Aloha, friends — whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning Gecko, welcome. 💚 FIRST HUGE FRIGGEN DISCLAIMER!🦎 Geckos, please don’t tear down the youtuber I’m mentioning. If you do, you are not welcomed here, we do not need any toxicity in the gecko army.
✨ The goal here today isn’t perfection. The goal is awareness, growth, and care. Because there’s no perfect solution. But thoughtfulness helps.
This might come across as direct—but I want to be very clear:
💬 My intent is to educate, not to shame!
“People-ing” is hard. What feels like common sense to one person might never even cross another’s mind. We all come from different cultures, backgrounds, and levels of experience. So, with that out of the way, I’m going to take my lizard self and leap right in.
✨ It’s not just about the costume—or the content. It’s about conduct, communication, and community.
Let’s be honest—yes, this article was inspired by recent cosplay guest drama. IFYKYK… But before anyone jumps to conclusions: this is not a takedown. We all make mistakes, especially in a role as nuanced and under-explained as being a guest.
It’s okay to critique. It’s okay to be frustrated. It’s more than okay to hold people accountable. But let’s focus on how we do that.
This wasn’t malice. It was immaturity and inexperience, shown in a very public way. That doesn’t make it okay, but it does make it human.
The truth is, I still have a lot of respect for the YouTuber who inspired this post. I give her immense credit for calling out genuinely harmful practices in her recent video, and just as much appreciation for following it up with honesty and accountability. That takes courage. I even left a supportive comment on her original video because I appreciated the transparency and insight.
But after reading her follow-up post on Instagram and listening to the wider cosplay community, especially veteran competitors and fellow guests, I started to understand the deeper concerns. There were perspectives I hadn’t fully considered until I talked them through with others in the community.
The backlash wasn’t just about recording contestants. Many people felt the tone of the video was unnecessarily negative toward the MCs, fellow judges, and the event itself. When you speak as if your opinion is the only correct one, especially to a large and loyal audience, it can unintentionally cause serious harm.
This YouTuber gets millions of views. Whether intended or not, her commentary influenced how viewers saw others involved in the event. And that has consequences. I don’t think she set out to create rage-bait content for clicks. I think she was a passionate creator expressing real disappointment and frustration with how Momocon was handled. But when you have that kind of platform, it’s not just about honesty. It’s also about responsibility.
And I think in sharing her life so openly with her audience, being so used to them appreciating her candor and cheering her on, she may have trusted that people would understand she was just venting. But unfortunately, the scale of her influence is now much larger, and the impact of her words reaches far beyond her regular viewers.
She said she was just being honest and being herself. And I get that. But with the level of visibility she has now, not handling these kinds of situations with professionalism doesn’t read as authenticity; it reads as drama. And that kind of energy hurts our community more than it helps. Once you’re given a guest title, a judge badge, or an influencer platform, your words carry extra weight. That’s not censorship. That’s care. That’s recognizing the power you hold and using it thoughtfully.
I believe she’s still relatively new to being a guest. And I’ve seen this same mistake happen with many others. I’ve even made a few of them myself. But what might feel like venting to a camera can snowball quickly when your audience takes your words and runs with them.
In her Instagram post, she mentioned that friends reviewed the video and that editing was rushed. I say this gently, but those are excuses. That’s shifting the blame. At the end of the day, it was still her choice to publish it. And something she may not realize yet, when you reach a certain level of popularity, those close to you might become “yes” people. It’s human nature. They want to support, not criticize.
I only bring this up because I had a close relationship with a very established content creator. When I tried to give honest, kind feedback, she’d snap at me and make me feel terrible. As she gained influence, she became increasingly toxic. Eventually, I stopped giving her the truth. I became a yes-man. I distanced myself and cut ties because I realized that honesty matters more than keeping the peace. Unfortunately, significant issues finally caught up with her. I still wish her well.
I’m not saying IN ANY WAY this is how this youtuber operates. I’ve had many friends grow and be shining pillars of our community. But my point is, influence does change the dynamics of your support system. It becomes harder for friends to be critical, which is why we need to build circles that can hold us accountable.
