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 you can enjoy your experience and keep anxiety in check.
Why Conventions Can Feel Overwhelming
Let’s face it, conventions are intense. There are thousands of people, loud noises, and endless things to see and do. Even our extroverted child gets overstimulated sometimes! If you struggle with anxiety, fear of crowds, or you’re just a fellow introvert, it can sometimes feel like too much.
But don’t worry—there are ways to make your con experience a lot more comfortable.
1. Avoid Saturdays If You Can
Saturdays are always the busiest day of any convention. Most people have work or school on Fridays and need Sundays to prepare for the week ahead, so Saturday is prime time for big crowds.
- If possible, plan your visit for Friday or Sunday.
- If you must attend on Saturday, try to avoid the vendor floor and artist alley during peak hours. Yes, you might miss some deals, but your sanity is worth it.
- Saturdays are a great day for panels or outdoor photo shoots, where crowds are usually a bit thinner.
2. Have a Plan Before You Arrive
All good conventions release their schedules in advance. Take advantage of this:
- Map out your must-see panels, events, and signings.
- Knowing where you’re going and what you want to do gives you a “mission” and helps distract you from the crowd.
- Most panels are held away from the main floor. These areas tend to be quieter—hang out there, learn something new, and maybe make a friend!
3. Take Care of Yourself
Self-care is crucial for a successful convention experience:
- Bring a friend. Support each other and know your limits.
- Stay hydrated and eat regularly. Low blood sugar and dehydration can make anxiety worse.
- Take breaks. It’s perfectly fine to sit out of the way and scroll your phone or breathe.
- Bring a change of clothes. If you’re cosplaying and your costume becomes too much, it’s okay to change and take a break from being the center of attention.
- Listen to your needs. If you need to step outside, leave for lunch, or even call it a day, do so without guilt.
- Set Boundaries: You don’t have to take that picture or have that conversation. Being nice never means you have to do something you don’t want to do. You have to protect yourself.
4. Make the Con Work For You
We love conventions and want everyone to enjoy them as much as we do. Remember:
- It’s okay to make certain areas your safe spaces.
- If a crowd is too overwhelming, it’s okay to step away or leave entirely.
- Your well-being comes first—there will always be more cons!
What are your best tips for navigating large conventions? What do you think of our advice? We’d love to hear your experiences—share your thoughts in the comments or send us an email to write a guest blog for us!
If you found these tips helpful, check out the rest of our Comic Con-ning 101 series for more advice on making the most out of your convention adventures.