Your First Anime Convention
初めてのイベント — Beginner's guide
First con? It's a blast — and a lot easier with a plan. Here's everything a first-timer should know, from packing to cosplay to meeting people.
What to pack
- 🎟️ Ticket (e-ticket is fine) + ID
- 🔋 Charged phone & power bank
- 💧 Refillable water bottle + snacks
- 🧵 Cosplay repair kit (needle, thread, safety pins, wig brush)
- 🛍️ A tote for merch, and cash for small booths
Etiquette
Always ask before photographing cosplayers, don't block walkways for photos, respect queue lines, and keep it kind — the community runs on it. Remember the 6-2-1 rule: 6 hours of sleep, 2 meals, 1 shower a day.
Plan it on Animestan
Find your event in the convention guides (UAE, India and Japan), RSVP, build a cosplay checklist and chat with fans going — then show up knowing people.
Frequently asked
What do I need to bring to my first anime convention?
A ticket (e-ticket is fine), a charged phone and power bank, cash and a card, a refillable water bottle, snacks, hand sanitiser, a tote for merch, and a cosplay repair kit if you dress up.
Should I cosplay at my first convention?
Only if you want to. Cosplay is a huge part of the fun, but plenty of fans attend in casual clothes. Comfortable shoes matter more than you think.
How much does a convention cost?
Factor the ticket, travel, food and merch. Set a merch budget before you go and take cash so you do not overspend on impulse buys.
How do I meet people at a con?
Join panels, queue for popular booths, and ask for photos (always ask first!). On Animestan you can RSVP, find squads and chat with fans before the event.
Find your next convention
Browse conventions