chipperPlease note that this guide is limited by my own experiences, and may not apply in all circumstances. Please also note that I'm talking specifically about conventions, and not conferences, which have different standards, traditions, and expectations. (Also, I've never been to a literary conference, and somehow I doubt that my experiences with herpitological conferences will translate over one-to-one. As an example, I have never heard of a romance writer's conference being forced to evacuate a meeting hall because somebody's taipan managed to get out of its enclosure.) This guide is geared towards attending conventions as a professional and/or participant, although large swaths of it will apply to everybody. This guide will include information on:
* What a convention is, exactly.
* Finding the convention that's right for you.
* Reaching the convention alive.
* Getting a hotel room.
* Enjoying/surviving the con.
* Packing.
* Not looking like a total tool.
* Panels.
* Things to do.
* Eating food.
* Staying healthy and sane.
It will also be heavily biased towards my own opinions on all these things, because hello, so totally me. But I'm honest about my biases, and I'll be factual whenever it's fact, rather than opinion. (In short, don't expect me to falsify hotel room rates to suit my own ideas of 'fair,' but don't expect me to suggest a good anime con, either.) Ready? Let's rock.
Introduction: What is a convention?
Well, if you're reading this guide, I'm going to sort of assume you know the answer, but just for the sake of clarity, we should agree on a definition. That will help to prevent misunderstandings in the future, and make this entire process hurt a lot less. Conventions are gatherings of people who share a common interest. We're looking specifically at conventions focusing on speculative fiction and related media. This definition places DragonCon and the San Diego Comic Convention inside our scope, without forcing an examination of, say, goldfish fanciers conventions. A convention differs from a large party in that...
1) It will generally be held in a public meeting space, rather than a private home. (This is not universal -- some very small conventions are held in large private homes.) Standard meeting spaces include convention centers, hotels, and college campuses.
2) There will generally be an admission fee of some sort. It may be waved if you're attending as a participant (we'll have more on this later); it may not be. It will almost certainly be waved if you're attending as one of the convention's 'featured guests,' since those are the people whose names are used to promote the convention.
3) Most parties don't have a programming track. At least, not most of the parties I've attended.
Conventions are an excellent place to meet people, network, find out what's currently going on in fandom, and find those bootleg DVDs of Freakylinks that you've been looking for since you were seventeen. They're fun, they're frantic, and if you manage your time and expectations the right way, they're a fabulous way to get yourself a little more widely known. (Please note that we're not really going to be discussing how to behave at conventions in any real depth; that's a topic for another essay. Today's goal is just getting you in and out the convention doors alive.
If conventions are so complicated that you need to write a guide to explain them, why do I want to go?
There are a lot of reasons to go to conventions, and most of them are good ones.
Reason #1: Exposure. If you're reasonably comfortable in crowds, and can speak articulately on topics you're familiar with, you can get a lot more people to recognize your name just by doing a few panels at your local con. As a side benefit, if you have a strangely-spelled or unusual name, you can increase the number of people who know how to pronounce it. I'm very fond of this particular advantage.
Reason #2: Education. You can learn a lot about what's going on in the speculative fiction genre by watching the Internet, it's true, but if you really want to get that face-to-face reaction, you need to do it in the flesh. Conventions allow you to really see how people are reacting en masse, and is a great way to get some really solid, really immediate ideas of where fandom is going. Also, many conventions will have panels on the business of writing, how to construct an alien language, alien cuisine...the list goes on. I've learned some awesome things from conventions that I was really surprised to realize I hadn't known before.
Reason #3: Impressions. You never get a second chance to make a first impression. This is a very true thing. But you don't even get to make a first impression unless you get yourself out there and give people a reason to know who you are. Exposure is great and all, but honestly, most of the people who come to a midlist author's readings and signings are the ones who already know who you are. At the same time, people will remember the person who told that funny story at that one party, and if you've given them a business card, they'll probably look you up. Conventions let you give people something to identify you by.