I have a very small circle I trust to tell me when I’ve gone too far or warn me about the blowback that something I post might create. Just writing this article might bring me criticism. But I wrote it anyway. No one asked for my opinion. I did this from personal experience. Because this isn’t just about cosplay or YouTube, it’s a human thing.
So yes, her video did spark backlash. And yes, some of that backlash came from people who have been in this space for a long time and know the weight that guesting carries. That doesn’t mean we cancel her. It means we offer a chance to reflect and grow.
She said she wants change. But ironically, the way this was handled only slowed progress. I genuinely believe she wants to make a difference in the cosplay contest scene. But by speaking publicly in a way that disrespected fellow volunteers and professionals, the message got lost in the noise. Instead of helping the system improve, the controversy fractured trust and made it harder for others to feel safe stepping up or speaking out.
Again, when your voice is amplified, your responsibility grows in proportion to it. And how we speak about others, especially in public and especially from a guest seat, matters.
At the end of the day, it comes down to this:
💬 What’s more important: expressing your frustration or protecting the community you care about?
We all make mistakes. What matters is how we learn from them. And I hope she continues learning and growing, just like the rest of us.
Because we’re all figuring it out. And we will all do better together.
This is where I’m ending the discussion in regards to recent drama. Moving forward I want to now deep dive into what I feel professionalism as a guest at a show looks like.
🎤 Guest Etiquette: How to Be the Kind of Guest
Everyone Wants Back
There’s no official rulebook, and sometimes people just don’t know what they don’t know. Honestly, this applies to more than just cosplayers, but all content creators representing their niche.
This article is part of my ongoing Cositivity series, which promotes kindness, community care, and honest conversations in our space. I don’t support cancel culture, (unless it’s those who demonstrate acts of inhumane cruelty, then throw them to the wolves… 🐺🐺🐺) and this post isn’t about policing people or pointing fingers. It’s about sharing what I’ve learned from over a decade of guesting at shows, in the hope that it helps others who are stepping into the same role.
A lot of these etiquette pieces aren’t written down anywhere. So that’s what I’m doing here—writing them down. So others don’t have to learn the hard way.
🛠️ If you’ve been a guest before: I’d love your feedback. What have I missed? What would you add?
🌟 If you dream of being a guest one day: What questions do you have? What would you want to know before saying yes?
And to note, this entire article is not a jab at any one guest or content creator, especially not the youtuber we addressed at the beginning of this article. To be honest, I started writing and before I knew it I had a lot more to say in general about being a guest that isn’t really covered too much.
I want to start of with some basics.
So you’ve landed a guest spot, or have been a guest. Congrats! Whether you’re judging a contest, hosting panels, or meeting fans, being a stellar guest is about more than just showing up. It’s about professionalism, communication, and leaving a lasting (positive!) impression.
This guide isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being respectful, thoughtful, and a guest that conventions genuinely want to work with again.
🎟️ 1. Respect the Invitation
Get everything in writing.
This isn’t about being difficult—it’s about being clear. Confirm all expectations before the event: panel times, reimbursements, accommodations, and (for cosplayers) any specific costume requirements. The more details you have upfront, the smoother your experience will be.
Have questions about per diem, badge pickup, hotel check-in, or anything else? Don’t wait until the last minute. Ask early—and get it all confirmed in writing.
Also, cosplayers, ask if the con expects you to be in costume at all times or only during certain events. Anime cons may want anime characters, comic cons might prefer Marvel/DC, and family-friendly shows may have stricter attire rules. Don’t assume, ask.
Finances and deliverables should be sealed beforehand. If the convention tries to add duties last-minute, like extra panels, off-site appearances, or more judging, it’s okay to say:
“I’d be happy to help if I’m able, but that wasn’t part of our original agreement. Can we revisit this in more detail before I commit?”
You might feel like the “trouble guest” for standing your ground, but protecting your time, energy, and ability to run your table is not unprofessional, it’s healthy boundary-setting.
Don’t bring surprise guests. If you want to bring a handler, partner, or friend, check with the con first.
📌 Important note if you do adult content:
Have that conversation before you even accept the guest spot. Ask clearly what kinds of cosplays or attire the convention expects you to bring and what they’re comfortable with you wearing at your booth or on panels.
