Preparation and Tips - Conventions 101

Star Wars Celebration is fast approaching so here's a handy little guide to some convention basics. These aren't really Celebration specific (for that check out my guide to getting the most out of your Celebration) so I'm going to try and keep this short and sweet as there's a million guides like this around the internet.

Study the surrounding area before you go
Find out the route from your hotel to the convention centre before you go. Are you close enough to walk or do you need public transport? Are there grocery or convenience stores within walking distance of your hotel? These are a much cheaper alternative to convention food if you want to make your own lunch or just grab some snacks. If you're using public transport, where are your stops and what's the time table? What's good to eat around the convention centre and around your hotel? Maybe even make a list of places you'd like to try before you go (and again, how to get there if they're not within walking distance of where you're staying). Where's the Game of Thrones watch party on Sunday? Knowing all these little things in advance can really help take the stress out of your trip.

Bring your own food and water
Convention centre food is over priced and staying hydrated is important, simple as that. Sure, you can leave and can back but bringing your own food and water means you don't have to. It saves you money and gives you more time to spend enjoying everything that Celebration has to offer.

Portable chargers and spare batteries are essential
Whether it's for your phone, camera, or lightsaber, there's nothing worse than having that essential bit of kit die whilst you're out and about. These are even more essential if you're in the over night queue and won't have time to go back to your hotel for a recharge.

Backpack/Tote bag and poster tube
It's nice to be hands free. In addition to holding your essentials (like food and other essentials) a decent backpack or tote bag should be able to hold whatever you're planning on buying from shirts to action figures. You can even get a backpack/chair combo for all the time you'll be waiting in line! A poster tube is a must if you're planning on buying art prints and a hard sleeve or file for autograph and photo ops will keep your pictures in perfect condition.

Comfy shoes and clothing
It goes without saying, you'll be doing a lot of walking so comfy shoes are arguably the most essential thing on this list. If you're planning on getting new shoes do it now and break them in before you go. In terms of clothes, whilst it should be warm enough inside, Chicago weather can go either way in April so make sure you have clothing suitable for the cold. Plus you'll probably want something warm if you're lining up over night or if the aircon is turned right up.

Hygiene

This one should go without saying. Personal hygiene is a must at any convention. Shower, use deodorant/antiperspirant, and have fresh clothes every day. You'll feel better and the people around you will definitely thank you for it. Make sure you brush your teeth. and even take some breath mints or gum with you, after all, you don't want to meet Mark Hamill or Daisy Ridley with last night's pizza on your breath! Hand sanitizers are also recommended, you'll be coming into contact with a LOT of people and sadly not all of them will have good hygiene.

Always ask permission before taking photos with cosplayers
Pretty straight forward this one. Cosplay is not consent and if Chicago is anything like London was there will be signs everywhere helping to enforce this. Be polite, be respectful. The vast majority of cosplayers will be more than happy to pose and take pictures with you, but just remember that, like you, they might be rushing to that panel that they really want to see.

Take cash
Not all vendors will take cards and ATMs inside the convention centre will most likely charge high fees for withdrawals.

Stay vigilant
Whilst the vast majority of people at Celebration are there for the love of Star Wars, there's sadly always going to be some scum and villainy in attendance. Keep a close eye on your money, phone, and any other valuables whilst you're enjoying the convention.

A second suitcase
If you're planning on buying a lot then consider brining a second suitcase to get all your purchases home. Alternatively you could you could post your stuff home from the FedEx office at McCormick Place. Check out how much your airline charges you for a second case and compare it with the shipping rates to see what's best for you.

Pre-order where you can
Ahead of the show you will be able to pre-order a selection of exclusives from autographs to pin badges. Some are pre-order only (like the exclusives you could order with your tickets), some you can still buy at the show but they may sell out before hand. This is especially true of photo ops and autographs with stars like Mark Hamill. So if you have the chance to pre-order something you want ahead of time, go for it.

You can't get all the exclusives
Almost every Star Wars licensee will have at least one exclusive on offer at Celebration, and that's before we get to the Art Show and the official store! Some will pre-sold in advance, some will be online lotteries, some will have daily allocations, some may sell out on Thursday. They will be offered at multiple booths all over the show floor. You can only get in one line when the show floor opens each day so pick the ones that you want most and go for them. Pre-order where you can and keep an eye on social media so you can see if things have sold out. Good luck!

Make a note of booth numbers
The show floor is massive. If you see something you think you might want to come back to later, make sure you make a note of the booth name and number. It will save you having to hunt around for it later.

Last minute deals
Whilst you'll want to get most of your Celebration exclusives picked up as quickly as possible, try leaving any none-exclusives until Monday. A lot of dealers would rather lower their prices than have to pack stuff up and ship it back home. Just be mindful that whatever it is may sell before Monday, it's a balancing act.

Arrive a little late

Unless you simply have to be there the minute show floor opens, consider arriving a little late. If you want to be one of the first on the show floor you'll be waiting in line for at least a couple of hours before the doors open (and I'll be there with you). If you arrive half an hour to an hour later then chances are you'll just walk straight in.