Author Topic: My first covention- ever, and I have no idea what I'm doing. (Read 826 times)

Cartunegirl56 · « **on:** July 24, 2011, 04:17:53 pm »

Hi! I've never been to a convention before in my life, and I don't have any friends I'm going with. My parents are both coming though, but they know absolutely nothing about anime, much less a convention, I'm a bit worried about how they will react.
I'm also bringing my nine year old sister, she's dieing to be Hani or Liechtenstein, but I'm wondering if there will be anything for her to do?
I'm not sure at all what to expect, I'm excited but I'm totally terrified! Any tips for me, and are there any other newbies out there who feel the same way?

Mahou Shoujo Michi · « **Reply #1 on:** July 24, 2011, 07:00:31 pm »

In general, NDK is a family friendly convention, but how your parents react really depends on your parents. How are your parents with your interest in anime? Do they support it or make fun of it? And even though NDK is "family friendly" there are some aspects that strict or I'm sorry, I can't think of a better word, close-minded parents may find offense. People cross playing ( that is cosplaying the opposite gender) people of the same gender hugging or kissing, girls in skimpy cosplays like Yoko from Gurenn Lagen, etc. While overly explicit stuff is generally avoided, it really depends on your own threshhold. Also be warned that many people at conventions can be loud and immature. People yelling things like Marco polo, you just lost the game! and Buttscratcher!! Tend to be prevalent.

As for your sister. I'll say this, I REALLY REALLY don't think that NDK is a place for young children**. While it's family friendly, there are no events for young children. The majority of con goers are 13 and older with a growing population getting into their mid-20s or even older. While there are young children there.. babies and even toddlers, they tend to be the children of older con goers.

** However, if you're sure your little sister or sibling would enjoy what the convention offers: Video rooms, AMVS, dealers room, panels, cosplay and photos.. that's a different story. But asking if there would be anything for them to do has to be answered with: What do they LIKE to do? There's no daycare at NDK. Most anime shown is in the PG-PG-13 rating and perhaps at late night R rated, hentai and adult material is avoided. The panels may interest them and they may not. It's really a case by case basis.

Anyway here are my tips!

1. Bring a camera! There are soo many fantastic cosplays! Just remember to ask before you take a photo. If someone refuses, don't take it personally.
2. Read and follow the rules.
3. Make sure to pick up a schedule to plan out your day! Things like panels, video schedules, locations etc can be found there.
4. Remember to eat! Since your parents will be there, you may be safe.. but a lot of people try to get by on pocky.
5. On the same vein, drink water!
6. Will you be staying in a hotel room? If so make sure to get plenty of rest.. also SHOWER. Shower often. And reapply deodorant through out the day. You want to avoid the confunk. It's crowded and can be hot, you won't believe how fast you can start to smell.
7. Don't be afraid to say hello to the person next to you! In general, people are friendly! Say hi, compliment a costume, etc!
8. Have fun! XD

Cartunegirl56 · « **Reply #2 on:** July 24, 2011, 09:53:32 pm »

Well, there okay with it, although they think it's bit too much of an obsession, and they don't really understand the appeal, so, yeah... I think they're okay with crossplaying, unless they think actually think my cosplay character is a girl... which I hope they know he's not, I'm gonna have to talk with them on that. Same gender couples and skimpyness don't bother my dad- my mom, well, let's just say I hope she'll just chill somewhere and not follow me around much. I'll make sure to try and prepare her for that kind of thing then, if I can.

Well, she's seen a few tamer episodes of my two favorite animes, and she seemed to like it, so I hope I can find stuff for her to enjoy.

Thank you so much for the tips, that's really helpful, I'm a little less nervous now and I will be writing that down!!!

Pikaberry · « **Reply #3 on:** July 25, 2011, 12:07:32 am »

Quote from: Cartunegirl56 on July 24, 2011, 04:17:53 pm

Hi! I've never been to a convention before in my life, and I don't have any friends I'm going with. My parents are both coming though, but they know absolutely nothing about anime, much less a convention, I'm a bit worried about how they will react.
I'm also bringing my nine year old sister, she's dieing to be Hani or Liechtenstein, but I'm wondering if there will be anything for her to do?
I'm not sure at all what to expect, I'm excited but I'm totally terrified! Any tips for me, and are there any other newbies out there who feel the same way?

THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT I WAS THINKING!! even the nine year old sister part o.o

Cartunegirl56 · « **Reply #4 on:** July 25, 2011, 10:19:53 am »

No way! We should meet up then, maybe our sisters could keep eachother busy lol! My sister's sitting here and reading over my shoulder, she wants to know if your sister is cosplaying?

ozawa_chan · « **Reply #5 on:** July 25, 2011, 12:29:10 pm »

It's also my first convention :3 But nobody is going with me

Mahou Shoujo Michi · « **Reply #6 on:** July 25, 2011, 12:36:19 pm »

In regards to your sister, also.. do some research with her. You can find out a lot about the con by looking around online. Check the forums, look at the website, people on youtube post convention reports and photo slide shows all the time ( Though you may want to screen these yourself first) Give her, and you and your parents an idea of what they're getting into. Also remember that children under the age of 13 are required to be supervised at all times. So, even if you find some kids your sister's age you can't say "Okay, play here while I go attend the panel on wig styling!"

Ask yourself the following things..
1. Is your sister okay with large crowds and long lines? Or will she say "I'm tired!" or "I'm bored!"
2. Is your sister okay with people taking her photo? If she's in cosplay, she can expect a few flashbulbs in her face. Generally people are polite enough to ask, but some kids have a low tolerence for cameras.
3. Is your sister okay with loud noise levels? Yes children can be loud. But as I mentioned.. a lot of people can be annoying and scream out things from across the hotel.
4. Is there anything at the convention that your sister WANTS to do? As the convention draws closer.. there should be a finalized schedule on the panels and activities that will be happening at NDK. While none of these are child oriented per say there may be some that your sister would enjoy. For example, if there was a panel on learning dances from anime, your sister may enjoy that.. or anything else.
5. Does your sister scare easily? NDK is family friendly, but some of the costumes can get rather frightening. We've had some pretty convincing zombies.

So bottom line is, instead of asking us if there's anything for your sister to do at NDK, you should do some research and talk with your sister to see what SHE wants to do. Every child is different. You could have a young child LOVE everything about NDK, and then another spend just 1 hour there before saying "I'm tireeed!! I wanna go home!" In general, NDK is aimed at the 13 and older crowd. But, this is in general, not a set fact.

Also you should make sure your sister has things to keep her busy, just in case boredom sets in. Things like personal music players or portable game players.

rini · « **Reply #7 on:** July 25, 2011, 12:39:24 pm »

Quote from: Cartunegirl56 on July 24, 2011, 09:53:32 pm

Well, there okay with it, although they think it's bit too much of an obsession, and they don't really understand the appeal, so, yeah... I think they're okay with crossplaying, unless they think actually think my cosplay character is a girl... which I hope they know he's not, I'm gonna have to talk with them on that. Same gender couples and skimpyness don't bother my dad- my mom, well, let's just say I hope she'll just chill somewhere and not follow me around much. I'll make sure to try and prepare her for that kind of thing then, if I can.

Well, she's seen a few tamer episodes of my two favorite animes, and she seemed to like it, so I hope I can find stuff for her to enjoy.

Thank you so much for the tips, that's really helpful, I'm a little less nervous now and I will be writing that down!!!

bring the parents to our booth, Gimme Anime (just look for the line for the fridge) in the dealers room. We're famous for getting parents into anime, and even getting them to cosplay. It's a super-power, what can I say?

Cartunegirl56 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 25, 2011, 01:15:48 pm »

@Mahou Shoujo Michi- Gotcha, I'll make sure to bring some things for her to do, and I'll make sure she's prepared to see all those things you mentioned, thank you very much for the tips, that's extremely helpful!
@rini- really... Well, It's worth a shot, It would be amazing if my parents liked anime, or at least understood it better, we'll be sure to come say hi!!

Pikaberry · « **Reply #9 on:** July 25, 2011, 11:45:28 pm »

Quote from: Cartunegirl56 on July 25, 2011, 10:19:53 am

No way! We should meet up then, maybe our sisters could keep eachother busy lol! My sister's sitting here and reading over my shoulder, she wants to know if your sister is cosplaying?