Reason #4: Networking. We all sort of live on our own little skerries here in the online world, occasionally taking a boat ride over to visit friends who live nearby. It's possible to be online for years and never come in contact with people whose islands are far away from yours. Sharing a panel with another author, or just hanging out with them in a bar, provides a connection that the Internet can never match. Conventions are a way to strengthen old friendships and kick-start new ones.
Reason #5: Shopping. I adore the shopping at conventions. The dealer's hall is a wonderful treasure trove of things you never knew you couldn't live without. At big cons, like San Diego or WorldCon, the dealer's hall can be the size of a large flea market, all packed to the brim with exciting things. Sometimes, these exciting things will include your books -- books that may be simply aching for a signature. There's an old joke in UK fandom about it being harder to find an unsigned Pratchett than it is to find a signed one. Aspire to the standard. Live the dream.
There are other reasons -- conventions are fun -- but these are the ones that are most likely to apply to an author contemplating his or her first con. There are lots of good reasons to go. Hopefully, I can help you minimize the bad ones.
Part I: Choosing the Convention That's Right For You.
Conventions are a lot like kittens. They look awesome on paper, and you just want to bring a hundred of them home with you -- but then you quickly discover that every one is its own creature, and that what worked with the Siamese may well cause the Maine Coon to bite your face off. You want to learn as much as you can about a given convention before you make the final decision to go there. Factors to consider:
* How big is it? Conventions range from a few dozen to several hundred thousand attendees. No, that was not a typo. The San Diego Comic Convention no longer sells memberships at the door, because they just get that damn many people. I don't recommend going for one of the really big conventions as your first, unless you're planning on just attending. Not working the convention, not trying to get on panels, just attending. Even then, I highly recommend a 'training wheel' convention first -- find something smaller and local, and do that before you risk the barbarian hordes.
* How expensive is it? Many conventions base their membership prices on a sliding scale which gets steeper as the convention approaches. Buying an at-the-door membership to WorldCon will put a serious dent in almost anybody's convention budget, while the Alternative Press Expo (APE) costs roughly a trip to Starbucks. It's true that many convention-related expenses are tax-deductible for writers, but the money still has to be put on the table, and it still has to come out of your pocket in the first place.
* How far away is it? If the convention is five miles from your house, you have a lot more flexibility in terms of running and hiding. (This also applies to a convention that's five miles away from your brother's house, your best friend's house, anyplace you can bolt to safely.) Location really does matter. I know people who refuse to attend conventions outside their home country, or in specific parts of the United States. I'm planning to attend WorldCon in Melbourne, Australia, simply because it's in the Land of Poison and Flame. Give location serious consideration when making your convention choices.
* What's the convention's focus? This is a much more important question than it may seem at first glance. Take, for example, BayCon, a large regional science fiction convention in the San Francisco Bay Area. It has a primarily literary focus; there's some media, but it's definitely not central. This is old school fandom, SCA gear and all. On the other hand, you have San Diego, which is a media convention through and through. Yes, there's a place there for literature, but if it's not graphic, you're going to have an uphill slog. How big a fish do you want to be? Make sure you wind up in the pond that suits your needs and desires.
* Will you know anyone there? The more daunting a convention seems likely to be, the more you're going to need the support of people who understand your idiosyncrasies. I can do a small convention all by myself. When I'm working a convention, I not only travel as part of a pack, I have people designated as 'handlers' to make sure I eat, drink, sleep, and don't decide to walk to New Zealand. From Boston. Knowing what kind of support you'll have is going to make a big difference in whether or not a convention is right for you.
Once you've considered all these factors, as well as any personal factors -- I, for example, can't go to a convention unless I have someone to make sure my cats get fed; you may have cats, dogs, children, or a flesh-eating plant to worry about -- it's time to weigh your list of pros and cons against the conventions that are available. Especially when choosing your first convention, it's important to be sure you know what you're getting into before you put your money on the table.
Look for reviews of previous instances of a specific convention to get an idea of its reputation and culture. No two conventions are entirely alike, although there will often be similarities. You can pick and choose on a whole bunch of factors. Do you want a convention with a strong media presence? Lots of parties? Lots of academic discussions? It's all up to you.
Part II: Travel and Housing.
