Convention Tips:

Hotels.
If you're attending a convention out of town, book your hotel in advance. Major tattoo conventions will reserve blocks of rooms at nice area hotels and provide a discount for those rooms, but you've got to book a room early. Don't expect to call Wednesday for a room on Friday night. Large conventions can draw thousands from all over the world. If it's being held in the banquet room of a nice hotel, you can assume the block of reserved rooms in that venue will sell out quickly.

Tickets.
Take advantage of offers on Pre-Sale tickets whenever possible. No only will you save money, but promoters can track ticket sales prior to the event and base entertainment options on those numbers. If there are no tickets sold before the day of the event, you can probably guess the "live band" won't be headlining any country wide tours anytime soon. The more pre registered attendees, the more the promoters will work to make sure you are well entertained. Also, you can use the money you save to buy some souvenirs that you might normally pass on because you just spent $25 at the gate.

Getting Tattooed.
First and foremost; you must be 18 to get tattooed and you must sign a release form and provide a valid ID to get tattooed. All tattoo artists must verify age and have a signed release form before starting any tattoo procedure. If any artist offers to forego these steps they are not a reputable artist, and are probably tattooing without the consent of the convention promoter. If you want to get tattooed by one of the "big names", Superior Tattoo recommends you contact the studio that person works at weeks or even months in advance for an appointment at the convention. Other artists are first come, first serve, so get there the opening day of the show and request a tattoo. Don't approach an artist while they are tattooing and try to get an appointment. If the tattoo machine is in his/her hand and client is in front of them, they are working. Give them the respect they deserve and your fellow tattoo enthusiast the privacy he or she deserves while getting tattooed.

Do's and Don'ts.
You've booked your room, and got your tickets, it's time to go to the convention. Here are a few suggestions to help you and everyone around you have a good time.

Photography,
It's ok to ask to photograph an artist while they are tattooing, but it's important to remember the person on the receiving end of the tattoo machine may not be so willing. Always ask the client if it's ok to include him/her in the photo. If you appreciate an artists paintings or flash, it's ok to photograph it, but do not ever attempt to reprint pictures of something and sell them. There are no exceptions to this. It's stealing. Most conventions won't even let you bring your camera in if it's an obviously professional use camera. If you're a photography enthusiast and happen to own a high end camera with multiple lenses it's a good idea to contact the promoter and let them know you'd like to bring it. Some promoters may even grant you a media pass even if you're only shooting for your own personal enjoyment, as long as you offer them copies of the photo's after you've taken them.

Children.
A sensitive subject I know, but one that should be addressed and usually will be on any large conventions FAQ's webpage. As a general rule, Tattoo conventions are not for children. That being said, unless specific age restrictions are in place use your own discretion. Tattoo Conventions are loud. There are scantily clad men and women. There will be blood and some sights you really don't want to expose a child to. Minors (anyone under 18) must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Some conventions provide a "safe spot" for younger children with activities like temporary tattoos, face painting, coloring, games etc, where children can be left for a short time while you cruise the show. Avoid bringing a stroller, tattoo conventions are crowded places, with thousands walking and talking, stopping to admire booths. Strollers only add to the congestion.

Codes of Conduct.
Respect. That's rule #1 of any convention. Respect the promoter, the venue, the artists and your fellow attendees. Conventions are great for our industry, but a few bad apples can cause a venue to have second thoughts when next years convention comes to town. Conventions should have a festival atmosphere. All convention promoters have a right to remove you from the premises at anytime. Security will be present to handle any expulsions. If you're getting thrown out of a tattoo convention, something has gone very wrong. We're a tight knit community and you don't want to wrath of said community.

No Soliciting.
"Here's my card, call me anytime or come by and see the shop" is one thing. "Hey, don't waste your money getting tattooed by that guy" is something completely different. Handing out fliers, postcards or product samples is generally forbidden with out express consent from the event promoter. Businesses paid good money to advertize at these events, don't try to cheat the system.

Food and Drinks
Food and Drinks are not only permitted, but often sold on the floor of most major conventions. Having a few drinks from the bar is often a nice way to loosen up and enjoy the sights and sounds. Alcohol is usually available, and we want you to loosen up and have a good time, but this isn't a night club or your local bar. Drink, have fun and meet some new friends, but leave egos and attitudes at the door. If you have a drink in your hand, keep it in your hand. Never set a drink or food down at a vendor's booth or on their table. Accidents happen, and someone bumping a table and spilling your drink all over one of a kind art work is not going to sit well with anyone involved. Conventions have a place for food and drinks to be enjoyed. Finish your meal then browse the show.

Comments
We would like to hear from you. If you have attended a convention that was listed on our Conventions page, let us know how it was. Were there lots of people? Was it clean and run well? Was the entertainment good? Are you going to go again next year? Send us an email to scott.shnurman@superiortattoo.com and we will post some of the comments made for others to learn from.

Superior Tattoo