Bring a refillable water bottle, and maybe some food with you. I went to my first con this past weekend and felt like I ended up spending more money than intended just on buying food, but for some meals I’d’ve preferred to have just had food to eat in my hotel room.

Also, if you’re a light sleeper consider a pair of earplugs if you’re staying at the location the con is held at overnight.

Stay safe. With covid cases increasing again, being in a convention center with a ton of people might be problematic even if you have the vaccine.

Oh and start saving some pocket money now. You might find some official/fan-made merch that catches your eye.

Shower and use deodorant. You probably know that already, but just in case.

Be prepared to wait in line

• Set a budget and stick to it. If cash is allowed, hide your credit/debit card and just take out how much you want to spend.
• Don't be disappointed if something doesn't hit the same for you as it does for others. Some people live for signatures & meet and greets and I could not care less for example.
• When you've had your fill, leave. Don't force yourself to stay out of some sort of obligation. If you're burnt out, just go home / back to the hotel.
• Protect your bubble. Nobody has the right to touch you. Nobody has the right to waste your time making you listen to their rant about the deeper meaning behind the colour of Narutos jumpsuit.
• Plan a little bit. Make a schedule of seminars / talks / screenings you want to go to and look over the map of the location. Add a good 15 minutes at least to any travel time estimates to get to a new location. But do not pack your plan so tightly that you can't do anything else. Big gaps are useful.
• Abandon your plan whenever it suits you. If you're having fun doing something, keep doing it. Your plan is a set of guidelines, not a railroad.
• Make note of bathrooms and water fountains as you walk around so you can find them easily when the time comes.
• Bring a bottle of water and some snacks.

Don't be 'that guy'

• Don't touch the cosplayers.
• Don't follow ecchi tropes. IRL flipping skirts, grabbing boobs, and trying to take panty shots is sexual assault and can land you in jail. Or if you're a decent human being with any measure of empathy... it makes people feel uncomfortable and violated.
• Don't stink. Wash your body with soap and wear clean clothes.
• Don't carry on one sided conversations.
• Don't follow famous people back to their hotel and wait outside their room.

This year’s weather at AX is looking pretty good (it’s forecasted around low 80’s, which is good for this time of year in LA), so hopefully that helps with sensitivity to temperatures. The con also does have water stations around all over the place for refills. Last year, the AC didn’t have too many issues from my experience. It can get a little stuffy with some areas being congested, and maybe a bit more in AA, but I thought it was pretty good on that front.

AX is a massive con. There is a lot going on, and tons of people. I think it’s important that you brace yourself for crowds and people, but also know when you need to take a break to collect yourself. There’s quieter spots around the con, and if you’re hotel is close (if you’re doing hotel block), you may want to consider taking a break and just getting a breather in your room.

Lol get used to waiting. Anime expo sub name is line con

AX is crazy crowded, so be aware of your surroundings. It's easy to feel swallowed up in the crowd. If you feel like your autism will interfere with your ability to stay in big lines, you can get an ADA pass which allows you to use the shorter ADA line!

Neighborhood area surrounding the convention can get pretty ghetto and pretty dicey real quick so understand where you're going and how to safely get there if you feel like venturing beyond Convention and LA live.

It's not a bad idea to bring a few snacks like granola/protein bars or a PBJ that you can stick in your bag. Food lines can be long, much of it is expensive, and sometimes the things you want to do can make it hard to find a good block of time for a normal meal. My friends have often found themselves in the rhythm of a good breakfast, snacks throughout the day, then a large late dinner. If you don't eat them, they're just more snacks for another day!

If there's a particular artist/vendor/item you want to see, don't save it for last! Some booths will run out of some of their items as the con goes on.

Be aware of your surroundings and where your valuables are. I don't think it's a common issue, but I have had 2 incidents with people trying to rummage through my backpack when in large crowds. If you're in a really big one, consider putting your bag on your front where you can keep an eye on it.

It's super easy to be under prepared and frustrated during your first time at a convention as big as AX.

I would have a rough game plan for any panel you want to see, where the lines are, and when you'll have some extra time to eat or go check out other parts of the convention. You don't need to plan down to the minute but having an idea of what you want to do in advance will avoid a lot of wasted time.

Secondly, definitely don't be afraid to participate in panels, go try out free games/events at the hundreds of different booths, or talk to people. You'll get as much from a convention as you put in.

Hello new con goers.

First of im glad you can make it this year, because it it jam packed with exhibitors and Aritst Alley. Beleive me when I say this this year is quite ambitious

1. I outside is more expanded then ever, like holy shit we will be getting more room outisde this year that mean more food trucks I hope. And beer garden is not located near the peacock thethers, where beer garden was used to be outisde the venue where u can chill and drink, you gotta be legal age to drink.

