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Soonercon Survival Kit By Duvall “Duvy” Gilchrist-Montgomery Editor, Artist, Creator of Darkfaery Subculture Magazine Attending conventions is a fun and exciting experience, one that will change the way you feel about the things you enjoy. Soonercon is especially rare in the fact that it is Multi-Genre and the committee has taken care to ensure that it is a fun, hate free experience. Conventions, in general, have some of the most devoted attendees and people come from all over the world to attend them. From the costumes to their favorite celebrities, convention goers are in a different world where they can create and relate to. You are encouraged to help with the theme of the convention by creating yourself into a character and joining in the fun as a fan. Fans may seem like outcasts to a lot of people, but a convention is one place they can be among their own. It doesn’t matter what type of convention you are attending, you are sure to make new friends with the same interests as yourself. A lot of the time it is a chance to get involved in things you could never imagine or would not be able to achieve on your own. Do not be afraid to be yourself. This is the most important thing you can do, the person you are on the inside should be free to explore and here you can find new friends and people who share your interests. You should try to be open and friendly. Everyone is potential friend or new fan. Try to stay in the hotel zone close to the convention center. Being close to other convention-goers will help in making new friends and only add to your personal safety. Please try to leave hate and anger at home; this is counter-productive to the purpose behind a convention and will result in your removal from the hotel. The safety of members and children is the top priority for Soonercon security, and if you need help do not hesitate to approach one of our fine security people, they are there to help you and keep everyone safe. Soonercon takes place the first weekend of June so you will want to set aside the weekend and plan a couple of extra days off of work. Conventions usually last three to four days, one can be found almost every weekend in some parts of the country, and you will need a day to recover after all those things to do and see. There are, however, some considerations you might want to make in advance of the convention to make things easier on yourself and everyone else. Pre-register if you can. You avoid the long lines, and get cheaper prices. Pre-registered members are guaranteed a program book. Weekend members paying at the convention will receive a program book while supplies last. Registration can be a trying experience and if you pre-register you’ll get through it a lot faster. Pre-registration for Soonercon ends June 1st, Weekend memberships are $35 until June 1st, 2010. Online registration will not be available after June 1st. Weekend memberships will be $35 at the door. One-day memberships will be available at Registration for $15 each day in advance or $20 at the door. Next thing to consider, bring a costume, sometimes two or three. Many conventions have contests for the best costume. You will want to have a nice choice so that you don’t find yourself uncomfortable or out of place. You will be able to put yourself out there in the manner you want. If you are planning many costume changes, get yourself a hotel room, not only will it make your life at the con easier, but you help out the people behind the scenes at the convention by letting the hotel know there is interest. This also helps the behind the scenes convention committee plan and afford the convention for the next year. If you do plan on staying in a hotel, team up with people to rent a room. Decide ahead of time whose credit card it’s going on and how much everyone has to pay and who gets the beds. Set up rules of behavior for the room. The room rules are important to your safety and overall fun factor. Don’t lose your room key and don’t ask anyone to hold it for you that are not in your party. I hate to say it, but there are bad seeds in every crowd, convention goers’ aren’t screened or given background checks you never know who you are dealing with, especially when one is in a costume or becoming a character. Keep up with your items, family, and children at all times. Get some cheap cell phones with extra minutes on it for you and your party in case you get separated. Tracfone is super cheap; around $10 each and you can recycle them later for a few bucks if you don’t need them. Put everyone on speed dial, especially children, even if they don’t understand how to use the phone an adult who finds your lost child will be able to call you easily. Don’t argue with security. No matter what. Don’t lose your convention badge. No matter what. Otherwise take several pictures of yourself wearing it as soon as you get it and maybe *maybe* the sweet gods of registration will let you live. Dress in loose fitting clothing so that when you get stuck in a crowd you don’t overheat, think shower and deodorant at least once a day over the course of the weekend, another great reason to get a room. Bring alternate footwear, getting stuck in heels or painful shoes for three days can sometimes ruin everything if you plan to walk from one end of the hotel to another several times. Use your toothbrush often and don’t forget the mouthwash, close contact breeds bacteria and is just plain gross. We don’t want everyone getting sick. Find out if any of your favorite celebrities are appearing. Find out the times they will be available to the public, and bring collectibles they can autograph or be prepared to buy something in the exhibitor’s room. Be prepared to stand in long lines to meet popular celebrities. Buy your food and drinks ahead of time. Nothing will make your money disappear faster than buying breakfast at the hotel or eating in nearby restaurants. Bring information on your favorite stories, shows or movies to discuss. Most conventions have discussion panels on a wide variety of topics. Panels are a great way to make new friends and learn about new things, but remember while you are in the panel rooms the convention is still happening around you and it’s easy to lose track of time, keep your program book close by and make notes in it. If you are attending a panel you know will be popular, get there early. Study the collectible items available for purchase or up for auction. Bring plenty of money so you can purchase the items that appeal to you. Try not to rely on your credit cards, you can go over budget really quick when you are having a good time and see things you just have to have for your collections. Keep cash on hand, keep a firm hold on your wallet, and count your money often to make sure you are not spending more than you have. Attend the “dead dog party” after the closing ceremonies. This is often the best way to wind down and to ease your way back into the real world. Trust me, you will find yourself a different person after attending a convention. And finally, most importantly, have a great experience and we hope to see you at the next Soonercon! http://www.soonercon.com/