Phoenix Comicon 2012 Advice – From You Guys [Giveaway]
I’ve got a few Full Event Phoenix Comicon Memberships to give away – so let’s get to it!
Phoenix Comicon 2012 is coming up in a few weeks, and with attendance consistently rising, quite a few folks are going to be there for the first time.
When I went for my first time, the wife and I just went for an afternoon, checked out the main floor, and sat in the back of a Star Trek TNG panel (the one where everyone sang Reading Rainbow with LeVar). That was pretty much it.
We had absolutely no idea what we were doing – we just kinda showed up.
So to enter today’s giveaway, I want you to do one of two things:
1. Leave some advice in the comments for attending Phoenix Comicon.
- It could be logistical (wear comfy shoes), philosophical (just embrace the madness), or super specific (if you cosplay, remember to ___ ).
2. If you’ve never been before, ask a question that you might have as a first time attendee.
- If someone answers your question, they’ll be entered into the giveaway too.
(See how that works?)
I’ll give two full memberships for my favorite questions or piece of advice, and a Bookmans giftcard to one random person just for participating.
But most important, hopefully we’ll get a solid compendium of tips that will help make attendance more fun for someone.
Comments
1. BRING PERSONAL FOOD. The food at the convention center is super pricey. You can’t order a pizza in, but you can have a drink and some snacks on you.
2. If you have a realistic weapon, get it peace bonded. The peace bonding team is usually pretty cool, and we want everyone at con to feel safe.
3. Also have extra business cards on you if you’re an exhibitor, OR if you couldn’t get a table and want to network as a creator, bring your portfolio and cards for the quiet moments where there is time to get feedback.
4. Do not park your butt in front of someone’s artist alley table to talk about your own project, though. Or, geek out about their stuff for 30 minutes when it means that other people walk by because they can’t engage the artist or look at the table past you. They spent a lot of hard-earned money and time to get there, let them promote their own work.
Don’t be shy about saying hi, but if it’s busy, give the artist/creator some space if others want to drop in too! You can always stop by again later, OR get their card and tweet/FB them later. (Or catch them at another event).
5. It’s Arizona. Stay. Hydrated. Bring a waterbottle and keep it filled.
6. Some people have credit card swipers, but a lot don’t. Bring cash if you plan to buy stuff. Also, bring one of those 2-5 buck canvas grocery bags to carry the swag you got. I heard PHXCC won’t have swag bags this year, so it makes it easier to carry your stuff in case vendors don’t have bags. (Usually the case.)
7. Get a programming book, and CIRCLE EVERYTHING YOU WANT TO SEE but don’t panic if you can’t make everything.
8. PLEASE take advantage of the free events at the hotels. The gaming areas are also a great way to relax if you’re starting to feel burned out.
9. Don’t be afraid to ask costumers for photos. That’s mainly what they are there for, they love it. Just don’t be creepy if it’s a scantily clad girl (don’t get too touchy feely). Fanboying is allowed, as a lot of the people dressing at the character you like are also fanboys of that character.
10. Some of the extra events cost money. Budget for this, dont show up and whine at the poor volunteer telling you can’t get in because you didn’t pay. The paid events are listed on the PHXCC website.
11. Also, you can organize your schedule ahead of time on the PHXCC website using Con-Quest to print it out.
12. If you want to buy something, buy it on the spot. I sold out of a few prints last year, and felt bad for the people who came back the next day and wanted it. I also missed out on an awesome action figure I wanted last year because I spent too much time deciding on it.
13. If you wear a costume that’s complicated, HAVE A HANDLER. We’ve had people try to steal a gun from a Star Wars’ character’s holster before, and their handler noticed and got the jerk out of there. It’s hard to feel what’s happening on your person in the middle of the con craziness, especially if your costume is armored.
14. COMFY. SHOES.
15. A LIGHT JACKET.
17. A LIGHT JACKET, just repeating, is important because last year it got freakin’ COLD in the exhibitor hall, and nobody had brought a jacket because it was May in Arizona. Have a light jacket just in case this happens again.
