1st time tips?

[Lemonsqueez]

Ok i dont no if there is another topic about the same thing i want to ask but i was wondering if i should go alone and try to find freinds at a con, or should i try to bring a freind with me for my first time?
also and other tips would be nice to know. '> THX

[Party Pony]

Staff Note: As more informative or "special" threads appear discussing what cons are like and so forth, either myself or the other staff will amend this list in this post from time to time. - Kobuk


Try these...

First time?
http://forums.furtopia.org/index.php/topic,26099.0.html

Info needed.
http://forums.furtopia.org/index.php/topic,24824.0.html

What happens in conventions?
http://forums.furtopia.org/index.php/topic,22809.0.html

How to go about....
http://forums.furtopia.org/index.php/topic,24384.0.html

What to take to a convention.
http://forums.furtopia.org/index.php/topic,29471.0.html

How to avoid a disappointing con experience.
http://forums.furtopia.org/index.php/topic,33227.0.html

The money situation.
http://forums.furtopia.org/index.php/topic,33103.0.html

What is a good starter convention?
http://forums.furtopia.org/index.php/topic,31981.0.html

Are cons family-friendly?
http://forums.furtopia.org/index.php/topic,34127.0.html

[WildbillTX]

This topic should become a sticky, for all the new furs.

[Party Pony]

Not a bad idea.  I will bring it up to the staff...

[Lemonsqueez]

Thx for the links party pony!!! '>

[Kojac]

Not to revive a dead topic, but it might provide some info to others that are in a situation similar to mine...

I'm planning on attending Anthrocon this year since I'm from the area.  That being said, I have no friends who are furry or who would have any interest in attending a con.

I'm planning on meeting people here that are going but, barring that, I plan on going to my first con on my own and seeing where it takes me...

[Acton]

One of the reasonable rule about attending to a convention is the 6, 2, 1, rule: 6 hours of sleep, two good (nutritional) meals and one shower daily. One tip is to have a few can of Slim Fast handy if you can not sit down to a good meal. It is a good way to have balanced meal with out the fuss. Still try to have one regular dinner.  Carnation Instant Breakfast also works but is does not taste very good.  I have to meal substitute because I am obese and trying to slim down. I try to compensate to the occasional big restaurant dinner, late night meetings, and business luncheons or dinners.

[WildbillTX]

Some other suggestions:

If you're flying and printing out your boarding pass from an airline's website, print out extra copies of it and put one in your suitcase, purse, fursuit box, travel bag etc. If your luggage gets lost this makes it easier for the airline to get it back to you if the tag accidentally gets pulled off .

Take MORE than enough money you need for the con, for any problems. And don't keep it all in one place. Someone got pickpocketed at MFM this year.

[bucky_buzzsaw]

Watch out who you room with. If its at all possible, get your OWN room there, but if not (like you can't afford it, etc) only room with people you know in person.

Lol I don't know how to stress this enough. I've not only had bad experiences myself, but a lot of people I know have had them, too. Its not worth it >.<
                
I agree bring more money than you think you need.  Keep in mind you'll be going out to eat all the time which gets expensive, and its always good to be able to go
somewhere nice. Doesn't hurt to save up a bit beforehand.  Its also nice to be able to go out on the town....  Cons are fun, but panels only go so far. Well, for me, at least.

Lastly, if you see a crazy bobcat at the bar...  Stay away!  He's nuts.

[kirbs]

Here's anthrocon's tips for first time con-goers:
New to anthrocon
hope that helps

[Kivva]

I always make sure to tell furs to keep their valuables to a minimum. I also suggest sock wallets and I know they make belt wallets that are invisible beneath your shirt. It's hard to lose money that's basically glued to your stomach!

I also like to take a small 'daily' bag (with a nice thick wide strap or even two) with invaluable snackies (slim jims, jerky, granola bars, etc, etc.) and a bottle of water. It's also a good spot to keep a sketchbook to catch a wandering doodle from a passing artist or jot down emails or even draw some yourself. =3

Keep it small though- even a 'small' bag can get heavy after lugging it around for a few hours.

[Jeefers]

<
Lastly, if you see a crazy bobcat at the bar...  Stay away!  He's nuts.</font>

And if you hang with the raccoons, bring plenty of bail money.

Jeef

[Kobuk]

Ok, it was a bit late,  but I managed to fix the links in Party Pony's post near the beginning of this thread, and I also put in some new links to other threads for convention advice. More links may or may not be added in the future as needed.