You thought it was a good thoughtful comment, but it was me, Diodorant!!

I remember one of the first years I went to anime Boston, there was a sanitation squad, and they were handing out deoderant and soap and sanitizer and I thought “surely this isn’t necessary why wouldn’t you be clean?” And then I went to my first panel and learned the horrors

"I'm not wearing a lowcut top for nothing" LOL duly noted ma'am XD

34:53 "Please don't breathe acetone" has to be the most random PSA to ever have in a podcast about anime conventions, and yet I was listening to this episode while in my garden shed, dissolving several bin liners of styrofoam into a bucket of acetone, so it somehow became pertinent regardless xD (It smells almost, but not quite, entirely unlike deodorant)

Bro I never imagined that I'd get to see Mint and Matara at Deodorant-con in Canada of all places 2024 be absolutely wild

Good travel tip: dove makes a spray deodorant that actually works and is plane friendly

For first time con goers, have fun! But be prepared with your hygiene. I've seen staff have to lob air fresheners into a cleared out panel room like it was a war film.

There should be a booth with free deodorant at every convention

Great episode HAGS! I've been working for PAX since 2014 and I second what you all said about working conventions - just be aware that some convention jobs are quite boring and require you to be on your feet for extended periods. PAX itself is great about accommodating the enforcers with preferred shifts and departments, and we're nice people. Working a show is also a great way to make friends in the community, and for most shows you do get paid. It's typically local minimum wage, so not a whole lot, but it does go a way toward offsetting the expense. Oh, and Matara I feel duty bound to mention - PAX East next year is in May. The dates for these shows are always booked years in advance but it's my hope that they'll be around now going forward - the full New England winter experience is rough for us, too, one year a bunch of us got snowed in by a blizzard that hit the day after the show. I literally couldn't see out of my hotel room, a sheet of ice covered the entire side of my hotel. Be sure to get at least one GOOD meal, one GOOD shower, and one GOOD night's sleep at any convention - MINIMUM. It's fine to rely on protein bars somewhat, to grab quick showers sometimes, or to stay out late and get up early sometimes, but it's asking for trouble to try and do a convention without taking care of yourself. Deodorant is super important!

Jonathan Coulton is the guy who wrote the end credit songs for Portal and Portal 2. lmao! I did not expect to hear him mentioned in an episodes about Anime Conventions 🤣🤣🤣

@24:58 - The hotels I worked at had a hard limit for how many people could be in a room because of fire code. We could face massive fines or even worse punishments if the fire marshals knew we intentionally allowed more than a specified limit of people into a room. The reasoning is that, in case of an emergency requiring evacuation, the hotel staff, police, fire teams and medical teams all know the maximum number of people who could possibly be in the building. We'd often get groups of 7 or more trying to stay in one room, but we would not bend on this policy. Likewise, we tried not to allow more than 1 rollaway bed / crib in a room, because it could make the room too cramped to escape if something like a fire broke out (plus it was obvious that they would try to have more people in a room than allowed if they needed more than 1 rollaway bed, since they'd usually get a room with 2 king-sized beds).

- 0:32:17 - Microwave ovens heat up food primarily by exciting the water content within it. Who is to complain if microwaves can be used to safely sterilize water, help prepare ramen properly, and make people not wind up like Matara? 💧🤪 - 0:50:06 - Does Matara still have her DS? 🔌💻 - 0:52:13 - Deodorant would help Mint during her stints as a L.A. hobo. 🌃💤 - 1:16:37 - Matara hints at a Vtuber 3D model's price. 💰😮 Thank you for yet another fun and informative podcast, Mint and Matara! 🌿👻🪳

I miss getting to go to conventions with friends. Crowding into a hotel room, everyone coming in and out during the day to rest or shower or change into copslay, a weekend away form life just goofing off and nerding out

1:11:05 This is excellent advice. My very first con I was on a shoestring budget so I couldn't buy more than one or two art prints, but I walked out of that hall with a STACK of business cards and I went to all their web sites as I had money over the next few months to see what they were selling. (Deodorant is also good advice, yes.)

