Choosing a Convention

Chances are that if you are choosing to cosplay you are planning to wear you costume to a convention. This post is to help those of you who are unsure of where you plan to go for your convention.

Things to Consider

• Distance you are willing to drive
• Which conventions your fellow cosplayers attend (especially important if doing a group cosplay)
• Size of the convention
• What you want out of the convention
• Price of the convention
• Type of cosplay you plan to wear
• Time of year (it can be better to avoid cosplaying a character with a very warm jacket in the heat of the summer) 
• Distance from home
• Cost of hotels

Word of Mouth

One of the best ways to find out which conventions are good in your area is through your fellow cosplayers. Chances are, if you are new to cosplaying you have either attended a convention or know someone who has, so asking around can give you a great perspective into different people's experiences at different conventions. Their experience may not branch out past local conventions, though. I have known people who have gone to conventions in Texas and Indiana in the same year.

Another upside to asking around is that if you choose a convention a friend or acquaintance likes then you may be able to attend the convention with them, which can often be more fun and less intimidating for someone new the cosplay.

Internet Searching

Using sites such as Google can be useful to finding out conventions in your area. Search terms such as "Dallas anime convention" can lead you to which conventions are in the area.

Plan Ahead

Many conventions offer a lower rate the earlier you buy tickets. If you know you plan to attend a specific convention then buying tickets early is one of the best ways to save up to 50% off of the day of price.