First off, if you are going to Dragon*Con, congratulations! You should have a great time! It’s one of the biggest SF/fantasy cons in North America, and it’s HUGE… like, “46,000 attendees” huge. It’s spread out over four hotels in downtown Atlanta, and it features some big names guests and tons of programming.
As I have attended Dragon*Con multiple times (one time as a guest) I think I have some “street cred” to be able to provide some hints to anyone who is going. So, here goes:
Bring your own food and drink. There are multiple booths at the convention that sell hamburgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, and so on… But the prices are a little steep (especially for alcoholic beverages). And the local shops hike their prices before the con, so I strongly recommend bringing stuff from home if you can (or dropping by a grocery store outside of town before you arrive).
Take a night off the con. If you can, take a “night off” the convention and have a nice sit-down dinner at one of the local eateries or just order room service. The crowds get so oppressive, especially on Saturday, that taking a break is good for your mental health.
Want to meet famous folks? Hang out at the bars. For years the only time I ever saw Aaron Douglas (Tyrol from Battlestar Galactica) was at one of the Marriott Marquis bars. After the actors and creative types finish their panels and time in the Walk of Fame autograph area, they tend to either go to their rooms or grab a drink. You’ll be surprised how sociable they are – especially if you buy them a tasty beverage.
Don’t ask stupid questions at panels. Every year, like clockwork, someone gets in line to ask a question at a panel and the audience and panelists groan at how stupid it is. Also, don’t make a speech before you ask a question… be brief, and ask an interesting question. And don’t ask panelists for an autograph or a hug…
Use the (awesome) Dragon*Con app. The convention has put together a great app for both Android phones and the iPhone, which contains the schedules, list of guests, hotel maps, party lists, and more. Really nicely done. The link is on the Dragoncon website.
Bring plenty of cash. Every year the ATM machines downtown run out of money by mid-day Saturday, and many of the dealers will not accept credit cards (and if you want to buy autographs, for most celebs that’s cash only).
Prioritize what you want to do around where you are. If there is one big panel you want to attend per day, look for other programming around that location that you will also like to do. The last thing you want to be doing is running three blocks from one panel to another. And speaking of panels…
Be ready for lines and lots of waiting. The big panels (like the Galactica or Star Trek: The Next Generation cast) have people lining up HOURS before to get the best seat. Dragon*Con has NO reserve seating, so if you want to get up to the front you are going to have to pay for it (with your own time).
Learn to love Dragon*Con TV. If you are staying at the four major hotels each hotel will be showing replays of panels that took place each day (or from the previous day). This allows you to catch programming you missed due to conflicts or overcrowding. Two years ago I saw three panels I couldn’t get into because the room had reached capacity from the comfort of my room as I enjoyed a tasty beverage.
Budget your spending. You don’t want to be running out of money the last day of the convention because you spent all your money on that Jedi robe on Friday. Only spend what you can afford, and prioritize personal hygiene and dining first, please.
Celebrities are people, too… just don’t be “stalkery.” I ended up running into John DeLancie and Johnathan Frakes so much the last time I attended I’m pretty sure they think I was following them… I wasn’t, I just happened to be staying on the same hotel floor they were. The celebrity guests are used to being stared at, but just don’t come off as staring at them. If you see a famous person, and you want to approach them, then do so, say you like their work, “read” them to see if they appear open to a chat, and if not… move on.
Decide what convention you are going to attend. Dragon*Con is actually many many different conventions, as multiple genres and fandoms are covered in depth. I know people who go just for the Star Trek panels and actors and Dragon*Con is a pretty good Trek con in its own right. Same goes for Battlestar Galactica, Firefly, Doctor Who, gaming, comics, SF and fantasy books… It contains multitudes. Unless your a “hyphenate fan” who likes lots of things (like me) you can find your favorite world and dive right in.
People watch (and take plenty of photos of the cosplayers!). There are some amazing costumes on display every year, and a particular highlight of every con is the Saturday morning costume parade. You’ll see Wookies hanging out with colonial fighter pilots, Spider-Man chillaxing with the aliens from Farscape… It’s amazing. Bring your camera!
Party! There some great parties and mixing opportunities and if you are young single person you can probably use these to… ahem… “hook up” with someone and have a good time.
Keep hydrated, take vitamins, and pace yourself. I know of so many people who overdo it every year and get sick as a dog the day after the con. Don’t be that person. Don’t try and do everything… If you can’t get to a favorite show’s panel, rest assured video will be uploaded to Youtube of that panel within two days of the convention’s end. Take care of yourself… you’re the only “You” you’ve got.