As trade shows resume their regular schedules, stars and fans alike are eager to return to normalcy after years of COVID-19 putting social gatherings on hiatus.
Fan expos are seeing attendance numbers rising faster than expected and with so much excitement on the horizon, it's a great idea to discuss tips to help keep yourself and your peers safe. So, here’s a list of helpful tips to ensure a safe and successful time for you in the coming months.
Travel in pairs whenever possible. If you are heading out solo, always tell a friend where you are going and when you’re planning to return.
Save Your Hotel Room Information
Keep a record of your hotel room number and floor by taking a photo with your phone. You should also give this information to someone you trust in case something happens with your phone or you lose access.
Secure Your Badge!
Make sure your badge is secured to the holder or lanyard you receive. Losing your badge could incur replacement fees. As tempting and convenient as it is, don’t use your badge holder for anything important like your ID, room key or credit card. It is, however, a great place to store a couple of sticks of gum, business cards and small items you might want quick access to.
Stay Safe!
Be wary when accepting drinks, beverages or water bottles from strangers, and be sure to get your drink directly from bar staff or hotel wait staff. Never leave your drink unattended, even for just a moment.
Be aware of your surroundings at all times and take note of the location of event staff, security, restrooms, exits and basic resources so you know where things are in case you need something.
Use the Buddy System
Travel in pairs whenever possible. If you are heading out solo, always tell a friend where you are going and when you’re planning to return. Sharing your GPS location with a trusted friend is also a good idea.
If you find yourself in an unsafe situation in a hotel, or you are being followed down a hotel hallway, there are phones located near the elevators and at the ends of hallways where you can call for security. Don’t hesitate to approach hotel or show venue staff or security and ask them if they would mind escorting you to the restroom, your vehicle, etc. Everyone involved with these events wants to keep you safe. Never be afraid to ask for help!
Stay Healthy
It is always important to pace yourself, stay hydrated and remember to eat! And you can never have too much hand sanitizer. Take care of yourself, not just because it’s good for you, but because being at your personal best will set you up to make the best impression on everyone you meet at the show.
Be Prepared
Always pack extra batteries or a power supply for your cell phone, as certain types of apps can drain power from your devices quickly. If that is unavailable, always bring your charging cable. Also, pack emergency cash! If your phone dies, or you don't have access to apps like Uber, cash is helpful.
Speak Up
If you see something inappropriate, say something! Many stars and fans are attending these events for their first time. If security arrangements seem inadequate, or it seems as if another person is in distress, don't be afraid to ask for help or locate a staff member.
Don’t Be Shy
The majority in attendance are eager to meet new people and make new friends. Don’t be afraid to approach someone and introduce yourself, or ask someone who knows them to introduce you. The worst thing is when you’ve spent two or three days at a show and go home thinking, “I really wish I had talked to so and so.” It’s normal to be nervous or embarrassed at times, but just remember that you only know one side of things. For all you know, that person you want to talk to already knows who you are and is just as nervous and excited to meet you too!
Be Respectful
Companies pay a lot of money to exhibit at shows. The bigger the booth, the more they’ve spent to be there and often that includes paying models and performers to meet fans. When approaching someone who is there in a promotional capacity, make sure you’re not interfering with them doing their job. Showing that you have respect for other people/companies and respect for the fan base a performer is there to represent goes a long way toward making a great impression on everyone.
Enjoy the Adventure
As we all head back to expos, remember to have fun! As a performer, conventions are the events we look forward to time and time again. Staying safe and diligent can help guarantee a successful show for you and your peers. If you see me, come say hi!
Alana Evans is an award-winning performer, content creator and cam model who is brand ambassador for adult website service company Elevated X. Since 2016, she has served as the president of the Adult Performance Artists Guild (APAG) and can be followed @alanaevansxxx on Twitter or Instagram, as well as AlanaEvans.com.
