Conventions!

 One of the best ways to get involved in the cosplay scene is to visit conventions. Conventions are the place where you are most likely to see and meet other cosplayers. It is a great idea for people interested in cosplaying to visit conventions first. Of course, you don't have to be in cosplay when going to a convention so don't be worried about making one.

So of course, you're probably excited to go to a convention but maybe you don't know where to find one. Well don't fret because I am here to help.

Here is a list I compiled of conventions around North America:

• A- Kon - Dallas, Texas - May 31 to June 2, 2013 - If you're in the Texas area this a great convention that is held in the Hilton Anatole Dallas hotel. It may be one of the oldest running anime conventions in North America and had  more than 21,000 attendees last year.  (http://a-kon.com/)

• Anime Boston - Boston, Massachusetts - May 24 to May 26, 2013 - This is a great convention to go to if you're in the East Coast. Starting in 2003, the convention has grown greatly and now expects more than 20,000 guest this year. It will be held in the Hynes Convention Center this year. (http://www.animeboston.com/)
• Anime Central (ACen) - Rosemont, Illinois - May 17 to May 19, 2013 - If you're in the Midwest this is definitely a convention to attend. Now known as the 3rd largest Anime convention in North America it is expecting more than 23,000 attendees for this year. It will be located in the Hyatt Regency O'Hare Hotel and the Donald E. Stephens convention center. (http://www.acen.org/)
• Anime Expo (AX) - Los Angeles, California - July 4 to July 7, 2013 - Noted as the largest Anime convention in North America with 49,400 attendees last year this is definitely a convention that attracts cosplayers from all over the country. Held in the Los Angeles Convention Center you can expect this con to be no less spectacular than last year's. (http://www.anime-expo.org/)
• Anime North (AN) - Toronto, Ontario, Canada - May 24 to May 26, 2013 - For those of you in Canada, don't worry! There are big conventions there too. Anime North, which is in 6 venues near the Toronto Pearson International Airport, had more that 22,000 guest last year. (http://www.animenorth.com/live/)
• Comic Con International: San Diego (SDCC) - San Diego, California - July 18 to July 21, 2013 -  The San Diego Comic Con is probably the most popular convention in the United States and definitely the largest one of it's kind. Originally showcasing comics, SDCC now includes more pop culture elements like video games, anime, popular tv shows, and movies. This convention attracts more than 130,000 attendees and passes for this event sell out faster than you can say, "three day pass, please!". This is the convention where you will definitely see some of the best cosplayers in the nation. (http://www.comic-con.org/)
• Dragon*Con - Atlanta, Georgia - August 30 to September 2, 2013 - This is a multigenre convention (similar to SDCC) that started in 1987 and now attracts more that 52,000 attendees. This convention is hosted within 5 hotels in Atlanta, such as the Atlanta Hilton and the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. If you decided to attend this convention you should definitely consider checking out (and maybe participating) in their annual parade through downtown Atlanta.
  (http://www.dragoncon.org/)
• Fan Expo Canada - Toronto, Ontario, Canada - August 22 to August 25, 2013 - This is a multigenre convention for all the Canadian fans out there. This event is held the Metro Toronto Convention Center and attracts more than 91,000 guests. It is a great convention to attend if you are in the Toronto area and this con also offers exclusive collectibles which could one day be priceless. (http://www.fanexpocanada.com/)
• New York Comic Con - New York, New York - October 10 to October 13, 2013 - A multigenre convention and not related to SDCC, New York Comic Con is a popular event for those in the East Coast. Last year it drew about 116,000 attendees and featured popular faces such as Stan Lee and Adam West. Known to sell-out, New York Comic Con is definitely a must go if you are in the New York area. (http://www.newyorkcomiccon.com/)
• Otakon - Baltimore, Maryland - August 9 to August 11, 2013 - This convention focuses more on Anime and East Asian popular culture. Last year more than 30,000 people attended. This convention is located in the Baltimore Convention Center and features fun events like a cosplay contest and karaoke. (http://www.otakon.com/)

So do you plan on going to any of these or have you been to any of these?