My biggest issue when it comes to attending conventions is I do NOOOOOT like crowds. 😭😭😭

Lots of useful Con knowledge in here, you two are really a treasure trove of deodorant knowledge!

At the convention I attend every year something I always try to do, aside from wearing deodorant, is look for someone cosplaying as Kasane Teto. When I go for lunch there's a bakery on the way I usually go, so I get a baguette, and if I see a Teto cosplayer I give them the baguette. It makes their day everytime. Sadly I've not seen one in the past 2 years, but it's one of my favorite memories of the con. That and destroying my voice playing Call of Cthulhu. I did a silly voice for my character for 3 hours and it was a ton of fun, but my voice was sore afterwards.

I finally took the time to find my name in the Patreon section lol Thank you for another great episode.

going to conventions is kind of a huge ordeal because of health, but I'm really excited to go to offkai to see you guys!!! conventions are some of the only chances i have to see wisp friends so they've become some of the highlights of my year I even got a deodorant that matches my perfume!

I went to my first con last year, which was the SPIEL in Essen, Germany. It's a convention for board games, card games, tabletop games, etc. Games Workshop had a 1:1 scale Space Marine statue at their area.

This episode has had me flashing back to my student days when I first went to MCM Expo. I went with an anime club and we all crammed into a couple of hotel rooms. We looked out for each other and helped make the experience fun for everyone. Well, except for the hotel room stinking of deodorant each morning. I won't be able to make it to Offkai, but there is VeXpo in the UK I plan on attending. Another UK convention I can recommend is a board game convention called Baycon. 4½ days of non-stop boardgames and always welcoming newcomers.

I’ve never been to a con before but am definitely interested in going to at least one after this episode you guys just make it so much fun. I will definitely make sure to pack lots of extra Deodorant.

The smell of Home Depot IS amazing. As a vet of dozens of tabletop gaming conventions, big and small, just remember, everyone is as scared of you, as you are of them. You're all there together, so you have stuff in common, go thrive.

