First time for everything

[Jonezy]

So this'l be my first time attending a con, in fact anything of this nature altogether.
I'd love some tips thrown this way for what to and not too look out for for/do.
Also I'd be really interested in making lots of new friends aswell does this just happen or do you usually have to be part of these meets that happen? o.o

Thanks a bunch
~Jonezy~

[kissaten]

So this'l be my first time attending a con, in fact anything of this nature altogether.
I'd love some tips thrown this way for what to and not too look out for for/do.
Also I'd be really interested in making lots of new friends aswell does this just happen or do you usually have to be part of these meets that happen? o.o

Thanks a bunch
~Jonezy~

Bro it seems the best way is through some groups if you can find any to join.
If your in kent then i would reccomend the Kent cosplay group and the medway anime society
if not then try to find similar but local.
I'd be happy to meet ppls if they want teh company XD
As for stuff to do see, its all subject to what you want, i love the indie comic artists cos i get to meet and chat with them ^-^ you might like summit completely different so go check out the expo website for details !

[eggyteapot]

hi i know on deviant art there alot of different cosplay groups but i cant link you too it they dont like links on here my group mcm london expo picnic i am affiliated with quite a few cosplay groups you mayb able to find one.I used to do a picnic meet up every may for all cosplayers but unsure about doing it again i have a daughter now.I will hopefully going in may but who would want to have a party on the lawn with me now i have a baby i am old lol

May just go round handing out free candy again with my free hug sighn you can have free candy if you can find me =)

I may need to find another meet to join up with this year too expo is great fun i remember all kinds of fun groups.Plus remember to look up the expo after party its great fun.Also check out mcm fringe people have to register with them to be able to have big meet ups.

[Jonezy]

So guess I'd better get group searchng then!
Have the party tickets gone on sale yet? I'm hoping I haven't missed them >.<
and whats MCM Fringe?

Also still quite a personally embarissing topic (still trying to get over, hence my first time here). Is that I was diagnosed with IBS-D which means I proberly have the most random bowels on earth xD. Whats the toilets situation there? ^^ And is a friend able to hold the line for me midway maybe?

Cheers again
~Jonesy~

[kissaten]

Well give me a shout if you find a good group ^-^ would like to meet people !

[Moondoggie]

So guess I'd better get group searchng then!
Have the party tickets gone on sale yet? I'm hoping I haven't missed them >.<
and whats MCM Fringe?

Also still quite a personally embarissing topic (still trying to get over, hence my first time here). Is that I was diagnosed with IBS-D which means I proberly have the most random bowels on earth xD. Whats the toilets situation there? ^^ And is a friend able to hold the line for me midway maybe?

Cheers again
~Jonesy~

MCM Fringe is how Expo controls the fun If you are joining in with fringe activities remember to wear your wristband.

The toilets are located on a lower level than the halls there are stairs or elevators you can use to access them. Other than on Saturday it doesn't get too congested so you would likely be able to access toilets as and when you need to. As for the line situation what day or days are you planning to attend? If you are doing the full weekend that might be a bit easier for you since you'll get a wristband on Friday when it's the preview show and it's really quiet with minimal lines. Otherwise you might want to contact somebody at Expo for advice on your personal situation and how they can help you.

The party tickets won't go on sale for a while yet and it'll be announced on here so keep an eye out.

[Jonezy]

Thanks for the advice Moondoggie.
I've got the whole weekend booked and will be attending Friday at about 4-5pm. So maybe I'm in a luck ^^

When can I find more about MCM Fringe?

Thank god I havent missed the party tickets sales. Really looking forward to meating people at the party.

[eggyteapot]

Hiya theres a mcm fringe forum somwere on here so look up london comic con 25th-27th may and instead of general chat look for it there.

[Jonezy]

Thanks I found it

[xblackravenx]

Also still quite a personally embarissing topic (still trying to get over, hence my first time here). Is that I was diagnosed with IBS-D which means I proberly have the most random bowels on earth xD. Whats the toilets situation there? ^^ And is a friend able to hold the line for me midway maybe?

Cheers again
~Jonesy~

Hey there, if you go to the cosplay information desk (located at the entrance in the dealers halls usually) and explain the situation to them, they may be able to give you a disabled pass. They gave one to me at my first expo as I had a broken foot and couldn't manoeuvre the stairs properly to get to the toilets. The disabled ones are on the same level as the halls and they wouldn't be anywhere near as busy as the downstairs ones.

[Jonezy]

I certainly will give it a shot,
thanks a lot!

[JigsawLovesPancakes]

Just by asking for a cosplayers photo you can get chatting and make friends that way, for the most part the cosplay scene is a very, very friendly one and you'll make loads of mates : D

[Jonezy]

Ah whilst on the topic.
Is there a general rule with taking photos?
I don't want to impose on anyone...

