Helping Your Wallet Survive a Science Fiction Convention
Author: Nick
Category: Money
Topics: entertainment, frugality
I’m writing this article at a time and place where I never imagined I’d possibly write an article: from a sci-fi convention at four in the morning. The reasons why I’m here and awake at this stupid late hour are not important, but as I’m going through receipts and bar tabs and other bills that will come due over the next 48 hours, I can’t help but notice that these things cost a helluva lot of money. Here’s just a small sample of what we’ve spent money on here in the last few days:
- Lodging. We are definitely learning to appreciate the value of sleep this weekend as we’re staffing the night shift of Convention Security/Operations. We’ve been sleeping 8am till 2pm for the last few days on a delightfully comfy bed—but the room costs $150 a night.
- Food. We have tons of free food options (more on that later) but we’ve found ourselves paying for plenty of meals with friends too.
- Drinks. Uh, yeah. I’ve had a drink or two this weekend. Okay, 42 of them.
- Toys. These sci-fi cons come with big merchant rooms selling everything from books to props to jewelry to costumes to inflatable alien punchbags. Fortunately I’m actually not that into most sci-fi stuff (except for the occasional Trek foray), so our spending is usually light in this area.
- Arts and crafts and auction prizes. We do, however, tend to go a little overboard in this area. Tonight was a charity auction that gave away all sorts of stuff I don’t need, except for a signed copy of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy which I do need. Tomorrow’s the art auction; not sure how much damage that’ll do to me.
- Registration for other conventions. Most sci-fi conventions will set up a table at other conventions to draw attendees looking to hit multiple cons each year. While we didn’t have to pay to attend this convention since we’re staff, we’ve been dangerously close to being convinced to attend some other area sci-fi cons for which we would need to pay to attend. But then we remember that we’re not really science fiction fans and that we’re just helping out at this convention as favors to friends from other conventions.
You’re probably thinking that a sci-fi dork can really rack up quite a bill from a four-day convention like this one. And you’re absolutely right. I’m sure there are people at this convention who are spending thousands of dollars just to be here and take home some junk. But not us. In the end, we’re probably going to walk away from this weekend just spending a few hundred dollars, almost all of it in those last two categories of discretionary spending listed above. Here’s how we’re saving tons of money at this and other similar sci-fi/fantasy/anime/whatever conventions while Joe Nerdboy is devoting all $6.25 an hour of his job at the video rental store to coming here.
- Work for the convention. This is, by far, the biggest money saver. Yes, this means you’re not at the convention just for fun, but most conventions aren’t going to be fun 24/7 anyway. After a while, you’re likely to get a little bored even if they’re showing all six Star Wars movies dubbed in Wookiee. Why not take some of that downtime and help keep the convention running. Full-time staffers like us generally put in six or more hours each day (except for a select few positions which are always on duty) and have the rest of the time to enjoy the convention, hotel amenities, and other area attractions. As a staff member, you’ll generally get free or discounted lodging, free or discounted meals, free admission, and maybe even an exclusive party or two.
- …Or volunteer. If being on the staff of a convention isn’t your cup of tea, Earl Grey, hot, then you can still reap some of the benefits by volunteering a few hours of your time helping out with odd jobs. I generally prefer to staff rather than volunteer, but both do have their perks.
- Follow the convention “chain.” Several conventions in the same geographic region may, in fact, be run by the same groups of people. For example, a lot of the people who staff this sci-fi convention also run the biggest D.C. area Japanese animation and culture convention. And if you’re a particularly helpful or distinguished staffer at one of them, you’re often treated to lots of free drinks or even meals by grateful folks at the next convention. Those 42 drinks I’ve had this weekend? I’ve only paid for two of them (though I’ve bought a few rounds for other folks too).
- Stay out of the merchant’s room. Even if you know that authentic Klingon bat’leth offered in the merchant’s room for $250 can be had on the internet for $175, you’re still going to be sorely tempted to pick it up at the convention because (1) you can show it off to your geeky friends, and (2) it’ll go great with the full ceremonial garb you’re wearing. So do your pocket book a favor and avoid the merchant’s room altogether.
- Bring food and drink. If you’re not willing to staff or even volunteer at a convention, be sure to bring lots of your own stuff to eat and drink. Hotel food is always pricey, and even eating out off site can set you back heavily. You can easily save a couple hundred bucks by packing your own snacks, nutritional staples, and alcohol. Yes, you will drink at the convention, so you might as well do it as cheaply as possible.
- Make lots of friends. Some people survive entire conventions feeding only at the inevitable room parties that pop up each night. Be social during the day so you get lots of invites to night-time get-togethers.
- Leave most of your credit cards at home. Just bring one with a credit line big enough to pay for your hotel bill and any other minor expenses you may occur, but not much more. This way there’s no way you can take home that $8,000 1:50 scale model of the mothership from Close Encounters of the Third Kind if you lose your monetary senses.
