What is an anime convention like?

I've never been to one but it sounds interesting. I don't exactly have any good anime friends except my brother but would we meet people there? What exactly do you do? How does it all work? And you've got to register or something? Sorry for all the questions but I really am interested. Edit: If you see two topics.... it's because my phone is dumb lol.

I have never gone to one either. The big ones are way to far and I don't get paid enough to travel . I also don't have many anime loving friends as anime is looked down upon in my area.

Cons are really fun to go to. They're like great big costume parties with all of your friends. You get to meet a bunch of cool and nice people. Typically, there is an Artist Alley ( where local manga-style artists and crafters sell their items), Dealer's Room ( where everything from figures to costumes are sold), and Game Room (packed with retro arcade and modern video games to be played). There are also special guest panels/ meets (voice actors, etc) and plenty of other rooms with interesting things to do. For some cons, there is even a dance party/ rave at the end of each day. For most conventions, you have the option to either pre-register on their website or pay once you get there. The prices can be different depending on when and where you pay. Since I don't have that much money to spend, I register for the last day or two, which are usually a lot cheaper than a full weekend pass or first day pass. Hope that sheds some light on things! I like your Clannad picture btw.

Anime Cons tend to be just big temp shopping malls. Can't really do much besides go to panels to listen to someone yammer on a mic for 30 minutes or go out shopping at stuff you can prolly buy online. Cons with video games however has competitions and lotsa hardware to mess around with.

Pretty much take everything JackTechno said with a bit of ceresbane's cynicism, and you have a convention!If you go I recommend taking your friends (always go with mine), or volunteering at the con to meet some people. All in all, cons are AWESOME!

http://anime.about.com/od/animebasicsfaqs/f/anime-convention-faq.htm ------------------------------------------------------------------- This article has a basic sum up of what a convention typically is like. I do have to say that for the most part, they can be fun, but its based on what you do. You can go make friends and socialize, if you are the type to find ease in doing so or you can go to the panels and events without having to really speak to or meet anyone. You can walk around for hours on end until your feet are sore or you can sit in *Streaming Rooms and still get your moneys worth. Conventions are basically like a activity packed mall that's themed and has costumes. -w- or, you know, the convention you go to can be completely balls, and make you feel like you wasted your time and money. (* Streaming rooms are rooms that shows streams of anime/movies/tv shows/ etc) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Meeting people at conventions: Go to more active panels/social panels. they make it easier to talk to people and strike up conversation. That and go to photoshoots, whether you are in cosplay or not. Then you can actually socialize with the people who share a fanbase/show preference with you. Socializing really comes down to luck and determination. You can be a social ducky, but keep running into people in their close cliques who don't really wanna talk. and vice versa. You can't control other people responses and how they react, but you can control you. So just keep your chin up and focus on getting your bang for your buck and all will be fine! (unless, you know, the convention is balls)