What should I expect, when going to my first convention?

In August, I will be attending my first convention,and, I am a bit nervous about going; so I have to ask what should I expect, when going, and what advice would you offer in order to survive a convention?

Depending on where you live it still may be warm (Or hot!) in your area and you may be waiting outside for long periods of time. Be sure to stay well hydrated. Also I normally take vitamin C tablets with me and take them daily to avoid con flu, I mainly use airborne over others cause for some reason they make me feel like a greek god capable of lifting a truck :P. Other than that just make sure to stay organized and informed of panel and autograph times if you plan to attend them. Also a follow up note to Blissfullforce's comment about cosplay. Some fans actually organize group cosplay meetings in certain areas so that may also help you search out potential cosplay characters you are interested in.

Thank you both for offering such wonderful, and indeth solutions to my problem.

If you're in cosplay, expect to be very hot, if not either way bring plenty of water. The food and beverages cons will sell will be expensive. Bring some way to entertain yourself if you end up in an hour long line. And expect a lot of smell. Because it gets pretty hot.

Take water with you and look up what is going on and plan before hand as well as have a budget on how much you are going to spead on food or thing at con. Don't feel bad to ask for help to con staff/goffers or other con goers as they are there to help (even if some might be tired at the very end of the con). Bum bag if going to dance and put stuff in room before going. I hope you have fun (been going to anime con at age 16 i think but mostly been to alcon and kitacon) and message on their forum/facebook page or private message them as well for help. You are never alone and hopefully be careful. ^_^

@taktak when I first read "if your in cosplay expect to be very hot". I thought you meant don't do it unless you're sexy or attractive, and no one would say that about me, unless I go as buu and do this https://youtu.be/C7jUeIn_-EI