Indulging in your passions can be an amazing way to feel connected with yourself and live your life to its fullest. Unfortunately, some hobbies can be a bit more solitary than others.
Gaming, for example, is usually an experience that people have on their own. Even though gaming is often done on the internet where players can interact with each other from across long distances, the act of gaming is one that a person usually goes through alone. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to break out of this solitude and get more from your favorite pastime.
Attending a gaming convention is a fun and engaging way for you to take your hobby to the next level. Everyone from casual gamers to industry leaders like Robert Kotick pays attention to what happens at conventions. Before you head out to your local convention, you might want to brush up on some of the basics.
Knowing what to expect in advance can provide you with the insight required to make the most out of the event. Familiarize yourself with some of these easy survival tips and you will be ready for anything that comes your way.
Baggage Claim
One of the first tips that you will need to keep in mind for going to a convention is the type of bag that you plan on carrying. A backpack usually makes for the perfect baggage at a convention because it is light and easy to fill. Conventions are filled with vendors who are looking for a bit of love.
You will encounter all types of free goodies and discounted merchandise as you peruse all that there is to experience on the floor of the convention center. A backpack with ample space will be your best friend through it all.
Be sure to take a look at a map of the convention in advance. While this will not always be possible, a large number of groups put maps on their event websites in advance. This provides useful information for guests to use when trying to decide on how to walk around the convention. If you happen to notice a specific vendor that you would like to visit, make it a point to stop at the table early so you are able to get any free stuff that might be available to the first people who swing by.
Food and Drink
Conventions can get packed at certain points. When a convention receives enough promotion, it can easily attract huge crowds. If you are planning on heading to the convention for the day, then you are going to have to take food and drink into consideration. Be sure to eat a healthy breakfast in advance, as you are going to need all the stamina you can muster to endure the amount of walking that you’ll need to do. Carry a refillable water bottle in your backpack as well, so you can stay hydrated through it all.
There will most likely be refreshments for sale at the convention. In many cases, food and drink will probably not be permitted from the outside. Eating in advance helps you to avoid snacking when you should be exploring the vendors and guests at the convention. Should you decide that you want a little something to munch on, keep in mind that you will have to wait in long lines and pay a little bit more than you might like. With that said, you might be able to find some tasty treats around the convention.
Stay Hygienic
Video game conventions can also be breeding grounds for germs. There are going to be controllers, consoles, accessories and other items being sampled and used by people from all over. On top of this, there will be plenty of people breathing in close proximity to you. This means that you’re likely to come in contact with more than a few people who are sick. To avoid coming down with something, plan in advance. Bring a little bit of hand sanitizer and apply it sparingly to keep yourself clean and free of annoying bacteria.
You also are going to meet a lot of people at a convention. This means that you’re likely to shake hands and fist bump plenty of strangers. Wash your hands frequently throughout the convention if this is the case. Spreading germs is unavoidable in some situations but often a quick wash with soap and water is enough to eliminate any potential threats. Be extra careful with this step if you are going to a convention during a time of year when the flu is going around.
Have Fun
While it might seem like there are a lot of different considerations to take before your first convention, above everything else it is important for you to have fun. Go and enjoy yourself and take a moment to really indulge in the passion that makes you happiest in life. After your first experience, you will be ready for your next convention in no time at all.