Unless you have a magical teleportation machine (and why aren't you sharing?), you'll probably have to travel at least a little to reach whatever convention you choose. Let me help you figure out how to do that.
Will there be a nearby airport?
Often, but not always. Many conventions wind up 'in the metro area,' rather than in specific large cities; this is because the hotel rooms cost less when they aren't actually located in a tourist destination. This can result in the need for shuttles and/or carpools to get from the airport to the convention hotel. Be sure to check the convention website to be sure that you don't get yourself stranded somewhere.
Buying your tickets a few months out will generally allow you to get a pretty good deal, but it's difficult to predict with gas prices doing what they've been doing for the past few years. If you need a last-minute flight, you might want to try one of the following sites:
Cheap Tickets.
Travelocity.
Orbitz.
Obviously, none of these sites are endorsed by the convention, and no one can guarantee you any real luck, but I've found them to be useful. All three will offer to find you a hotel room; politely refuse. You're going to want to book your own room, through the convention hotel. This both helps you get a good rate, and helps the convention guarantee their room block (we'll discuss this more a little later).
Plane fares will vary depending on where in the country or world you're starting out, and there's no way to guarantee that what you get will be 'the best.' I recommend determining what you want to pay, and what you can pay, and then watching the fares until they give you something you like. The final price jump usually happens about a week before the convention. Remember that current gas prices have things a little scrambled. Also remember that large conventions (San Diego, DragonCon, etc.) can have enough people attending that seats become scarce -- the bigger the convention, the less leeway you have.
Once you have reached the airport, you're going to need to arrange for a ride, as there's no guarantee of a reliable shuttle. You can take a taxi -- and if you split it several ways, this isn't overly expensive -- or you can arrange for a private ride ahead of time. You're on your own with this one. I usually try to hook up with somebody who has a rental car, and recommend that if you have a large (three or more) group of people, you obtain at least one vehicle for your personal use. It'll make the con a lot easier on you.
How do I actually find the hotel?
You can use the address of the convention hotel to pull driving directions off a variety of services (or get them from the convention website). Also, any decent taxi or shuttle driver will be able to get you there without so much as blinking. Just make sure you write the hotel information down, as there's no guarantee that your Blackberry will have service when you get to the Outer Mongolia International Airport.
What if I get lost?
If you get lost, call someone. I recommend calling the hotel, since it knows where it is, and your friend who happens to already be at the convention, such as me, may not really know much beyond 'um, turn right so that you pass the big artificial lake.' Again, you will be able to get the hotel's phone number off their website, and it should absolutely be traveling with you in a physical form.
Part III: Hotel.
If you're local to the convention or living in an RV, you won't need a hotel room. You should still read this section, since you'll be spending a lot of time in the hotel, whether you're sleeping there or not. Seriously.
How do I get a hotel room?
This varies from convention to convention; most will have instructions on their website. With the smaller conventions, it's generally safe to put off booking a room until a month or so before the con, unless you require some sort of special considerations. With the larger conventions -- WorldCon, San Diego, etc. -- you really can't do this. I'm serious. The San Diego room block literally sells out in a matter of hours...and it opens in February. Consider the size of the convention, and plan accordingly.
Stacking multiple people in a room to reduce costs is a fine tradition which will not be dying out any time soon. Make sure that you're only rooming with people you like, and remember that the legal limit in most states is four adults per room. Which means that if you have more people in your room than that, you really shouldn't talk about it where the hotel staff can hear you.
Many conventions will negotiate a special convention room rate for the hotel. This may require booking through the convention, or giving a special code when you call to make your reservation. This is partially to make the convention's 'room block' -- a number of room nights which was agreed on in the convention's contract with the hotel, and without which they will have to pay a sometimes quite hefty fee. It's always a good idea to be in the convention room block. If you have questions, most conventions have a Hotel Liaison who can be contacted through their website.
What do I get with my hotel room?
