Con Ready: Part 3 – At the Convention: How to Survive & Thrive All Weekend

Con Ready: Part 3 – At the Convention: How to Survive & Thrive All Weekend

Subtitle: Your complete survival guide for making the most of your long-distance con trip—without burning out, going broke, or collapsing by day two

You’ve planned the trip. You’ve packed like a pro. Now it’s finally time—the con has arrived.

Whether you’re walking into your first big convention or your fifteenth, one truth remains: the chaos of the con floor can chew you up and spit you out if you’re not prepared. The crowds, the lines, the overstimulation, the FOMO, and the sheer exhaustion can be a lot to handle—especially when you’ve traveled far to be there.

This guide will help you make the most of your experience while protecting your energy, time, and budget. Because surviving a con is one thing—but thriving? That’s a whole other level.

 1. Have a Game Plan—But Stay Flexible

Before the doors even open, take 30 minutes to map out your weekend:

• What panels or events are musts for you?

• What vendors, artists, or creators do you want to visit early (before they sell out)?

• Who do you want to meet or network with?

Use the official convention app or website to build a priority schedule—but leave room for downtime and surprise discoveries. Don’t pack your day so tight that you’re sprinting from panel to panel without a water break.

Pro Tip: Don’t skip early-morning events. They’re often less crowded and more relaxed, giving you quality time with vendors or guests.

 2. Fuel Up Like You’re in a Boss Fight

Con energy is deceiving. You’ll feel fine… until you crash. Don’t wait until you’re dizzy or hangry.

• Eat a decent breakfast every morning—even if it’s just oatmeal or protein bars.

• Pack snacks: nuts, jerky, fruit leather, protein bars, electrolyte powder.

• Hydrate constantly. Carry a refillable water bottle and use it.

If you’re in costume or working a booth, hydration and nutrition are even more important. Schedule breaks into your day and actually take them.

Pro Tip: Avoid energy drinks unless you’re balancing them with water and food. A crash mid-afternoon on a con day hits harder than usual.

 3. Pace Yourself (Because Day 2 Will Hurt)

You do not need to do everything on Day 1. Many con-goers burn out early and spend the rest of the weekend in recovery mode.

Instead:

• Prioritize 2–3 highlights per day.

• Give yourself buffer time between major events.

• Take one full break mid-day to reset.

• If possible, leave the venue for fresh air and quiet.

Even the most extroverted attendees hit a wall. Introverts hit it sooner. Know your limits and protect your energy.

 4. Shop Smart—Before Your Wallet Implodes

The vendor hall is a financial trap in the best way. If you want to survive it without wrecking your budget:

• Walk the entire vendor area before spending.

• Take photos of booths/items you like so you can return later.

• Set a daily spending limit or bring cash to control impulse buys.

• Support indie creators in Artist Alley! They often sell one-of-a-kind merch that sells out fast.

Pro Tip: If you see something you truly love—especially handmade items—buy it early. It may not be there when you circle back.

 5. Create a Nighttime Routine (Yes, Even at a Con)

It’s tempting to crash face-first after a long day, but even a 5-minute reset ritual can make your weekend 100x better.

At night:

• Plug in all devices.

• Refill your water bottle.

• Lay out tomorrow’s clothes or cosplay.

• Stretch your legs and shoulders for 3–5 minutes.

• Do a quick skincare wipe-down to refresh.

• Pack your “con bag” for the next day.

Doing this will help you wake up calm, not chaotic.

 6. Avoid Con Drop by Capturing the Moments

Con drop—the emotional crash after the high—hits hardest when the weekend feels like a blur.

Combat that by:

• Taking intentional photos or videos throughout the weekend (not just for Instagram, but for you)

• Journaling highlights each night (memorable interactions, cool cosplay you saw, funny overheard quotes)

• Networking without pressuring yourself—just exchange socials or cards if it feels natural

You’ll thank yourself later when you’re scrolling through memories and reliving the joy.

 7. Stay Safe in a New City

It’s easy to feel safe inside the con bubble—but you’re still traveling.

• Always keep your ID, badge, and essentials with you.

• Travel in groups at night or use verified rideshare services.

• Don’t post your hotel room number online.

• Trust your gut—if someone or something feels off, exit the situation.

Bonus: Store the con’s emergency contact info or venue security number in your phone just in case.

 8. Checkout Like a Pro

On your last day:

• Double-check every drawer, charger, and plug before leaving your room.

• Sort dirty clothes from clean ones to make unpacking easier.

• If flying, pack fragile merch carefully and check TSA rules (especially for cosplay props).

• Hydrate and eat before you hit the road.

• Keep travel docs or tickets easily accessible for your trip home.

 Final Thoughts: You Made It!

Attending a long-distance con is an investment—of money, time, and energy. But with the right mindset and smart strategies, you can walk away with zero regrets, priceless memories, and maybe a few extra tote bags of merch.

Conventions are supposed to be fun, inspiring, and unforgettable. Prep like a pro, stay present, and give yourself grace along the way.

 The Full “Con Ready” Series Recap:

• Part 1: Before You Pack – Planning your trip, budget, and logistics like a pro

• Part 2: Smart Packing – Efficient packing, cosplay tips, and vendor survival gear

• Part 3: Survive & Thrive – Navigating the con with energy, safety, and intention