BE SAFE!

There is something incredibly odd about conventions and the affect they have on people. A lot of con goers - no matter the con - feel safe amongst people of their “own kind”. There inhibitions are lowered as they learn they’re not the “only one”. They let their guard down a great deal.

But a convention should be a place to put your guard up even more. No matter the fact you are all fans of something, conventions can still be a dangerous place. There can be theft. Violence. Etc. After the recent stabbing at Comic Con and the fire alarm being pulled at Otakon, it is definitely time to talk about something most people DO NOT think about when they are away for a weekend of fun: Safety.


There are is one simple way to be safe at a con: BE AWARE. Aware of your surroundings. Aware of your belongings. Aware of everything. I think I am the most alert when I am at a convention, not because I think badly about my comrades in geekiness, but because it is quite a lot of people gathered together. You just never know what will happen. Being aware goes a long way to protect yourself. As long as you are paying attention then you would notice quite a bit more and can keep yourself (and others) out of harm’s way.

Being aware of your bag placement is a great skill. When you are taking a picture while cosplaying, you may not want your bag in your picture. Placing it out of your sight is not a good thing, especially if your bag has your identification or money within it. Have a friend hold your bag. Sometimes, I hide my bag behind my feet depending on the costume I am wearing + the poses I will be doing. Place the bag slightly behind the photographer if you want it completely out the way. It will still be in your sight so no one can take it.

The best thing is to have no bag. The only time you actually need a bag is if you are going to the Dealer’s room or Artist’s Alley. It’s best to leave your bag in your room. Having pockets on your costume - if possible - is a good way to just carry the small essentials.

Another way to be safe is to travel in groups, especially at night. Night life at conventions is one giant party and, yes, people may get a bit drunk and out of hand. People are there to have fun so all you can do is protect yourself, making sure you are being cautious. Traveling with friends and significant others is a great way to be at conventions - especially if ALL of you are being aware. Sometimes I go to conventions alone. I never stay after day light if I am alone.

Also, if you are female and wearing a barely there costume, it is a very good idea to be with friends - day or night - in your costume. There will be creepers, but it’s easier to deal with them if you are not alone.

Utilizing con staff and the convention operations room/booth is a good idea if anything happens. Always note where the room is when at a convention just in case you need to go there. I have had to go to the room for lost items and to ask questions at several of conventions - mainly Katsucon and Animazement. Sometimes general staff can be rude or crude, so knowing where the actually operations room can definitely be of some help.

There is really nothing else to say about being safe at conventions. BE AWARE is the key thing to do. Have you fun, but BE AWARE of your surroundings.