Comic Con Guide: How to get the most out of your day

As someone who has attended many conventions every year for the past eight years, I am something of an expert on the subject, if I do say so myself.  

This is my guide to all things comic con from little tips and tricks, through to food, merch, and cosplay advice:

Where to start?

First things first, once you’ve bought your ticket, you’ll want to look through the conventions' website/social media/app in so you can plan your day. Some information might not be released until nearer the event date (usually the map is released a week or so before), but this is why following the convention on social media is so important as this is where you can find any updates. This will allow you to plan and prioritise what you want to do and see and check if anything requires an extra ticket (celebrity photo ops and signings will be an extra charge, which you can buy online before the event). You will want to grab these as soon as they go on sale, big guests usually sell out quick.

Travel

Make sure to plan your travel in advance too, buy train tickets early to get the best price and know your route if you’re planning to use other types of public transport. It’s also worth planning a second route in case of train strikes or road closures.

Food

Food and drink can be expensive at convention centres so bring your own. You’ll save time by not having to queue or spend an arm and a leg at the vendors inside. However, some conventions will have some interesting meal and snack options, so I always set aside a small pot of money in case I feel like a treat.

Shopping

Conventions are great for shopping in the Dealers’ Hall or Artists’ Alley so bringing some cardboard backed envelopes for any prints or posters you buy is a life saver. Most vendors will have bags and plastic sleeves for prints, but I find that they can still get folded up in your bag. Set yourself a budget for your trip and try not to go over it. Good luck with that.

Walking

Some conventions may have limited seating areas and walking around all day can be tiring. Make sure to wear/bring comfy shoes and your feet will thank you. You can also bring a foldable stool like this one (link), so you always have somewhere to sit when there are no chairs available.

Cosplay

Cosplay is a great way to express love for a character or fandom so don’t be afraid to give it a go, even if you are only wearing a Star Trek shirt (people cosplay all kinds of things, including the actual Convention Centre itself) It’s a great way to meet new people and instantly recognise fans of the same media as you. Do make sure you ask people before taking pictures of their costumes, that way you’ll get the best picture (us cosplayers can be vain. We like good photos of ourselves!)

Why should you go?

Comic con is a wonderful place filled with wonderful people so don’t be afraid to speak to other attendees, ask vendors about their art or social media, ask cosplayers how they made their costume and for their social media. It’s all about making friends and having a good day out with likeminded people.

The best comic conventions in summer 2023

London Film and Comic Con: Friday 7th July – Sunday 9th July 2023

Hyper Japan: Friday 21st July – Sunday 23rd July (link to product)

MegaCon Manchester: Saturday 29th July – Sunday 30th July

RakuCon Manchester: Saturday 12th August – Sunday 13th August

AmeCon Coventry: Friday 18th August – Sunday 20th August

MCM London: Friday 27th October – Sunday 29th October