2. 900+ exhibitors this year that is 2x more than last year, bandai hulu crunchroll you name it they will be there showing iff thier stuff to promote lol.

3. artist alley is jam packed with fan arts. For you to buy

4. if your feeling kinky, go ehqd and check out the 18+ section if your into hentqi or doujins, so be it. You won't get judged. Your already at anime expo lol.

5. wear comfortable clothes if your not wearing cosplay. Wear deodorant, if you can afford ax you can afford a deodorant.

6. cosplaying is not cosnet. Always ask for pictures.

7. bring your own food if you can, its expensive really is not worth buying over figured or hentai

8. bring reusable waterbote. Waterbottle are not cheap.

9. download Ax app, suoer convenient, its hub of your weekend, tells you what is going on, what panels. Where things are, has a map. Use it.

10. have fun

If this is your first con you’ll be disappointed going to any other in the future. 😂 AX is one of the biggest.

Former first AX goer here:

If you plan to get to AX by car, be ALERT with parking. Parking is a big Red Flag, especially public parking since several are closed on the weekends. My advice is take Amtrak or Metrolink Trains if you live here in Southern California. My 1st time going was hell cuz me and my friends spent almost 3 hours looking for parking.

Bring a little stool for the lines, like one of those fold-up-flat ones that can fit inside a tote bag and is super light. Anything involving a panel will require a line. A personal fan will be useful too, as the lines will be outside in the heat.

Note, the above post links to websites and conventions associated with Ryan Kopf, a notorious convention runner in the convention community. Please take any advice in the post with a grain of salt and research said Ryan Kopf before attending any of his conventions. Knowledge is power.

Why are we linking Kopf websites in an advice post?

Absolutely not Ryan Kopf raped me when I volunteered at his Liberty City Con in New York back in 2017. He literally has enough victims we could fill an entire support group up and start a wait list.

#cancelkopf

Tip: shower, Shower, SHOWER. Axe body spray is not a shower.

If you're not feeling well, stay at home. That's how con crud spreads.

Obligatory "Cosplay is not consent". Keep your hands to yourself.

Always ask to take photos. Don't be cheeky and snipe photos as you're walking by

You will love it. I'll never forget my first Otakon.

Go to Otakon's website to check out the guests and events they are having this year. A week or two before the con, they will release the schedule on the Guidebook app. This app is the holy grail. You can craft your personal schedule, get alerts for when events are starting, view a map of the convention to help navigate, and check when certain things such as the shopping halls open or close. Speaking of the shopping halls, the Dealer's Room is where you find more mainstream merch while the Artists' Alley is where artists sell their craft and you might find something more off the beaten path.

The crowds can be overwhelming at times, but the convention center is big and you can find quiet areas. The food is not very good and overpriced so I would step outside to try a nearby restaurant if you get hungry. Carry a little bag with water, snacks, and money. Make sure to hydrate and wear comfortable shoes because it's a lot of standing/walking.

If you're interested in cosplay, do whatever is in your heart. A lot of people get on here asking if it's okay they don't cosplay anime. It's totally fine! Otakon has expanded to include all sorts of stuff. I myself usually cosplay from video games and I've seen plenty of other stuff like LOTR, Disney, Star Wars, etc.

Let me know if you have any questions!

A lot of good advice here so I offer some advice I wish I knew going into my first Otakon. (Been going every year since 2009.) First the Walter Washington con center is CASHLESS. Bring a credit card cause you never know when you’ll need that emergency snack before a panel. I bring cash for merch/artist alley, card for food. Artist alley appreciates small bills($1, $5, $10) and seems to favor cash but most will take cards. Follow the 6-2-1 rule: 6 hours of sleep, 2 decent meals (energy drinks don’t count!) and at least 1 shower a day. Bring an empty refillable water bottle to fill at the con center. I say empty cause the security the WWCC employs miscommunicate a lot and will sometimes make you toss outside snacks and filled bottles (thinking you’re bringing in alcohol). August heat is not forgiving so drink water and dress cool. While waiting in line strike up conversations with fellow con goers. You’re waiting in line for the same thing so you already have something in common. Wear COMFORTABLE shoes. You will walk a lot! Don’t break in those new shoes here. Take breaks! There’s so much to see and do it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Don’t be afraid to find a seat in the gaming room or maker space to chill out and make a cool craft in maker space. Remember any meds you might need, prescription or OTC. Headaches or stomach troubles don’t stop cause you’re having fun!

Overall have fun, stay hydrated and enjoy your first Otakon!

Unanimous act3 and Mello-knight summed it up perfectly.