This is going to vary from hotel to hotel. You're essentially guaranteed to have the standards: a place to sleep, hot running water whenever you want it, and a place to store your stuff. You may also get access to a hotel pool and/or workout room, a continental breakfast, or free Internet. If the convention is large enough, it will probably have contracts with multiple hotels. Feel free to shop around for the hotel that fits you best, but don't take too much time, as a convention that large is also likely to have a housing crunch.
I can't afford to room by myself.
Conventions are a great place to meet new people, sometimes by sharing a room with them! While most conventions don't offer an official 'roommate dating service,' you can often find people who need roommates by asking around. Be sure that anyone you agree to room with is someone you actually trust, as you'll be sleeping near these people.
If you've never shared a hotel room before, please, be upfront with your needs, and with any disadvantages that might come from sharing with you. For example, I am a very light sleeper, and require quiet during my sleeping periods (possible disadvantage). I don't smoke or snore (advantages), although I will room with smokers. I need half a bed, and will share with members of either gender. By putting things clearly, I increase my odds of finding a roommate.
You mentioned that tips weren't included in the room rate. What tips?
Okay. Here's the thing: if you stay in a hotel room, someone has to clean up your mess. Even if you don't let the maids in once during your stay, they're going to have to clean the place after you go. Tip your maids. Tip them whatever you can. They're nice, hard-working people who spend their days wallowing in the filth of others, and given what I've seen filkers do to hotel rooms, they deserve a little love and compassion. Tip your maids. Tip them in quarters if you have to. Call it a charge to karma, and tip your maids.
Part IV: Letting People Know You're Coming.
This section assumes you're looking to attend a convention for working purposes. If you're not, feel free to skip it.
All right: you've found the convention of your dreams and figured out how to get there and where to sleep when you arrive. Now you want to throw yourself into the convention and start participating. This is great! This is fantastic! This is the part where...you take a really deep breath and assess. What are your credits? What are you bringing to the table, as it were? Have you got a popular website? Have you published a book? Are you associated with a genre magazine? Whatever it is you do, the convention probably has a place for you, but they won't know where to put you if you don't tell them.
Once you've figured out what kind of participant you are, visit the convention's website and find the information on the programming department. There will almost always be a contact link. They've made it easy for you; now it's your turn to make it easy for them.
The wrong way:
"Yo, AwesomeCon.
I'm gracing you with my presence. You know who I am. Put me on programming.
Signed, A.N. Author."
Also the wrong way:
"I'm just a timid newbie, but if you don't mind, you could maybe possibly let me maybe do something. *looks anxious*
Signed, Nobody."
The right way:
"Dear Programming Coordinator;
Hello. My name is A.N. Author, and I'm excited to be attending your convention for the first time this year! I was wondering if you would be able to use me on programming. My book, I, Monster: The Biography of a Bugaboo has recently come out from Big Name Press, and the sequel will be coming out a month after your convention. I have a passion for the horror movies of the 1970s, and I collect tapes of old horror hosts.
I would be happy to speak on my work, the general state of the genre, horror movies, and horror television over the past thirty years, from The Twilight Zone to Sanctuary. Please let me know if there's anything more that I can tell you, and thank you for considering me!
Signed, A.N. Author."
Think of it as something like submitting a manuscript, only what you're submitting is yourself. Most conventions are thrilled to get new blood, and as long as you're not coming across like a total tool, they'll probably try to accommodate you.
After you've emailed the programming department, wait a little while before following up. Waiting two weeks for every month to go before the convention is reasonable -- so if the convention is in three months, wait six weeks before checking in. This way, you won't be forgotten, but also won't come off as a nag -- not an impression you want to create right off the bat.
Remember, these are the people who decide what panels people will associate you with. The choice between 'Intelligent Authors Say Intelligent Things' and 'Incest in Fanfic: Interesting, or Fan-icky?' is yours.
Part V: Packing for the Convention.
So you've decided to come to the convention -- that rocks! Yay! You have a means of transportation, and you have a hotel room (or an RV). Now what happens?
Now you pack.
The weather outside.
