First Con

[Shoku]

Hey everyone! I was just wondering if you have any tips for me.

The situation is:
This will be my boyfriend's first con.
He isn't even THAT into anime...

(he doesn't hate it but I haven't exposed him enough)

Any suggestions would be nice on how to prepare him for the madness.

[sunfisher89]

Ah, that used to be me once upon a time. My girlfriend took me to Otakon and told me how awesome it was gonna be. She told me I had to dress up because everyone does it. So I made a pair of hakama and a kimono top. My suggestion is to take him to see things that appeal to wide audiences, such as the Masquerade and the Host Auction. Maybe go to Opening Ceremonies or the panel called Con Survival, it's first thing in the morning though. Make sure to check out the gaming room, everyone likes that. Go to a viewing and a panel with him. Basically check out everything the place has to offer, you're bound to find something that he will like. Definitely got to check out the Dealers Room/Artists Alley.

Ah, the question was about preparation. None needed really, as long as he has an open mind he'll have fun. For instance, when I went to Otakon the first time, I didn't really get it. But at like 11:00PM my girlfriend, her friend, and I went to Hooters. Totally made my day, good food, and a chance to relax from all that walking, there's not real subsitute for a good food and good conversation.

Hmm, I realize my response may not have been that helpful. Hopefully someone else will chime in.

[Patches]

I agree with Sunfisher. Try and take him to the events at the con that aren't terribly niche. My boyfriend isn't terribly into anime either, but he usually enjoys the game room and dealers room at the one con I take him to a year (Tekkoshocon). Maybe take him to a few movie viewings he might be interested in. And try to do something with him over the weekend that non-con related, like going to eat somewhere outside of the hotel.

[Shoku]

Thanks I'll do just that

[modernparanoia]

I'm about ten cons in right now, and I can tell you, the first one I went to, I didn't have that good of a time. This was because I was tragically unprepared for what I was getting into. A guy I was dating at the time bought me a registration for Otakon 2005 as an early birthday present. That was my first con: Otakon.
For lack of better terminology, it was pure culture shock. I wasn't ready for the crowds, the cosplayers, the walking...and so on and so forth.

You don't have to prepare your friend for anything because you've already done said preparing.
You're breaking the con virginity by introducing him to something on a smaller scale.

Good luck and I hope he has a good time.

[Ryaven]

I'm about ten cons in right now, and I can tell you, the first one I went to, I didn't have that good of a time. This was because I was tragically unprepared for what I was getting into. A guy I was dating at the time bought me a registration for Otakon 2005 as an early birthday present. That was my first con: Otakon.
For lack of better terminology, it was pure culture shock. I wasn't ready for the crowds, the cosplayers, the walking...and so on and so forth.

You don't have to prepare your friend for anything because you've already done said preparing.
You're breaking the con virginity by introducing him to something on a smaller scale.

Good luck and I hope he has a good time.

Otakon was my first con too! It was pretty big back in 2001 when I first went, but nothing like now--expect it to be a giant city unto itself, lol. Setsucon has been growing little by little every year, but at least it's still small enough that you're not overwhelmed. (However, *cough promo plug cough* there will be lots of exciting stuff to do and people to meet . State College is a pretty cool town too )