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 stuff you’re most excited about. Here are some tips to help you maximize your limited convention time.

Maximize Your Time at a Comic Convention

Don’t wait until you get to the con to figure out your schedule. Take some time beforehand to map out what you want to do. Get the convention schedule as early as possible (online or in the program book when you arrive) and start prioritizing. Mark panels and events you don’t want to miss. Sign up or purchase tickets in advance whenever possible for things like photo ops and autograph sessions with celebrities. You must do these things on the celebrity’s time, not yours, so prioritize that. If this means that your wife misses a panel you are presenting because it conflicts with her photo op for Dave Bautista, then so be it (this did happen by the way). Planning ahead takes some work, but it pays off when you can smoothly maximize your time at a comic convention by moving from event to event without scrambling.

Focus on Your Must-Do’s

Trying to do everything at a convention is a recipe for exhaustion and disappointment. Identify the events and activities that are your top priorities and build your schedule to ensure those happen. For some, that might be getting autographs from their favorite comic artists or TV stars. For others, it could be attending specific panels or checking out the exhibitor floor. Figure out your must-do’s beforehand and accept that you’ll miss out on other cool stuff. As long as you experience the most anticipated parts of the con, you’ll feel like your time was well maximized.

Take Breaks

Conventions are thrilling but also tiring. With so much walking, standing in lines, crowds, and stimulus, you’ll burn yourself out if you don’t take breaks. When building your schedule, plan blocks for resting your feet, getting food, and recharging. Things like panel rooms and movie screenings can allow you to sit in a quieter space for an hour. Head back to your hotel for a quick power nap or shower to refresh. Taking breaks will give you the energy you need to maximize your time all weekend.

Stay Hydrated and Fueled

The excitement of conventions can sometimes distract you from your basic needs – but don’t forget to eat and stay hydrated! Bring a water bottle you can refill throughout the day and drink frequently even when you don’t feel thirsty. Pack protein-rich snacks you can easily carry and eat between events (check with the con’s site beforehand to ensure this is OK). If you know food lines will be long, consider ordering food via delivery apps. Ensuring you’re fueled up and hydrated will prevent you from getting headachey, cranky, and tired to maximize your time.

Be Flexible

Even with the best-laid plans, conventions can sometimes throw you curveballs. A panel may fill up before you arrive, a vendor may run out of merchandise, events can start late and run long, cancellations can happen, etc. When your plans inevitably get disrupted, stay flexible and be willing to adjust on the fly. Always have a backup option in mind, so you have another panel or activity to enjoy. Going with the flow will ensure you don’t waste time stressed and frustrated and can continue maximizing your time.

The most important tip? Remember to have fun! Conventions are supposed to be enjoyable celebrations of fandom. Keeping a positive attitude and soaking up all the excitement around you will make even the most chaotic convention feel magical. With some planning and flexibility, you’ll be ready to maximize your limited time at a comic convention.

To read more of our tips on having a successful con, read our Comic Con 101

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