Discussion on "Tips for Getting the Most out of Anthrocon"

Well, nobody's responded, but I'm game.

Once again, this is a good list, even better than the other one, IMHO, since it's almost entirely a universal list, with almost every item relevant to almost every attendee.

But I'll respond anyway.

-staying in touch.
Yes, family members worry needlessly. Let them know where you are staying- that is, the hotel name, hotel phone#, and if the room is in your name, then tell them that. When you arrive and are settled in- call and tell them you're alive and safe.
(If you arrive late, you can call them in the morning.)

-dealing with hotel employees.
Always be polite. You gain NOTHING by NOT, and lose any hope they will do more than they are REQUIRED TO by being rude. I've been as reasonable as humanly possible, and hotels have invariably cut me a little slack when I have requests that aren't out-of-hand to ask. And that's true of all hotels I've stayed at.
Try to know what to expect ahead of time, and let the hotel know ahead of time if you have special needs, and exactly what they are. If something's vital to your health instead of just convenient, they'll bump that higher than a request just because it's handy. Understand that they can't satisfy every whim "just because." Even if you think they should.
If there's anything IMPORTANT, document who you spoke to, when you spoke to them, and CHECK AGAIN before the convention. It's uncommon for them to lose a special note, but not impossible, and that won't be a comfort if you need to re-negotiate things at check-in. When it comes to check-in, you should just have to check-in and that's it.
For that matter, be kind to the attendees (you'll have to deal with them and vice versa) and be kind to local businesses (WE have to deal with them.) Some local businesses were giving AnthroCon attendees specials to drum up business-since we weren't PROBLEM customers and we and our money were welcome. For that matter, I've been at other conventions, and one local deli-guy said to pass out his flyers and say he'd give us all a discount. (Nothing like extra business to make a business-owner happy...)

-medical issues/medication.
Yes-make sure you're carrying documentation if you have a special need.

-labels.
Label everything you bring with you with your name or something. A piece of masking tape becomes a label when you need it to. That includes sketchbooks, cameras, luggage, laptops, anything expensive or otherwise not disposable.

-watch the home.
Yes, stop your mail for a few days, and have someone feed the pet.

-scour the room before checkout.
Physically check EVERYPLACE before you leave, at least once. Have no idea why someone in your room would open the drawer, put something under the Gideon Bible then forget it? Think nobody'd lose something under the headboard, in the corner behind the curtain, or in the corner of the closet you barely used? Someone can always find a way to manage it, and it might be something you liked that was there. I've lost stuff when I thought I was staying in a place too small to lose anything.

-Preregistration.
Too late for this year, but make sure to do it next year.

-Budget time AND money.
Keep down expenses when you can. Allow time to sleep no matter what. Forcing yourself to stay awake will not be worth it. Catching a nap when nothing you really must attend is happening is a good idea, and I plan for that with conventions I attend of every type. There's a tradeoff with time for money, and it's possible to strike a balance if you plan ahead. Except for breakfast, last year, my food budget was fairly frugal. (But my breakfast was convenient and big.) You can work out some variation that works for you.
Remember to have change of $20. Not everyone will.

-leave 20% of your luggage space empty. You will bring things home, and repacking is never as efficient as packing. I've allowed space in my bags, and packed an extra bag just for things I bought (or just where I shove my laundry) at different cons. That much never changes.

-Luggage.
Add 2 labels to your luggage. Add a 3rd INSIDE the luggage, even if it's just a sheet of looseleaf on top of everything else. Make it impossible to not recognize. I prefer making sure nobody picks my luggage up for theirs by using coloured tape on the outside. I've had people who didn't see my luggage eyeball it across baggage claim without a description. "There's one." That was the goal I wanted.

-tickets, ID, copy of hotel reservation.
Put these in ONE SPOT, impossible to miss and where no one is going to mess with it. Check 2 days before the con, so you can flip the room upside down BEFORE you pack.
Make sure you are more than early for planes, trains, buses...

-handouts- flyers, business cards, etc.
Yes, have them proofread and bring extra. I've never heard of too many of either.

-"Be excellent to each other..."
Whether you're a veteran (help the newbies settle in) or a newbie (ask politely, and many furries will go the extra mile to help or advise you), there's nothing to gain by NOT being kind. If you can't do that, at least don't do anything you wouldn't want them to do to you.

-"...and party on, dudes!"
This is all about having fun! Don't push yourself too hard, don't take yourself or the con TOO seriously, and lighten up! Rob Paulsen's possibly attending his first furry con. Do you think the man sitting in a roomful of people in fuzzy ears and tails will feel serious about his successful career doing funny voices? If he doesn't treat this as an unusual vacation and just enjoy most of his time, I will be VERY shocked. I expect the other Guests of Honor will have similar approaches. Even those of us running events will be trying to have fun DURING those events. (I LOVE running a LARP. Spend 100 hours over the year prepping for 3 hours of game which I won't be paid for and NOT enjoy it? Are you insane?)

Again, relax and have fun! A little planning is a smart thing. Remember that your schedule and planned agenda are not REQUIRED and you can always change your mind about events. There's always another con and always another event, and there's always friends to hang out with!

There is one really important rule that isn't listed there.

"Be nice to the staff...and they won't bite you."

Seriously...the staff is going to be working very hard all weekend to ensure that you have the best possible time. While every staffer may not have the opportunity to have a lengthy conversation with you, don't be afraid to say a quick hello and let us know you're having a good time.

That gives us the warm fuzzies.

so this is going to be my first con. is there anythning besides hotel and registration that i have to pay for?

Drink heavily. Take the time to laugh at yourself, what surrounds you, and take nothing seriously. Revel in your non-normalcy, at least for one weekend.