Let's zoom in on fan panels. At most anime cons, there'll be several going on at any given time. The word "panel" is misleading; it refers to audience discussions, workshops, game shows, and of course, actual discussion panels, but by far the most common type of "panel" is the presentation. I seem to recall a certain eventer fairy did a wotage primer stream once, and if you liked it, that's exactly the sort of thing you'll tend to find at panels. They're like live video essays, generally about topics adjacent to otaku culture. I think it was Matara who mentioned places where you can just sit down and chill if you're feeling tired or overstimulated, and panels are another great option. I'm almost always super busy at cons, but there's _always_ somehow at least one stretch where I don't really have anything to do, and I'll just look at the schedule and walk into some panel I had no intention of going to before to just have a snack and chill - and I've seen some really interesting stuff that way! Obviously, the quality of fan programming can vary. I'm active in the Mid Atlantic, but I've heard us US East Coasters (…minus Florida) are pretty big tryhards compared to anywhere else. I believe it - I'm Tryhard Exhibit A. I've certainly been to bad panels, but I don't often come across anyone who doesn't genuinely want to do a good job. Even lazy panels can be a good time with the right group. Generally though, you're safer with panels where it's clear that the presenter has a well-defined topic or thesis they intend to develop. Improv, comedy, and gameshow panels are the most likely to suck, but fortunately those have died back a lot on the East Coast. I'd also avoid panels where it's clear the host just has an axe to grind or wants to banter - although these are also increasingly rare here. Surprisingly, average quality doesn't really vary that much with con size either - at least in the Mid Atlantic region. I've been to great panels at cons of 1000, 10000, and 40000. Heck, my friends and I have even run programming at college anime club events like Mint's first con. But speaking of which, what's it like on the other side? I've been running fan panels nonstop since 2015, and it legit feels weird to me now when I go to a con and don't have anything to present. It's a good way to enjoy a con. Admittedly it also makes me fucking hate my hobbies sometimes, but that's a skill issue and I'm sure Mint and Matara can relate. If you can successfully entertain and educate an audience, that's a strong-ass pull. I don't remember who brought up volunteering as a way to get admission comped, but most (East Coast) cons will comp panelists too. After all, you're providing them part of their value. It's also a good way to meet people. What better way to find people who are interested in something than to run a panel about it? I've made a few friends this way. You shouldn't do it _just_ for those reasons though. Submit panels because you think you can do a good job, not because you and your friend want free badges. I don't just say this on principle, I say it because the nominal effort/reward ratio for a good panel can get quite low. I once worked out how much the invoice would be if I billed an average research assistant's rate for all the time I spent on research and prep for one panel, and it was an insane _two orders of magnitude_ more than the price of a badge. I'm firmly an outlier and you should take this as an upper bound, but it's undeniable that good educational panels take work. The good news is that once you've done the work, you can take that panel around to a bunch of different cons. If you and a friend can share the work as co-panelists, all the better. Oh, but if you want to talk about anything to do with anime history, do us all a favor and don't rely on any academic work in English written before like 2014. Even the most defensive and reticent of the old guard will readily admit the cutting edge of English language scholarship has moved lightyears in the last ~decade. For that matter, there have been pretty important developments on the Japanese side as well. Regarding 18+ panels, those are a weird bag. As Matara said, there's usually at least one panel about eroanime on any given night, but most cons will at least try to counterprogram with something less rowdy but that still requires an 18+ slot. After all, not everyone around after dark is a drunk and hormry party animal who burned through their deodorant an hour ago. A friend and I have developed a panel on the JSDF that we're pretty sure will always get shunted to 18+ no matter how we mark it, so AUSA attendees this fall should get ready for some sexy late night pillow talk about industrial policy. It'll be great, I promise. Anyway, thank you Mint and Matara for the podcast. うp乙！

I'm actually EXCITED to hear what Mint & Matara have to say about Convention Advice since I haven't been to one in a long time & will be returning to them next month 💚🤍✨

I think I've turned into Mint over this last year. Aside from a few PAX Wests (they are local to me) my first major convention was AX 2023. Kind of a big jump, but like Mint I went for the oshi. Couldn't pass up the opportunity for a real meet and greet, and got to talk to some other fans besides. Then she appeared twice more in the US and I couldn't help it, attended both. Announced an event in Japan and Mint talking about how people should really go for the things they love popped into my head. So... I'm going to Japan for the first time ever! Staying for two weeks and then flying direct to AX because they're going to be there again and I already had plans. Maybe it's too crazy? 🤔Should be fine as long as I pack deodorant and trail bars beforehand.

Going to a convention always feels magical man, I really like the atmosphere of everyone cosplaying and seeing all the characters I know. I’m going to anime north end of this month so this video coming out is perfect timing. 😮 di o dur ant

I've been lucky to not have many experiences with people being ultra stinky at cons, but at most of the ones I've been to there's been people for Old Spice and the like with signs like "you stink, use deodorant" and maybe even selling some, which I think is probably a good model for everyone to follow. I wanna look cool and make a good impression on any new friends I might make, so I can't fathom going in stinky. Nothing like waking up after the AWA rave letting out at 3 AM for a bright and early Sunday, enough time to nap, shower, and get breakfast and get some caffeine to finish the weekend strong 😎. I was already excited, but this got me SUPER amped up for Momocon and then seeing y'all at OFFKAI on back to back weekends. I'll have to look for more before the end of the year, I don't know if I'll be able to stand waiting until December to go to another!

Say it with me gang: "cosplay is not consent!"

