I wanted to share some advice that I learned on how you can save money at cons. In 2021 I went to my first convention Fan Expo Boston with friends. I did some research but wanted to also share additional information that I wish I knew for my first con. I wanted to thank my cosplay friends for sharing advice for attending my first convention.
Convention tickets
- Buy them early: A lot of conventions offer early-bird discounts
- Volunteer: Conventions typically offer free tickets/passes for anyone who volunteers for a certain amount of time at the con. It is also a great way to meet new people.
Be prepared
I brought a backpack so I had my hands free during the con with items I might need “just in case” such as
- Cosplay props
- Reusable water bottle (Fan Expo Boston allowed reusable water bottles that you could fill at the convention for free).
- First aid kit
- Small sewing kit
- Wig brush and spare bobby pins
- Snacks
- Cash (some vendors are cash only)
Food
- Bring water and snacks with you: The food lines are typically very long. It is important to remember to hydrate and eat during the day.
- Eat off-site: Food prices at the convention site are priced higher because of convenience. So if you want to save money you can eat off-site where there will be more affordable options.
- Bring your own food: If the convention allows you to bring outside food you can pack your own meals. Even if they don’t allow outside food they often make exceptions for water or people with dietary restrictions. I would double-check the rules of your convention before you go because they all have different rules.
Hotels
- Share a hotel room with friends: If you are going to stay at a hotel you can split the cost by staying with friends.
Cosplay
- Wear comfortable shoes: I wore flats with my Mabel Pines cosplay at Fan Expo but I underestimated all of the walking that I would do. So in the future, I would wear sneakers instead or add some gel soles to my flats so my feet wouldn’t be as sore.
- Plan your cosplay in advance: I knew that I was going to cosplay Mabel Pines as a part of a Gravity Falls group cosplay. But I cut it close because I procrastinated ordering items that I needed for my cosplay. Therefore I experienced my first con crunch.
How do you save money at cosplay conventions?
