Trust me, no one is taking it that seriously…
… that it gets in the way of having a great time, and if you have concerns about going to your first steampunk Convention, you will quickly find yourself questioning why you were worried in the first place. However, nerves are nerves, and we often find ourselves worrying about what to expect.
The first thing I would like everyone to know is I have never seen anyone at a convention handing out citations for someone not understanding everything or knowing exactly what goes on where. I have been going to conventions in cosplay for over fifteen years, and I still have to ask where panel rooms, shows, vendors and even my own presentation was taking place.This is why I am eternally creatful to know I can always expect volunteers, event staff and even my fellow guests available and approachable to help out. The most important thing to everyone at a steampunk meeting is they want to have a fun day or weekend, and meeting fellow steampunks, new and old, makes the convention that much more fun,; never be afraid to ask, it is a social gathering after all.
The second greatest concern I have heard is people are afraid of fitting in with an already close-knit community, to compensate for such, people will usually spend a small fortune or hours of time on a killer costume, or, take the opposite approach and hide in a corner. My advice for fitting in is to once again ask questions, go to as many panels as possible, speak to the vendors about their wares and take part in. I went to my first steampunk convention Key City Steampunk Festival in 2018. www.keycitysteampunk.com Prior to the convention I had joined the Pennsylvania Steampunk Facebook Group discussed the convention and some of my interests in steampunk prior to the convention. My costume consisted of a $15 Party City top hat and a $30 vest from Amazon. I had a blast! So much so I have been every year since (with the exception of the Great Pandemic Pause). In the six years since, I have presented more panels than I can remember and joined in on several others. How did I manage to fit in,? When I know I will solve the age old question and make a million dollars, but I have to think a major part of it was wanting to be a part of a convention on my part, and being able to meet awesome people who welcome people into the community being the largest part. No one criticized that first costume.
My first Steampunk Cosplay
Others ask, “Will there be enough to do.” I cannot speak for every convention, and I have never attended a convention without enough to keep me occupied. My most frequently attended conventions being Key City, Telltale Steampunk and Thygeekdomcon have Panels, entertainment, contests, games, guests and vendors. Almost all of the activities at a convention are posted well in advance. What you can expect is what you put in. IMy personal practice is to mark down panels I am presenting or co presenting, then look to ones I want to attend. I am and historian, a writer and a science fiction fan, so I will always check out panels, workshops and guests with those themes. I always make time for the cosplay contests. When those are selected I set aside time to get around the vendors, eat and my own costume changes. I like to fill my convention weekend with non-stop activity, so this suits me best. this of course does not take into account after parties and other after hours get together. My wife enjoys the fashion shows, workshops and the Tea Duel retirements. i am working on the assumption that anyone reading this article has an interest in Steampunk, I can honestly say, with planning and a little preparation, you can be as busy or as casual as you want, but boredom is something I have never experienced at a steampunk convention.
The Just a Minute Panel at Key City 2023 in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
What you will see at a Steampunk convention is a lot of fantastic costumes, both in cosplay contests and on the floor. While Cosplay is not consent to have pictures taken of those in cosplay, many people will want to take pictures, or will gladly accept that people will want to take photographs or selfies. Always be respectful and ask for pictures. It is a great compliment to be asked, and it is quite common to see people taking group pictures. Always ensure that you ask the parent or guardian before taking a picture of a minor in costume, as well as the minor. Under no circumstances should you feel obligated to consent to photos- we all have bad hair days.. I personally always ask if it is ok to post the pictures on my social media; courtesy costs nothing and is always appreciated. Those who consent to social media, I also ask if those persons who are agreeable if they wish to be tagged.. Some of my best Steampunk friendships and acquaintances have come through taking and sharing pictures.
When it comes to vendors, you will soon learn that an admirer of true craftting talent and their money are easily parted. My wife and eye save al year for our convention shopping spree. However, sometimes, you know you cannot always afford that one item you want. Vendors always have cards, social media QR Codes and mailing lists. Many vendors also take special orders and commissions. Get their information and you will find you soon own that one special item that will complete a costume or make the perfect addition to a collection.
Vendors Amber Day of Scarves of Holding and Marshall Day of Ger Grinders 3D at Tell-Tale 2023 Baltimore, MD
Finally, you will find that eating out soon gets expensive, and convention’s food prices are rarely within the control of the event planners. That $30 dinner and $20 breakfast for two people soon mounts up over the course of three-day weekend. If you intend to eat out at local or hotel restaurants, expect to add another $300-$350 to your weekend convention budget Fortunately, most hotel rooms come with a refrigerator and microwave. My wife and I have our own little Convention box. A five cup coffee machine and a two slice pop-up toaster for$30 total paid for themselves in one day at a convention.We have a small box with two plates and two bowls and then the rest is groceries and snacks and we have another couple of hundred bucks to support our friends while feeding out steampunk shopping habit. We always also take a 24 pack of water bottles; conventions get hot, and you never know when you are going to be caught up in a conversation or be in a packed panel room. The first lesson I ever learned in going to conventions was always carry a snack bag and at least two bottles of water.
On the whole, what you should truly expect from your first steampunk convention is the most fun filled learning experience you can get while celebrating a period of history that never existed. This author hopes that this little note on expectations and tips makes the learning curve a little less steep.
Monty