This summer is going by so fast! I'm gonna be going to both momocon AND offkai and i'm so excited! Imagine running two marathons in a row with only a little weekend's work of break with breakfast and deodorant in between. Keep on HAGS!

For anyone flying to a convention this summer, check your carry-on liquid restriction! You do not want to get to the security check at airport, realised your bottle of deodorant is twice the limit of your carry-on, and having to roll on the entire bottle onto yourself because you don't want to waste it and chuck a new bottle into the bin, then for the new 24 hours smells like the worst perfume counter in a department store!

JAJA, YOU THOUGHT IT WAS HAGS, BUT IT WAS ME! DEO! (dorant)

Whoever thought to incorporate juniper into deodorant was a genius. Hope con goers never forget their deodorant!!!!!

Lot of really good info & tips in today's episode. Will keep a water bottle and some deodorant in my bag. Probably will still be too awkward to meet people. If anyone else is at ACen this year, have a good time.

first thirty seconds was peak Mintara

As someone who also used to go to PAX East each year, it did get pretty cold. But, even with the cold, you still need deodorant!

I should have listened to this before I went to Anime Central this last weekend.

Mint Deodorant Fantome is great. Also, fingers crossed they're coming to Otakuthon this year!

Omg the playstation bootup noise with Mint’s brain😂

I've never been to a con, but I have heard a nerdcore rap song by MegaRan called Contact about con tact. TLDR 1. Wear comfortable shoes 2. Bring CASH 3. Make a schedule for events you want to see and keep in mind some events need tickets 4. PLEASE, please bathe and wear deodorant 5. Talk to people. You never know, you might be standing next to a legend. 6. Don't spend too much, you still have to make it back home 7. Bring essential supplies like aspirin, hand sanitizer, breath mints 8. If you find someone attractive, make sure they are not a minor before you make moves 9. Take pictures 10. If you enjoyed your time, register for next year

thanks for another great podcast episode!! you guys are so funny i knocked over a can of deodorant on my desk from laughing :)

I have never been to an "American style" con, but it was entertaining hearing you talk about your experiences. Maybe someday I'll have the chance to meet you ❤️ Both of your talks are super fun, especially the deodorant part. Like, why would you ever NOT use it? It still baffles me LOL

19:16 YO I totally did that when I was in Japan. It was so good to just take it in at my own small hotel. I know, its not about conventions but it is similar in planning and traveling.

Ain't no way I'm finding my name in the list 😎 thank you for the episode! \\m//

HAGS!!! Thank you guys for all the great con tips and trickz and life hacks! I havent put up my summer list yet (because I'm dumb) but one goal I have is to make it to a con you guys are at this summer!! I'm having terrible luck so far but I'm coping and telling myself it's still early lol Please release Mint and Matara scented deodorants in time for the con season!

This will be my first time attending a convention, but I've already begun to pack the essentials like shampoo, deodorant, and Calorie Mate! See you two in two weeks at Offkai! I can't wait!

When going to pax, they tend to give away a lot of free stuff. The first year I went, they even had someone giving out travel size deodorant.

