I'm about to go to my first science fiction/science fantasy/media convention. What should I know before going?

by Carole Parker
Welcome to your first science fiction and fantasy convention. You'll meet all sorts of people here, and we're looking forward to meeting you, too. You're what we call a "newbie" or "neo-fan." If you would like to find out about more fannish terminology, read the Fannish Vocabulary . Have some other questions? Take a look at our other FAQs to see if you can get some answers that way.

Conventions are typically broken down by:

• Programming
  What fills up the daytime and evening hours with panels, seminars, demonstrations, and events that you'll probably want to attend. You'll be informed, amused, and impressed with some of the panels and events. At least, every convention staff hopes you will be. Take a look at the schedule/program book that you get when you register to see what is being offered when, and attend the panels, seminars, and events that interest you.

• Dealers Room
  Also called the "Hucksters Room," where you can buy stuff. Interested in movies? You'll typically find someone selling DVDs or VHS tapes of shows or movies. Interested in books? You'll find book dealers selling books, comics, and graphic novels on wide-ranging topics and universes. Interested in jewelry or costumes? At some cons, you can find them in this room, too.

• Art Show
  Professional and amateur artists love showing their works, and sometimes, they'll even sell them. You can find 2-D and 3-D art in the art show. Some of the art is funny, some of it is dramatic, and some of it may confuse you. If you can't afford original artworks, you may be able to buy prints or lithographs at a price you can afford. Looking is always free.

From another website compiled by Matt J. McCullar, here's a thought for you:

...if you're new to fandom and are a bit timid around strangers, don't worry. You will see and meet all sorts of people. Take heart in knowing that they are all there for the same reason you are. That means you have something in common already. If you need help with anything, ask the convention staff. They are ready and willing to help first-timers as well as seasoned pros. They can introduce you to other fans, and that's one of the main reasons why we go to conventions.

Come with your sense of wonder and humor, and I can guarantee that you'll have a good time. Most conventions have an Information Desk, and that can be the first place to ask questions. Or, you can use it as a means of going up to that cute individual and asking them to help you out.

We sincerely hope that you'll enjoy your first convention, and that you'll want to attend other conventions in the future.