If they say something vague like,
“You can wear anything!”
don’t take that at face value, go read the convention’s official rules about attire.
Even if you’re allowed to wear it, being transparent upfront builds trust and prevents misunderstandings. This protects you as much as the event.
Outline your hours. Don’t do what I did and say yes to every single thing, overcommitting will burn you out fast. Ask questions early. Need info on per diem, badge pickup, or hotel details? Don’t wait until the day of, get it clarified early and in writing.
Don’t bring surprise guests. If you want to bring a handler, partner, or friend, check with the con first.
🕵️♀️ Bonus Reminder: The guesting world is small.
Word travels fast—especially in cosplay and content creation circles. Convention organizers and fellow guests talk. If you’re consistently late, unprofessional, or disrespectful to staff, it will catch up with you.
But this goes both ways. If you’re invited to guest at a show, it’s absolutely okay to ask others about their experience. Reach out to past guests and ask for honest insight. References go both ways—for your peace of mind and your reputation.
⏰ 2. Be On Time—For Everything
Your time is scheduled for you, and your reliability impacts everyone else.
- Arrive early. Plan to be 10–15 minutes early for panels, meetups, or judging calls. Give yourself buffer time to navigate a busy con floor.
- Know your schedule. Review your itinerary the night before. Set alarms, check room locations, and avoid overlapping commitments.
- Respect transition times. Don’t linger after one event if you’re scheduled elsewhere. Give other panelists or judges their time too.
If you’re delayed, communicate. Things happen! But letting your point of contact know shows respect and gives them time to adapt.
- Don’t ghost. If you skip an event without explanation, it can confuse staff, disappoint attendees, and harm future opportunities.
💥 Real Talk: Mistakes Happen
I recently guested at Kawaii Kon, and I made an honest mistake, I showed up for my panel at 3:20, thinking it started at 3:30… but it actually began at 3:15 PM.
I was absolutely mortified. I pride myself on being punctual, and being late, even by just a few minutes, really threw me.
But you know what? I owned it. I apologized to staff and attendees and got the panel rolling. Mistakes happens. And people are usually pretty understanding when you take responsibility.
On the flip side, I’ve also had to host panels alone because co-panelists showed up late or got the time wrong. It’s stressful, but staying adaptable is key. Whether you’re covering for someone else or asking for grace yourself, just be honest, kind, and professional.
Be flexible with others. Apologize when it’s you. We’re all human, but showing you care goes a long way.
💬 3. Mind Your Words
When you’re a guest, people are listening. Whether it’s at a panel, over dinner, or online, your words carry weight. And once something is said, it can’t be unsaid.
✅ Call Out Harmful Behavior—With Purpose
Racism, exclusion, bullying, sexual harassment, ableism, or any form of discrimination? Yes, call that out. Cosplay is for everyone, and we protect that space by standing up when something’s wrong.
🎯 It’s brave to speak up, especially when it’s uncomfortable. And necessary.
That said, how you speak up matters. Leading with clarity and compassion, not cruelty, often gets further and helps others listen.
🚫 Don’t Weaponize Gossip
You may not vibe with every guest. You may even have legitimately bad experiences with some. But dragging others down, especially publicly, hurts everyone.
- It makes people hesitant to work with you.
- It plants seeds of drama that ripple through the community.
- It makes others wonder what you say behind their backs.
If you have a serious concern about another guest’s behavior, talk to convention staff directly. If it’s a pattern of harm? Document it, report it, and protect the community.
But if it’s just a clash of personalities or judging styles? Let it go or address it privately with grace.
🎭 Being Honest Without Being Harmful
We’re all figuring things out. You’re allowed to talk about bad experiences, especially if they’re part of a learning moment or a public discussion around community care.
But use your platform to elevate, not destroy.
When we take to social media and say, “This guest was awful,” or “I hated working with XYZ,” that doesn’t just harm them, it changes how we are seen, too.
📣 Give Kudos, Too
On the flip side, don’t forget to say kind things about creators who’ve inspired you, supported you, or just been pleasant to work with. Publicly lifting others up shows character and builds stronger community ties. We have too much negativity in this world, we do not need it in this community. We are all here to have fun and escape daily life by playing dress up.