We should! lol, She wants to Cosplay Sakura from Naruto,But I'm not sure ill be a bull to make it for her in time ^^

Adri · « **Reply #10 on:** July 27, 2011, 04:09:10 am »

There's a "Con Survival Guide" thread floating around here: http://ndkdenver.org/forum/index.php/topic,3717.0.html Maybe do a quick read through that to get an idea of what to expect/do during the con?

Skrae · « **Reply #11 on:** July 27, 2011, 06:16:48 am »

While I can't speak from experience on the younger sibling bit, I will say I've heard it's not a bad idea to bring travel or magnetic board games or possibly a DS or the like (I have seen Pokemon circles and the like many many times, sometimes a few at the same time). It is of course an experiment, and if it doesn't work out, it doesn't work out, but at least that way it doesn't have to ruin your fun.

Anyway, I do hope you'll enjoy yourself, we're a family and I'd like to say welcome, and don't be surprised if you find classmates at NDK. Also, even if you don't have friends there when you get there, you almost certainly will when you leave.

Cartunegirl56 · « **Reply #12 on:** July 27, 2011, 01:08:32 pm »

@holy heros- Ahh, my sister will think that's awesome!!

@Adri- Thanks for the link, I will be sure to read through those posts!!

@Skrae- Thank you, I will be sure my sister and I both bring our DSs, I think that is a good idea.
And I could definitely use more friends, I'm a bit on the shy side, but 'm looking forward to meeting some new people!

nemisis47 · « **Reply #13 on:** July 28, 2011, 03:22:38 pm »

Baby mattie goes to his first con lol. I'll be america for part of saturday morning and evening and all sunday, can't wait to meet ya, its nemisis47 on da btw. Anyways, main tip is to soak in the atmosphere of the con that it brings....not the icky con funk. And if you are going one day go on Saturday, its where you'll see most of the con; However NDK has to be experienced all 3 days in my opinion. Hope you and the family enjoy. One tip is to also show your folks some Miyazaki anime like Totoro, Howls Moving Castle, Kiki's Delivery service and Ponyo to give them more of a tame look into anime.

OtakuHockeyGirl · « **Reply #14 on:** July 28, 2011, 04:38:33 pm »

You should sit down with your parents and sister and discuss the whole thing. Let them know that the dealers room might have some slightly mature posters (no nudity, really, since it's gotta be PG-13, but still maybe a bit much for some people) or figurines and that people crossplay and all that jazz. As it was suggested, look around on youtube of some videos showing things at the NDK and then have your family watch them too and see what they think. You can get in some good sibling time by planning things out with your sister, making a schedule of everything you want to do and planning what you want to see or by maybe looking through the "Did you take my picture?" thread to see some of the cosplays. A lot of the people in that topic dress as the same character so you'll probably see most of them at the convention, which would be nice for your sister too. Just remember that there are long lines and waits for things like Panels and the AMVs and all that kind of stuff. Maybe at some point you and your dad could go to something like a panel and your mom and sister could go get something from the Wendy's across the street or look at some stuff in the dealers room? If you have a hotel room or are planning on visiting different days, that makes things easier too. You all should just talk about that kind of stuff and plan it all out together.

The Ronin · « **Reply #15 on:** July 28, 2011, 06:02:02 pm »

I'm bringing my 5 year old daughter and my 18 month old son, this will be their 2nd time. Last year they only came for Saturday. This year they'll be there for saturday and sunday. Having things to keep them occupied is always a good thing. Also, several weeks before the con the schedule is announced and you can download/print it out to help you decide what panels and events she would like to join you for.

Cartunegirl56 · « **Reply #16 on:** July 29, 2011, 02:44:10 pm »

@nemisis47- Lol, yes, yes XD. The Hetalia group meets on Saturday, doesn't it? Then Saturday's definitely my day! Aww, Kiki's delivery service, I first watched that in like first grade, before I even knew what anime was!!! I don't think my family even knows that that counts as an anime, I'll have to tell them

@OtakuHockeyGirl- Thanks, I think it will be easier that way, I'll show them some pictures and videos! Hopefully we will be able to split up a little for a break, I think the crazyness will give my mom a headache pretty quickly lol

@The Ronin- Oh how nice, hopefully they enjoy it?

