It’s November, which means my favorite time of year is approaching. Fall is here, the leaves are brown and a young woman’s mind turns to show exclusives! That’s right, it’s time for DesignerCon. Rich and I have been attending and/or vending at DCon since the beginning. We’ve seen the designer toy convention grow from five aisles of vendors to a sprawling event that can’t be contained by the Pasadena Convention Center.

Last year we said good-bye to Pasadena. The lovely city streets, the quiet walk back to the hotel, the sushi restaurant with tiny floating boats in lieu of a conveyer belt. I’ll miss you all! This year is a hello to Anaheim, a location which carries many unique benefits. No more cramped vendors in tiny, offshoot rooms. There will be space for everyone in well-lit, easy to navigate halls. And a Disneyland visit will be in order.

DCon’s growth is exciting and terrifying. Large companies like Funko have taken an interest, they herald a shift from intimate to grandiose. No longer just earnest collectors looking to connect with their favorite artists in an environment tailored to this small industry, a subculture within a subculture. I’m determined, however, to approach this year with an open mind (and wallet) to give this new iteration all the opportunities to wow me, as DCon has for so many years. In the coming weeks, I’ll post my DesignerCon 2018 Guide to help you make the most of this once a year experience.  Let’s get to it!

Checklist

Now is the time to dot I’s and cross T’s. Tickets should be purchased and hotel reservations booked. If you’re flying into LA, leave room in your suitcase for all the additional items you’ll be buying at DCon. I recommend stashing a duffle bag in your hard case luggage. On the way back you’ll use the duffle for clothes and the hard case for your new precious possessions.

Set a toy buying budget. You have to be realistic about how much you can spend. It’s easy to get swept up in the DCon magic and forget you still have bills back home. You’ll find that piece you’ve been hunting and think to yourself, Who needs electricity? This guy glows in the dark! But you need electricity, and food, and many other services. When deciding your budget, err on the low side. DCon is a place of temptation and there will be one item, late in the day that is too perfect for words. If you initially lowball your budget there will be some leeway when needed.

What to Bring

Make carrying all of your purchases easier by bringing a backpack and tote bags (with long straps). Tote bags neatly store inside the backpack until they’re necessary. Prints are ungainly to carry around unrolled and you’ll want to avoid any creasing or damage. If you collect prints, a poster tube with a shoulder strap is a must.

Bring a sketchbook. DCon is the time to get some quick (or not so quick) sketches from your favorite artists. A sketchbook with firm covers will protect the memories—and any stickers—you collect. With that you’ll also need a black sharpie and a metallic sharpie, don’t let a sketch opportunity slip away because the right tools aren’t available. DIY figures are perfect for sketching but do tend to take up a lot of space.

Finally, opt for cash as payment. Most vendors accept credit cards, but cash is loved by everyone (including those elusive Japanese artists). It has the added benefit of being a tangible way to monitor your expenditure, helping you stay within your budget. Studies have shown that people are likely to spend more when using a credit card.

What to Wear

There will be walking and standing. Lots of it. So the most important thing is to be comfortable. This means shoes that will prevent sore feet two hours into the day, good insoles help with that. Cavernous convention centers are cold, light layers are your salvation. Keep in mind that you’ll be taking a decent amount of pictures, including of yourself. So wear that favorite outfit that brings you joy. For introverts, wearing a happy ensemble might make you more likely to engage. After all, one of the fantastic aspects of DCon is getting to know artists and fellow collectors.

What to Eat

Eating at convention center concession stands can be costly. Save more money for art by eating a large breakfast and snacking on pre-bought food throughout the day. Bringing protein bars and protein-rich snacks such as nuts or peanut-butter will keep more money in your pocket and your body energized. DCon has arranged for food trucks outside the convention center, a good option. But unless you want to add yet another line to your day, choose to eat at off times. That way you’ll save another hot commodity—time.

That wraps up the first installment of my DesignerCon 2018 Guide. Keep an eye out for additional posts about vendors, etiquette, and coverage of the convention. Subscribe and you’ll never miss out!

All the images are from the gallery on the DesignerCon website