If someone handled a tough panel like a pro, or stayed kind under pressure, or gave thoughtful feedback, say so! You never know how much that acknowledgment could mean to them.
I recently judged with Sparkle Stache and Kolby Kirby at Kawaii Kon, and they were amazing people. Kind and passionate and loves this community. And Hannah who ran the cosplay contest, was absolutely fantastic. I even asked her for feedback and she was so kind in phrasing it and being genuine. Honestly, if you get invited to work with any of them, DO IT!
Also, I could write a novel about all of the amazing people I’ve worked with, but to minimize this article, I’m going to just focus on my most recent show. (YOU GUYS KNOW WHO YOU ARE!)
📸 4. Credit and Collaborate
It can be incredibly hard to credit every single person you come across. But it’s worth trying.
At the very least:
- Thank those who invited you and brought you on.
- Promote your fellow guests! A rising tide lifts all boats, and fans love seeing creators support each other.
- Acknowledge people who helped, supported, or uplifted others.
Even just tagging them in a post or giving them a thank-you can go a long way.
🤝 When You Don’t Click With Someone
If you don’t vibe with another guest, that’s okay. Don’t fake it, but don’t call them out unless they’re doing something truly harmful.
Judging styles and personal disagreements? Let it go. But if someone is harassing, excluding, or harming others? That’s when you speak up.
If I have a problem with a creator, I just don’t mention them. If someone asks, I’ll say:
If someone asks me about another guest I didn’t click with, I find something kind to say about their work. If I can’t do that, I just say:
“I’ve worked with them in the past, and I wish them well. I’d not like to discuss them any further”
Not every creator has to be your best friend. And not everyone who treats you coldly is a villain. You don’t need to fake relationships, but you don’t need to burn bridges, either. Saying very little, says a lot.
Just because I don’t click with someone doesn’t mean they deserve to be chased out of the scene.
📖 Story Time
I worked with a popular male creator at the same show for several years. At first, I thought his off-putting attitude was just part of his act. But once I didn’t play into his ego? Oof. He was rude, not just to me, but to friends as well.
And yet? He was incredibly kind to his fans. I know this because I ask everyone who visits my booth how their con is going, and so many told me how sweet he was. One longtime supporter of mine said he made her entire day.
I even thanked him for that. Told him I appreciated how well he treated her. His response? A cringe-worthy comment about how loved he is. 😬
But here’s the thing: he still made someone’s day, and I’m allowed to acknowledge that.
Just because I don’t get along with someone doesn’t mean they need to be banished to the shadow realm. 😂
💬 Kindness Costs Nothing
If you’re guesting and have a moment, say hi to your fellow guests. Reach out. Share something helpful or encouraging. You never know who might be new or feeling unsure.
I don’t believe anyone is “better” than anyone else. We all bleed red. We all have quirks and off days. And many of the most respected guests I’ve met are where they are because of their passion and kindness, not their status.
I’ve learned so much by watching how other guests treat people, with grace, empathy, and professionalism.
I’m not here to rock the boat, but I’m not afraid to if it helps someone else stay afloat.
📸 5. Get Consent in Private Spaces
When you’re a guest, it’s easy to assume you have access others don’t. But with that access comes responsibility, not entitlement.
With cosplay in general there are some special unspoken rules. Cosplay on the con floor? Generally fair game for photos and video (within reason and basic decency). But private spaces like pre-judging rooms, green rooms, or VIP events are different. These are spaces where people expect privacy, comfort, and a break from the spotlight.
If you’re doing pre-judging, VIP meetups, or are in a private guest space:
- Always ask before filming or photographing someone. Just because you’re comfortable on camera doesn’t mean others are, especially in non-public areas.
- Don’t assume competitors or guests are camera-ready. Many are still adjusting costume pieces, dealing with nerves, or decompressing between events.
- Respect the prep time. Pre-judging and green rooms are often fast-paced and emotionally charged, people deserve space to breathe without being recorded.