[Adziu]

Ah whilst on the topic.
Is there a general rule with taking photos?
I don't want to impose on anyone...

Most will be flattered and happy if you ask them for photos. The only things to bear in mind are -

1. it's always good to ask first and some people really don't like being photographed slyly when they're not ready
2. be aware of space - if you're in a crowded hallway make sure you taking a picture will not block the flow so that dozens of people end up in a backlog!

[Jonezy]

So:
1. Ask
2. photograph in appropiate places!

Sounds simple enough, thanks

[Adziu]

So:
1. Ask
2. photograph in appropiate places!

Sounds simple enough, thanks

Yup, in just about every case it'll be as simple as that!

[ZombieHugs]

Nice to meet you! I'm also fairly new, this'll only be my 3rd time going, and my first 'proper' cosplay. Umm... tips...
Bring your camera! Loads of awesome costumes to take photos of.
Buy your tickets in advance online if you don't like very long queues.
And say 'hi' if you see me- I'll be the America from Hetalia with an Italy and a bunch of people not in costume. We're a very friendly lot on the whole.

[Jonezy]

Won't miss you then ^^!
I'l be mainly attending friday as the gym leader version of Gary/Blue
http://static.gamesradar.com/images/mb/ ... _image.jpg

and on saturday as Ganster outfit Leon Kennedy
http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/1/12 ... nedy_9.jpg

Edit:
Duno why I both told and linked you when its in my sig haha ^^'

[Bootheghost]

Best thing you can know is CONVENTION ETIQUETTE~ A lot of people aren't familiar with some of the unspoken rules, but it's so important...!

- Ask people before you take photos; they might need to drop stuff, fix their costumes and get into a pose! It's their artwork after all, and they'll want you to see it from a desired angle.
- Ask people before you hug them! Being glomped by surprise is not great, especially from a stranger! You might even break someone's costume or hurt them physically. ;A;
- If someone is a) eating, b) sleeping or c) on the phone, do not ask them for a photograph! Food is important for a cosplayer, so don't interrupt! Either wait patiently, come back later, or just accept the fact that you can't get a photo. For the love of god, don't take their photo when they're otherwise engaged.
- If you're wearing skimpy clotes/costume, you're asking for attention - you must be willing to accept this, because you're asking for this through your costume. Obviously, if someone touches or harrasses you inappropriately, report them! But you very well might get a lot of pervy stares... >_____>
- Don't underestimate the necessity of water and food! You'll get very dehydrated, especially in May! Take time out to relax and sit down every so often - it's usually the best way to socialise, actually.
- Be prepared to queue. A lot. But through queuing you meet some of the nicest people!

[eggyteapot]

Best thing you can know is CONVENTION ETIQUETTE~ A lot of people aren't familiar with some of the unspoken rules, but it's so important...!

- Ask people before you take photos; they might need to drop stuff, fix their costumes and get into a pose! It's their artwork after all, and they'll want you to see it from a desired angle.
- Ask people before you hug them! Being glomped by surprise is not great, especially from a stranger! You might even break someone's costume or hurt them physically. ;A;
- If someone is a) eating, b) sleeping or c) on the phone, do not ask them for a photograph! Food is important for a cosplayer, so don't interrupt! Either wait patiently, come back later, or just accept the fact that you can't get a photo. For the love of god, don't take their photo when they're otherwise engaged.
- If you're wearing skimpy clotes/costume, you're asking for attention - you must be willing to accept this, because you're asking for this through your costume. Obviously, if someone touches or harrasses you inappropriately, report them! But you very well might get a lot of pervy stares... >_____>
- Don't underestimate the necessity of water and food! You'll get very dehydrated, especially in May! Take time out to relax and sit down every so often - it's usually the best way to socialise, actually.
- Be prepared to queue. A lot. But through queuing you meet some of the nicest people!

lol i remember hanging out with somone at expo and out of no were somone came flying glomped my friend to the floor was funny to watch though.Glad it wasnt me i have a bad back and damanged joints that would of been fun =p

At another expo one thing i will cation young ladies about i remember sitting outside and some girl in a really short skirt hopped over a wall letting the world see her and she had not shaved carful when wearing such outfits personally i would of been mortified if it was me.

i know what you mean may expo gets super hot i usally take loads of drinks to share with friends you can get 3litre bottles of drinks from iceland really cheap or a 12pack of juice cups really good for hot weather.A absolute must is your wearing a bulky cosplay or fursuit.