Especially if you're traveling to a convention outside your home state or country, you need to check the weather and find out what it's going to be like during the actual convention. Weather forecasts are your friends. Also remember that cold is a very subjective thing. As a Californian, I chill at a rate which causes my hardier friends from Canada to laugh at me in a gently mocking way. If you come from a warm climate and are heading for a cold one, bring extra warm clothing. I recommend hitting your local Target (or equivalent), and investing twenty dollars in thermal pants to wear beneath your jeans. You'll be substantially happier if you never have to explain that you're doing the potty dance because your legs are frozen solid. Scarves and gloves are your good, good friends.
Inside the hotel.
It's going to be warmer inside the hotel. Much, much warmer. Not 'oh good gods, I'm going to die of hot,' but definitely cozy; I've been known to spend entire December weekends in tank tops and thin pants. Bring clothes that you're comfortable sitting down and hanging out in, things that you like, and that wear well. Bring comfortable shoes or attractive socks that you feel like showing off when you inevitably kick your shoes off. Please remember that you'll be doing a lot of walking over the course of the weekend, and don't plan to spend three days solid wearing heels.
Just to make things more fun, sometimes they turn the air conditioning on, and then it gets colder inside the hotel. Much, much colder. Bring a sweater or light indoor jacket, just in case you get the chills. This happens especially in large rooms, such as the main concert room, and you don't want to miss the big events just because you're chilly!
Bring a swimsuit if you think you might want to swim. Nothing is sadder than seeing everyone else having fun in the pool, and not having the option, even if you want it.
The necessities.
It's silly of me to say all of this, but I'm saying it anyway, since some people have never been to a convention before:
Bring something comfortable to sleep in, not just your best lace teddy. Bring one pair of underwear more than you think you're actually going to need, because you may sweat a lot, and clean clothes will make you feel better. Ditto socks. Girls, bring an extra bra. If you plan to work out, bring a set of workout clothing, and a plastic bag to put it in, to keep it away from the rest of your clothes.
There are stores almost everywhere -- shocking, I know -- but you'll be happier if you don't have to shop, so bring your toiletries. This should include, minimum, a toothbrush, toothpaste, a hairbrush of some sort, and deodorant. The hotel will supply little soaps, shampoos and conditioners. I, personally, don't like to use these, and travel with my own shower gel, shampoo and conditioner. This is because I am very girly, but also because I like to have control over my cosmetics.
You can get travel-sized bottles of most common shampoos, conditioners, and shower gel brands at any given super- or drugstore, such as Target, WalMart, or Longs. They also sell little bottles that you can put any liquid cosmetic into, for handy travel purposes. Lush sells solid shampoos that are divine for taking to conventions, because they don't spill.
If you're a light sleeper, bring earplugs. You may also want to bring an eyemask. If you require a nightlight or other specific sleeping aid -- Amy, for example, needs glow-in-the-dark stars -- pack it or plan to be sad.
If you have a tendency to injure yourself, bring supplies. I never travel without an Ace bandage and a jar of muscle relaxant, such as Tiger Balm or Blue Emu Oil.
Pack your basic painkillers, such as aspirin and Midol. If your period is looming, pack supplies. And remember that your nutrition is likely to suffer during a convention; if you take any vitamins or dietary supplements, be sure to measure them out before you go, and bring a supply for the weekend. If you have allergies or medical conditions which may require medication, be sure to bring whatever it is you need, as no one else is guaranteed to have them along, and no one wants to swell up like a blueberry because they accidentally ate the wrong thing.
The extras.
If you're planning to have books on hand to sign, you may want to bring some, just in case, along with your favorite signing pen. You may or may not have much downtime, but everyone needs to detox now and then. I recommend that you bring a book you want to read, a book you know you like, a portable music player of some sort, and a variety of music for the same. If you draw, bring a sketchbook, and if you write, bring a notebook. Bring a writing implement of some sort.
Also, there is a dealer's room, and it probably will have things you want. Bring cash and/or your checkbook, and decide ahead of time how much you have to spend. You'll be happier that way.
Part VI: Staying alive.
Wow. That's a lot of stuff, isn't it? Here are some tips for staying upright.
Pace yourself.
