Article:
5 Ways to Survive the Heat at Summer Fandom Conventions

With so many conventions happening during the summer months, it is time to give careful consideration to whether your cosplay costumes are appropriate for the season. Attending a summer convention in costume can be brutal. If you’re not careful, it can take a toll on your health, causing anything from mild dehydration to fainting or heat stroke.

Below is a quick list of ways to survive a summer convention in costume. Below that, you’ll also find a list of symptoms for heat stroke and dehydration, which I’m sure you’ll want to avoid. While these suggestions are geared towards the cosplay crowd, most of it is applicable to anyone trudging around at an event in the summer heat.

5 Ways to Survive the Heat at Summer Fandom Conventions

1. Drink plenty of fluids (especially water).

I always appreciate it when a convention makes sure that water is readily available and free. If you are running a convention during the summer, you should find a way to make this happen for your attendees. It isn’t always convenient to be carrying around a water bottle if you’re in costume, so having freely accessible water throughout the con's location (whether a hotel or convention center) is helpful. Does your local con not provide free water? Write them. Remind them how important it us for con goers to stay hydrated. I’m sure they don’t want attendees taking hospital trips on their watch. If the con doesn’t offer free water and doesn't seem interested in changing that, bring your own, because those selling it will be charging an obscene amount.

2. Stay away from caffeine and alcohol!

Yeah, drinking plenty of fluids does not mean alcohol or caffeine. I realize this isn't a popular bit of advice, but caffeine and alcohol do promote dehydration. Water really is the best way to stay properly hydrated. If you are going to drink soda, coffee, or alcohol, keep the water drinking going as well. Not only will this help avoid dehydration, but it may help prevent a hang over as well.

3. Bring a pocked sized fan and/or mister.

You've probably seen the small fans or fans + misters for sale at theme parks. Like a summer convention, theme parking can involve a lot of walking around in the heat, and they can both be crowded, hot, and involve some long lines. They make fans and misters small enough to easily fit in a pocket (or even down a corset). You can use it for times when you have to be outside, or if a room inside gets too warm (which can happen with all those people generating body heat).