Of course, the biggest cost of all attending a science fiction convention is to your social status. Having never attended a true sci-fi con before this weekend, we were at least at the level of dork. Now we’ve been demoted to geek status, but at least we’re not leaving here with a massive black hole in our bank account.
Loading ...
54 Responses »
1.
s. jennifer rose
May 27th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
Could you pick me up a Bajoran earring? My brother got me one at a con when I was 12 and it was a piece of crap that broke. Talking about Star Trek turns my boyfriend off, so I figure a nice piece of Trek jewelry might be a good thing to have around on days I can’t put out three times in a row.
2.
Stephanie PTY
May 27th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
Ah… what fun! I’ve gone to San Diego Comic-Con the past two summers, but I doubt I’ll be going this year. The second year, most of the fun came out of just meeting up with the people I met the first year! But the expense of getting out there is just too much for me – that’s why I’m making my friends come to me!
(Now if I can only figure out how to get Joss Whedon to come visit me, as well…)
3.
MoneyDummy
May 27th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
Douglas Adams is almost as cool of a guest speaker as, say, Avery Brooks would be. (You’ve mentioned Star Trek, so please preserve my respect for you and tell me that you’re fond of TNG, but that your heart truly belongs to DS-9.)
Hubs and I WILL go to a Star Trek convention someday, and we’ll definitely follow your advice. And then blog about it, of course.
4.
Nick
May 27th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
MoneyDummy, I’m equally fond of TNG and DS9, though if you made me pick between the two, I’d probably go with DS9.
5.
Fred
May 28th, 2008 at 7:51 am
Never been to a sci fi con, but these are good suggestions for any event. You sound like a frood who really knows where his towel is.
6.
Kyle
May 28th, 2008 at 9:46 am
These things are good for people watching. Always lots of women dressed up as slave-girl Princess Leia.
7.
Maria @ Financial-Tip
May 28th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
I have never been to a sci-fi convention. Shocking admission, but there you have it. That being said…the most frugal tip I would have is tot sell stuff there to offset what you spend. Buy sci-fi stuff cheap throughout the year, resell it a the convention to people who want to buy it. Works for me.
8.
Mrs. Micah
May 28th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
I have a DS9 Lieutenant’s uniform which I’ve never worn. But when I was 16 I really really wanted to go to a convention. I just never did.
9.
Nick
May 28th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
Mrs. Micah, wear it and send pics please.
10.
rocketc
May 29th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
Boy, this was some practical pf advice. Thanks for taking the time!
11.
obbop
June 1st, 2008 at 10:02 pm
I’ll eat a few more of those yummy Burger King one-buck double cheese burgers and show up as Jabba the Hut.
12.
Jerry Dill
July 7th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
Kind of a funny way to look at conventions. I like the advice. You can really use it when traveling.
13.
Roger
October 28th, 2008 at 1:52 am
Hunh, all good advice, and pretty applicable to my preferred con experience, the anime con. I’ll have to see if I can find employment/volunteer opportunities next time I go to one.
14.
Keith
April 23rd, 2009 at 5:40 am
Its definitely hard not to spend money when you go out to a special place like you did, it happens to me all the time and I’m usually not
ready for the amount of money that I actually spend as opposed to how much I planned to spend! lol
15.
Emi-chan
July 8th, 2009 at 6:34 pm
OMG!! xD I’ve wanted to go to a convention FOREVER – whether that’s a sci-fi convention or an anime convention. I’m a geek/nerd/dork at heart and it really shows. You’re not the only one! I don’t have a lot of money so I’ve thought about going with a lot of friends and splitting the hotel rooms, etc., but I don’t think I’d ever really thought about being part of staff…. that’s definitely something to think about, but also after I’ve attended at least one. I’ll be sure to keep all your other handy dandy money saving tips in mind!! Thanks!
*Note: Especially loved the bit about making friends and crashing their parties every night. lol
16.
ClickBank
October 16th, 2010 at 7:11 pm
Its tuff to have your wallet survive anywere.
17.
صور انمي
December 20th, 2010 at 3:03 pm
Thank you so much to all of the information filed distinctive
18.
Heilpraktiker
February 5th, 2011 at 8:19 am
great blog, many thanks´´´´´
19.
minneapolis bankruptcy lawyer
February 9th, 2011 at 11:29 am
Wonderful information you have provided. Can’t wait to read more from your blog.
20.
alarabforum
February 14th, 2011 at 7:37 am
Wonderful information you have provided.
alarabforum
21.
Turkish Gulet Cruises
March 8th, 2011 at 1:18 am
I am quite interested in this topic hope you will elaborate more on it in future posts. Keep it up.
