10) Have fun. Proudly walk the streets of Providence knowing we are everywhere, secure in our status of Cosmic Insignificance–those other poor fools just don’t know it yet!
9) Attend the Hail & Farewell panel. Nobody really wants to say goodbye at this point, so can we have a big hello to…*2019*? Any convention, for better or worse, is part of a big continuing whole. Be somebody contributing to that better part of Things to Come.
8) …but take something for those back home, either a cultist who couldn’t make it this year or a budding recruit who might’ve wondered where the Hyades you went for the better part of a week & why.
7) Bring an empty totebag. Or make room in that suitcase by getting rid of all that mundanewear and sport nothing but Arkham Bazaar apparel or sech. You can also ship boxes to yourself for easier passage on that return flight while deluding yourself as to all the spare room on the bookcases at home.
6) Sample Providence cuisine. Enjoy the great restaurants, bars, and food trucks (The legendary Haven Bros.–Stuart Gordon approved!) in the area. Get with The New York System and wash that down with a tall cold glass of Autocrat moo.
5) Don’t miss visiting…Lovecraft Square; The bust at The Athenaeum; Our art show. And pay ye respects to the family markers at Swan Point Cemetery.
4) Get OUT of the hotel. Step AWAY from the hotel. It is a myth a HPL was a recluse and in fact he liked to go on walks. LONG walks. Howard said he was Providence. Go and meet every cobblestone and gambrel-roofed architectural nook & cranny of him. And each other. And YOURSELF–*We Are Providence.* And!
3) Bring something to share. It’s not just about just loading up on arcane commodities and/or having others’ words at panels envelop you like a freight train. Okay, it is to a point. But be part of the shoggoth not just one consumed by it. Put back something into The Community of Lovecraftians whether it’s a small zine (yeah, they still make ’em–just ask Michael Bukowski) or helping someone out this weekend in some small but guaranteed appreciated way.
2) Introduce yourself. Don’t be afraid to strike up a meatspace conversation with that person you saw ask a great question at that last panel you were at and continue that conversation. Finally–
1) Take a good look at the schedule. Then realize there is no way to do everything but that maybe you can do a little of most. Remember that some of the most worthwhile experiences at cons come randomly and unexpected. Put down thet damn’d phone and… take a picture with your heart.
Because we already have your brain safely stored in a cannister for our trip back.