THis is my very first botcon, and I will be driving back and forth (hour drive). I was hoping for some advice on what i should expect, how much $$$ i should bring, and anything else. thanks
I've only been to OTFCC '04 (that was only for 1 day and I was new to the fandom) so I would also like to be enlightened.
Make a list of stuff you would ideally like to find in the dealer room, bring the list with you, then bring a little extra money on top of that for impulse buys. Don't blow all your money the first day. Some dealers will cut prices the last day so they don't have to pack up as much stuff. Conversely, if something is hotly desired or available in small quantities, don't hesitate when you see it. Go ahead and pick it up. Last year, to my knowledge there was one Galaxy Force Starscream and two GF Soundwaves available at the con. I wanted both but held off and missed out. Just use your best judgement on which direction you should take with specific things you want. Wear comfortable shoes. You'll be standing and walking a lot, especially if you don't have a hotel room to retire to and relax. Strike up conversations with strangers. Meet new people. This is the only time of the year that you can do this to a complete stranger and pretty much guarantee they'll be into Transformers too. Take a shower and put on deodorant before you come. Go to Hooters with us on Sunday. You'll have a blast.
im really wanting to go this year too and my boss wants to come too. But is it too late to go if im just thinking about it now? Like preregistration? Also how much is the exact cost of actually attending botcon? I dont understand all the packages. Is there a price for just wanting to see the panels and being there all three days?
Basically what Kid said and gen1fan said is really good advice. Last year was my first year and boy was I overloaded. I had no idea what to do. Definitely make a list, I didn't last year and I kept wondering around like a lost puppy. Can't wait to meet ya!
I agree with this 100%,that's the best part of these conventions.The socializing The socializing can turn a "bleh" convention into a GREAT convention.In fact if you see Scott McNeil say hi to him.From what I've seen of him at anime Cons he LOVES talking to fans.....A little too much if you ask me You might think he's joking but he's not.Conventions of this genre are notorious for having people (usually men) who don't shower,brush their teeth or use anti-perspirant. You and your Hooters
gen1fan and KD hit it on the head. Shower daily and use deoderant and wear clean clothes Create a list with prices and don't be afraid to dicker especially late Saturday and Sunday. I talked a guy down $30 off the price of the Ehobby Megaplex (megatron repaint) on Sunday. Resist the urge to impulse buy unless you are 100% certian its a great price (i.e. ehobby Astrotrain MISB for $10 bucks). Its amazing how much the same item can differ in price from booth to booth. and finally ... HOOTERS on Sunday for the win!!!
Word. Lots of folks go to conventions and just readily hand over way more than they should for a product. Consider what other product a person's offering, if you want, and offer them slightly less for both products together. Like, "I see you've got Nemesis Prime for $60. If you can go down to $50, I'll pick up this set of WST Transformers too." Making the sale work for both sides - the buyer and the seller - is nice, but it doesn't always work. Just think twice, though, before forking over $200 for anything that gives you even the slightest doubt about its value.
And don't forget the parts party going on from Thursday to Sunday. You can get stuff cheaper and if you want trade some stuff. The extra benifit is that you get to talk to others who share the same interest as you do. MegaMus, having a parts party... or just a party every night!!!! Checkout the bulletin board in the lobby
