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Philcon101: Welcome Aboard

If you are reading this, this is most likely your first science fiction or fantasy based convention. What this breif introduction will try to accomplish is to make your experience as pleasant and stress free as possible.

Philcon is a General Science Fiction Convention designed to appeal to a broad base of fandom. While we do have a specific area of focus, we try to cover many different genres and often attempt to cross them over.

What To Do At A Con

Depending on the con, there are many things that may be available to do. When you register, you will usually get a program book, and often a pocket size program. As soon as you are able, review the schedule and look for things that might interest you. Please note that schedules can and do change, even 10 minutes before something is scheduled to start.

Panels:: Most conventions feature panels that are usually made up of talking heads (authors, actors, etc). A brief description of the panel is usually included. Hint: If you see the name of a panelist that you know you like, check out the panel anyway, even if you are not sure of the topic. You can find out some really cool new things that way.
Events:: Special events, such as dances, live concerts, costume masquerades, auctions and others add variety to the con experience.
Dealer's Room:: A place to buy really neat stuff usually related to the convention topic, theme, or genre. Also, items such as jewelry and gaming supplies are often sold there.
Art Show:: Artists both display and offer for sale original artwork and prints. Not all posted art is for sale. Be sure to check out the buying rules for the convention you are at BEFORE you place a bid or offer to purchase!
Con Suite:: Most conventions offer a lounge where light snacks, drinks and seats are avail. There is normally no charge for this, however there is often a donation jar. If you can afford it, please donate for what you use. Most fan-run conventions operate on a break even budget, every little bit helps.
Gaming:: Even if there is not a space set aside for gaming, it is almost guaranteed that someone, somewhere will be playing something. If you have a favorite card or board game, bring it along. If people don’t know how to play, teach them! A great way to meet new people. (One note, if you happen to come up against me in a game of Munchkin, its not personal, for some reason that game brings out the cutthroat in me!)
Room Parties:: Many groups will often throw parties on convention nights that are open to the public. Look for signs around the hotel. The majority of these are being offered to promote some fan related activity, such as another convention. After eating their food, it is always considered polite to find out about what the party is being held to showcase and if interested, make sure to get some information.
Hallways:: Small groups will often form spontaneously in hallways to discuss just about anything. If something happens to catch your ear, it is perfectly acceptable to ask if you can join the conversation. Conversely, if you are told it’s a private conversation, step back and don’t take it personally.

Bored?

If there is an hour or two on the schedule that looks like there is nothing to catch your interest, you’ve eaten lunch, and been to the dealer’s room already, wander over to the convention’s volunteer table and ask how you can help!

Fan run conventions are staffed entirely by volunteers, from the chair on down. They cannot run without those volunteers. Plus, you often get to see the behind the scenes working of the con, which is always fun, and sometimes volunteers get perks like special T-shirts, a private lounge, and more!