Contributing to the Con Scene

Judges on stage at Pop Expo 2013 - Photo Henrickson

Conventions can be a place of fun, discovery, and learning. I've been going to conventions for over 10 years and I find there are many things a conventions can offer to enrich a visitor's experience. Conventions have brought me so much joy with great experiences with friends and that's why I find it great to give back to the events that have given so much to me.

Participating in an event, be it as a panelist, volunteer, or staff, can be a great way to learn about how the event is run and to create more connections with the community. It can be especially important if the convention is run by fans or volunteers, but it can still be an enriching experience when it comes to profit-based events.

I'm going to focus on cosplay-oriented activities one can do to contribute to conventions and the local cosplay community.

Nadeshicon panel

Panels

Although you can learn a lot about cosplay online, some people like the hands on and personal approach of panels and workshops. Many people get their first feel for what cosplay is by attending a "Cosplay 101" panel at the local convention.

Who should host panels:
A very good baseline of knowledge on the topic you choose is a basic requirement to host a panel. You should have experience to back up the information you will present. Think of it as if you are applying for a teaching job: Do you have the qualification to train somebody on the topic? Will you be able to address follow-up questions?

How do you become a panelist:
Conventions usually have forms that you fill and submit for consideration. Whoever is in charge of panel administration will determine whether your panel gets approved or not. You can sign up with co-panelist, while some cons will lump together panelists of the same topic.

Why it's good for you:

• You get to teach people new things and they are very grateful for it. It is a fulfilling experience.
• You get a discounted or possibly free badge. Different cons have different discount policies, read up on their website before registering for a regular badge.

Why it's good for the convention:
It is a good to have a variety of panels and panelists at events to keep the programming fresh.

People gathered for the Ottawa ComicCon award ceremony

Volunteering

Line-ups at Otakuthon

Who should volunteer:
Anyone who wants to give back to a convention but would rather have lighter responsibilities than a panelist or staff member.

Where you should volunteer:
Cosplay related events such as the masquerade, skit contests, and other costume contests.  At these events you can be: a den mom/dad in charge of taking care of cosplayers before the show, a ninja helping set-up skits for the show, or a runner doing errands for specific staff.

How do you become a volunteer:
Sign up with the convention ahead of time on their website and they will get in touch with you regarding available spots and responsibilities. Often you can specify which event/roles you are interested in. You can also get in touch with whoever runs a specific event and follow the instructions they provide you.

Why it's good for you:

• Get a behind the scenes look of the events and how they are run.
• You get to help your fellow cosplayers and staff, plus makes some new friends.
• My personal favourite: You get to ogle at people's costumes up close.
• Volunteering may get you a discount on your badge and if you clock in enough hours it can be free.

Why it's good for the convention:
It takes a lot of people to make a convention work. It takes a lot of good people to make it move smoothly.

---

Judges & Entries for an Anime North Cosplay contest 2014

Staffing

Who should be staffing:
Have you paid your cosplay dues by helping out the community in some shape or form? Are you familiar with the workings of the convention or event? Then a  staff position may be for you.

Where should you be staffing:
There are many positions at the masquerade as a judge, director, assistant director, photographer, MC, clerk etc. There are similar assortments of jobs at other cosplay-related events like skit contests, hall costume contest, etc.

How do you become a staff member:
Similarly to getting a regular job, knowing people helps. Getting to know the people who runs conventions isn't difficult. Being a regular presence at the event, be it participating or volunteering, may get you on their radar. Similarly to volunteering, sometimes you can apply for staff positions through the convention website. Keep in mind that you will have to prove you are qualified for the position with past experience.

Taking a bow before starting to judge the Nadeshicon Masquerade

Why it's good for you:
Cosplay Judge:

• Get to learn new crafting tricks while getting a close-up look at the costumes.
• Being a judge serves as recognition for the hard work you have done while participating in masquerades. It's like a award but without the competition.
• Help people hone their skills with constructive feedback and knowledge sharing.

Overall:

• Meet many new people within the community.
• Put on a show for the attendees of the event to showcase all the talented cosplayers.
• Gain experience to help out other events and apply skills to non-convention related events/jobs.

Why it's good for the convention:
Many of the costuming events are the highlight of conventions, by staffing the event you are making the magic happen for not only the people watching the show but for the participants as well.

Q: Have you held a position at a convention as a panelist, volunteer, or staff? What was your experience like?