How to Reapercon

Hello once again,

After a ~10 month absence, it's time to write again. First up, How to Reapercon.

This is written for folks that are perhaps new to Reapercon or new to Conventioning in general.  

This is a very tailored list. Reapercon is a very special event. It's small, cozy, and welcoming.  It is perhaps scaled like a large-ish local 'con, but draws people from all over (we drive 14-16h to be there), so things I'm going to suggest here don't necessarily apply elsewhere.  YMMV.

About Reapercon:  It is very hobby/painting-centric and there is a fair amount of D&D and other tabletop games going on.  These two things are Reaper's bread and butter.  So, if you're thinking about board games, wargames, shopping, etc. -- these things can be found but they are NOT the focus of the event.

1. Get a room at the Embassy Suites. Reapercon takes place at the Denton Convention Center, Embassy Suites.  There are overflow hotels with a 'con rate nearby, and of course some folks choose to stay where they have freebie rooms via loyalty programs.  All of this works, of course - whatever gets you in the door!  But my honest and straight-up opinion: staying onsite is overwhelmingly preferred.  The ability to pop back to the room quickly to grab food (see #3), decompress, or swap out items for class (vs. carrying all day), etc. is huge. So huge that in the canceled 2020 version, I'd reserved a room outside the hotel block at the Hilton Honors rate (at considerable expense), just to be onsite.
2. Enter something in the MSP Open painting contest.  "But my stuff isn't good enough yet."  Bull pucky. The great thing about the MSP Open contest is that you're only competing against yourself.  Put something on the table, even if imperfect. Someone will enjoy it, perhaps be inspired by it, and in the end, you'll be glad you did.
3. Go to a grocery store. If you are staying at the Embassy, you will have a "college dorm fridge" in which to stash water and food. Eating at restaurants gets spendy, and after a few days I feel cruddy.  Having the ability to make a PBJ sandwich, grab a banana, or a cold bottle of water is such a nice thing, saved us a few bucks and a lot of time.
4. Take classes, but not too many.  You may sign up for 8 classes across the weekend.  For some people, this is great.  For most of us, 1 or maybe 2 classes a day is max.  First, your brain will be mushy, and second, there's a lot of other stuff going on. 
5. Pick classes to reinforce a known skill, expose you to a new concept, meet a new instructor, or just have fun.  I approach the course catalog with a theme in mind. Some years I am researching a particular technique (blending, freehand).  Over the years I've focused mostly on gaining access to a skill that I was reluctant to try at home (i.e. sculpting).  The classes I would recommend everyone take at least once include the Bones Mashup (quick course in conversion) and Lord Dave's Water FX, Gore, or Weathering.  
6. Talk to the Artists.  One of the best things about Reapercon is access to top tier talent. This is your chance to ask questions, follow up after a class, or get some quick help with a mini you're working on.  Some people find this intimidating, but just remember: they're just people. 
7. Talk to People.  Reaper is a small convention; you will see the same faces throughout the 4 days. While there are certainly established friend groups around the 'con, it is a friendly crowd. Saying hello, asking a simple question, or checking out someone's work can be a simple ice breaker that yields big dividends.  (You may find yourself quickly adopted by the group).
8. Bring basic painting supplies.  Everyone has their preferred setup for painting, but here's some minimum requirements:  for classes, you will be provided a water cup (brush cleanout) and a simple wet palette. Your instructor will usually provide the colors you are using.  You should bring brushes in a few sizes and a mini holder (bottle cap with blue-tac if nothing else).  Beyond that, the sky is the limit, and you should expect to paint a bit outside of class. Some people bring battery operated lights, some folks need their reading glasses. A notepad if you are a note taker. 
9. Pay attention to dates.  Tickets, hotels, class tickets, etc. can and will sell out.  Hotel and class tickets can be especially competitive. Pay attention to the calendar and grab what you want quickly.
10. Do the factory tour.  Reaper's facility is a short drive from the convention center. They offer tours during the convention for a quick look at how minis are cast, inspected, shipped, etc.  It's a fun look at how a small company operates.  Seeing the room where paint is bottled was worth the time investment itself.