Let’s be Candid – the whole cosplay and convention community is at a crossroads. What used to feel like a vibrant, passionate community is starting to feel fragmented, tense, and, at times, outright hostile. Drama is louder than collaboration. Gatekeeping is replacing mentorship. Ego is replacing confidence. Everyone is chasing a piece of the pie, and leaving everyone behind. Meanwhile corporations and hedge funds (Fan Expo?) are quietly stepping in to profit from the discourse and define the culture for us. That’s not the future any of us want.
The lack of real networking and genuine collaboration is hurting everyone – cosplayers, photographers, vendors, and even con staff. If we don’t start reconnecting and intentionally working together, we risk losing the very thing that made this community so powerful in the first place: each other.
Conventions are more than fun
Too many people treat conventions like a weekend escape – show up, cosplay, shop, maybe snap a few photos, and go home. And while the fun is absolutely part of the magic, cons are also something more: they’re opportunity hubs. Every event is packed with creatives, entrepreneurs, professionals, and collaborators just waiting to connect! If you’re only there for your usual friend group or your scheduled panel, you’re missing the bigger picture.
Ask yourself…
What are you bringing to the table?
Do you have business cards, QR codes, or a portfolio ready to share?
Are you prepared to introduce yourself, talk about your work, and follow up after the con?
If you answer no to these questions, then ask yourself this…
Are you afraid of rejection?
Are you hoping opportunities fall in your lap?
These events are where dreams come true, partnerships are formed, and ideas come to life. Every hallway conversation, artist alley table, or cosplay rave is an opportunity, a door.
Are you walking through it? Or are you walking past it?
Missed connections are costing you
When we don’t network (we stick to our cliques and treat others like background noise) we lose the chance to understand, collaborate, and support one another. That’s when miscommunication creeps in. That’s when assumptions and drama take root. Ultimately, that’s when the community starts to fracture. I’ve seen cosplayers walk out of events feeling unsupported because no one on staff communicated with them.
On several occasions, I have seen vendors frustrated with guest behavior they didn’t understand, Cosplayers give up because they got rejected on an idea, and photographers feeling like outsiders despite playing a critical role. Keep in mind, these are not one-off problems; they are symptoms of a community that’s stopped talking to itself. The more we pull away from one another, the more room we give to misalignment, resentment, and yes; even corporate interests that see our lack of unity as a business opportunity.
Rebuilding the bridge – one person at a time.
Networking isn’t just about being friendly. It’s the fuel for your goals. If you’re not treating conventions like a business opportunity, you need to start. Here are some suggestions.
Paper or Plastic:
Although nothing beats being able to put something into your prospect’s hands, you can use digital versions as well in consideration of the environment. Keep in mind, not everyone is going to want to hold a tablet, and some may prefer you e-mail it to them. Don’t stick with one media. Have both available to tailor to your prospect.
Cosplayers:
Are you talking to vendors about potential brand collaborations or asking photographers about ongoing portfolio projects?
Do you carry a media kit and pose workbook with your build book?
Have you made have business cards, QR codes, or a linktree?
Are you talking to other conventions at con about panels, judging, or being a guest?
Vendors:
Are you reaching out to cosplayers or guest agents for product placement or setting up promo bundles?
Do you have someone with you that can cover your booth so you can walk the show from time to time?
Are you attending the cosplay contest or any of the after hours programming?
Are you welcoming content creators to your booth?
Do you bring a guest cosplayer for your booth?
Photographers:
are you checking in with guests or staff to secure exclusive shoots or content access?
do you have galleries tailored for each show you attend, with Social media tags?
Are you approaching the pro cosplayers about shooting them at the show?
Do you have a physical portfolio you carry with you?
Con staff and board members:
are you learning what these groups need to thrive, or just assuming you already know?
Can you spare twenty minutes to walk the event, talking to people while the con is happening?
Are you going to other cons to network and propose booth exchanges?
Are you buying booths at other shows?
Have you discussed collaborations with other events in your region?
Real networking isn’t about collecting contacts—it’s about creating value. And the people who win in this space are the ones who treat every conversation as a chance to build something bigger. Be intentional. Come with your pitch, your materials, your vision—and walk away with more than just selfies, signatures and swag.
Check out the vault for a checklist that can help you put the best networking materials together
A high tide raises all ships
When individuals start networking with intention, the whole community benefits. Cosplayers gain exposure and credibility. Vendors boost visibility and sales. Photographers find clients and collaborators. Conventions run smoother and look more professional. And attendees? They get a better experience. It’s a giant melting pot, with each ingredient playing it’s part.
Networking isn’t just about personal gain—it’s about community sustainability. When creators, organizers, and businesses collaborate instead of competing, we see stronger events, healthier cultures, and more opportunities for everyone involved. This isn’t about playing politics—it’s about playing smart. And it starts with you showing up prepared for success.
Show up better
The cosplay and convention scene still has so much potential – but only if we’re willing to show up with more than just our cosplays, the merch we sell, or the same old con we had last year. We need to start showing up with intention, with openness, and with the mindset that this is more than just a hobby. We are a part of a living, breathing industry that we all have a hand in making a safe and functional space. Networking and collaboration aren’t optional anymore. If we want this community to grow, thrive, and be taken seriously, we must put in the work to connect with each other.
Not tomorrow…
Not “maybe at the next con.”
Right now.
Be the person who starts the conversation. Be the one who brings people together. That’s how we will shift the culture – from the inside out.
If you’re unsure where to start, we offer coaching and consulting tailored to creatives, vendors, photographers, and organizers in the cosplay and convention space. Whether you want to grow your brand, improve your professional presence, or build stronger con partnerships – we’re here to help you get there. Click here for a 30-minute Discovery Call.
Let’s build something better – together.
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