I will add tho (for safety reasons) last year, there were groups of people standing around out front claiming to be from various charities who try to pressure people into donating to their causes. These guys are 100% scammers. If you happen to see them or any panhandelers outside the convention center, DO NOT GIVE THEM ANY MONEY.

(I see you say you're shy, so if you don't feel comfortable saying no right there, take a picture of their web info and claim that you will check them out later, or something so that they'll leave you alone)

I’m going for the 1st time too! My daughter is going to be performing and she’s excited to be going to such a large con. She usually runs Idol panels do I’m guessing she’s going to be singing. I booked 3 different hotels and canceled two because they didn’t have free internet. Have fun and stay safe!

You’re going to have a good time!

There are rooms full of booths with merchandise (both official and fan made) from almost any anime you can think of. There will be panels on subjects from shows to cosplay to games to music and anything in between and beyond (check the schedule in the days before to see if there’s something you don’t want to miss). There’s an entire room for gaming, consoles and arcade games, tabletop, and tournaments. You’ll have the chance to meet people “in the industry” so voice actors, directors, creators, musicians. There will be concerts and rooms showing anime’s and the streets of DC will be flooded with all the people attending the con. There will be people in cosplay, people in regular clothes, people dressed fancy and people dressed skimpy. Your best chance to make friends will be in line, but don’t hesitate to talk to people anywhere. If someone is in cosplay it is 100% okay to ask for a picture (either of them or with them). There will be photo shoots where everyone from a certain anime/group will meet up for pictures. You’ll probably do laps of the entire convention center several times and still not see everyone attending and there maybe entire rooms you’ll miss (check the map in advance if there’s something specific you want to see).

It can be overwhelming, but I hope this helps! Do a little planning, pick a few things you really want to do and let the rest just sweep you away!

Expect major crowding all around the area & Disneyland type of lines inside.
Have a water bottle with you because it will be hot. Be hygienic.
Expect the food trucks / vendors to be overpriced around the area. If you're expecting to purchase artwork / posters, bring a poster tube.
Get there early so you don't get stuck in the giant line waiting to get inside. I've normally gotten there at 7 in the morning & there's already a pretty long line by then so I'd suggest 5 or 6 am.

Everyone’s already given some solid tips so I’m just going to hone in one specific one that’s served me the best: Have your food situation on lockdown. Buy snacks ahead of time and bring plenty with you, the prices for food in the convention hall are pretty exorbitant and honestly not super awesome unless you’re going to a food truck. Scout ahead to see which food establishments are closest and give you the best value for your money. And most importantly, BRING PLENTY OF WATER.

Lots of the stuff mentioned already are correct. As for what I can say, scout out details on merch and events that occurs for things you like. Since you like hololive you can check to see what they got as exclusives. Some things are last minute or by word, like autographs and exclusive goodies, just gotta keep and eye on media or talk to people in lines or gatherings.

Make sure to get there early, if you don’t wanna wait out in the sun 6:30 to to 7 am is the best time so you have enough sleep and you can be one of the first ones inside. Also make sure to bring your own food, the food inside sucks and it’s way too overpriced. Also if you want to attend a panel or a premier remember that you have to start making line for it at least an hour and a half to two depending on how big it’s gonna be

Most of this advice is spot on and very good. However, I have been going to conventions all over for years, and AX is still my fav. I have got some good advice for ya.

There is always multiple entrances to AX, the convention center is huge. Most all ya all noobs go into one line and queue, and well, you're doin it wrong. I'll be the guy pestering you all in the 1 massive line telling you there's instant entrances to the sides of the building as is marked on the pamphlet map. I always feel bad for the people waiting in a 3 hour line for no reason. If that's what you really want to do, for whatever crazy reason you have, then yea, definitely sunscreen and water.

Plan to go to Little Tokyo, a Lyft ride will get you there in 10 min for cheap. Uber's prices will be insane. Little Tokyo has really good food and is entertaining. You can spend most all day there on Day 0. There is also a Target nearby where you can go shopping at reasonable prices to bring back to the hotel.

If you don't have a bag, you don't have to wait in the bag check line.

When asking to get a photo, ask for consent to take a picture, if they don't look busy. Don't touch them. Don't do creepshots, they and others will notice.

The first AX always seems to be the most amazing, but I never tire of it.

1k budget you will prolly be okay, so above that you're good.

Merch lovers will buy all the good shit in the AM, so if you must get something, you gotta be faster than the earliest hustlers.

If you didn't get your badge, you gotta go to "Will Call" and pick up your badge there. Ask around till you find some volunteer that may or may not know where that booth is outside.

Omg this con is an AMAZING first con to go to. It’s my 4th year going! It’s totally normal to wear the same cosplay each day. I think cause each day there’s different people and also like 50k people that attend.

