Welcome to Comic Con 101 by Nola Nerd Couple — comic con tips for families, first-timers, and fans looking to make the most out of comic cons and fan conventions!
What is Comic-Con 101?
Curious about taking your family to a fan convention or comic con? You’re in the right place!
Our Comic Con 101 series is your crash course for everything you need to know about attending fan conventions, especially as a family.
We’ve spent more than a decade exploring cons across the country (and beyond!), and we’re here to make your experience fun, simple, and stress-free—whether it’s your first con or your fiftieth.
Why Trust Our Comic Con Advice?
Nola Nerd Couple are teachers, travelers, and lifelong fans who’ve officially covered major cons like:
- Star Wars Celebration (2017, 2019)
- Fan Expo New Orleans (2017–2025)
- MegaCon Orlando (2018)
- Pensacon (2016–2020)
- Comicpalooza Houston (2017)
- BayouCon (2016)
- Space City Con (2016)
We’ve been media guests, panelists, podcasters, and passionate, real-world attendees—so we know what families really need!
Whether you’re planning your first trip as a family or you’re a solo nerd looking to explore big conventions, our tips are based on real experiences to help you navigate every step of the way.
Your Comic Con 101 Crash Course
Explore our most popular guides and tips below. Each one is packed with practical advice, real-world stories, and family-friendly recommendations.
Here is the course in order of our most recent posts:
⭐️ Tips for Navigating Large Conventions (and Avoiding Anxiety)
Feeling overwhelmed by crowds? Learn how to keep everyone calm and happy—even introverts!
⭐️ 10 Ways to Comic Con a Budget
Our top hacks for saving money, from travel to food and free activities.
⭐️ What to Ask at Celebrity Panels
The dos and don’ts for making the most of Q&A sessions.
⭐️ How to Make the Most of Your Time at a Comic Convention
Scheduling, priorities, and must-see attractions—without the stress.
⭐️ Getting the Most Out of a Celebrity Interaction
How to get great autographs and photos, and create memorable moments.
⭐️ How to Have an Amazing Fan Panel at Comic Con
Tips for hosting or attending fan-led panels.
⭐️ How to Have a Successful Comic Con as an Attendee
Our classic guide to enjoying your con to the fullest.
We try to update this as often as we can to make sure we give you the best information!
Why We Do This: Inspiring Nerdy Families
Our Mission:
To inspire and connect nerdy families, pop culture lovers, and fandom enthusiasts by providing honest, family-focused convention guides, reviews, and tips. We believe every family should feel welcome in the world of fandom!
Our Values:
- Family-friendly focus
- Authenticity & honesty
- Inclusivity
- Lifelong learning
- Diversity in fandom
- Fun and adventure
We know how intimidating fan conventions can seem at first, especially for families with young kids or solo adventurers. That’s why we’re dedicated to making fandom accessible for everyone, whether you’re a lifelong geek or a new fan just discovering the joys of cosplay, panels, and fandom.
Join the Nola Nerd Couple Community!
Whether you’re a seasoned con-goer or just starting out, we invite you to dive into our Comic Con 101 guides, share your stories, and connect with other fans.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Bluesky, or leave a comment on one of our articles! Join the conversation, share your favorite memories, or ask us your burning convention questions—we love hearing from fellow fans!
For Event Organizers: Invite Nola Nerd Couple for Real Family Coverage
Looking for authentic, family-focused event coverage? We’ve covered Star Wars Celebration, Fan Expo, MegaCon, Pensacon, and more.
Contact us about media partnerships! Let us bring a family-friendly perspective to your event, helping you connect with a broader audience of fans who are eager to explore your convention.
More Resources for Nerdy Families
Before you go, take a look at our latest blogs! We regularly update our site with new tips, reviews, and guides to help you make the most of your con experiences.
Whether you’re here for cosplay tips, budgeting advice, or just to connect with fellow nerds, we’ve got something for everyone.
Happy con-going, and may the force (or fandom) be with you!
All ComicCon-ing 101 Guides
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Tips for Navigating Large Conventions (and Avoiding Anxiety)
Are you excited about attending your first fan convention, but worried about crowds, anxiety, or just feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone! As introverts ourselves—with a little extrovert in the family—we know how daunting big conventions can be. That’s why we’ve put together our best tips for navigating large conventions so…
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10 Ways to Comic Con on a Budget
Discover how to enjoy Comic Con on a budget with our expert tips on affordable accommodation, travel hacks, and free events.
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What to Ask at Comic Con Panels: The Ultimate Guide to Celebrity Panels (2025)
Celebrity Q&A panels can be amazing or cringe. We give you the dos and don’ts of questions to ask at a celebrity panel.
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How to Make the Most of Your Time at a Comic Convention
Comic conventions are jam-packed weekend events with many things to see and do. From panels and screenings to exhibits and vendors, there’s never enough time to do everything on your list. The key is being strategic with your schedule to maximize your time at a comic convention and prioritize the…
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Our Hack on How To Get The Most Out Of A Celebrity Interaction
One question we get asked about comic cons is how to get the most out of a celebrity interaction. At comics cons, you will meet celebrity guests either at their table or during a photo op. Both have their draws. Autographs are exceptional collector’s items. A personalized signature is an…
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How to Have an Amazing Fan Panel at a Comic Con
So you want to have an amazing fan panel at comic con? Celebrity guests are the main draw for a comic convention. Big names attract people. Their panels allow us to be able to ask celebrities questions. However, they are not the only panels at fan expos. Fan led panels…