I was wondering what tips and tricks people had for things like these, especially for someone who has a bit of social anxiety and is going on their own! (But hoping some people from here will meet up).
What should I wear? Should I cosplay?
What items do you bring to get autographed? I was thinking BF CDs might be heavy, so maybe comics or books are better in this instance
Just the covers is a good idea! And yeah I might buy some, one for each guest. I already own Vampire Weekend digitally so might buy a CD of a later Thirteenth Doctor audio. I know which ones to get for the other guests
Cosplaying at cons is super fun! Especially at a dedicated Doctor Who con where you can do more obscure cosplays and still get recognized. So if you have a cosplay in mind that you can do I recommend it, though my main advice is to prioritize confortable shoes over cosplay-accurate ones. I did most of the first day of Gally One in ballet flats that went with my cosplay and it was a mistake and I eventually had to give in and switch to tennis shoes.
Drinks and food are going to be more expensive at the convention then anywhere outside of one.
Bring money, and something to carry loot in. You might very well be walking out of there with a dozen books, cds, and Dugga Doo plushies or such.
It’s in a hotel, so sections are going to just be regular hotel. Grab any pamphlets and papers and such they give you on the way in, and anything that looks like you’re supposed to take it. In particular, look for a map of the event and where in the hotel things are and when they are. There’ll probably be events, like interviews or music or such, and you’ll want to know the locations and where they are.
Make sure you hang on to any admittance stuff they give you, like a badge, or a wristband, until you’re done with the convention. You might need them for re-admittance.
Bear in mind that anyone you meet you’ve seen on the screen before is an actor, and one having a particularly long day. They aren’t super-human, just someone doing a job. There’s also a good chance you know Doctor Who better then them, and even know some of their lines better then them.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with wandering around avoiding human contact and not socializing. If you see people sitting in booths with stuff with price tags on it, interacting with them should be pretty straightforward, in that you hand them money and they give you goods.
You will be tired of walking after a while. Find someplace to sit for a bit and recover, and go back to it.
Back when I was a lot more shy, I used to go to cons by myself sometimes. Honestly, if you have any hangups about feeling weird or out of place (self-consciousness), trust me, everyone else there will be weird, too.
I don’t know how the scene is at DW cons, but at the cons I’ve been to, there were people doing the “Caramelldansen” in the middle of hallways, people roleplaying in public, people repeatedly shouting out random lines in hopes others who know its source material would shout a reply back, etc. A convention is no place to feel self-conscious because you will find people stranger (and louder and sometimes smellier) than you. Cons are a place where people want to share in the love of their favorite media, so don’t be afraid to talk to people. For the most part, people are not judging unless you have bad body hygiene or are straight-up inappropriate.
What should I wear? Should I cosplay?
My advice to people tends to be - depends how far you’ve got to trek and how comfortable you are treking (esp. if alone) in cosplay, if it’s more readily apparent that it is cosplay rather than your own style. There’s a different ease to getting on a bus dressed like, say, the Ninth Doctor than you might have getting on dressed like the Sixth. Oh, and, might be worth seeing what the weather forecast looks like, too. You perhaps don’t want to roast alive dressed as Tom Baker in full scarf, but heaven help you dressed as Jodie Whittaker on a windy rainy day.
What items do you bring to get autographed? I was thinking BF CDs might be heavy, so maybe comics or books are better in this instance
Mind you can always invest in a nice hardcover pocket folder, and just pop out your Big Finish covers or insert booklets (I know people tend to vary on which they get signed) from the actual CD release… put them in one of those - alongside comics and photos and whatever else that isn’t too heavy. Easy sorted.
What else should I bring?
Don’t take this one personally or too seriously, but bring the travel-size deodorant. If there’s a lot of people, lot of bodyheat, lot of sweating. The more people bring it and spray it gently through the day, the better for everyone present - that’s my philosophy. Always bring a refillable waterbottle. Always bring a fully charged powerbank to be on the safe side, if you’ve got one. If a programme or map is available for the event, make sure to nab a copy.
Tips for the social events?
Remember that almost everyone there is mad in some way, and half the room is probably neurodivergent and/or queer; so usual social expectations are a bit more relaxed. So don’t fret quite as much about ‘small talk’ and the like.
Up to you. I don’t cosplay anymore because frankly I got tired of it. But if you want to try it, this would be a good opportunity!
Books would probably be heavier! For BFD, I took just the booklets or slipcases I wanted signed, like Jamie said, and I flattened a box and put them inside to keep them from getting bent. You could also use a comic bag and board, or a sturdy folder like NullScenario suggested.
I would say, think about what you would most treasure having signed. You can deal with it being heavy if it’s what you really want. If I go (doubtful but I am slightly considering it), I’ll probably have:
Chris - s1 DVD, if I can find a copy, [1] otherwise the s1-5 Blu-ray box
Jodie and Mandip - Complete JW Years set and “massive” DWM poster
Gareth and Kai - Torchwood s1 Blu
Naoko - same but also my Spice World and Ab Fab DVDs
A water bottle. Like Belle said, a nice big bag. I have one of M&S’ giant Percy Pig shoppers that I use for such occasions. IKEA’s superhuman-sized ones might be taking it a bit far, but maybe not…
Look at the schedule ahead of time and plot out a schedule for yourself.
Know your limits and prioritise accordingly. If your body/mind wants a rest, then rest. You’ll enjoy things more if you’re not worn out, even at the expense of seeing something you sort of wanted to see.
Some people like to set spending limits for themselves, usually by taking cash and only spending that, not using a card. I usually don’t, on the theory that this is a rare shopping opportunity (TM Anne Robinson), but I do make at least one pass around the vendors/Artists’ Alley before buying anything. I’ll make note of anything that catches my eye. If I still remember it an hour or two later, I’ll get it.
The reissues are easy to come by, but the original release with the cool sliding sleeve eluded me last month. ↩︎
Take a rucksack, and something to protect any photos etc you get signed - a folder or card envelope. maybe take some food/drink. I’m never sure what to get signed, but something that’s special to you. I went to a con I the nineties, they went to back to Blists hill so took my target copy of Mark of The Rani.
I’m still deciding what to get signed, I’m pretty sure it will be some Big Finish CDs, but I’m worried about the signature being visible as they are all pretty dark. Can I bring my own sharpie, like a silver or gold one?
For example I definitely want Disco signed by Gareth David-Lloyd, as he not only stars in it but wrote it, but not sure a black signature would work here?
Also, my plans for what to get signed, in case anyone has any better ideas:
Jodie Whittaker and Mandip Gill - I’m going to get one of the future Big Finish releases on CD, will try and choose my favourite (either favourite story or favourite looking cover).
Christopher Eccleston: I have asked BF to upgrade my pre-order of Snare to be a CD version, and will get him to sign that.
Kai Owen: We Always Get Out Alive. Maybe I’ll have him sign the right-hand side and if I ever meet Eve Myles I can get her to do the other side!
Naoko Mori: End Game. I haven’t heard this yet but it’s highly rated and love the cover. Again, pretty dark though.
(Can you tell that I am excited!!??? I am really excited!!)
