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Greed1914
Joined: 28 Oct 2007
Posts: 4769
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Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2015 9:57 am
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Most of these aren't available options at the smaller convention I attend, but the volunteering one is. In addition to reducing the price of next year's registration for every hour worked, they set aside some merchandise for people that go above and beyond.
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WashuTakahashi
Joined: 18 Mar 2015
Posts: 415
Location: Chicago, IL
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Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2015 10:21 am
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Instead of just volunteering (which usually doesn't have THAT great of perks), consider staffing! You have to sign up a bit earlier, and you'll be required to work X hours, but at pretty much every convention you'll be given a free badge. Most conventions are pretty flexible with your hours, and will work with you to make sure you're not scheduled during the things you REALLY want to do. this can also include free swag, food, and is a great way to make new friends :3
I'd also suggest following a con's online forums if they have them. Sometimes they post deals and contests in there.
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Cutiebunny
Joined: 18 Apr 2010
Posts: 1777
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Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2015 12:23 pm
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Since we're advertising AX in this feature, what makes AX perhaps the most expensive con to attend is simply the hotel. Staying in their room block will usually run you upwards of $230/night if you want to stay anywhere near the convention center and not be dependent on the bus route. A five night stay came out to about $1200 with taxes and LA's hospitality fee added. You, of course, can decrease that expense by sharing your room with others, but there's only so many people you want to stuff into one room. When you start having people sleep in bathtubs and whatnot, that's where it becomes problematic.
I disagree with the point regarding conventions being run by fans. Most of your larger cons are run by industry. They're the ones paying the bigger bills and/or bringing the guests. Most large conventions don't do the footwork to get guests anymore and rely on their sponsors to do that. That's why they get the primo panel slots and fan panels get pushed into 7 am Sunday morning slots.
This column is only informative regarding how to save money on the actual con admission itself, not how to save on other things related to attending most large cons, like food, hotels, etc. I know this is a column being sponsored by Omakase and so they're obviously going to cater things to their business, but I'd think providing helpful con hints to attendees regarding expenses like hotel would be more beneficial than telling them how to save a couple bucks on admission.
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VinceA
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Joined: 03 Jan 2002
Posts: 127
Location: Bayonne, NJ
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Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2015 12:45 pm
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Buy early is the easiest one. Next, if you attend other conventions see if the convention you want to attend has a table in the dealer's room where they may offer a discount code.
Consider staffing only if you're willing to put in the effort. It's not an easy way to get free admission, there is some sweat involved.
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TarsTarkas
Joined: 20 Dec 2007
Posts: 6048
Location: Virginia, United States
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Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2015 1:06 pm
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Buy your admission early. Book your hotel room early. Use hotel points if you are able.
Research the area early looking for food choices and transportation issues.
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