My first time to portcon... Help???

[KeyToMyKeyBlade]

Hey everyone~   
I am going to my first Portcon in 2010 I am a bit worried...  I don't know much about everything... When I first go will I wait like an hour to get my ticket thing? How crowed is it in there? Can someone walk be through getting in to portcon?

[Rose Riku]

OhmyGosh. I was so scared for this year's since it was my first time. But now I can't wait for next year!

Basically - you just walk in the doors and (depending on what time you go and what day) there should be a line. I went on the Thursday and got there just around 4 so my friend and I had to stand in line for maybe fifteen minutes. But it wasn't bad. Once you're up you just have to tell them your name so they can find out how many days you're signed up for and you have to fill stuff out on the badge. If you're not pre-registering, then I think they give you a different badge and you have to still fill in the stuff on the badge. Then you're free to go. I remember my friend and I missed a lot because we were kind of clueless to the Wyndham, but I remember where everything is now. You get used to it after maybe a couple hours. Hehe.

If I were you, I'd PLAN. OUT. what you're doing. My friend and I missed a lot because we weren't planned out well. D:

But have fun! :]

[Vu]

To answer your first question: It depends on what day and what time you arrive to pick up your badge. If you pre-registered, you can come on Thursday to pick up your badge. If you are not pre-registered, you can buy your badge on Friday. Peak hours are usually in the morning-to-afternoon. Generally, depending on the line, it takes about half an hour to an hour to receive your badge. Your experience may vary, however.

To answer your second question: There is a capped limit of 2,000 attendees. Last year, we had just over 1,800. It is held on one level of the Wyndham Hotel, which makes it slightly crowded and cramped. However, we set up a tent next to the Wyndham, to give us extra room and more programming space.

To answer your third question: Basically, you need your badge to be able to attend PortConMaine. It must be visible at all times. If you do not have your badge, then you cannot access the convention at all. So, the first thing that you'd want to do is get your badge. Once you receive your badge, feel free to check out whatever catches your eye, be it the Dealer's Room, Artists' Alley, video game room, panel rooms, etc.. Along with your badge, you will receive a bag that will have a Program Guide in it. This Program Guide contains all the information you need to know about PortConMaine. There will be a map of the convention area, schedules of all four days, a list of panels and what they are, a list of video programming that will be played, etc.

I hope that answers your question. If you have more, feel free to toss them to us and we will gladly answer them.

[aysiel]

The first year's always the year where you're all nervous. Both from excitement and probably a bit of shyness
But after a while, you get used to it, and you have alot of fun

PortCon's like one giant family
We're all there to help each other out

And like RoseRiku said, plan things out
Planning things out helps alot

[PrincessLink]

This year was my first year, and I was so scared. Luckily I had a few friends who went last year who helped me out, don't be afraid to ask people questions, everyone at PortCon is so nice to each other! That's all the tips I have.

[aysiel]

Also, the forum is a great place to meet friends before the con 

[Knarpulous]

The last few years I've got there around noon on Friday, and had next to no line for my badge.  They give you a spiffy lanyard to put your badge on so it won't get lost as easily.

It will be pretty crowded in the main lobby a lot of the time, as well as around the entrances, but it's not so bad.

Don't worry, I was a bit overwhelmed my first time, but you'll soon get used to it! Everyone's really friendly and willing to help if you don't know where to go for something. 

[RiceCakes]

make a line-buddy..you know...talk with someone in line! theyre fun and you see them all around. hooray.

[AGiganticPanda]

Bring a DS if you have one, plenty to go around.

Bring cash, it's the best thing to use, not everyone excepts credit/debit.

Get a hotel early, if you want things to be easy, get the hotel PortCon block cheaper and more awesome cause your supporting us.

Best way to make PCM affordable is share a room.  4 to a room splits it 4 ways.  25 bucks a night isn't that bad if you get con rate.

Be respectful, nothing can ruin a time than having a staff member have to talk to you about your behavior.

If your cosplaying, know that ceilings are low and hallways are narrow, try to keep away from GIANT swords or large costumes.

We have stuff outside. Keep an eye on the forecast. Rain + No Umbrella = crap.

The jacuzzi in the pool = awesome.

Don't be shy! Going through the con making no friends is the biggest fail of them all.

The cake is a pie.

Extreme geek is totally going to suck.

Mick is going to play music that is quite awesome but could be better with more anime (OMGWTFBBQ)

Don't feed the Mogwai.

[A Misunderstood Ninja]

to add on to pandas "be respectful" bit, it helps to stay away from the people who have their own little "private parties" wether they be outside or in their hotel rooms. so if someone asks you if you want to have some "fun" just tell em no. things like that cause julie imense amount of grief from hotel security and some times even the portland PD

[Jupis]

to add on to pandas "be respectful" bit, it helps to stay away from the people who have their own little "private parties" wether they be outside or in their hotel rooms. so if someone asks you if you want to have some "fun" just tell em no. things like that cause julie imense amount of grief from hotel security and some times even the portland PD

this is quite true and also its just very bad form i mean we already got the rave and all...so private parties should be VERY PRIVATE(not at con)