Anyone been to a sci fi convention??

Question

I just bought my ticket for the Stargate Burbank convention this year and just wondering if anyone else has ever been to a scifi con??? What did you think???

Answer 1

yes. two. i had a blast. so much so i wrote some tips for my college paper. here they are. hope they help. and give you a general idea of what goes on at a con.

The first tip is to plan as far advanced in the future as possible. I learned this one after I found out about a convention three days before the event and I rushed around to make arrangements. The internet is the best way to find out about any conventions that are going on.

My second tip is take more money than you think you’ll need because you will find that one item you really want and won’t have enough. This is important because you might not have easy access to an atm.

Third, is to pack snacks. If it’s an all day event you will get hungry and food sold at a convention can be expensive. And there might not be any restaurants close by and you’ll might have to run to a fast food restaurant and might miss out on stuff.

Fourth, if there is no reserved seating get there early for best seating .The closer you are the better pictures you can take. You’re closer to the action. And also comes in handy if they go row by row for autograph sessions or pictures.

Fifth, pack at least two roles of film, disposable cameras, or extra memory cards for your digital camera per day of an event. You will take more pictures than you think. They make a great reminder of the time you had.

Sixth if a favorite actor or writer of yours is speaking and you want to give them a gift. Give them a postcard of your hometown with a thank you note written on it. I have done this and they really appreciate it and it’s easy for them to pack in a suitcase compared to something big and bulky.

Eighth tip is to talk to the dealers. Most conventions have a dealer area. And the dealers are usually more than willing to bargain with you. This is best used towards the end of the event and the dealer doesn’t want to have to take a lot of unsold stuff home with him.

Ninth tip is don’t be afraid to ask a speaker a question no matter how stupid you think it is. Speakers usually will answer all questions that they are asked as long as it relates to them.

If you are planning to go to a con in hopes or think you might buy a poster while there. it's a good idea to pack or purchase at least one of those cardboard tubes. the person/place you are buying it from may not supply those or any means of protection for the poster. i learned this after buying a poster at a con and it got placed in a plastic bag and got a small tear and wrinkled on the way home. i wouldn't even use a rubber band because they also can cause damage to the poster.
don't follow the guest into the restroom that's not cool. i've heard of this happening and would you like it if someone followed you and took your picture or asked for an autograph..

if you buy one of those great 8x10 photos a great way to protect them is back them with cardboard and put them in one of those inexpensive plastic sleeve things. i use the ones that can be put in three ring binders that's what's worked best for me. i also find it helpul if it's raining to help protect the picture. every little bit helps.

The final tip which is the most important is to HAVE FUN!

Answer 2

I went to StarCon '79 in San Diego when I was a teenager. It was cool. Science Fiction had a nice bounce going into it because of the first Star Wars film had come out just a couple of years before, and the first Star Trek film and first Alien film had just been released. There were plenty of speakers from the production side of the industry and lots of vendors selling everything from HR Giger art books to Beatles colored-vinyl records(?) to light sabre-style nunchukus. My friend and I spend two solid days there and we never got tired of it.

Also, a few years ago, I went to a Sci-fi/Comic convention at the Shrine in LA, but I don't remember what the exact name of the event was. My friends and I mostly went because John Woo and Chow Yun-Fat lectured and had a Q&A with their fans. That was just before Broken Arrow was released. That event also had a ton of vendors selling cool science-fiction paraphenalia.

On a different note (though actually not THAT different) , my friends and I have been to a few UFOCON events in LA. They are a gas and attract much of the same sort of crowd.
Plus, some of the speakers are REALLY nuts, which is cool as all get-out.

Have fun!

Answer 3

No, but I'm going to Dragon.con this year. I work for a hotel, and because a lot of the participants stay with us, I'll be able to get a free ticket.

Answer 4

They can be wonderful.

To get your money's worth, talk to the actors, writers, etc.

Get autographs. See as many exhibits as possible.

Participate in any dress up activities.

Find other people who like the same shows, books, etc that you like and exchange email addys.

Take pictures.

Enjoy!

Answer 5

For years I was part of Dragon*Con in Atlanta, GA.(showing artist) It is massive & very interesting. I also have attended several smaller ones.. each group is very different.
I hope you have a blast.

Answer 6

I've never been to any :[
I'd love to go to one of the Ghost Hunters conventions, though.

Answer 7

I have been to quite a few....they are very interesting and fun to go to....meeting the actors and so forth.

Answer 8

no, but i have stayed at a hioliday inn express,,,