- Avoid filming private conversations. Behind-the-scenes chatter might include personal stories or off-the-record feedback, leave the camera off unless invited.
- Check with con staff first. Some events have rules or permissions about filming in guest-only or VIP spaces.
- Use courtesy language. A simple “Hey, would you mind if I take a photo or short video of this?” shows professionalism and care, and please make sure to let them know it’s okay to say no.
- Normalize boundaries. If someone says no, thank them and move on. Respect earns trust, and trust builds better connections.
This is not just courteous, it’s respectful. It sets a tone that you see others as equals, not props for content.
This section was inspired by a real situation in our community. And I want to acknowledge that directly. A BIG NOTE HERE… I’m not breaking down the whole video and how this guest handled interpersonal relationships, but there was one thing that stood out to me that was what motivated me to write this whole article.
Now, while I just wrote a whole section on etiquette for recording people… I’m going to flip my own words on their head for a second. You don’t have to agree with me, and I’m totally okay with that, but I don’t think enough people are considering what this situation looks like through the lens of a content creator.
Here’s the truth no one loves saying:
🎥 There is no perfect way to handle this situation as a
content creator who makes their living off documenting events.
Even if you phrase the question kindly, asking someone to be filmed is still pressure, especially in the emotionally charged, nerve-wracking space of a pre-judging room. In a way, it feels like a necessary evil. Because when you ask someone to say “no,” you’re unintentionally putting them in a position where they feel like they’re being difficult. It’s a form of confrontation, no matter your intent. And no amount of prep or politeness can fully erase that, it’s just human nature.
I’ve entered contests where a camera suddenly appeared in my face, and as a novice, it completely rattled me. Now that I compete at the master’s level, I barely think twice. But not everyone is there yet… and some never will be.
My partner (affectionately known by my friends as Besto) is an introvert. He mentally prepares for social situations. He has to rehearse how much he’ll need to “people,” how to manage his energy, and what to expect. Being blindsided, especially by being recorded, can be genuinely distressing. Being put on the spot to make a quick decision like that? It can be mentally overwhelming.
You won’t see Besto in my content (well—aside from this moment). Not because I don’t love him or want to share my life, but because he values his privacy. And I respect that. Most people don’t even know he exists, and we’ve been together since I was 19! He’s taught me so much about honoring boundaries, even when the world doesn’t understand them.
That’s when it hit me: so many of us extroverts thrive in these con environments and forget that others experience them completely differently. Without those conversations with him, I wouldn’t have seen it so clearly. He’s helped me become more considerate and empathetic, especially toward people who need structure, privacy, and personal space to feel safe.
And I think, now more than ever, with growing awareness around neurodivergence and autism, many of us are finally getting the language and tools to handle these moments with more care.
For context: I’m a socially awkward extrovert with autism. If you don’t say something directly, I often don’t catch the hint. I’m extremely gullible. My friends are identical twins and once convinced me they weren’t. I believed them—for four years. 😅 One’s a marathon runner, the other’s a bodybuilder. In my defense, very different physiques! But yeah… they played the long con and I fell for it.
So believe me when I say: it’s always jarring to realize other people don’t think or process things the way you do. And that’s why conversations like this are so important.
But back to the article… here’s something else that complicates this whole situation:
🎟️ When you buy a ticket to a convention, you’re agreeing to
that event’s terms—which often include being recorded.
What I want you to take from this is that this is a grey area. You may have a “common sense” hardline stance on how things should be done, but I’m here to just offer my perspective from what others have explained to me. The beauty of common sense is… That it isn’t… We are all taught to tie our shoelaces, right? Well… Einstein didn’t. He felt it was unnecessary and a waste of time.
Now personally, this is not the way I approach recording contestants. When I’m judging, I only ask to record someone after we’ve finished judging, if there’s extra time, and if they seem open to it. That’s my standard. And it may not be yours—and that’s okay. I’ve outlined my etiquette in this article, but it’s not a universal checklist.
That said, I do have one hard line: If someone looks nervous, overwhelmed, or uncomfortable—I do not ask. No video is worth increasing someone’s anxiety.
And if I ever accidentally recorded someone who was clearly distressed? I’d never use that footage. Period. I believe most creators feel the same.
