A Resident's Perspective: The Convention Special

As I write this on May 19th, I’m preparing to head up to Atlanta for one of my favorite events of the year: MomoCon. This multi-genre convention celebrates all corners of geek culture—from gaming and comics to animation and cosplay. Not only was MomoCon my first convention after 2020, but it also marked my first time attending a multi-day convention. Before that, when I lived in Upstate New York, I could only attend single-day events due to scheduling limitations.

"John, how does someone like you navigate something as big, noisy, and crowded as a convention?"  That’s a great question. As someone who has been attending conventions for nearly a decade, I’ve learned a lot—and I’m happy to share some tips and insights.

Move with Intention

I approach conventions the same way I navigate large cities: with purpose. You either move with intention or step aside to reassess your plan without blocking others. This method helps me keep my day organized while being respectful to the flow of crowds. And if you're in it for the long haul like me? Wear comfortable shoes. Trust me–your feet will thank you.

Prepare for the Senses

Conventions can be sensory-heavy experiences, so it’s important to come prepared. If you’re prone to overstimulation:

• Bring noise-canceling headphones

• Pack a fidget toy

• Look up and ask about available accommodations in advance

Tech is Your Friend

I share my location with my parents using my Google account so they know where I am at all times—and I can see where they are too. Communication is key, especially if you’re attending with a friend or group. For my first convention in 2015, my mom came with me. The following year, I went with a couple of friends who shared my interests. Having that shared enthusiasm made the experience even more memorable.

Spend Wisely

Another part of attending conventions independently is using good judgment—especially when shopping from artists or vendors. It's easy to get swept up in the excitement, but I always ask myself, “Is this worth it in the long run?” (Though, sometimes you just forget to pack a shirt and have to buy one—been there!)

Plan Ahead for Hotels

If you're attending for more than one day, I highly recommend booking a hotel close to the convention center in advance. The closer, the better. I learned this the hard way at MomoCon 2023. One night, a panel ended late and I ordered an Uber back to my hotel. What I didn’t know was that an Ed Sheeran concert at the nearby stadium had just ended, flooding the streets with traffic. My driver couldn’t reach the pickup point, so I had to walk several blocks to meet him.

To make matters worse, my phone was almost dead, so I had to coordinate with my mom while trying to conserve battery. The ride back took forever due to traffic, and by the time I arrived, I was totally wiped out. It was one of those situations where you have to stay calm, adapt quickly, and make the best of it.

More Than Just Fun

All of this goes to show that conventions are more than just fun—they’re great opportunities to build independence, practice problem-solving, and grow more confident in navigating the world on your own terms.

Next week, I’ll be back with a lighter and more relaxing story. Until then, stay tuned—and if you’re headed to a convention soon, I hope you have an amazing (and well-prepared) time!