1:24:00 - This caught me off guard lol More of the response than the question XD But yeah, hearing about these stories have really brought me down memory lane and the mistakes I've made the first few con runs I've done. Mainly that I only brought $100 CAD for my first con (I was only 16 or so, so I really didn't realize how under prepared I was lol). But these were really good advice for any con, if you really want to see a person or be at a certain panel, be prepared to be there before the event happens, especially for signings where you could be there 30-40 mins before it begins and still be too late to get your stuff signed. However, there are those special guests that do go the extra mile for those wanting to see them as Todd Haberkorn at the end of doing signings for the day went, "Everyone! Get you're things ready! Cause I'm coming to you!" And yeah... Unfortunately people not splitting the bill happens for stuff like hotels and the like. Granted, I was really the only one in my group at the time that was actually making money. It's one thing if you just book for yourself or that you want to enjoy your time with friends, but it can also lead to trust issues if you're the one flipping the bill and you realize your friends at the time weren't really good friends and you're now the one having to make new plans to make it to the event, or they claim you're stalking them when the convention center isn't a big location and you want nothing to do with them. I never found hygiene to be an issue at the cons I've went to, but I could just be lucky that the majority of the con goers showered daily and practiced good hygiene or had really good deodorant. Happy to hear you guys are getting con appearances, and especially since my local con has started announcing guests (Animethon), I'm already happy with the few guests already announced and very curious on who else will be invited this year! Otherwise, I was really into taking pictures at cons when I first went and I've always cosplayed whenever I went, but Artist Alley is my main go to, especially to see those artists with their commissions opened up and see what they can do with my characters (and get to nerd out a bit with some of the artists XD lol). Thanks a lot, Mint and Matara! These episodes have been a joy to go through each week! Can't wait for the next one!

AHHHHHHH striking up a conversation with a person? I think I would die a little inside XD

Thank you for your podcast episode! I have never been to a con, but it sounds like lots of fun.

During my first trip to Japan, I was walking around Sunshine city and actually stumbled across a cosplay convention which was crazy! I really wanted to take photos but the lines of photographers with their absolutely crazy amount of professional equipment made me too shy

Wasn't expecting a Jonathan Coulton mention. Guess he hasn't found his way into weeb circles, but he's a bonafide internet nerd legend. Would definitely recommend checking his music out. Plus I hear he has pretty good taste in deodorant.

Thanks for the episode! Great advice about conventions, including deodorant!

Thanks so much for this episode! Offkai is going to be my first ever con, so this information has been really useful and made me more excited for it! Not gonna lie, I almost didn't go until some wisps convinced me to go. I'm still not sure it'll be fun, but the stuff about how friendly strangers at cons are is really encouraging for me. Fingers crossed I win the Meet and Greet lottery.

I love hearing you two talk conventions! Reminds me of my experiences at them, be them good or bad. Haven't gone to one in a while, but I'm always eager to go to one again~!

This was a great episode, as someone who's gone to cons for 20+ years as well! Definitely pack your deodorant. Also recommend looking for volunteer opportunities at cons!

I went to the first Hal-Con (probably around 10 years ago) in Nova Scotia and they over sold and the fire department had to shut it down , cause there was way to many people. I've always wanted to go to a anime convention.

Thank you for the episode! I've never been to a con but I would love to go one day. I personally use antiperspirant instead of deodorant. I really appreciate all of the tips and insight for a con for when I hopefully am able to go!

Let's goooo, new HAGS episode!!! I'm so excited, I could eat deodorant.

Thank you for thee podcast and thank you for the con suggestions, Deodorant

It's always great listening to the two of you, HAGS! Whether it's a con or just anywhere with a lot of people, I'll take the smell of standard deodorant over body spray any day.

Thank you for the wonderful podcast! It was as refreshing as my deodorant 💚🩷🤣

cant wait to see everyone at offkai!! im especially looking forward to seeing my oshi, deodorant-chan, and getting a free swag bag! HAGS!!

I think a lot of this advice can be applied for if you traveling anywhere, especially the don't burn yourself out and try to not do everything at once, if you're tired go take a rest. I did this when I went to Vegas for a food show for my first trip without family. Also just wear deodorant in general people

I had leftover cold chicken tendies with coffee and deoderant.

Glad to hear Pax East mentioned, as it's my favorite con to go to. Sorry about the weather, LOL.

