Anthrocon 2022: 10 Tips Before You Get Here

June 14, 2022

It’s been some time since many of us have attended a convention, let alone one as busy as Anthrocon. We’re sharing some tips to help you cover the basics of what to do before the convention so you’re well prepared for a weekend in Pittsburgh.

1) Get your COVID and Registration Documents

Remember that with this year’s COVID policy, you’ll need to have one of our accepted documentations to get your registration: a digital or physical proof of full vaccination with approved vaccines, or a certified negative COVID test from a proctored test (not a home test kit). If you’re showing a test, make sure it’s within the timeframe allowed - one day for antigen tests, and three days for PCR tests.

To pick up your badge, you’ll need your government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license or passport) with your name and date of birth. If you’re a minor (under 18) and unaccompanied by parent, make sure you have your Minor Consent form filled out and notarized to show at Registration. Make sure you’ve got everything handy to help speed up the process!

2) Learn what’s changed for 2022

Read up on the changes to locations that you may be familiar with for things such as Registration, which is now in Hall E and accessed from the street-level. We’ve provided a summary of these changes on our Planning Your Arrival page.

3) plan your travel (and backup plans)

If you’re arriving by car, make sure to plan your routes and stops ahead of time to ensure you’ll have areas to rest, re-fuel, and get assistance if needed. If you’re flying into Pittsburgh, make sure you stay informed of your local airport and airline’s travel conditions as you may encounter delays and/or cancellations due to various reasons. Don’t forget our other travel tips on our Travel page.

4) Confirm your rooming arrangements

Double-check your booking details before you arrive so you know when your check-in time is. If you’re planning to room with someone else, whether you’re familiar with them or not, make sure you have all the details that you’ll need to check in and/or get a room key. The last thing you’ll want is to arrive with all your belongings, and no room to put them in.

5) Ensure you’ve got ways to pay

Check that you’ve got enough cash or ways to pay for things, such as a bank or credit card (and with funds on them). There are ATMs and local banks in the immediate convention area if you need more cash while at the convention. For those looking to conserve their spending, try and budget for at least two solid meals a day - the most important part of your convention spending!

6) Check your packing

Make a packing list and double-check everything so you don’t forget to bring something important to the con. Realizing you left something at home can make you feel pretty bad, or in some cases, make the convention difficult to enjoy.

7) Make a schedule

Make a handy schedule with all the places and events you want to see at the convention, whether it’s through the official Sched application or with your own planning method. It’ll save you time and stress doing it at the convention.

8) Familiarize with Pittsburgh’s local area

Learn what’s nearby the convention center and your hotel, such as where the nearest pharmacy or bank is, so you won’t be wondering where to pick up that toothpaste you forgot to pack (see tip #6!). A great place to start is by looking at what’s near the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

9) Follow Anthrocon’s official update channels

Follow our main announcement channels for Anthrocon, which are primarily through Twitter and Telegram. Throughout the convention, we’ll be sharing important updates and changes through these channels, but they will not be the only source of information. Refer to our online schedule for panel times, and our website for other details.

Spread these tips around to those that you know are going to Anthrocon, and help them with their preparation! Nothing’s better than knowing you helped a friend with their convention experience. Well, maybe except for getting a hug from them as thanks.