I will say if you’re going by yourself PLEASE be careful. No matter where you are there can be predatory people.

Most of the venders are typically fair. (I’m not good at figure pricing….) but what I’ve seen and heard it’s good.

I think a good way to meet people at the con are the photoshoots and panels. I’ve meet so many people at photoshoots. Bonding over our cosplays.

Ok so the food situation…. If you like over priced chicken, fries, and pizza…. It’s the place to be lmao. I would bring snacks. A reusable water bottle.

Lastly for parking I would see if there’s the passes still up for one of the decks. They fill up fast.. and it’s kinda expensive

My brother is going as Kagamine Len one day! This is our second Momocon, and last year I didn't have time to make home much, just a last minute Hunter (from TOH) cosplay with a staff I made in one day. So on top of making my cosplays, I'm making his as well! It is a-ok to go in the same cosplay each day, or different. I love being different characters, so I do a different one every day, but if you want less work, one cosplay that you can put your all into is probably a great idea! I hope you have fun!

I absolutely loved MomoCon. I have so many pictures with so many people in great cosplays. I bought so much stuff, my wallet is crying tears of joy. But absolutely NOBODY warned me about post con depression. NOOOO I WANT TO GO BACK!!

I also fell in love with wacca reverse

I’ve purchased some merch and browsed a lot (figures, licensed clothes, etc) at the con and the price is a bit higher than it should be but it’s pretty much paying for convenience, it’s comparable to what you’d pay importing the stuff from Japan/buying it online with shipping. Being able to see it in person and buy and own it right away is nice though there definitely is a “con up-charge” on most stuff

1. Yes ppl wear the same cosplay all 4 days. Some ppl don’t even cosplay at all.

2. Wear something that you can comfortably wear cus there will be a lot of walking, if you can go with friends do so or make friends at the con.

3. Unspoken rule I can only think of is like keep ur hands to urself and bathe obviously.

4. Not a figure person I’m sorry 😢 maybe google will what the real figure looks like?

5. Artist alley merch is usually pretty good pricing but dealers room can get expensive.

6. Good way to meet friends is to go up to ppl in the same fandom as you to talk or go to cosplay photo shoots.

7. Con food is overpriced. You’re better off bringing snacks. Eat breakfast before you get to con and after you leave. HYDRATE HYDRATE HYDRATE

8. HYDRATE. I’ve personally never had problems bringing my own water bottle.

9. You can prepay for parking thru the momocon website. I would still say try and get to the parking garage early cus is can be annoying. They have day of parking to pay but it fills up fast

Okay first thing's first as a general rule of thumb for cons, always take into consideration, two things, crowds, and WEATHER!

A) What time do you plan on lining up? -Most people as well line usually forms as early as 6am even thought they usually don't open til 8am(ish), but Exibit at 10. So yea prepared for that.

B) Going solo or group? Since you been to other Cons you basically know the layout, with AX you can easily get lost with the many amount of events that's going on. So it best to have a tag along with you, so you're not a lost bird in the wild.

C) Join the Discord If you haven't already, the Discord group will be your best friend with meeting new ppl, as well as any and all announcements regarding AX.

To add: What official merch booths usually are there and how best to get their items?

Choose a reference point/time to meet up in case you get separated. Sometimes in the dealer’s den and artist alley the signal can get a little wonky, so plan this before going down. Like some other people said, bring some small snacks to munch on and be sure to stay hydrated. If you leave the convention center to get food, PLEASE stay in your group, especially since you’re all minors. DC gets busy. Also you should definitely go to my Avatar themed workshop, Mastering the Elements, on Saturday (very subtle plug I know but if you have nothing better to do plsplspls I’m begging it’ll be fun I promise)

Schedule early, pace yourself, drink water, scope out the dealers hall before you shop, and relax.

With cosplayers just ask for a photo! As long as they aren't sitting or eating youre most likely gonna get a yes. I promise we dont bite :)

Download guidebook and look for otakon 2025.

Bring snacks such as protein/granola bars; it's easy to get so lost in the excitement that you won't realize you're hungry until you're starving.

Understand that it's going to be crowded and lines will be long. Try your best not to get frustrated and just go with the flow. Everyone is trying to get somewhere, and you'll get there eventually.

You can see the schedule of events on the Sched app. If there's something you really want to attend (ESPECIALLY workshops), get in line EARLY! Be ready to sit and wait for a while.

Lastly, keep in mind that it's very difficult to stick with a group in the Dealers Den. It's very crowded and people will always want to look at different things, so pick a meeting spot where you all can regroup.

(Have fun, too. That's mandatory.)