LadyJenevia's Survival Guide to MCM London Comic Con Expo

Preface

Back in May of 2013, I took a trip to London that coincided with London Comic Con, as a birthday present to myself. This was the fourth convention I had ever attended, with the preceding three all being San Diego Comic Con (the largest convention in the world). Having grown accustomed to a much larger, competitive convention setting provided some advantages in this smaller setting, but also required some adjustments to be made. For those who will be attending London Comic Con for the first time, whether you are a UK native or travelling from elsewhere, I have compiled some tips to help you achieve optimum levels of fun at this upcoming or any future London (or other UK) cons.

Plan in advance

Check the MCM website regularly to look over the programming. Follow their social media sites on Facebook and Twitter. It's good to have an idea of what panels/signings/photo ops you'd like to spend your time (and money) on in advance. However, even if you've decided on something, things can be cancelled last minute, often due to an actor being required to do filming or promotion elsewhere. Being a big fan of Merlin, I had hoped to meet all the actors from the show that were scheduled to appear. However, Eoin Macken dropped out last minute, and although it was disappointing, I didn't let it ruin the experience, and neither should you if someone you like isn't able to attend.

Picking up your badge

I'd recommend purchasing a badge for all three days (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) and attending all of them. Friday is the least busy of the days, so going first thing in the morning to get in the queue to pick up your badge will give you an advantage on Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday and Sunday, you'll be able to get in the queue to get in first, while others will have to get in a separate queue to pick up their badges and then will be able to get in the main queue long after you did. Additionally, attending on Friday is helpful because you can scope out the layout of the exhibit hall, pick up merchandise early, etc.

How early should you get there?

I was staying at a place on the border of Zone 2 and 3, and took the first tube that left in the morning. It's good to arrive before most of the attendees begin queueing because you won't have to wait as long  to get into the exhibit hall once they have opened the doors and begun letting people in.

Do you need to cosplay?

Cosplaying should be a liberating experience and fun. For many, it's a form of self-expression and an opportunity to flex their creative muscles. Cosplayers often put a lot of time and effort into putting their entire ensembles together. You are certainly welcome to cosplay, but don't do it out of a sense of obligation or to conform. Regardless of whether or not you are cosplaying, comfortable shoes are highly recommended. If you want photos with or of a cosplayer, simply ask them. Do not disrespect or objectify female cosplayers. Regardless of how attractive they may look in their outfit, they have not dressed up to be leered at. (I am bringing this up because this is a serious problem that female cosplayers frequently experience).

What should you bring?

London Comic Con did sell food (and the selection was far better than what is typically available at SDCC) but if you'd rather save your money, you may prefer to bring your own snacks and a bottle of water. Don't eat and drink too much or too little. As for money, there is no "right" amount. Budget according to your lifestyle and circumstances. Some venders may have a cash-only policy, so have cash on hand. Later on in the day, the queues for ATM machines grow incredibly long and if you've brought enough for the day, then that will be one less queue for you to wait in.

Meeting celebrities

There may be an opportunity for you to meet someone(s) from your favourite shows, be it through the form of a signing, a photo-op or both. Typically, to gain access to a signing, you will need to purchase a "Smiley," which is a slip of paper that says "Smiley" on it, for £15. For each person you wish to meet, you will need to purchase another smiley. Photo-ops typically also cost £15 per celebrity. If you have 2 actors in a photo with you, it would be £30. If you already know which photo-ops/signings you wish to purchase slips for, I'd recommend doing that first thing in the morning. Even if the odds of it selling out are slim, it's better to get it out of the way. There's no set time as to when you should begin queueing for a signing/photo-op.

Do not be nervous. This is not a command; it's merely a highly useful piece of advice. You will enjoy the experience far more if you are friendly, happy, respectful, gregarious, etc. At London Comic Con, you'll often get a bit of time to chat with actors during signings, so take the opportunity to do so. If you're doing a photo-op, don't be afraid to ask them to do a cute pose, funny face, etc. Above all else, remember The Golden Rule: treat others as you would want to be treated. (This is a general principle applicable to your interaction with other attendees, employees, celebrities, etc.)

Speaking from personal experience

If you're interested, here are some stories I documented of some interactions I had with people ("celebrities") at MCM London Comic Con Explo.

Andrew Lee Potts & Hannah Spearritt - Primeval

Tyler Hoechlin - Teen Wolf

Tom Hopper and Alexander Vlahos - Merlin

Additional resources

For this upcoming London Comic Con on October 25-27, be sure to check out the showing guide, which can already be viewed online. (Much to my surprise, my photo with Andrew Lee Potts was selected to be on the page showing the photo-ops schedule and may be seen on Page 60):
http://www.mcmcomiccon.com/ebooks/londonoct2013/

If you know someone else that has attended previously, don't be afraid to ask them questions. If you would like to ask me, you may contact me via Twitter (@LadyJenevia) or Tumblr (ladyjenevia.tumblr.com). I'd be happy to help.

Last important piece of advice: have fun!