[Jonezy]

I drink a lot of water and am a lazy person in general so I dont think dehydration or resting is an issue x)
I'l make sure ot be polite as possible I'm not the one to disturb people anyway

[Major Motoko]

Just thought i would join in on giving tips! XDD

1. As it will be May and its very warm in the Hall and you will be drinking lots of water, be prepared to get SWEATY! xD
Its always a good idea to bring deodorant, for your sake and everyone elses

2. As someone has already pointed out, Bring a Camera, but not only that, bring lots of spare Batteries and make sure there is enough memory on your card, last expo, i went through 14 AA Batteries and 3 4GB Memory Cards (I like to record as well as take high res. pics XPP)

3. Dont be shy when asking for photo's of people (But you must be polite, again, as someone has already said) On my first expo i was very shy, i was so quiet when asking for photo's that some people didnt hear me and i missed out on many great opportunities on getting pics of some really AWESOME cosplays! i also remember someone asking for my picture but they were so quiet i didnt know where they were coming from XDD its was a bit like this:

Distant whispering voice: uhmm... Rukia.. uhm..
Me: huh?... meh.. *looks around* must have imagined that XPP

I think thats it (without repeating too much of what the others had said xD)

Also, if you see me then don't hesitate to talk to me XD i will be with 3 other friends, one will be cosplaying Summoner Yuna from FF X another will be Sakura Haruno from Naruto and another will be in Steampunk Attire =D
My friends might be a bit shy to begin with (I might be also XDD its just in my nature) but we are generally nice people! ^0^
This will be my 3rd MCM expo (I havent been since 2009 though xD) and my 4th expo all together, so i would like to think that i am experienced enough to give advice

[Jonezy]

Thanks for the advice ^^
I'll be sure to look out for you!!!

[Len]

So this'l be my first time attending a con, in fact anything of this nature altogether.
I'd love some tips thrown this way for what to and not too look out for for/do.
Also I'd be really interested in making lots of new friends aswell does this just happen or do you usually have to be part of these meets that happen? o.o

Thanks a bunch
~Jonezy~

Ooh another newbie. How delicious. :p

Only kidding, of course. But anyway, I'll give you some general advice. Excuse me if I trail on a bit!

First things first, you need to sort your travel out! A lot of people jumble up travels plans and things go haywire, so make sure you have a stable travel plan. I'm gonna assume you're outside of London, so I'd recommend a coach (National Express have a very cheap, excellent service to many places around London). I normally get off at Victoria Coach station and get a taxi from a place near by, however, taxis can be expensive and I guess this part is up to you entirely depending on your approach to the situation.

Next, tickets! Good lord, don't forget your tickets. I had a mini heart attack when I thought I forgot mine last time and got to Reading. You should book them in advance as well if you're planning to go there on the Friday. You get a better deal too, if I'd give you my opinion. Plus the whole weekend is amazing, and every day is worth it.

Medication, sewing kits, glue, ect. All of this stuff is important. Medication (Paracetomel, needed medication i.e insulin, ect) is something, again, quite a lot of people forget, me included. It's always good to carry some pain killers with you if you end up with stomach cramps or sickness and the like. Speaking of things to keep you in good health, water or anything which will hydrate you is a BIG must for May! May expos tend to be scorching hot, and no doubt you will sweat. I know of a few cases where people have passed out just from being too dehydrated. It isn't nice, and it would ruin your weekend.

Hotels! Make sure you have a room booked, a good time to start booking would be now as rooms are filling up quickly. Heck, even before now would have been a good time. Ibis, personally, is my favorite hotel. I've stayed at the Premier Inn, but it was at the other end of the ExCeL Center. OTL Anyway, Ibis is pretty cheap and I've always normally gotten a room, even a few weeks before expo. It's best to look around, and a link to all hotels can be found on the expo website. (http://www.londonexpo.com/venue/hotels/)

If you're planning of organizing a group, you should contact the MCM Fringe people, they're in charge of all of that fancy stuff, and to be honest, I don't really know how all of that stuff works because I've never even considered putting together a group. Anyway, there are plenty of groups to fit certain fandoms, and theres normally a few loner groups dotted around here and there if you wanna make some friends from different fandoms, perhaps. Most groups are very welcoming of people, so I wouldn't be scared of them. <:

Oh, and one last unrelated thing. If it's sunny, bring suncream! xD

I hope this was helpful and I didn't banter on too much. :c

[Jonezy]

Thanks a lot for your time its greatly appreciated!

Just to let you know I have already planned on using your travel suggestion! I get quite a bit clostraphobic so using a subway on the way to crowded convention is spelling a massive panic attack for me so coach - Taxi is exactly what I had in mind ^^

Also I have already booked my Hotel I'm staying at the crowne plaza Hotel just down the road, also bought my tickets, though I'd better push my friend to do so aswell >.>

Will I see you there?