That's a relief to be able to schedule it out in advance like that, my mom will be much more comfortable that way!!

The Ronin · « **Reply #17 on:** July 29, 2011, 04:32:15 pm »

Quote from: Cartunegirl56 on July 29, 2011, 02:44:10 pm

@The Ronin- Oh how nice, hopefully they enjoy it? That's a relief to be able to schedule it out in advance like that, my mom will be much more comfortable that way!!

My daughter loves it. She was such a little camera ham last year. I'm sure this year will be more of the same.

As far as the schedule goes I mentioned it because I really wish that I'd taken the time to use it last year. I know if we'd spent some time at events that allowed us to sit and rest a bit more we probably would have lasted longer than we did. The one day they came with me we pretty much wandered the main areas just seeing what there was to see and doing pictures.

Sinker · « **Reply #18 on:** July 29, 2011, 08:02:29 pm »

Something else to keep in mind is that NDK is not just an anime convention. It's an asian culture convention. Over the last few years we have had panels on asian sociology (the whys of a lot of behaviors that are different than western behaviors), various asian arts/crafts (furoshiki and cooking come to mind), and even current events (likely there will be a panel this year on the recent earthquake/tsunami). There's a room devoted to non-anime asian sitcoms and drama (more the kind of thing you would see at primetime/daytime over here), and a room for video games (some of them imported). There's also plenty of discussion of the animation/video game industry (both asian and american).

If your parents enjoy or are interested in any of these things they ought to be able to find something to enjoy. Soon enough the staff should be coming out with a schedule. Check it out with them and see.

Charm · « **Reply #19 on:** July 29, 2011, 10:34:54 pm »

As much as I can understand parents and family wanting to tag along to strange new events when you're younger, I'd highly recommend just not doing your family group, especially for your first time. I'd try and get your parents to just drop you off alone. You got a school buddy who's an anime fan? If your parents are worried about you going alone, go with a friend. I was probably a lot younger than you and I went with just a school friend my first time. Let me tell you, that was probably the best things I did for it since I was all over the place with her.

If your parents are anything like mine, chances are you are just going to bewilder them to death and they're not going to have anything to do on top of it. If your parents think you are "obsessed" now, why are you putting them into the pit of Colorado otaku culture? I promise you, you're going to raise a lot more questions than you ever did before and some might not be all that good. It's optimistic to think you might help them to learn, but if your mom has a problem with even those smaller things, then I wish you the best of luck. I wouldn't say it's in your face, but there really is no way to "tame" a convention for anyone.

There's various subculture type atmospheres that are decent for families who are "outside" to it and others just don't mesh quite as well. In my opinion, anime cons are really not easy to take a non-anime fan to unless they're very open minded and prepared for almost a wacky atmosphere. This isn't exactly like heading to a Rennie fair. Your parents can't just go chill out and look at handmade candle stands if they want a break. If you can safely say your family is not otaku, I honestly just say you probably shouldn't risk bringing them your first time.

Also, con badges are just plain expensive for a whole family. It's not like a little ticket. If you don't like it or panels bore you, well... you wasted a pass. Even I have done that at cons where I find out the panels are incredibly boring and I wind up in a hall taking pictures of cosplayers and talking with friends for most of it instead. What if your family gambles for a full weekend pass and they're done with it the first day? It's a lot of money to toss on an event they may or may not enjoy, even if it's only a single day pass.

Sadly, I think by saying your parents shouldn't come, it also would result in you probably not bringing your sister as well. I think it's really cute when otaku parents bring along their young kids and try introducing them to the fandom early. However, you're not a parent and you can't be babysitting. I don't think your sibling is super young, but as the con is, you do have to have someone appropriately supervise them.

Sorry, not trying to put cold water on your ideas! I just speak from how my own first experiences and having family members that would definitely not go well with certain con aspects either. If this wasn't your first time, I might say otherwise... but when you're new to this, you almost need to scout out the place yourself or with a buddy. After you go, I think you'll have the best judgement to see if it's right for your parents and your younger sister.

Have fun regardless what you do! If you're looking for help or a con buddy, I'm definitely around if you just ask. I've helped more than one newbie to cons and it's excellent to have new people to show around. Good luck!

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Author Topic: My first covention- ever, and I have no idea what I'm doing. (Read 826 times)