So I'm thinking about going to Anime North.

Not this year as I believe I'm a bit too late to make the date in May and I also don't have the money right bow but I'm thinking about attending next year. I'm planning on going with my brother (only person who knows about my secret otakuness), we live about 5 hours drive from Toronto and I have relatives who live in Burlington (Toronto suburb) so I don't think there will be an issue with travel and accommodations. What I really need to know is how to plan this, I've never done a con and neither has my brother. I need advice on what to do, when to register, what time do we get up every morning, anything you feel may be of some use to me.

also, this is my 50th topic.

DO EET NAO!
Since I'm too lazy to pre-register I just pay at the door. Though I can't say if they do the same thing in Canada. :?
You don't wanna be a closet otaku forever do you?
Btw, gratz on the 50th topic. :lol:

ok so cons usually run non-stop. the later programs can even be hentai showrooms :D
and you can pay at the door, but it's always cheaper to reregister. i don't know the size of the con or what the location is like so i can't tell you what weapons will be allowed if you're going to cosplay.

Pre-registering is a good idea. It apparently saves money, but I don't see a difference apart from the fact that you can go on Thursday night to pick up your stuff. You also have until April 17th to do so.

As far as sleep patterns, checking the events (via website or flyers handed out at the con itself) should give you an idea as to when you should be unconscious. Since everything more or less happens in one-hour blocks, powernapping during boring periods isn't a bad idea. Also, there's an event that starts at 5:00 on Friday called "Survive an Anime Convention". You might want to look at that if you're feeling lost.

Also, for the love of god, WATCH OUT FOR THE YAOI.

good advice :?

i need some tips that they wont tell me, like It's always be the shot on the first day because of all the awesome items which might be gone by the last day, stuff like that.

Oh yeah, that's one thing.

Make sure to locate an ATM in the area. If it's your bank's ATM, then you're in luck. Otherwise, I'd recommend pulling out about $100 to start during your first round of shopping, then grabbing whatever you need once you've checked prices. Most vendors I've seen are cash only, but it might be different for where you're going.

I can't imagine debit or credit card machines being usable at each booth, ill simply assume it's 100% cash; I really dont mind; i prefer cash to cards simply because i never know what my balance is.

Me too.

Check your balance before you set on your journey XD

or i could simply bring cash and not spend any more than I have... it's not like some Otaku is going to rob me... last time I checked real guns and swords were banned from cons...

Basically what everyone has said is pretty much true, the best thing to do is check the layouts of the Con Via the map on the sight, Hit the Vendors Ally on the first or second day, carry plenty of cash, and just really mingle with other Otaku and Anime/Manga Fans.

Also if the Con has something like a danc or something it's always fun to hit that up. I know Sugoicon(it's in Northern KY, the 09 dates are October 30th-November 1st) last year had the Otaku Ball Which was a formal dance and the regular Rave Party.

but best thing I could say is a Digital Camera/Video Camera, Plenty of Batteries and Lots of Cash(Best kept in small batches about the body in various pockets).

Oh really?

im not wearing a vest or fanny pack bro, all im going to have is my two front pockets and my two back pockets... and perhaps a bag.

That's basically what I meant, Various pockets front and back maybe cargo pockets I would never tell someone to wear a fanny pack. Even I'm not that horrible in my fashion sense.

i don't know man, some of the hats you've worn has been questionable in style and appearance; no offense intended of course.

None taken, for the most part I wear a hat only when I'm outside, because me and direct sunlight have a bad history(I've been badly sunburned a good 10 times in my life).

The hats like the Mandarin Hat and the Bowler are just things I wasted money on really, the Fedora, Flat Hat, and Various Ball caps I have I wear on a regular basis. but yeah I know people who wear fanny packs and I just want to take it and throw it into a fire. never should a person need a fanny pack, just take a backpack or a messenger bag with you. For the most part things you will be buying can easily fit into one or the other. Excluding Posters and wall scrolls should you buy them.

thanks for the advice, keep it coming everyone.

I'm hitting sugoicon this year I'll have some better advice for when I get back

For the most part everything I've said is what I've heard from friends who have been to Cons.

My best friend ever lives in Canada and he goes to Anime North. He's probably the nicest guy you'd ever meet. He's going this year too.

I may go to Otakon next year. This year I couldn't go due to moving to Georgia and having to save money for that.