So far my only convention confirmed these next couple of months is ANYC in August, which I am working Crew for again, this time at Main Stage. Might look into others depending on funds and guests (and if I can go in on hotel rooms with others). Some people really need deodorant, but apparently my sweat isn’t that bad because I have the Asian “smell less” gene so I don’t really use it at all? I still make sure to take a shower every morning before heading out though, that’s a must. Also depending on how I feel at night too, if I need one.

tip: pls remember to thoroughly scrub every part of ur skin with soap and use deodorant before going to cons

just got my travel Deodorant ordered on amazonI am going to momo con just to see what a monday con feels like, and awa because its a christmas . May tag a long to something else if by chance either of you guys or any holo oshiis show up. (praying for the south east coast). thanks for the vid monday zoomed by

As far as conventions go, I've had to cut back a bit due to Financials, but I used to go to Otakon in Baltimore and now DC every few years (since 2005!), as well as NY Anime Fest back when that was a thing, along with NYCC! Now though, I'm probably only doing AnimeNYC and Liretro this year - I'm actually helping run part of Liretro - its a local Retro Video Game convention! Well worth a visit if you like old games! We've got tons of consoles and arcades, some on display, and some up and playable. We have things that you've only ever seen online able to be played and appreciated!

Very good episode. You've definitely helped put my mind at ease over some of the more anxiety inducing concerns I had for going to cons. I've made up my mind that next year will be the year I travel to my first con! I just don't know which one haha, but thanks for reminding us all to bring the most essential item of all - Deodorant.

thanks for the episode! really fun to listen to at the gym. hags!

I wish I knew all of this before I went to my first convention. I was all out of both energy and deodorant after the first day, which was not a recipe for success.

Deodorant might be a good idea for public places in general, not just conventions. At least anywhere you expect to be packed in like sardines.

HAGS! Thank you for another fun episode of the Mintara podcast Getting my question read was so embarassing! But not as embarassing as going to a convention without wearing deodorant 😗

Reporting in for Mintara Monday lads 🫡🫡🫡

Glad to see you mention boardgaming conventions, those are about the only kind of gaming con that seems to have grown post-COVID. i think that's because online play isn't as widespread for those and by design they're meant to be experienced IRL (feeling the physical pieces, chatting with others when it's not your turn, etc.). Also, since more of the players there tend to be grown adults with jobs and families and stuff (when you compare to video games), you're less likely to wish everyone else used deodorant!

I keep doing this thing, maybe Theodore Ant will notice me some day. ‘cause these HAGS DON’T

I've never been (probably never will be bc I dislike crowds and loud noises) but I'm looking forward to what these two pros have as advice!

I would love some Mint scented deodorant as a merch. Thank you.

As a tournament organizer, I definitely have been asked to pull people aside and hand them deodorant. Practice good hygiene everyone 🙏

I remember the first time I went to a con and saw one of those signs asking people to wear deodorant I was so confused, it didn't even occur to me not to wear deodorant 😅

The first time I went to PAX East it was at the end of February and it started dumping snow almost as soon as I arrived at the convention center. Of course I'm a Mainer so it was no big deal to me, but yeah they really need to think harder about the scheduling. Also really recommend the Club Quarters hotel in Boston. It's within walking distance to the convention center and isn't terribly expensive, but had damn nice rooms and a great restaurant next door..

I have a feeling Mint and Matara know some people I know because a lot of those horror stories about "friends" at cons are a little too identical to my experiences. Also as a cosplayer, even us men get treated like meat at times. Nothing more uncomfortable as having old ladies squeeze your butt while getting photos with you and their grandkids. The Disney World costume staff rules should just apply to life.

i'm going to offkai and i'm so excited!!! really hoping that i get a chance to do your meet&greets but if not i am definitely going to the panel. ...also, i always wear deodorant, so no worries there lol

Just decided to attend my first convention ever with Animethon in August, this is great timing.

Ive always wanted to got JOCO cruise crazy!!! Johnathon Coulton is a really famous nerd musician. He wrote all the Portal songs + a song for Left4dead 2. And has a bunch of nerdy soft rock albums. I really recommend him!!