Also, again geckos, in regards to the recent drama, we don’t need to be cruel to someone who’s already doing the hard work of reflecting and improving. If anything, this moment serves as a powerful reminder that:
🎓 No one goes to college for a degree in “how to be a guest.”
We’re all figuring this out as we go.
This is still a relatively new space. It’s part performance, part public relations, part chaos. Most of us learn through experience, through mentorship, or sometimes, through failure.
And honestly? That’s okay. I make mistakes all the time. We all do.
So reflecting on this specific situation, I realize what I truly wish would happen:
💡 I wish every single contest asked about filming ahead of time
and shared those answers with the guests and judges.
And moving forward?
✅ I’m making a personal effort to try and get opt-in or opt-out decisions before contestants even come into the room.
If you take anything from this article, if you are judging any sort of event, please do your best to work with the convention to do this. Again, it’s not a perfect solution either—but it’s a step toward making everyone feel more comfortable, respected, and included.
Let’s keep making this community safer, more thoughtful, and stronger—together.
And remember:
When in doubt—just ask. It’s better to than to just assume, even if it means an uncomfortable conversation.
Because respect creates trust, and trust builds community.
📘 If you want to sharpen your people skills, I highly recommend How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. It’s a classic for a reason—approachable, insightful, and incredibly relevant for con spaces and community work.
And with that, let’s pivot back into what I really want to drive home… Best practices for guesting and being a professional in this content creator economy.
🧍 6. Be Approachable—But Set Boundaries
Smile. Say hi. Make fans feel welcome. If someone has taken time out of their day to follow your work, it’s an honor, and I try to show up in a way that makes them feel seen and appreciated.
That said, I like to call being at a con or booth my “performance mode.” I’m in constant overdrive, hyper-aware of how I’m interacting and holding space for others. I genuinely love people. But that doesn’t mean I have infinite energy.
✨ You don’t owe energy you don’t have.
You don’t owe selfies in the bathroom line. You don’t owe late-night hangs when you’re exhausted. It’s okay to say:
“Thanks for the invite, but I’m heading back to rest.”
Professionalism and kindness go hand-in-hand with boundaries. Fans and fellow guests alike should respect when you set a limit, and if they don’t, that’s on them, not you.
You can still be warm, present, and memorable without pushing yourself to burnout. Showing up as your authentic self is more valuable than forcing a version of you that’s drained and running on empty.
Being a great guest means honoring your role, and honoring yourself.
🧹 7. Leave It Better Than You Found It
Being a guest is an honor, and a chance to proudly represent your community, culture, or fandom. That means treating people and spaces with care.
Clean up after yourself in green rooms, panel rooms, and judging areas. Don’t leave behind empty drink containers, scrap fabric, or discarded packaging. The folks tidying up are already juggling a dozen other fires, don’t make their job harder.
Be kind to volunteers, handlers, tech crews, and everyone working behind the scenes. Small gestures, like returning a chair, thanking a mic runner, fixing something out of place, even picking up trash, can go a long way. Be the guest staff brags about working with.
I personally like to bring small Hawaiian treats or notes as a thank-you, it’s my way of showing appreciation for the opportunity to be there.
💡 Offer Feedback—With Heart
Constructive feedback helps conventions grow. But tone matters. So does consent.
Always ask before giving feedback:
“Would it be okay if I shared a few suggestions? I had something on my mind that might help for next time.”
Even well-meaning feedback can feel like criticism if it isn’t requested. Asking first shows mutual respect.
Giving feedback is brave. Many guests fear being labeled “difficult” or risking future invites. If you speak up kindly and constructively, thank you, that takes real courage.
If you’re someone who makes post-con content, reviews, or breakdowns:
Don’t assume organizers are watching your TikToks or YouTube videos. Let them know ahead of time. Share your tone, approach, and intentions.
A great approach:
“I often create post-event reviews about my guest experiences. Would you be open to me sharing my thoughts publicly, especially if I have something I think could help improve things next year?”
You don’t have to sugarcoat everything, but your feedback will land better when it comes from a place of care and collaboration.
💬 “Say it with love. Ask permission. And be someone who helps the community grow forward.”