18. HAVE THIS NUMBER ON HAND. The Downtown Phoenix Ambassadors are staffers who work for the downtown and will be on side to give you FREE visitor advice and directions while you are there. Not only can you get help finding an ATM, restroom, local sights to see after to con, etc., they will ALSO let you know where all the local restaurants are. All of this for free as it’s a service for downtown tourism. They are SUPER friendly and helpful. If you are shy about calling, you can also text them! And they will text back!
http://www.downtownphoenix.com/ambassadors
19. Everyone at the Info Desk is volunteers, and they are normally understaffed. Don’t get impatient or frustrated with them. They will help you as much as they can (they have walkie talkies), but be reasonable with your expectations. Come prepared to the con with as much info as you can, don’t expect the folks on site to have everything at their disposal. Most “Regular” volunteers working there to earn their free pass will only have the fraction of the knowledge they need to help you out.
Fantastic list all of it…esp, bring money, a light jacket, and water/snacks. So expensive.
I would second (third?) the recommendation for a jacket or sweater. The whole convention center was so cold that I was very distracted and uncomfortable.
Try to plan ahead using the schedule posted online, and don’t be frustrated if you miss an event.
Most importantly, bring a good attitude.
Also, carry deodorant. And minty gum. And don’t forget to shower! Don’t become a convention geek stereotype.
I’ll remember to add that to my Con list. That and Monsters!!!
You just have to go and put yourself out there. Embrace your inner geek, say hi to booths. Attend panels and ask questions. Make some new friends!
1) If you’re with someone and you’re planning on splitting up for a bit or if you keep getting separated, prepare a meeting place and time. I don’t know about Phoenix Comic Con, but SDCC had poor cell phone reception so even getting a text through was difficult.
2) if you have a smartphone that’s capable, buy an extended battery or at least a second battery so you have a backup in case your phone dies.
A few words to the wise:
1. What happens at Comicon stays at Comicon.
2. If you don’t have a hotel, carpool with friends.
3. If you are cosplaying, stop for pictures. Someone thinks you look really cool and want to have a picture with you, you should feel honored. Don’t be the jerk that is stuck up and won’t stop for pictures.
4. Convention staff are people too. If you are having a problem, approach them kindly. A bad attitude from you will get you a bad attitude from them.
5. Panels are a lot more fun then the vendor hall. I made this rookie mistake my first year and spent the whole convention in the vendor hall. Not realizing there was other stuff to do. The vendor hall is great but the panels are where its at. Try to attend at least one panel you find interesting. It will make your whole convention-experience much more memorable.
6. Plan your attire accordingly. This is Phoenix Comicon we are talking about so try to determine how far you have to walk outside (in 100 degree weather) and how hot your costume is. The last thing you want is a heat stroke. Either put on your cosplay upon arriving at the actual convention center or make sure you don’t have far to travel.
7. Have fun!
I second getting a program or checking the website early for a heads up on the depth and breadth of the Con. You will not be able to see everything but you will at least feel you have some choices. It is tough to miss something you did not know about and feel regretful.
My other thought is to volunteer for an hour or so (in the Art Room…heh, heh)for something you really enjoy. You have an opportunity to work closely with panel members or a favorite artist.
If you’re there for the comics, save for what you really want. Buy things that you can keep your whole life. Buy original drawings, sketchbooks and things that you can only get at a convention. This is one of the rare opportunities where you can buy an original art piece right from the artist and pretty reasonably too. Chat up the artists and writers who really love to talk. Get some comics signed too! It’s a unique place and you actually get a chance to do it so take advantage of it.
1) if your not cos playing: comfy shoes, extra batteries for your camera, water, a sack lunch if you want to save money( I wasn’t impressed with the cafe, upstairs) and be “free” to do anything. Sometimes two panels are at the same time. Just roll with it. Be respectful of someones cos outfit. If you want a pic from a cos player, just ask. That is why we are there. Also, ask permission to handle items off of tables in the hall. Don’t just pick up and handle anyway you will. DO NOT TAKE PICTURES of actors, while in line to get an autographs, until you are at the table. Great way to get you into some hot water. Some actors ask to get paid for their pictures.
2) if you are dressing up: make sure your costume is shoulder width. There was a anima cos player who had a 5 foot stick across his shoulders and had two “flying” records attached to the ends. With the crowds being so big and active, he really couldn’t wonder through and look at the tables in the hall. Consider not only how you plan on wearing your costume, but consider what the public could do to your costume. Nothing is worse than putting hours into something and someone tears it, breaks it or worst, steals off of it. If you do go big, have a non cos player as your helper. They can help you around.