I'll be going to my first convention in a couple weeks so this episode was incredible timing for me! fingers crossed most ppl remember deodorant bc I've heard that weeb conventions can be especially smelly lmao

New deodorant scent: HAGS by Mint and Matara. A lovely mixture of the black currant aroma of a Cabernet Sauvignon, sweet mint extract, and a hint of grapefruit to give it a bright summer time feel

Someone better bring an Axe or two to the meet&greet

Went to a con for the first time in ages just over 2 weeks ago - Dreamhack! Only knew one person there but had lots of fun even though it was mostly by myself. I even found some Mintara art - last thing I was expecting in Australia but I was so happy and the artist was so nice! Hololive put on a concert as part of it and it was a great experience. Thankfully the venue didn't smell like no-one was using deoderant... I do wish I'd seen this beforehand though, between artist alley drinks and food I spent a lot... but it was worthwhile overall! Strongly considering reaching out to some Australian cons and see if they can invite you! Feels weird to ask them about something like that but Mint did say that was the best way and both have had vtubers there before so who knows? I'll give it a shot!

32:20 DO NOT MICROWAVE WATER! Water when microwaved reaches boiling temps without boiling creating superheated water that will EXPLODE when something breaks the surface tension.

Microwaving water CAN be dangerous, as the water can actually heat up past 100°C and stay in a supercritical state, just waiting for a bubble to suddenly turn into steam. If you must, heat it up in increments instead of heating it up in one go.

thanks for the episode! i've never been to a convention but these past few years i've been thinking about attending one, they seem like a lot of fun. the only problem being that they are at least 5 hours away from me... if everything goes right then this year will hopefully be my first con so i'll be able to put your advice into practice pretty soon! also i need new deodorant, i don't really like mine :(

my main con rule i follow is wear deodorant everyday. the second rule is every day one meal should be a salad.

First convention we slept 10 people to the suite.

Deodorant. I understand if this is a question that's not going to get answered, but what do you think about Kirsche being blacklisted by Offkai? Apparently some volunteers find her controversial, which I think is kind of a bad reason, but I don't know her much and neither do I know that well the concerns the organizers of a convention might have.

The first convention I went to was a local one and I only went for 1 out of the 2 days it was offered. Went to the concert that happened that night where they offered glowsticks. Turns out the following morning, the local fire department was called because one of those glowsticks caught on fire from the light fixture it was thrown in during the concert. Thanks Bronycon Summer 2012. After that I've been to many other local conventions, and conventions where I had to travel further away. Other brony conventions and anime conventions. Various times of the year, in different weather, huge and tiny conventions, first year cons. Most conventions I went to, luckily I could travel to and from my home, but sometimes I did need to get hotels. The main reasons I go to conventions is to hang out with friends I've known online, go to panels I'm interested in, and meet the special guests they offer. It's definitely a whole lot of planning and money that goes into conventions. Traveling, room and board, the ticket itself, food, and extra spending money in the artist alley. The last one I went to, Mare Fair in Orlando last year, I put a budget of... maybe $800. If you have to fly to a convention you'd be paying way more. The best conventions have an attendance of maybe a few thousand people. Not too big, not too small, very comfortable. Feels super awkward if the attendance is less than 500, and you get way too overwhelmed when the attendance is like over 10,000. Anime NYC 2021... *shudders* Good convention, very windy and cold in November, but super huge.

This episode was really fun. I've been volunteering in a multiple conventions here (in Czechia) for a very long time (since like 2006?). It is really nice feeling to see result of your work being that all visitors around are having fun. I remember early years where personal hygiene was really bad (non existent), but thankfully those years are long gone. You can often take a shower (a lot of small conventions are in the venue with a gym space and an available shower) and etiquette mandates now to use deodorant at all times. BTW, at our conventions we have a lot of "TED talks" or lectures by the members of community. Based on my knowledge of cons elsewhere, this is not common. Is that correct? What kind of programme does your conventions have?

Love a Mint & Mata episode, it's like deodorant for the soul 💚🤍