In the last year and a bit, I’ve been to a whole bunch of genre conventions. Starting with Up in the Aether (steampunk) last May, followed by Pandoracon (general fandom) in October, ConFusion (science fiction) in January, World Steam Symposium in April, Romantic Times in May, Steamtopia (a reboot of Up in the Aether) in June and now NASFIC’s DetCon1 in July. In short, I love cons, but I’m really burned out on them right now.
For each of these cons, I’ve been speaking, signing, and in general, trying to sell books. I’m kind of tired of that. I’m tired of hotel kerfluffles, mediocre food and packing tons of costumes. I’m tired of feeling like I’m missing something when I crash before the late-night parties. I’m tired of always being “on.” I’m also tired of my husband being dragged along as my unpaid assistant.
On the other hand, I love the costuming, the networking, and spending time browsing the vendor booths at cons. I love visiting with people who share common interests. I really do love genre fiction in all its forms, so I can’t say I don’t like going. I truly adored visiting New Orleans for Romantic Times this year. It’s one of the few conventions where I’ve actually spent time outside the convention hotel. And the highlight of DetCon1 was getting to sign and sell actual PRINT copies of Steam & Sorcery.
So what do you think? What are your favorite conventions, and how often do you go? What parts do you love or hate? And would you rather go as a Pro or just a fan? Both sides have their pluses and minuses. I’d love to know your thoughts.
STEAMED! 
For me living in Alaska, traveling to conventions is always a huge hassle since I usually have to spend a whole day travel going both ways and having at least one layover.
That being said, I do love to come to conventions, seeing old friends, making new friends and finding out the latest and greatest in the industry.
I can only express my opinion as a fan for now since I am not yet published. However, I saw lots of snafus that will inform my opinion for when I become a pro and how I can avoid a potential problem.
So glad you made it down to RT!
I rather envy your capacity to visit so many places and people! I wish you joy of them despite the aforementioned …kerfluffles?… I am not expecting any steamers conning in Cheyenne but one may dream, after all.
Most of these cons have been in my home area of Detroit, or very close in Ohio. The only one I had to really travel to was New Orleans, and yes, that was a real treat.