How to go to an anime convention.
It made me
hyper 
"Had fun hanging out with other fans and seeing my favorite voice actors."
How I did it: I've been to several cons:
Middle Tennessee Anime Convention in Nasvhille
Anime Central in Chicago
Anime Expo in Aneheim
Otakon in Baltimore
I hated MTAC and Otakon, but had a blast at both AX and ACen. I drove to MTAC, flew to ACen and Otakon, and took a train to AX. I'm not much in to cons any more, but I recomend going to at least one.
Lessons & tips:
- Pre-order your badge. It saves you money and allows you to avoid long registration lines (I'm talking HOURS of waiting!).
- If you want to save money, don't stay in the hotel the con is being held in. Use Yahoo maps to see the cheapest, yet closest hotels. You can find hotels in walking distance or hotels that have free shuttle service. Booking your room in well in advance also saves you money
- Take a car trip and/or share a room and split the costs with friends to save money. There are internet sites where you can connect with other fans to do this with, but as always, be cautious if you don't know the person involved.
- If you are a fan of the Japanese aspects of anime, be sure to go to a con that features a Japanese and English tract of panels and events. Anime Expo and Anime Central are two cons that have this.
- Bring plenty of snacks and water so you don't have to leave the action. Many cons are 24 hours! (do return to your room to shower at least once a day for the comfort of you and fellow con-goers). Also be sure to get a schedule and highlight the events that interest you so that you don't accidentally miss something that you want to see. Print one from the con site prior to going to the con as schedules tend to run out quickly and nothing sucks more than not being able to get a schedule.
- Have fun!
Resources: http://www.animecons.com/