If you don’t have anyone to go with, don’t worry. There are plenty of geeky things to do with or without a partner. Don’t know how many days you want to do? If you can do one day, I would recommend Saturday. I promise you, this year it will only be one day. Next year, it will be all 4 days! Lastly, bring cash. Small bills are best.
Have fun!
1) “What Happens At Comicon…” – Yes, this adage is very true. BUT! Comicon is not Spring Break, and it is definitely not Vegas. Remember, there are just as many kids as there are adults.
2) On that note, treat people the way you want to be treated. In the words of Wil Wheaton – “Don’t be a d*ck!”
3) Pace yourself. There is so much to see and do during the Con. If you can take in Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, that is your best bet. Do not try to do the entire show in one day.
4) If you bring kids and get separated, plan out in advance a meeting time and place, off of the show floor. Once you have your pass, you can come and go as you please.
5) If you need to readjust your costume, tie your shoes, rearrange your bags, etc., please do not do it in the isles. This becomes a major safety hazard for you and other guests. There are plenty out of the way nooks that you can do these things in.
6) If you cos play or are going to wear a costume – Please keep it “PG”. What you may find in good taste and acceptable may offend others. Use common sense with your costumes. While you may look incredibly gorgeous in your Anime lingerie that is see through, many parents might be offended.
7) Cannot stress this enough – This is a family event. If you want to party, do it at night. Coming to the show floor intoxicated is a good way to get in trouble, quickly. Likewise, fighting is never a good idea, and it is a good way to land in jail. Do you really want to go to jail in costume?
8) Do not “Gawk and Stalk”. If you see someone you like, talk to them. Don’t linger or follow them. That is a good way to have a chat with security.
9) The celebrities are there to work. Yes, they want to meet you, but there are others that want to meet them. If you are in line to get an autograph, once you get up to the table, be brief, get the autograph, and move on. IF there is not anyone behind you in line, you can take more time to talk. But even then, limit your time to five minutes.
10) If you live in Phoenix, take a trip downtown prior to the event. On a Saturday afternoon. You will get to learn where parking is, what streets are one way, where restaurants are, etc. MapQuest and Google Maps are great guides, but actually knowing the lay of the land is better. Know where the long term garages and short term parking spots are located. Downtown Phoenix is one of the few areas in Metro Phoenix where you have to PAY TO PARK. Plan accordingly. Depending on where you park, parking can be anywhere from $10 to $50 a day. Most people forget this. Also, if you live in an area that is serviced by the Light Rail, use it. The train will drop you off right by the convention center.
11) Don’t try to a get a room at the Hyatt during the con. It is not going to happen (and if it does, be prepared to shell out big bucks). If you want to stay downtown, plan in advance and book in advance.
AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST -
12) Have fun.
Live Long And Prosper.
See you at the show!
For all first timers. Bring a camera. Take your time enjoy the show, and it is a show, there are costumes and events going on everywhere. Stop by and look at the artist booths take pictures of the people in costume. There is something there for everyone. Books, toys, rooms where you can play games, meet TV and movie stars. You will not be bored.
If you’re going to give blood, which why shouldn’t you, plan on doing so in the early morning or the end of the weekend. Doing so right in the middle of the day or towards the end of the day will not only cut right into your schedule but more then likely take you out of commission for a bit longer then you anticipate. Eat a hearty breakfast, go give some blood, drink some juice, eat some cookies, and get your con on.
Any advice on bring kids? Room to park strollers? things for them to do? Food & bathrooms? I have never been so any info is great!
Kids are definitely more than welcome. Strollers can be used but you may find it a bit hard to navigate the vendor rooms because they get so packed but there’s tons of space offsides to put your stroller if need be. There are alot of kid oriented events, you can find alot of them here: http://www.phoenixcomicon.com/programming/category/youth
There is food at the event but it can get pricey (about $10 for a burger and water) but there’s a few restaurants in the area like Burger King and such, you just have to walk a couple blocks to get to them.
kids are always welcome, just be aware that there will be lots of people there so keep them close! also, I would suggest having a place to meet if you get separated. The Information desk is always a good place because there will be volunteers there to help if needed. There are food places in the convention center but things are over priced, I would suggest bringing snacks and maybe heading out into downtown phoenix to find “real food”. There are bathrooms everywhere, so no worries there. As for stroller parking room, that’s a little iffy in some areas, like the vendor hall and the main hallways, but there are always little side halls and places to pull out of the high traffic areas to rest and recoup. Hope that helps!
I bring my son every year. He’s 5 now. He likes it but he mostly just wants to look at things he can buy. He doesn’t like to sit through panels. Because of this, what I do is pick just one of the days to bring him and be prepared to leave if he gets board. I usually choose Thursday or Sunday. There is usually plenty of places to find snacks and plenty of bathrooms incase they are needed. As for stroller parking, there isn’t any specific place but there is plenty of room. I would just take my personal stuff out. Most con goers don’t mess with other peoples stuff.
If you live in central Phoenix, consider taking the light rail to the con. The drop off stop is about 1 block south of the con center, and the pick up site is even closer- just a short walk from the con. You can get an all day pass, or even a multi-day pass. It’s affordable and would save on finding and paying for a place to park. And if there are other events downtown, the rail will usually run well into the late hours, especially on the weekend.
I’ve never brought stroller-age kids before, so I’m afraid I don’t know much about stroller parking.
The age of the kids is really what determines your plan of attack. If they’re really small, you may not get to spend as much time there than if they were older. Also, they might become more overwhelmed/tired/cranky and need a nap. However, in general, when bringing kids, you’ll want to make sure and pack healthy snacks and water bottles. The final schedule hasn’t come out yet, but Phoenix Comicon is REALLY good at scheduling activities for kids, and from what I understand, this year will be better than ever in that regard. Just the same, you might want to pack some small activities/toys to keep them busy in case they get bored. There are plenty of bathrooms around, just make sure to look out for them beforehand–although staff could also point you in the right direction.
So, when the final schedule is put online, make sure to check it out and plan accordingly, making sure to keep the age/limitations of your kids in mind.
Get your Geek Prom tickets EARLY and make sure to get them from the Kids Need To Read booth. I learned the hard way the year Felicia Day and Wil Wheaton were there. Trust me, you don’t want to learn that way!
The online resources from phoenixcomicon.com for planning are great, use them. You don’t want to very late for a panel because you couldn’t find it. Then you’re s tuck in the back.
The Hyatt across the street from the con usually has a barbecue going and will sell a burger and bag of chips for a pretty decent price.
If you cosplay, cosplay wisely. It will most likely be around or over 100 degrees. If you don’t want to suffer cosplay accordingly.
Same goes the other way. You may end up in the sun more than you like. Wear sunscreen.
Talk to the artists and vendors! (They are there to MEET YOU.)
If you like their work, ask a question! (Most of us are fairly nice, and many of us are shy too.) Breaking the ice and chatting can be fun.
If you’re tired, take a break off of the exhibit floor. (Take in a panel, sit down somewhere)
Please don’t sit down in front of a vendor’s table. (Yes, it happens.)
Please excuse us artists eating at our booths. (We’re just trying to survive the show!)
Know that you’re part of a thriving, amazing scene here in Arizona. It’s special. It’s fantastic. It’s unique.
Be kind to others, be polite, and preserve it’s amazingness!
A great scene is a rare thing.
Enjoy! Whether you are going for comics, anime, star wars, star trek or any other geeky enjoyment you are there to enjoy! Go make friends have fun and be yourself!
Here is some major advice for first timers.
1. Hydrate because you do not realize how much you sweat from walking around and all the body heat.
2. Be cautious of claustrophobia. It does get packed.
3. If not cosplaying, wear comfortable walking shoes.
4. Please look at all vendors before purchasing anything. You may find something better at another vendor.
Have fun and respect EVERYONE there for their love of being a geek is as strong as yours.
Go to the bathroom before you go to the panel!
I’ll be new to Phoenix Comicon this year but I’ve been to San Diego twice. Massive amounts of people all wanting to see the same people you do, for me it was Kevin Conroy, so I went and sat in the room he would be in two panels before he came on. Not wanting to lose my awesome seat I ended up waiting for three hours before I could use the bathroom. Totally worth hearing the voice of Batman though!