What is a convention?
A gathering of people with a common interest.   Well that's more or less a dictionary definition but it is fairly accurate.

What happens at a convention?
Most conventions consist of each guest doing a question and answer session.   This is where you can ask questions and the guest will answer them.   There is usually an autograph session where you can get each of the guests to sign something for you.   The day is usually rounded off by a disco of some sort often with a theme where you can dress up.
On one of the nights there will probably be a fancy dress competition as well.
Some conventions will hold photo shoots where you can get a photo taken with the guest or guests of your choice.   Other will have competitions such as art,  writing or a quiz testing your knowledge of the subject of the convention.
Some conventions will also run another discussion room where you can talk about aspects of your favourite show or they may run a video room where they show episodes or related things.
 

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What sort of question can I ask?
Questions vary but most things are okay.   Guests may be ask things like what is their favourite food/drink/movie/TV show etc.  Or they might be asked what would be their dream role.   Having said that most subjects are okay it is good to remember and think about the things you would not like to be asked about in public and use that as your guideline.

How long will a Q & A last?
Most last about 1 hour.     Though sometimes a guest will go on a little longer or if there are no questions the guest may leave early – so be warned get those good questions ready.
 
 

Can I get things signed to me or to someone else?
Usually yes, but again this is something that may vary from convention to convention and you will be informed of this.  It is generally referred to as Personalisation.

How many extra photos can I buy?
This varies and will be set by the convention.    Remember if the convention is a large one it may be necessary to limit autographs to one per person in order to ensure that everyone gets something signed.
 
 

What kind of discussion might there be?
You can have serious discussions or fun discussions.   Subject may range from nit-picking episodes to discussing serious issues raised in an episode.

What format do discussions take?
This varies it can be a traditional type of debate where one person talks in favour and one against and then it is opened to the group.  Or it may simply be a moderator who opens the discussion immediately to the group.   The same convention may use both types.

What is a panel?
This may be some of the guests or other fans who have a particular interest in the show.   They will put their point across and then often open the floor for questions which they will answer.

Is access to discussions restricted?
It can be.  It depends on the content of the discussion but this will be posted either in the programme or on the door of the discussion room.
 
 

Is access to the video room restricted?
It can be.    If a video showing is suitable only for adults children might not be allowed access.    So look out for notices about restricitons.
 
 

Do I have to dress up?
No.  Dressing up is entirely optional.  Clothes of some sort are required though.

How long will the disco last?
Most start around 8pm and will go on until around 1am.    Though this can vary and the con programme will give exact details.
 
 

Will my photo be autographed?
This is dependant on the convention.   Some may do it and some may not expect to be informed of this at the convention.  Some conventions may count this as a personal item in an autograph session.

How do I get to a photo shoot?
Tickets will be sold at some point.   This may be done at the convention.    Saturday tickets will be sold on a Friday evening or Saturday morning.   Sunday tickets may be sold on a Saturday evening or Sunday morning.   Sometimes tickets may be offered before the convention.

Will the number of tickets be limited?
Probably.   There would very likely not be time to take photos of everyone that wants them.

When will the photo shoot start?
Generally these are done first thing in the morning.    This is to allow for the processing of the photos and to get them back to you.
 
 

How will this be judged?
Usually the guests will judge the fancy dress.

What sort of thing will they judge?
Usually the fancy dress will be split into different areas.    Such as best overall costume.   Most amusing, most original etc.   It may be that there will be a prize for the best show put on as well.

Will children and adults compete together?
At some conventions yes.  Most are now moving though to doing a children's section and an adult section.
 
 

What is an art competition?
Many fans produce art work based on the object of their fandom, this gives them a chance to show it off and share it with others.    Often it's not just drawings or paintings, it can be needlework or models in fact anything that you have made.
 

Writing competition.

What is a writing competition?
This is something that used to be much more common.   These days with copyright issues it is not as common.  However it usually involves the fan in writing a story based on the characters of the subject of the convention.   It can also be a poem or maybe a song.
 
 

What kind of questions will be asked?
Usually questions based on the subject of the convention.
 
 

What format does the auction take?
You will usually be told at the start of the auction what to expect.   Usually you will be shown an item and the auctioneer will ask for an opening bid of say £1 you will then bid on that until someone wins it.

How do I pay for anything I win in the auction?
You will have to pay at the event.  Either in cash or with a cheque or credit card.  Listen carefully at the start of the auction as not all auction will take cheques or credit cards.
 
 

Finally there are a few things you should always bring to a convention.   One is a large helping of patience.   There will inevitably be queues, and may be delays or changes in the programme.    Another is a sense of humour.   That  will keep you going when the queues get too much.   The most important thing to bring is yourself and have fun.