You'll be handed a program book at some point. This is your checklist. Look at the available events, and decide what you really want to do. Rank things, and come up with a basic game plan. You can do this daily, hourly, or just once, on Friday, but you really, really want to, because otherwise, you'll blink and realize that you haven't eaten or slept in three days. And that would be a bad thing. Very bad.
Sleep.
The human body needs more sleep than it gets on a regular basis. Note that a convention is anything but 'a regular basis.' Know your own needs. I can't function on less than six hours; if I need to be up and active by ten, I have to go to bed by four, period. If you can manage four hours, more power to you. Just be aware of what you, personally, require, and make sure that you get it.
Eat.
As a rule of thumb, the rule is 'six and two' -- you either need six hours of sleep, and two meals, or two hours of sleep, and six meals. Make sure you eat. Better yet, make sure you eat food. Candy corn is tasty, but not nutritious. You need to eat green things, things made with protein, and things that are not sugar. I'll try to help you out with that a little later on in this guide, but in the end, it's your responsibility.
Drink.
You need six glasses of water a day -- that's a liter and a half, minimum. You can get some of that from coffee and tea, but the fact of the matter is, you need water. The air in hotels is dehydrating, which means that it sucks the water out of you. Soda doesn't replace that. Try to drink some water every day, for the sake of your health. You'll feel substantially better if you do.
Bathe.
This is for you, and for everyone around you. Bathe. Go into your hotel room, turn on the hot water, and use it, combined with soap, to remove sweat and dead skin from your body. You'll feel better, and you'll smell better, and people will enjoy your company more. (A handy tip: I always pack a few extra outfits, and change my clothes if I start to feel overheated or grimy. It extends the wear of your clothing, and keeps you feeling better, longer.) You may find that you feel better when you shower three or four times a day, and hey! No one will stop you.
Monitor your mood.
Sometimes, the throng of people can be overwhelming, especially if you're naturally shy. It's okay to go off and be by yourself for a little while! No one will punish you. Take a nap, sit and read your book, or go for a cup of coffee, and let yourself relax. You don't have to be social all the time, and a few little breaks will help you feel like you've really lived the convention.
Part VII: Food.
Now, first off, I'd like to note that I am possibly the pickiest eater in the entire cosmos, and as such, this section will not help if what you want is, say, excellent Thai food. Most conventions will provide a list of local restaurants that's going to be a lot more useful to you. No, this isn't about what to eat; it's about how to eat. There's a difference.
Meals.
Eat meals. Actual meals, not just snacks. This isn't just going to fuel your body; it's going to give your psyche a chance to snag a few vital minutes of downtime, and leave you feeling refreshed and ready for the rest of the convention.
TIP: Most people treat dinner as their largest meal of the day. Most people are also fairly sedentary in the evenings. The activity at a large convention is likely to run long after midnight, and sometimes even all the way to dawn. Don't overeat at dinner, as 'I missed the midnight movie due to food coma' is a little mortifying to admit. If you cut your meal in half and bring part of it back to the hotel in a to-go box, you not only keep yourself from dozing off, you have a handy midnight snack for that late-night sugar crash!
Eating at the hotel.
You'll probably eat at least one meal at the hotel, if only because it's right there. Yum! The hotel restaurant is likely to be open for all three meals, but you should check the posted hours. They're also likely to sell the usual assortment of Americana and hotel-food classics -- salads, burgers, steaks and such. If you need food now, the hotel is a good way to get it.
Please check the posted hours carefully, as most hotel restaurants will close down for several hours before the dinner rush.
TIP: Please, please, tip your waitress. Just because the service is slow, that doesn't mean that the overwhelmed staff isn't working hard to help you, and they do remember people who don't acknowledge their efforts. If you enjoy having your cup refilled every time it empties, reward the people who take care of you!
Organizing a food run.
There comes a time in every life where you just need to get out of the hotel. You can go by yourself if you have a car, or -- assuming that it's a normal mealtime -- you can try to put together a food run. Usually, just saying 'I'm going to _____' in a public place is enough to create a food run. You can also try arranging things ahead of time.
