What types of conventions are available?
Conventions range in size and length, from very small shop-sponsored conventions that last a day or two, to international organization-sponsored events that span four days. Conventions are usually held over a weekend, and usually include contests (closed to official registrants only) and exhibit floors, where artists may be selling their merchandise or tattooing. The exhibit floor is usually open to the public on a one-day admission fee, for those who don’t want to pay the extra fee of registering. Most of the larger conventions are fairly well organized. While not in the same caliber as an academic conference (that might have many workshops, board meetings, poster sessions), convention organizers usually have arrangements with travel agencies and hotels, to provide a good deal for participants. This allows attendees to obtain a lower “convention rate” for both hotel and airfare. Convention rates vary: Registration for a national four-day convention may run around $30-$40, less for a s
