put together.

Also, does anyone have tips for first-time convention-goers? I'm trying to plan my schedule and make the most of the weekend. Any recommendations on must-see events or things to avoid? I've heard mixed reviews about the food options, so I'm considering packing some snacks just in case. Looking forward to your advice! 😊

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I've been to a couple anime conventions when they have been in my city and they are mostly really fun, laid-back, with a great community of people that are usually really open to talking. Also don't be afraid to dress up because no one is going to make fun of you. That was my biggest fear when I went so I didn't cosplay the first couple that I went to and then when I finally did cosplay I got nothing but compliments. 

I can't really say the food is that great though, and the lines for the food are always super long. I mean like standing in line for over 30 minutes long. The food is mediocre at best too so I would eat out somewhere around the venue where you are attending it at if it was me or bring snacks to eat while at the venue. 

Edited by Sakura
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8 minutes ago, Sakura said:

I've been to a couple anime conventions when they have been in my city and they are mostly really fun, laid-back, with a great community of people that are usually really open to talking. Also don't be afraid to dress up because no one is going to make fun of you. That was my biggest fear when I went so I didn't cosplay the first couple that I went to and then when I finally did cosplay I got nothing but compliments. 

I can't really say the food is that great though, and the lines for the food are always super long. I mean like standing in line for over 30 minutes long. The food is mediocre at best too so I would eat out somewhere around the venue where you are attending it at if it was me or bring snacks to eat while at the venue. 

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! 😊 It's really reassuring to hear that the community is welcoming and that cosplaying is embraced with positivity. I think I'll give dressing up a try! I'm definitely taking your advice about the food—long lines and mediocre meals don’t sound great, so I'll be sure to bring plenty of snacks and maybe scout out some nearby restaurants. Can’t wait for Anime Midwest! 🥳 If you think of any other tips or must-see events, please let me know! Thanks again! 💓

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27 minutes ago, KT Pendragon said:

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! 😊 It's really reassuring to hear that the community is welcoming and that cosplaying is embraced with positivity. I think I'll give dressing up a try! I'm definitely taking your advice about the food—long lines and mediocre meals don’t sound great, so I'll be sure to bring plenty of snacks and maybe scout out some nearby restaurants. Can’t wait for Anime Midwest! 🥳 If you think of any other tips or must-see events, please let me know! Thanks again! 💓

You definitely should! I had the most fun at the ones that I dressed up for. Even if you can't afford to make an extremely fancy cosplay costume no one judges you or says anything mean in my experiences. If anything, dressing up means you quickly find others that are into the anime or character you are dressing up as. 

For the food I suppose it depends on the size of the convention you are going to but the ones I have attended here in Chicago tend to be extremely large with long lines for everything (booths and autograph signing included) so plan on standing in line for awhile too if you plan to buy things or get autographs. 

Also if you tend to be more introverted like me don't be afraid to ask people for pictures with them or to talk to them about the character they are dressed up as. I had to build up every ounce of courage I had to ask a guy dressed up as Vegeta for a picture at my first convention but once I had done it I realized people don't mind posing for pictures at all and it gives you a chance to also chat with them. I think you will find at the end of the convention you are already ready for your next one and sad to leave because once there it's like "AHHH I HAVE FOUND MY PEOPLE!" lol. 

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I have been to a couple and I have to agree with @Sakura on her points. The lines for food are usually long - even more around lunch or dinner times. The food is never that great. One convention I went to wasn't even selling cold drinks because they didn't have a cooler. Eating at a restaurant outside of a convention is usually your best best but also bear in mind restaurants around the convention will be packed too because a lot of other people will have that same idea. 
Conventions are a blast however and well worth going to. You are sure to definitely find some people to connect with and break your bank account on merch at the same time 😁

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  • 7 months later...

I went a couple of years ago, and it was such a blast. Artist Alley is definitely a must-visit, especially if you love unique fan art and merch. The cosplay contest is always a highlight too. Even if you don’t dress up, it’s so inspiring to see everyone’s creativity.

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On 1/5/2025 at 11:44 PM, eliyasuzekeri said:

I went a couple of years ago, and it was such a blast. Artist Alley is definitely a must-visit, especially if you love unique fan art and merch. The cosplay contest is always a highlight too. Even if you don’t dress up, it’s so inspiring to see everyone’s creativity.

When I went, I cosplayed as Lumine from Genshin Impact, and I got my outfit from https://animecosplay.com.au/collections/genshin-impact. It was super detailed and made me feel like I stepped right out of Teyvat. If you decide to cosplay in the future, it’s worth checking out!

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  • 2 weeks later...

For your first anime convention, here are some tips:

  1. Plan ahead – check the schedule and map.
  2. Dress in a comfortable cosplay or casual clothes.
  3. Bring cash for tickets, food, and merch.
  4. Stay hydrated and take breaks.
  5. Be ready for long lines, so bring snacks.
  6. Don’t forget a charger for your phone.

Enjoy and have fun!

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