By Katharine Star

Conventions are a fun time, whether you are trooping with a costuming group or exploring on your own, but to ensure that you have fun you also have to remember to stay safe.

            While browsing a con on your own can be a good time, it’s important to keep in mind that the larger and more boisterous the convention is, the greater the need to have companions. A lot of the people who attend these conventions are wonderful, delightful individuals and one can often find great friends exploring the “coniverse”, but there are always those wackos out there that you have to watch out for. Remember, there is definitely strength in numbers: share your next convention with one or more friends if you can. Not only can it enhance your experience, but it can also help keep the crazies away.

            Another safety tip: keep to the convention floor. There can be lots of little dark spaces to explore at a convention hall and many exciting back stage type of areas, but while you might be tempted to get a look at what goes on behind the scenes these aren’t the safest places to be. Leave the backstage area to the relevant performers, and changing rooms to those who have requested them. You never know whom you’ll meet behind the curtain: he or she could be friend or foe.

            It is also good to keep in mind the area outside the convention hall. If you have to leave the convention hall to get to your accommodations, it’s good to research how much walking around you’ll have to do in the area and what the public transportation system is like, whether the area seems shady or not.  If you don’t research these things, you are at an increased risk. This is certainly the time to be with a group: if you and your friends split up at the convention, then arrange a time and place to meet before leaving so you can be sure to all leave together. This is especially important for the women: a lovely lady in a revealing or bright costume can make for an appealing target for baddies, so stick with a large group or at least a male companion. It may seem sexist, but the truth is an attacker is less likely to make a move if you are with a guy.

            There are also your belongings to consider. It’s best to leave as much as you can back at the hotel. If it’s a cold time of year and you need to bring a coat, keep in mind that unless it’s a big con and there’s a coat check it’s something that you are going to have to carry. You probably will also have some basic things on you: namely, cell phone and money, not to mention an ID; if you ordered your passes, tickets, what have you in advance then you most likely will need some form of ID to pick them up. My suggestion is that you leave the license at the hotel and bring some other form of picture ID if you have it, such as a school or work ID.

            As for the phone and the money, these are best kept in your pockets if you have them. If your costume does not have pockets, then find other creative ways to carry these items, such as in your boot, or get an ID carrier: these can be found online for cheap and are small pouches meant to carry very little, but will hold an ID, some money, and a cell phone. They come with straps: whether you carry this or another bag of some sort I suggest slinging the strap across your body. This will discourage people from trying to snatch it from you.

            The best rule of thumb is: don’t bring what you can’t lose. A phone can be replaced. A credit card can be cancelled. If you must bring cash, as many dealers at conventions, won’t have credit card machines, then try to resist having one big spending spree and buy your goodies over a few days: you have less risk of losing a lot of money if you don’t have too much with you all at once. Also, don’t leave your phone back at the hotel if you can help it: it can come in handy if you get separated from your group while at the con or anyplace else. It’s also good to have just in case of an emergency. If you really don’t want to bring your phone, arrange with your group to meet at pre-designated areas at intermittent times. This will ensure that you never are separated for too long if this happens.

            Keep in mind that security staff may search any bags you bring with you to the convention; if you wouldn’t wave it around the con, don’t bring it. Leave prescription medications and anything that could be construed as a weapon back at the hotel. If your costume comes with a prop that is weapon-like, don’t conceal it: leave it out in the open and be sure that security can see it and examine it. It’s best not to appear shady: if you work with your security staff, they can better do their job in protecting you. If you aren’t sure if something will be allowed into the convention center, don’t bring it. Otherwise, be ready to possibly return to the hotel to drop it off or leave it with security staff.

            One thing I can’t stress enough: if you aren’t local and are staying in a hotel, DO NOT STAY IN THE HOTEL ALONE. Get a room with multiple people: not only does this make your stay cheaper, but also it enhances your safety. You don’t want to be going between the con and the hotel alone.  It’s also always a smart idea, especially for young women, to not be in a strange place by one’s self. Even if you are just heading back to the hotel to drop something off, ask a companion to go with you. If a stranger offers to escort you, don’t take it: no matter how cool their costume or how nice they seem you don’t know them.

            So keep these types of things in mind, and have a fun (and safe) time at your next convention!