When Phillip first suggested we cover Phoenix Comicon, I wasn’t sure how well that would fit with the whole Travelcraft Journal thing. I mean, yes, this is the home of the sci-fi-reference-riddled holiday party post. But still. We’re about makers and doers, creative people with a “hey, let’s try this!” attitude.

Then I realized: so is Phoenix Comicon. It’s filled with people responding creatively to what they’ve read or watched, who make their own costumes or miniatures or films or chain mail or sketches, who’ve travelled to learn more about something they’re passionate about. Which is super Travelcraft Journally.

So we requested press passes, researched, and started planning posts. I’ve never been to any of the events in the Comic-Con universe, so I reached out to some veterans about what a newbie needs to know to navigate the 5th largest Comic-Con in the U.S., which is happening next week. Here’s their sage advice, along with a few of my own newbie observations.

1. Planning Ahead

Jill Rouleau (Bespoke Software Solutions):

• Have a plan for what you want to do before you go.
• Be prepared to wait in line as much as an hour – or possibly even more – for big name speakers.
• Don’t forget there will be programming at the hotels too! It can help to get out of the crowd for a bit.

Jeff Moriarty (Professional Geek and Shenaniganizer):

Phoenix Comicon can be overwhelming, so don’t even try to do it all. See what you can, have fun, but it’s okay to miss things. That’s just going to happen. Make time to try something brand new! Take advantage of a few thousand die-hard fans being around you to stick your nose into a topic you’ve maybe been curious about and see where it leads you. Walk away from Con with a whole new set of loves!

Ryan DeFusco (The Indie Imaginarium):

Check out the panels (genre-specific events hosted by individuals) that are going on and tentatively plan on attending some. But don’t be afraid to change up your plans if you discover something else you want to see.

Jason Hunt (The Wampa’s Lair Podcast):

• Have a game plan. Phoenixcomicon.com helps by letting you make an account and add panels you’re interested in to your “ConQuest.” This puts them on a schedule that makes it much easier to look at.
• The website only shows you events by category and does not have a daily calendar. If you like to see things blocked out by day, try and get to the Convention early so you can look over the schedule.

Stephanie (a.k.a. me):

• Keep up with the Comicon-versation via hashtag #phxcc on Twitter and Instagram.
• Ready to buy your ticket? What you’re looking for (in Comiconese) is a membership. Attendees are members (not guests).
• Guests are authors, artists, living legends, space cowboys, bad guy kapow!-ers, ax-wielding orc slayers, paper clip missile defusers, former pitcher-fetchers turned dread pirates, and so on. One does not simply walk into Phoenix Comicon and become a guest.

Programming Picks

Ryan DeFusco:

My (first!) Comicon panel: DIY Chainmail Jewelry Make and Take Workshop.

Jeff Moriarty:

Check out the Phoenix Ultimate Geek Smackdown the first two nights of Con! It’s where geeks from all angles converge to hash out some of the most important and ridiculous topics you’ve ever heard. It’s a rocking good time and guaranteed to get you into the Con spirit!

2. Gearing Up

Ryan DeFusco:

[The first time I attended Phoenix Comicon] I wish I had brought a change of clothes. My costume wasn’t too uncomfortable, but my wig kept slipping out of place and I desperately wanted to take it off.

Jill Rouleau:

Wear comfortable walking shoes. No, really, however cute those boots are, wear comfortable shoes. It’s ok to not dress up in costume. No one will think you’re weird or less of a geek. It’s also super cool if you do dress up! Don’t be scared that your costume won’t be “good enough” if it’s your first time costuming, what matters is that you have fun.

Jason Hunt:

Carry cash. If you are a collector or find something interesting that you want to buy, it always helps to pay in cash. Some sellers have the ability to take cards, but those rely on mobile devices and usually have problems getting through. Get cash from your hotel’s ATM and save your credit/debit cards for offsite food purchases.

Jonathan Simon (Lightning Octopus, tips excerpted from this post):

• Put your money in your front pocket. Not to get all paranoid on you, but there will be a lot of strangers carrying cash wandering around bumping into each other. Best keep your dead presidents somewhere a little more in your line of sight.
• Keep your phone charged and ready. Photos aren’t just for posing with cosplayers – you never know what might happen or what you might find that you want to remember later. (Bonus: Bring a power strip to share an outlet and be everyone’s hero.)

3. At the Con: Get Your Geek On

Jill Rouleau:

• Be respectful and ask before taking someone’s picture.
• Take time off if you start to feel overwhelmed. There’s some great places to grab a bite or a beer downtown. You’ll thank yourself for the break later in the day.

Jason Hunt:

If you’re going with a group that wants to split up, have a designated time and area to meet. DO NOT rely on cell phones, because all the signals in one area tend to clutter up the local cell phone towers.

Jeff Moriarty: 

Go all in! If you think there is some fun, weird, or quirky thing that you’re into that nobody else loves as much as you…you’re wrong! This is the place to let yourself go, share whatever form of geekery you delight in, and connect with others who enjoy it just as much as you.

  Jonathan Simon sums it up with this handy infographic:

(For even more great advice, check out the Lightning Octopus site and its readers’ comments.) Now I’m ready to take on Comicon! A big thank you to Jason, Jeff, Jill, Jonathan, and Ryan for sharing so much awesome info! If you see me wandering around the Convention Center, please say hello. (I may be lost.) If I survive the weekend, I’ll tell ya all about it and share some cosplay awesomeness. Tune in next time or subscribe to make sure you don’t miss a thing.