1) You really should pre-register. Pre-registration can save you a lot of money if you plan on going for the whole weekend or even just two out of the three days. If you’re only planning on going for one day, you may still want to pay the extra five dollars and pre-register, because it will also save you a lot of time at the convention. Anime Boston has two registration lines: a line for people who pre-registered and a line for people who didn’t. The pre-registration line is a lot shorter than the at-con registration line.
2) If you pre-register, you have the opportunity to pick up your badge on Thursday before the convention. You really should take advantage of this opportunity if you can, because then you won’t have to stand in any lines on Friday!
3) Know what you need. Registration does not accept credit or debit cards, you should have cash. Exact change is helpful. You also need an ID to register, pick up your badge, and/or get into an 18+ event. If you’re over 18, you need a government issued badge. If you’re a minor, a school ID is okay.
4) Pack a lunch. there are places to eat, but it’s very convenient to pack a lunch you can just take out and eat when you feel hungry. Snacks are a good idea too. A water bottle is a must!
5) Know the rules before the convention! Make sure whatever you’re wearing and bringing will be allowed.
6) Try to get to panels and events in advance. Popular panels tend to have lines, and some panels even fill up completely. Examples include the Anime Dating Game and the Gaia panel. All the main events have long lines, especially the Masquerade, and people line up hours in advance.
7) In the Dealers’ Room, keep in mind that there are things you can buy anywhere and there are things you can’t. If you’re low on cash, limit your spending to things you can’t get at your local FYE or Barnes and Noble. And don’t spend all day in the Dealers’ Room, though it may be tempting.
8) Don’t forget to check out Artists Alley, they have really neat stuff.
9) Wear comfortable shoes. You will be walking all day, so keep that in mind when planning your footwear.
10) If you’re going to be taking the T or the commuter rail, know the schedule. Know when the last train of the night leaves the station, and it doesn’t hurt to take along a commuter rail schedule to consult in case your plans change.
11) Your phone is very important. Make sure you have your friends’ numbers, make sure its charged, and know where you get cell phone service.
12) Be protective of your belongings. Things do get stolen, especially wallets, cameras, and phones.
13) Have cash on you at all times. If you don’t have an ATM card or debit card, take a lot of cash with you and be careful not to run out.
14) It’s a great idea to have a camera. If you do take your camera, take extra batteries with you, and an extra memory card if you have one.
15) Don’t hog the games in the video game room. If you play Guitar Hero, don’t be one of the many jerks who only play the longest songs of the game. Even the biggest Rush fans get sick of hearing YYZ over and over and over . . .
16) SHOWER! You will get sweaty, everyone will. Lots of dirty people in close quarters is a recipe for stench, so you need to shower, especially if you wear the same costume for more than one day. And remember, deodorant if your friend!
17) You should know that they do clear the rooms between panels, you will not be allowed to stay if you’re planning to attend the next panel.
18) Keep your immune system strong. Sleep, eat three meals, and stay hydrated. Every year people end up coming down with “Con Plague” within the week after the convention.
19) Be social! Talk to people sitting next to you before panels, or standing in line in back or in front of you. You all have something in common, talk about it!
20) After the convention, join the Anime Boston forums and discuss the convention.