22.
zara
March 26th, 2011 at 1:19 am
http://www.vibramfivefingershoes2011.com/
23.
xx
April 27th, 2011 at 4:12 am
http://www.louisvuittonsales.com/
24.
zara
May 14th, 2011 at 4:52 am
http://www.burberrybags-store.com/
25.
adidas fg soccer cleats
July 14th, 2011 at 10:49 pm
There was just no question in my mind that I would do anything I could. QL
26.
burberry outlet
August 2nd, 2011 at 4:48 am
It is a very informative and useful post thanks it is good material to read this post increases my knowledge
27.
nike shox shoes on sale
August 11th, 2011 at 3:23 am
thank you sharing this article with us ,i can learn a lot from it
28.
nike shox shoes on sale
August 11th, 2011 at 3:25 am
the article is very useful,thank you share it .
29.
jocu-RI cu Masini
August 21st, 2011 at 11:29 am
Great one again dude, I really like what you are writing about
30.
الرياض
August 28th, 2011 at 11:17 pm
MoneyDummy, I’m equally fond of TNG and DS9, though if you made me pick between the two, I’d probably go with DS9.
31.
Virtual Server
September 1st, 2011 at 2:45 pm
Wow I didn’t realize that it was so expensive.
32.
jocu-RI cu Masini
September 3rd, 2011 at 12:22 pm
Hello, you have a great talent for satiric writing
33.
شات مصري
September 15th, 2011 at 4:20 pm
This article is already excellent and worthy of appreciation and praiseررر
34.
منتديات صبايا
October 30th, 2011 at 8:44 am
I am quite interested in this topic hope you will elaborate more on it in future posts. Keep it up.
منتديات صبايا العرب
35.
jocu-RI cu Masini
November 1st, 2011 at 10:32 am
It’s sad and funny how you can present real problems with such easy and in such a funny way
36.
معهد
November 20th, 2011 at 6:05 pm
I have a presentation that I am presently working on ,,, and I have been looking for such information.
التقويم الهجري 1433
37.
Enrichement Class for Kids
November 27th, 2011 at 10:23 pm
I Like the idea to leave the credit cards at home
38.
jocu-RI cu Masini
December 1st, 2011 at 5:14 am
Impressive you managed to turn something about money into something funny
39.
jocu-RI cu Masini
January 3rd, 2012 at 9:09 am
You got some mad writing skills, I hope you will keep writing more articles
40.
jocu-RI cu Masini
January 3rd, 2012 at 9:54 am
I want more drawings from your and also more articles, everything is very funny
41.
الفيس بوك
January 25th, 2012 at 12:57 am
I’ll eat a few more of those yummy Burger King one-buck double cheese burgers and show up as Jabba the Hut.
42.
replica jewelry
January 26th, 2012 at 2:23 am
Great Site, your plugins are very useful and save me a tonne of time.jiyrf
43.
شات
January 27th, 2012 at 6:59 pm
thanx this topic very very good
i will spend my time in this site
44.
jocu-RI cu Masini
February 1st, 2012 at 9:01 am
You got some mad writing skills and know how to tell a story, I hope you will keep writing more articles
45.
Sanita
February 27th, 2012 at 2:11 am
You can find the best Caribbean Feast Restaurants in Canada. Take a time a get visited to Edwins Restaurant. We are committed to ensure that your visit to our establishment will be most enjoyable and memorable. All our menu selections are freshly done.
46.
Coach Factory
March 9th, 2012 at 8:02 pm
I want more drawings from your and also more articles, everything is very funny
47.
SEO Manipulator
March 15th, 2012 at 7:57 pm
Too funny, you never fail to get a laugh out of me
48.
handbags
March 17th, 2012 at 10:48 pm
Are all of those posts written you or did you appoint a ghost writer?
49.
jocu-RI cu Masini
April 3rd, 2012 at 1:05 pm
So, how are you writing all this, how do you find your inspiration?
50.
أخبار الرياضة
April 19th, 2012 at 2:56 am
If I might —perhaps you should consider adding a few images. I don’t mean to disrespect what you’ve said ; its very enlightening, indeed. However, I think would respond to it more positively if they could be something tangible to your ideas
51.
منتديات
April 22nd, 2012 at 10:55 pm
iodhvfioefh efhkefe efiwefh
52.
دردشة
April 27th, 2012 at 11:11 am
Good The Chat ..
53.
منتديات
April 27th, 2012 at 11:13 am
Good The Hammsa..
54.
jocu-RI cu Masini
May 2nd, 2012 at 3:31 am
Hello, I just wanted to congratulate you on doing some fine writing, you are trully very skilled in your stories, you present real facts in a funny way.
Leave a comment
Line and paragraph breaks automatic, e-mail address never displayed, HTML allowed:
<a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong>