The Benefits of Attending Small Conventions: Why You Should Support by Attending Them
I have been to many conventions starting since high school. At first I would only go to the big conventions like Anime Expo and LA Comic Con. They were fun to attend but would get really crowded which meant more time waiting in line and less time doing the fun parts of a convention. If you love events I recommend attending a small convention instead, I say small but that's relative to you. For some a convention of 1k is small and for others that's packed. Smaller conventions may not have the same level of recognition, guests, or might be new. But they offer many unique benefits that I'll explore in this blog post and try to persuade you to find, attend, and support them.
More Affordable
Going to conventions can be expensive, especially if they are multi day conventions that you have to travel to and get accommodation for. Smaller conventions have the major advantage of being more affordable than larger events, I've gone to events that have free entry or donation based. Smaller events typically have a lower admission fee and are more affordable because you wouldn't need to travel or get a hotel for it. Make sure to look around for events going around your town or city that are a car trip away.
Supporting Local Communities
I attend small conventions because it means supporting local communities. They are organized by local enthusiasts, artists, and vendors who rely on the event to showcase their work and generate income. Sometimes it's ran by a collective, or run out of a Boba shop that vendors are friends with. They might not be classified as traditional conventions but events need a place to start and be nurtured and allowed to grow. By attending and purchasing from local vendors, you're contributing to the local economy and helping to support the growth of the convention community.
Discovering New Fandoms and Interests
More Intimate and Personal Experience
Finally, small conventions offer a unique and authentic atmosphere that can't be replicated at larger events. One of the main benefits of attending a small convention is the more intimate and personal experience. Smaller conventions means having fewer attendees, which allows for more one-on-one interactions with vendors, artists, and other attendees. A guest that has a long line in a large conventions where you only have 1 minute to interact can change into being able to have a 20 minute long conversation in a small conventions. You'll have more opportunities to ask questions, share your opinions, and make meaningful connections with others who share your interests. The more intimate and personal experience, combined with the support of local communities, creates a welcoming and inclusive environment that celebrates fandoms and interests in a genuine and authentic way.
In conclusion, attending small conventions offers a variety of benefits, including a more intimate and personal experience, affordability, support for local communities, discovery of new fandoms and interests, and a unique and authentic atmosphere. If you're tired of the overwhelming crowds and commercialization of large conventions, consider attending a small convention instead. By doing so, you'll not only have a great time but also support the growth and development of the convention community.
Thank you for reading. Read some of my other blogs:
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