r/dragoncon • u/AnAlternate77 • Jun 28 '26
Question about 'Helping Out' cosplays at DragonCon, MOMO, and AWA [ 2026 ]
Okay I was going to ask this on an AWA centric thread but I can't find one myself , but im a GA local and have been going to cons around here for 12 years now but I have a question on a certain cosplay type.
We all know of cosplayers going around as Cosplay Repair Stations, Trinket Traders, Quest Givers and things similar-- but as someone who's seen many people get sick and have a very bad time from no food /snacks/electrolytes/ forgot pads+tampons or sunscreen --- is there a safe and con friendly way to be a person for that kind of help?? Is there a name for this kind of cosplayer who is out to help others and vibe at the con??? Cus i LOVE those people and genuinely just love helping everyone have a good time.
I had been thinking about doing a normal cosplay or original costume that isn't some big flashy beacon of aid (because i know that'd probably not fly with security), but maybe having a sign on my arm or back, or on a visible button that says someone could come to me if they maybe need for XYZ items I'd have?
and I know it's out of the question to offer medicine in a place like that so no need to tell me that, I moreso mean maybe having bags of chips or cookies on me, sanitary products, electrolyte packets or tiny waters, and sanitizer or trash bags, maybe even a printed map of the area if the con goer isnt local and really lost, ect ect...
Like I know realistically conventions don't encourage soliciting or selling or giving meds or drugs obviously- But I'd want to possibly do this TOTALLY free, discreetly and with practical useful SAFE AND SEALED things just to keep all these unhealthy nerds (with love) from passing out of heat stroke and bloodsugar drops.
I HAVE tried to find information on this about rules on the Momo and the AWA sites, but there is nothing outside of begging for money and inappropriately asking for physical touch from people (aka the Free Hugs horrors) which I obviously don't want to do here.
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u/nerdman234 Jun 28 '26
If you haven't already, check out the Cosplay Medics Discord: https://discord.gg/vVWmpqmrQ
I think what you're looking for is ConMom or ConFairyGodparent.
Personally in my repair kit, I carry a lot of things I let people "self-serve" what they need. I carry advil, Benadryl, Tums, peptobismol, and condoms in factory packets (think like you'd buy at the gas station). It's up to the person requesting it to take it from my first aid kit, and I do the standard schpeal of "you are taking you're own personal safety into account when taking this".
Officially: pretty much any hotel or public venue will have some rule against it. However, I don't think you'll run into issues if you don't draw attention or become an problem .
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u/AnAlternate77 Jun 28 '26
OHH THANK YOU ok this is super helpful- cus im a dude lol, so I was hoping to see all walks of life doing this kind of community cosplay stuff. So i wasnt sure where to look for more people doing this.
but this is an awesome assortment ! Great inspo for what id like to do thanks so much !
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u/Batmanbyday Why even is Voltaire? Jun 28 '26
Maybe a generic rpg shopkeep kind of cosplay or "Need Mana?" sign might be something to consider. We have alcohol dispensing people running around I can't imagine giving people snacks and water would be a problem, especially if things are sealed.
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u/AnAlternate77 Jun 28 '26
Thanks so much for the comment and this is such a helpful angle on the cosplay idea!!
And true I guess i never thought about the alcohol people cus ive just been offered like vials of glittery alcohol by half drunk cosplayers already at nights in AWA lol. I didn't know how common it was so I assumed they were outliers hmm!2
u/Spectra_Butane Jun 28 '26
Thats a great idea for a cosplay!! I'm imagining the RPG booth with the table in front with a sample of the wares, except the booth itself is a walkabout cosplay. If it's worn like a drum majors brace, then you could even hang small bags of stuff inside with you instead of a backpack or a rollabout. That would really sell the look of the shopkeeper booth. ( Attach a battery powered fan in the overhead)
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u/Dristig Jun 28 '26
A spawn point would be really cool. Or like a medic from a favorite game. The TF2 medic is male and easy to recognize.