🙏 8. Gratitude Goes a Long Way
Guests may get the spotlight, but conventions run on the hard work of people whose names may never be printed on banners.
- The staffer who skipped lunch to reset your panel room.
- The handler who fetched water while juggling five other things.
- The volunteer who sprinted across the venue just to get your badge.
That’s why gratitude is everything.
🪪 Try your best to introduce yourself to every single con helper who assists you. Ask their name. Thank them directly. A moment of recognition can mean the world to someone who’s been running on caffeine and five hours of sleep.
🌟 Say thank you often, and mean it. Whether it’s a quick compliment, a genuine smile, or a message after the con, small moments of appreciation are remembered.
💌 Be specific. “Thanks for all your help” is great. But “Thank you for making sure my mic worked, that saved me from a tech meltdown” is unforgettable.
📣 Shout them out. If you’re sharing post-con content, tag the convention and mention the awesome people who supported you—volunteers, tech crews, green room leads, handlers. Show the world who helped make the magic happen.
🎁 Personal touches go far. I like to bring small Hawaiian treats or handwritten notes as a thank-you, it’s my way of showing appreciation for the opportunity to be there. You don’t need to bring gifts, but you should always bring kindness.
✨ Remember: being a guest isn’t just about being seen. It’s about seeing others.
The techs. The volunteers. The coordinators. The people who make the con run.
Thank them. Every time. Because without them? None of this would happen.
📣 9. Promote Yourself… Respectfully
Self-promotion is expected when you’re a guest. You’re there to showcase your work, grow your audience, and connect with fans. But how you go about it makes all the difference.
- 💡 Promote with purpose, not ego.
- Avoid flexing your follower count in casual conversations or panels. Saying something like, “I have 300k followers,” might be true—but it can unintentionally come across as bragging. You never know who might feel discouraged or excluded hearing that, and content creation should never feel like a popularity contest.
- 📌 Your numbers belong in your press kit—not your small talk.
- Put your metrics on your about page, media kit, or guest application form where they belong. If you’re speaking with a brand, con organizer, or sponsor? Sure, bring up stats. But fans and fellow guests usually just want to vibe and talk shop—not hear your analytics.
- 📇 Skip putting metrics on your business card unless you’re handing it to press or PR contacts. Let your energy, professionalism, and kindness do the talking.
- 💬 “Confidence is great. Humility is powerful. Kindness is unforgettable.”
- 🎭 Lead with the work, not the clout.
- Fans will remember how you treated them far more than how many likes you got on your last reel. Show up authentically, be kind, and let your content speak for itself.
This isn’t about fear—it’s about trust. Your professionalism travels with you.
🎤 10. Hosting, MCing, and Running Panels
Being a guest often goes beyond signing prints or judging craftsmanship. You may be asked to host panels, MC contests, give interviews, or appear at VIP mixers. Each of these roles comes with its own vibe, and your ability to show up prepared and thoughtful can make a huge difference.
If you’re serving as an MC:
- Know the run-of-show. Get the event script, cue sheet, or segment breakdown in advance.
- Practice pronunciation. 📣 Learn how to say contestant names, usernames, and fandom references correctly. A quick run-through can save a lot of awkwardness, and more importantly, it shows respect. For many participants, hearing their name said correctly validates their identity and work. It may be their first time on stage or their only moment in the spotlight—make it count.
- Hype with heart. You’re there to uplift others—not steal the spotlight.
- Keep it appropriate. When in doubt, leave it out. Skip edgy or potentially offensive jokes, especially in family-friendly settings.
- Be adaptable. Scripts change, tech goes down, time runs short—stay calm and roll with it.
💡 A good MC makes everyone feel welcome. A great one makes every cosplayer feel like a star.
If you’re running a panel:
- Don’t wing it. Even informal panels benefit from structure.
- Prep your visuals. 📋 Bring slides, notes, or props to help guide the conversation.
- Know your tech. 🎛️ Check what’s available (mic, projector, adapters) and bring backups if needed.
- Respect your time slot. Don’t run over or delay the next presenter.
- Offer takeaways. QR codes, handouts, or resource links can leave a lasting impression.
