Georgia Bowers’ Convention Survival Guide
The convention at the heart of Foes and Cons isn’t main character Eliza’s first, but we all start somewhere and we never forget the excitement of that first one! Whether you’re navigating an enormous exhibition centre or spending the weekend in a hotel filled with Scoobies/Trekkers/Whovians, here are some dos and don’ts to help you get the most out of your convention experience.
Stay hydrated
Conventions don’t have great air circulation and often coincide with heatwaves (and sometimes a previous night enjoying the party atmosphere), so make sure to top up your fluids.
DO check that you can bring a refillable water bottle into the convention centre (we know you wouldn’t fill it with vodka, but security might think you have), or buy yourself a cold drink when you pass somewhere that doesn’t have a queue.
DON’T do what Eliza does and manage to spill your entire iced latte down yourself on the car ride there so your clothes, including your bra, smell like turned milk when you arrive and bump into your absolute idol who is so disgusted by the smell, he starts to choke. I actually did this on maybe the hottest day of the year at the start of a four-hour car journey. The smelling bad part, not the making my hero choke part.
Cosplay/clothing
You will be on your feet most of the day so opt for sensible footwear, layered clothing, and plan a quick release for your cosplay for when you need to dash to the loo.
DO what all good maids of honour do and bring an emergency kit, but instead of white cotton and chalk, tailor it to your cosplay and include safety pins, makeup remover, duct tape, plasters, and blue/green/red body paint.
DON’T forget dangling bits trailing from your cosplay. Beware of escalators, and if you’re wearing a cape don’t get it trapped in your hotel room door like Eliza does just before the cosplay competition…but then she has to wait in Charlie Chamberlain’s room for her friend to return with the door key. Additionally, and this is a side effect of staying hydrated, don’t wear a top that easily shows sweat marks if you’re having a photo op (see probably 80% of my photos).
Be chill (or at least try)
Meeting your favourite actors, writers, and cosplayers is a huge part of the convention experience. You’ll remember those first meetings for the rest of your life, so make sure you remember it for good reasons.
DO prepare to meet people you have been obsessed with for seven seasons, people you’ve formed healthy (ish) parasocial relationships with, people you’ve written spicy fanfiction about. Just remember they are human and they put their trousers on one leg at a time, just like you do (unless you’re cosplaying as a werewolf in which case we’ll assume you don’t wear trousers).
DON’T have an out of body experience like Eliza and scream “I want to crawl inside you” when her number one walks on stage. Or be so distracted by Zachary Roerig’s blue eyes that you think he asked, “how are you, Georgia?” when he actually said, “we’re filming in Georgia” but you blurt out “I’M FINE” at him. My friend left me standing alone in embarrassment.
Queueing etiquette
Waiting around in line is unavoidable. Choose your queues wisely and be kind to the stewards who want to get you to the front as efficiently and quickly as you do.
DO prepare to wait in queues A LOT. Take a good backpack and spare totes so you’re not balancing armfuls of merch as you stand around. Plus, see earlier for hydration. Chat to your fellow queuers. You’re all in this together (and they might hold your place if you need to pee because of the hydration).
DON’T start squabbling with your enemy in a queue that zigzags across the room as you will keep passing them and it will escalate into a full-blown argument about the past. Yes, we are talking about Eliza here. Also, if you’re overwhelmed by the beauty of your favourite actor, do keep any appreciative noises in your head, and don’t murmur “sch-wing” when you get to the front of Christian Kane’s photo queue.
So, once you’ve packed the essentials in a secure backpack – highlighter pens, a power bank and charger, handheld fan, water, snacks, and a good book – go join your fellow fans and have the time of your life.
Foes & Cons is published by Fox & Ink Books on 4 June 2026
