Going to an Anime Convention

[vampire_queen7]

In April I plan to go to Anime Boston. Last year I went for the majority of a day with 3-4 friends. We were only there the second day and the trip had been last minute so I hadn't had a lot of spending money. I also didn't get to attend any events. This year I am planning on going overnight for one night, so I'll be at the con for (hopefully) two full days and a night for whatever night events. Although I feel more comfortable having attended last year, and more confident in my planned out budget this year, I still have some worries regarding the con, what to expect, how to prepare, etc.

My first worry is who I'm going with. This year a lot of my friends are out of state for college and can't go, and those who are in state with me are either broke or I don't trust or care to go with. This year my grandmother said she'd go with me. I'm actually excited to be spending a weekend type thing with my grandmother, but I'm worried about her as well. When she was younger she took my mom to Star Trek conventions, so she says she'll be fine with whatever she sees. But I think there's a big culture difference between Star Trek and anime, and last year when I went there were a lot of weird and often pornographic things you don't see everyday. There was a doujinshi stand I had liked, and this year I fear that I won't be able to buy what I want because she'll be with me. Not to mention some events last year (found flipping through the pamphlet recently) that I would have been interested in were somehow rated 18+. I'm sure that will happen again this year, but my problem is since it's anime it could be either violence, porn, or both. And the pamphlets don't say. So I'm taking a risk with going into a lot of those. I guess I could ask her to do her own thing for that time, but it's still awkward her knowing I'm watching that sort of material.

I'm also planning on what to bring. My grandmother is paying her half of everything, so whatever I plan will work for both of us because we'll be matching each other. But planning is a little difficult. I don't know which days to go either. I can either ask for Friday/Saturday off from work and have the most events and first dibs on items, or I can ask for Sat/Sun off and get the Sunday bargains.

So I don't know, does anyone have any general advice on going to conventions overnight? I'm having trouble planning and I'm stressing about if my set spending amount is enough or not.

Also, the hotel we're planning to reserve at is at the hotel, I believe, so I think attending end of the night events are not out for me (provided my grandmother knows ahead of time.)

@____@

[legnanellaf5]

Okay, so lets make this clear. Slash. That started with Star Trek. In the 70s. And the only real difference between anime and comic book cons is that anime is full of stupid kids who are cheap. Obviously though, if you are going with your grandmother, you wont want to do the adult stuff, but dont think that she doesnt know what sex and other s**t is.

For what days it depends on what you want more, like if you are a shopping person sunday is besy for deals but friday is best for things that are limited. If you care about events, ther are generally thigns that are usually around the same time every year, but you wont know the schedule till the week before so you have to just choose one and go for it. There is no real work in planning for sleepign over or not, just have clothes to do that with, bring snacks so you arent eating out and budget based on what you can afford.

[Ninja kyuubi13]

You could see if she wants to do her own thing around boston while you are at the con. Or you could sit down and talk to her and see if shes uncomfortable with the 18+ things it may be awkward but that way its less of ditching her.

[Viviane_neechan]

Both of the previous replies are excellent answers.

In terms of scheduling, personally I'd prefer Friday/Saturday because I'm more interested in events than shopping, and even though Sunday is often discounted, there isn't a deal on EVERYTHING, and it all still seems pretty expensive to me.

In terms of ecchi stuff all over the place, there's SO MUCH GOING ON at an anime convention that she may not even notice a lot of it (especially if she isn't looking for it).

As for the 18+ panels...if you're concerned, why even go? There have got to be other events that interest you (and maybe even your grandma), so there's not even necessarily a need for you to attend them.

In any case, it's awesome that you have a grandparent so interested in what interests you. 3nodding Have fun!