C2E2 is a convention I have wanted to attend for a while, but the timing didn’t work out. I applied for a press badge this year due to both writing for Bizarre Brunette and Twin Cities Geek. I couldn’t believe that my press badge was accepted! Reflecting on my C2E2 experience, I wanted to publish my Do’s and Don’ts list more specific to C2E2.
While I did receive a press badge to C2E2, all my thoughts are my own.
Don’t Drink Too Much / Do Drink Water!
I’m a beer drinker and immediately after I entered the convention, I had a beer at Revolution Brewing. I was quickly two beers in and my mouth was dry. My poor friend felt hungover because we didn’t drink enough water and walked everywhere. Drink your water especially in between drinks. This convention floor was a lot bigger than what I had ever experienced and I was more dehydrated than I should have been.
Do Scout out Vendors Ahead of Time
I briefly scanned the list of vendors before I drove to Chicago, but I was surprised by the number of vendors who made the trek to C2E2. One vendor I was super excited to see was Flex Comics. I wish I had known their presence beforehand because I would have budgeted the cost of one of their workout tank tops.
C2E2 is easily one of my favorite comic conventions I have ever attended. It was incredibly organized and I liked the red carpet on the floor. It was great for photo ops with cosplayers. I enjoyed the amount of artists, vendors and bigger companies who appeared at the convention. I wish I had more money to spend at the con, but due to my prior trip to Orlando, I had to save money. Attending C2E2 has become one of my favorite memories of 2019.
Bizarre Brunette 
Your no press badge tip is interesting. I’d suggest your first trip to a con be not on press, especially for a con you’re super excited about. After that, a press badge could be worthwhile. Just my two cents.
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I totally agree with you on not applying for a press badge if it’s your first time attending that particular con, at least for big events because as you found out there’s just so much to see! We’re going to an event this weekend. It’s our third year and to be honest, it’s only after going twice and getting the lay of the land that I feel comfortable going with a press pass. I’m still a bit nervous though (other than the obvious reasons!) because it’s at a new venue so from a disability POV I’m not familiar with it.
If it’s a small local event (aka something on a smaller scale) or something you know you’re going to for the purpose of your blog then a press badge is a great idea though. They’re usually something you can do in a few hours or a day which gives you plenty of time to explore as an attendee and as a blogger.
—
Heather
http://geeking-by.net
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Thanks for your thoughts! I agree. I think I’m going to wait to apply for a press badge unless I have been to a con multiple times.
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I will NEVER drink alcohol of any kind at a mass gathering like a concert or con.
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I wouldn’t go as far as to say never for me, but I just needed more water in between my beers.
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I’ve been to C2E2 about 8 times now and I always recommend staying at one of the hotels that’s connected to the con. It use to be just one, but now there are about 4/5 hotels where you don’t even need to walk outside to get the convention! It just saves so much time and makes the con more enjoyable when you can easily take a break, change out of cosplay, or drop off all your new goodies.
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Next year I would definitely do this. Especially because I have been to Chicago so many times, I don’t need to go see Millenium Park or anything like that. I’m only going to be there for the con so it makes sense I stay at their hotels.
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