Dec 01 2008
Pros & Cons: Small Conventions (The Cons)
As with so many things in life, there are “cons” to attending a small convention versus a larger one. Here are some of the top cons to consider if you’re trying to decide whether a small convention or a large convention is right for you.
Cons of a Small Convention:
1. Lack of Diversity in Guests/Vendors
Up Close and Personal with George Takei (Vulkon 2007)
As one might suspect, the smaller the convention, the fewer choices you have as an attendee. Whereas a larger convention like Comic Con can bring in hundreds of guests, a smaller convention may only have one or two main guests and a few extras thrown in. The same goes for vendors too. Some larger cons have multiple ballrooms dedicated to vendors and exhibitors, whereas the smaller cons might only have one medium to small sized ballroom. One thing I have noticed is that a lot of the same local vendors tend to come out for the same conventions year after year, so if you’re looking for something new, the small convention’s vendor room may not be your best bet for finding it.
2. A Great Deal of “Dead” Time
While some may see this as a “pro”, when you’re paying money for entry (and maybe investing in a hotel room and travel), you probably want to be entertained the majority of your time at the con. While large cons have almost non-stop activities from start to finish, smaller conventions tend to end earlier each day and may only provide one or two events at a time. If you aren’t interested in what is being offered in room 1 or 2, you may not have any other options. Since many conventions offer the same panel discussions and events at every con, repeat small con attendees may find they’ve already attended a lot of the events being offered, and will be hunting for something else to do.
3. Problems with Organization and Planning (Mainly for Newer Conventions)
I will be the first to say that not all large cons have it together, and not all small cons are poorly organized. I’ve experienced all combinations. However, in my experience, newer conventions tend to be smaller and less organized than larger, well-established conventions. This can manifest in difficulties with obtaining your badge, not having the proper AV equipment available, lack of signage, lack of staff, and overall lack of planning. I have attended more than one new anime convention that suffered from all of those problems, and more. If you’re thinking of attending a newer convention, be aware that you may be in for quite an experience.
4. Not as Much “Bang for Your Buck”
Let’s face it: conventions get more expensive every year. I remember when I could get a weekend pass for a convention for $20 or less (and maybe even get an autograph included). Not anymore. You’d be lucky to get anyone’s autograph for under $30 these days, much less a badge t00.
While convention prices vary widely based on guests, the number of days, location, autograph inclusion, etc., you are probably getting less for your money at a small con. There are fewer guests to see and meet, fewer events, fewer vendors, etc. etc. Now, if having a more personal encounter with a guest at a nice quiet convention is worth the $70 badge (not to mention potential hotel and travel costs) for a weekend, then maybe this isn’t a “con” for you at all. Whatever floats your boat! However, if you’re looking for a lot to see and do during your weekend, you may want to invest your money at a convention that has a lot more programming and guests to offer for roughly the same badge fee.
Tomorrow: The Pros and Cons of Large Conventions