When making a food run, remember to take into account driving time, distance, number of people, and time of day. Hitting a diner on Saturday night with a group of fifteen is a good way to guarantee yourself a long wait, so don't do it if you need to be back at the hotel in time for something specific. Make sure to have a destination in mind before you go, as the convention is usually more interesting than driving randomly through unfamiliar cities. Seriously. Native guides are useful things to have; anyone who's been to a few local conventions in the past will count as a native guide.
Bringing things back to the hotel.
Almost all hotels will prefer that outside food be kept in private sleeping rooms or in the con suite. If you make a food run -- say, to Tim Horton's for timbits -- you should be sure to keep your food in one of these two areas whenever possible. It's just polite.
And no, that doesn't mean you'll get in trouble if someone sees you eating a granola bar in the hallway. Just that we're trying to be civil and adhere to the hotel's demands.
Snacks.
Snacks rock, especially in a convention setting. Snacks keep your blood sugar up, and mean that you don't go psycho and kill us all with a capo. Please, snack.
Nuts, lunch meat, cheese, soy-based granola bars, and peanut butter are all good sources of protein. Protein provides your body with long-burning energy that can last substantially longer than simple sugars. Luna Bars are a good source of tasty soy protein, and are available in a lot of flavors.
Sliced fruit, chocolate, baked goods, candy corn, jelly beans, and jelly are all good sources of sugar and carbohydrates. Sugar and carbohydrates will provide your body with a quick burst of energy that can equalize you faster than protein, and -- when eaten in tandem with protein -- may allow you to keep going long enough for your body to break down that pesky turkey sandwich.
Yes, I am aware that by this formula, I have just claimed that peanut M&Ms are the perfect food.
If you have specific taste in snacks, bring them with you. I'll be bringing Luna Bars and an assortment of single-serving cakes, because I know I'll eat them, and they'll get me through the space between meals. I'll also be hitting Whole Foods for a bag of Gala apples, because I've actually met me. Know what you're likely to want, and make sure you can get it. By the time you're hungry enough to eat the concom, you've gone too long between meals.
TIP: If you're allergic to peanuts, there are other kinds of nut butter in the world! Most are available at Whole Foods, and may satisfy a childhood craving you'd forgotten that you had.
Drinks.
I've said it before, I'll say it again: water. Man does not survive by caffeine alone, and neither does woman, child, or cat. As a rule of thumb, drink a glass of water for every can of soda or two cups of coffee that you consume. This will help keep you balanced and prevent you from dehydrating.
TIP: The con suite may have drinks, but it may not have your drink. I only drink Diet Dr Pepper. I will thus be buying a supply from the local grocery store, because warm soda is better than no soda at all. If you have specific drink needs, take responsibility for fulfilling them.
Conclusion.
I hope this is helpful; I know I've skipped a lot of things, but, well, I was sort of starting to daunt myself. I can't wait to see you at the convention -- any convention.
We're all going to have a wonderful time!
January 13 2009, 19:14:05 UTC 8 years ago
A lot of UK hotels /do/ object to guests bringing in food, even if it is kept in a private room. If it is necessary to have it for medical reasons (diabetes for instance) then clear it with the hotel in advance, and remind them when you arrive, so that they don't get in a snit and/or the staff throw it out. This applies even more to food which can be noticed by other people (bringing in an Indian takeaway or a strong cheese would be particularly unpopular).
This can also apply to drinks. Most will not object to soft drinks, but many will object to any alcohol which isn't bought from their own bar or shop, even if it is in a private room. Some will allow it in private rooms but not in public areas. Again, check with the hotel beforehand.
A lot of UK conventions are not within easy reach of shops, or not shops which be open. Many UK shops close at night, and most are either closed or only open for a few hours on Sundays. It's even worse in a lot of Europe, there are places where shops close around midday on Saturday and aren't open at all on Sunday. Public transport can have similar problems.
Room parties: another case of check with the hotel, and before that with the convention's hotel liaison. There may be specific floors or areas for people who want late parties, or they may have a time limit. Letting them know in advance avoid hotel staff knocking on the door and throwing you out.
January 14 2009, 20:54:23 UTC 8 years ago
Thank you for the very excellent points.