A Few Tips to Maximize Your Experience at Denver Pop Culture Con 2019

Written by Emily Auskaps

Last year, I had the immense pleasure of attending my first Convention, and it was none other than Denver Comic Con, now Denver Pop Culture Con, and it was simply an amazing experience, one that took my breath away. Yet, while I had a fantastic time, I learned a few things that I feel will serve me well in improving this year’s experience, and they might help you, regardless of whether or not you’re new to the con, so, here are my takeaways.
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First and foremost, I can not emphasize enough the difference comfortable footwear and clothing will have on your overall Con experience. The Colorado Convention Center main hall is solid concrete and it is massive. No matter how carefully you plan, you will likely be walking miles during the convention. The last thing you want ruining a good time is blisters and the like. When it comes to clothing, specifically cosplay, remember you will be wearing this all day. Can you sit down for lunch? Does it take 20 minutes to use the restroom? Consider these things when planning your costume. That said, if you have planned a truly fabulous cosplay that will wow all who encounter you, go for it! Some of the best costumes I saw last year likely violated a lot of what I suggest. If that’s the case, enlist a partner in crime to help you through the day, and prepare to be asked for your photo a lot. The bottom line, you will be able to have your best experience when you feel your most comfortable.

DPCC is awesome in every sense of the word, and you need to realize ahead of time that there is no way to partake in everything. It is simply a physical impossibility. You may wish to plan ahead to ensure that you don’t miss out on the parts most important to you. However, I highly recommend not scheduling every hour that you’ll be there. Some of the best parts will be unexpected, spontaneous and totally satisfying. You never know when you might encounter the pure dedication of someone dressed as a wacky-waving-inflatable-arm-flailing-tube-man relentlessly flapping around with such convincing consistency that at first you think it is actually a mechanical one. I recommend leaving plenty of time for wandering and just taking in all that there is to see. I found it extremely helpful to take time the first day to get the lay of the land and collect my bearings. I also find great comfort in planning ahead, you may prefer to fly by the seat of your pants. The key is to make the experience the best it can be for you as an individual.

Finally, remember to have fun! DPCC can be both awe inspiring and overwhelming. I was actually quite apprehensive prior to attending the first day. I initially found myself almost feeling like an impostor. Then I relaxed and began to realize what a wonderful, fun, inclusive environment it was. I came away fulfilled, completely exhausted, and totally stoked for the next Con. It is truly rewarding to experience so many different fandoms, and to not get that too-cool-for-you vibe. I felt at home amongst my fellow nerds and geeks, and if you’re new to DPCC, I hope you have as positive an experience as I did your first time attending.

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