When introducing participants or guests:
- Learn their names and affiliations ahead of time.
- Confirm pronunciations and titles. ✅
- Avoid assumptions—ask if you’re unsure how someone prefers to be introduced.
If you’re being interviewed for the convention:
- Represent the event with positivity and professionalism. You’re not just promoting yourself—you’re a reflection of the con experience.
- Speak clearly about your journey, what you’re excited for at the event, and what fans can look forward to.
- Avoid venting, critiquing the con live, or sharing drama—save those for private debriefs or approved post-event content.
- Thank the interviewer and con team for the opportunity—it shows appreciation and leaves a great impression.
✨ Pro tip: If possible, ask to review questions in advance. It’ll help you feel more prepared and aligned with the event’s goals.
At VIP mixers and afterparties:
- Mingle respectfully. 🤝 These are networking opportunities, not wild nights out.
- Stay classy. You’re still representing the community—even in casual spaces.
- Thank the people attending who came to meet you—it means a lot.
🌟 It’s not about being fake, it’s about being someone others feel good working with again.
📚 I plan on writing much more elaborate tutorials for each of these specific guest activities. Stay tuned for deep dives into MCing, panel planning, convention interviews, and more!
❌ Bonus Round: What Not to Do…
Let’s be blunt. These are the kinds of things that will absolutely get you uninvited or remembered for the wrong reasons:
- Don’t ghost your guest duties.
- Don’t monopolize green rooms or act exclusive.
- Don’t trash talk guests, fans, or volunteers.
- Don’t treat staff like assistants.
- Don’t post public rants before communicating concerns privately.
- Don’t promote your 18+ content at a family-friendly event.
- Don’t act like you’re above the con, even if your banner is front and center.
You’re not just representing yourself, you’re shaping the experience for everyone around you.
💌 Final Thought: From this Lizard to my fellow content creating reptilians…
If you made it this far… I’M SO FRIGGEN IMPRESSED! Honestly, you do not have to remember all of this, it’s impossible too. Please… be kind to yourself.
Being a cosplay guest or featured content creator is about more than looking great on a banner. It’s about honoring your role, connecting with your community, and showing up with kindness, professionalism, and heart.
And let’s be real, there’s no handbook for this. You’re going to make mistakes. You’re going to feel overwhelmed sometimes. I’ve worked with guests who had panic attacks from the pressure of nonstop interaction, and I’ve been there myself, torn between giving every person your full attention and needing a moment to breathe.
🌿 Mental health matters, even at conventions. You can care deeply about your fans and still set boundaries. You don’t owe every second of your time. You just owe people respect, warmth, and clarity.
✨ Here’s something I say when a line is building at my table:
“It’s been so great meeting you, I’d love to talk with you all day! But I want to make sure I get to chat with other amazing geckos like yourself too.”
💬 And MY BIGGEST FAUX PAS as a guest? I get distracted. I’ve been called out on this, and I still make this mistake after a decade. I try my best not to be inconsiderate, but sometimes I see a friend I haven’t hugged in years and I go full chaos lizard. I live on an island, and my chances to visit the mainland and reconnect are rare. I always try to circle back and be present, but I’m human, and I’m still learning too.
💡 We all are.
So don’t beat yourself up if you forget something, or feel awkward, or get a little starstruck. You’re growing. You’re learning. That’s what matters.
✔️ Show up prepared.
✔️ Stay humble.
✔️ Lead with gratitude.
✔️ Share feedback with care.
✔️ Uplift others while you shine.
✨ Because the best cosplay guests, and content creators, don’t just get invited back, they leave the community better than they found it. 💖👑
💬 Have you guested before? Did I miss anything you’d add? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your experiences and keep the conversation going! Let’s learn from each other and build a better, kinder content creator / cosplay guest culture together.
🦎 If this guide helped you, I’d love it if you followed along on socials or shared it with a friend. Your support means the world and helps me keep making more resources like this!
📲 https://linktr.ee/oleapinglizard
Want more tutorials, build blogs, or content creation / cosplay guest resources? Stick around. I’ve got more coming your way! Have a suggestion or need advice? Reach out here!
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