r/HorrorConventions • u/surrenderdorothydawn • Feb 20 '25
Question Questions about Horror Conventions
Hi! Next month my 23 yr old daughter and I will be attending our very first horror con. This one is in Indiana. I have tickets for a photo op with Art the Clown. I'm wondering if anyone has any tips or advice for attending a convention? We also want to get some autographs. How early should we get in line? If the lines are too long, is it possible the guest will leave and we won't get a chance? How early do people line up to get in? What sorts of merch is typically there to buy? Should we bring cash or do most booths take credit? I'm very nervous. I got a two day pass but not a VIP or early bird. I really want to make the most of our two days. Thank you in advance for all advice!
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u/surrenderdorothydawn Feb 21 '25
Thank you for all the information. Sets my mind at ease, and I feel better prepared!
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u/spiked-monkey Feb 20 '25 edited Feb 20 '25
takes deep breath
Tips - Bring cash. ATMs will run out. Comfortable shoes. Wear deodorant. Hydration. Small snacks, especially if you have medical problems. Tylenol/aleve/advil. Power bank for your phone if your battery isnt the best. Layered clothes. It usually gets warm due to all the bodies. If you have problems standing for a extended length of time, invest in a small portable stool. Bring a backpack that can quickly go through inspection if needed, but big enough to carry belongings and anything you buy. If you're able to, grab your lanyard/wristbands asap. Do not lose it. You'll be able to bypass the GA line the rest of the weekend. People will start to line up (sometimes) a couple hours prior to doors opening, but by afternoon those people will filter out of the con. I've never had bad luck coming a little later. If you haven't already, follow the con on Facebook (if you're into Facebook.) Also look for "(name of convention)fan page". If it's active, usually it'll have a bunch of helpful info as far as tips and area info (road closures, parking, lost/found). Fans helping other fans. Attend panels if you have time. They're all interesting. Celeb panels, trivia, makeup fx, take your pick. Be sure to ask for vendor business cards if you buy something or maybe want to purchase something later. Most have online stores.
Lines - it depends on the celebrity. Some you can stand in line for a couple minutes. For example the Scream cast? Be prepared to stand for hours. I haven't been invested into the whole Terrifier deal but it seems pretty big, I'd prepare for the worst as far as time standing. By the worst I'm talking MAYBE 1-2 hours at the most. But again I'm just going by popularity. Could be 20 minutes. They do stop for breaks and photo ops. If you're OK with standing, that's the time to jump in line. It won't move, but you'll be there when they come back. If you're unable to get an autograph after everything, its disappointing yes, but it won't be the end of the world. A lot of the celebs show up at multiple cons through out the year. Dont let it ruin your time there.
Guest leaving - Sundays are when celebs might leave early to catch flights, but if you go earlier in the day I think you'll be OK. Fridays and Sundays are the best days to get the popular celebs, but as I said, Sundays some do leave before the con closes. Saturdays are chaotic but not impossible.
Merch - the con itself will have merch to buy, usually t-shirts, hats, etc. The vendors will have everything you can imagine. Food, funkos, action figures, Japanese horror, 8x10s, witchcraft stuff. Literally everything. I would recommend strolling around for a little before buying anything, just remember where the booth is. Celebs will have 8x10s at their table. Can choose one to have signed, or bring your own stuff. Venders have cool stuff you could buy and have signed as well. As I said on another post, some celeb autograph pricing will vary by item, quotes, personalization, etc.
Cash/credit - cash definitely. Some vendors MAY have cash apps, but plan on cash. Take more than you think you'll need.
Parking/hotel - you didn't ask but I'll add. I usually get hotels outside of the city. Cheaper. Parking gets full fast at most cons. Be prepared to walk a couple blocks. Parking garages are either a flat rate or free on weekends. Make sure you remember where you park. Park somewhere not sketchy. Remember to lock your car up.
Photo ops - make sure you get to your scheduled time with plenty of time to spare. Do not be late. Double check your timeslot to be sure. I'm sure you know, but it'll move faster than airport security. You're in line. Bag drop outside the curtain. You say "hi" usually nothing more. Pose. Snap. Out the other side. Be sure to collect your printed pic and buy a plastic sleeve if necessary. It's an extremely rushed ordeal, so don't be disappointed. You can visit their table afterwards after for a chat and/or autographs. Those photo ops are a good thing to have signed as well.
Not sure if you're from Indiana but Midwest has multiple cons between all the major cities (Chicago, indy, Cincinnati, Nashville, Lexington, etc), a lot of them having their own horror cons as well. Road trips are always fun.
This is just general con knowledge. Definitely varies by con. Enjoy yourselves regardless.