If attending a convention party such as a masquerade or even a concert, you’ll need to treat it like a late night panel since there will most likely be a large number of people in attendance. Make sure you know what you’ll need to bring and when you should get in line. Read the convention’s guide on any information you can get about the event so you know exactly what to expect. For example, if the seats are on a first come first served basis, you’ll want to get there far earlier than if the seats are pre-assigned. If you have any friends who’ve attended the event in prior years, get some basic information such as the energy level you can expect, how long the lines are, and how late you can expect it to go. These shows are generally as safe as any other convention sponsored event, but since you’ll be out late possibly away from the main site of the convention, bring friends with you and let others know where you plan to be.
Besides events like masquerades and black and white balls, conventions offer plenty of other opportunities for a festive time. Some conventions serve alcohol on location, and while this will set you up for a fun night, or let you have one at the convention, keep it classy and remember that there may be kids around. Even if there are only of-age adults as far as the eye can see, no one appreciates a belligerent, inebriated otaku. As always, keep an eye on your drink! Some conventions also offer maid cafes, a popular phenomenon in Japan that is slowly creeping its way into the states. Maid cafes are very festive and rely on the appeal of their servers to bring in customers. Just like cosplayers, the waitresses at a maid café are there for looking, smiling, and conversation, not touching; it goes without saying, but don’t cross the personal boundaries of your gracious hosts!
Company parties are somewhat of a rarity but they do, at times, invite convention guests in on the action. These usually take place at local bars or clubs and are an opportunity for you to mingle with the creators of some of your favorite franchises. When attending, standard party etiquette applies: don’t harass people, be friendly and polite, and just enjoy yourself. These types of events aren’t known for being dangerous, but since there are likely to be less people around you, take a few extra precautions. Know what area of town you’ll be in, and again, bring a friend and let others know where you’ll be and when. Make sure you have basic plans and backup plans for transportation and have an idea of how you’ll handle unexpected hiccups, like if your friend has too much to drink and they need to make a quick exit home.
Parties put on by con attendees are usually just like regular house parties, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Firstly, know exactly where you’re going. If you’re going to pack yourself into a hotel room with fifteen other people, keep in mind that the hotel will frown upon excess noise and rowdiness and will kick you out if things get out of hand. Secondly, do not under any circumstances shirk the rule about telling your friends where you’ll be. No matter how nice someone is, if you’ve only just met them, you’ll have no idea what type of situation you’ll be getting in to. Again, more often than not you’ll be safe, but there’s always potential for someone to take advantage of the situation in a very bad way.
Con parties are publically listed events, company parities are generally found on their websites or invitations are given out at booths, and attendee parties are simply invite only if you happen to hear about them, but regardless of how you hear about them and where you go, remember to stay safe. This means drinking within reason, taking friends with you, and maintaining connections with people outside the situation.
Be sure to check out the other parts of our guide including:
Convention Survival Guide: What to Bring
Convention Survival Guide: How You're Getting There
Convention Survival Guide: Where to Stay
Convention Survival Guide: What to Eat
Convention Survival Guide: Showroom Floor and Artists Alley
Convention Survival Guide: Cosplayers
Convention Survivial Guide: Panels and Autographs
Convention Survival Guide: Parties
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