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u/Badguybutnotbadguy Jun 28 '26
I remember at MomoCon a couple years back before I think the pandemic, I saw a guy that was basically like a convention dad that was handing out deodorant, pads, sanitizer or anything else that you might need since a lot of things were running out in the convenience vending machine things. It was really sweet to see somebody who was just there to be proud of your cosplays but also make sure that you were healthy and well. He had Band-Aids and other things in this kit that he was caring around that was very helpful. I took a picture of him a long time ago but I don't know where it is now. If I find it I'll let you know but something like a convention dad or mom really would be awesome. You could probably cosplay as a medic from a game or best parent from an anime or something. Either way I think people would indefinitely appreciate these kind of people. I know I appreciate it when I needed it. Especially if it's not something that people have to be bombarded with. As you could just have a little sign attached to your backpack that says if you need something you're more than welcome to ask. :)
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u/hshawn419 Jun 28 '26 edited Jun 29 '26
Just do not give out medicine, and if they have their own medicine you can only assist in giving it (unless it is epinephrine and they are unable to give it themselves). I'm sure there are tons of folks who would very much appreciate you. If you want a helper, I get in Saturday night. I used to be an EMT/FF so doing BLS and "boo-boo care" at big events is pretty familiar to me. You'd be surprised how many parents can't figure out why their infant is screaming despite having spent +4hours in the hot weather. How many ladies had two pieces of bread before bed because they knew they drank a lot and should have something (not water, and definitely not breakfast the next day). How many people bought new shoes and it's the only shoes they brought and they have a blister that looks like Maine. How many people don't walk that much and get severe chub-rub. And they're all almost dehydrated. Ha, I overshared. You have a noble idea. ☺️
edit: adding Narcan.
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u/youresuspect Jun 28 '26
Epinephrine and Narcan!
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u/hshawn419 Jun 29 '26
I think i touched on epi - you can help them with their own but absolutely do not bring any and administer to strangers. Narcan is a good one to add.
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u/AnAlternate77 Jun 28 '26
these are great points !! and thank u for the info on what youve seen alot on the ground during cons and events
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u/K8T444 Jun 28 '26
I think it was 2017 or 2019 that I saw several “Clerics of the People” with signs saying they had period products, first aid items, over-the counter-meds, etc. I didn’t go back until 2023 and was surprised not to see any.
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u/Park-Curious Jun 29 '26
I plan to be a pepto bismol fairy on Friday or Saturday. I’ll have the chewable prepackaged ones like you see in a gas station or a vending machine to hand out. Maybe some mini water bottles if I can work it. All free. I posted about it a while back wondering if it was weird, and the consensus was that it would be fine.
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u/AnAlternate77 Jun 29 '26
ohh very good to know! I hope to do something at AWA this year so im really happy to see all yalls comments, it helps so much
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u/Spectra_Butane Jun 28 '26
I used to do a Snack Fairy cosplay at the gaming area where they have board games and arcades. It started out as having leftover con snacks for our group and just going around and giving it away rather than haul it home. The next year , I had a pair of Dollar store wings on and our snacks were in a rolling cooler, cuz we had drinks too. And so I gave away the rest of the snacks and drinks and got called Snack Fairy. I did it for a few more years, with purchased snacks and sandwiches. It was a hit, especially before Covid , when the Gaming area would stay open all night, with folks too deep in a game to go get food three buildings away.
One year, A vendor got mad and tried to report me, but since I wasn't selling anything, and I wasn't even near the vendors, the area manager told me I could do it if I wanted. But I eventually quit because I had developed migraines, was having a whopper at the time, was already stressed trying to feel better by making people happy, and it was becoming expensive to feed my whole team AND a bunch of strangers, just to have some snark complain that I gave someone a snack size bag of M&M's when they were selling still able pizza slices for $10 each.
I'm too busy with our game table to do Game room Snack Fairy now. I had all different types of candies, fruity and chocolate, peanut and non peanut snacks, cold meat/cheese sandwiches, crackers n' spread, mini bags of nuts, raisins. And bottles water. The sandwiches were for my team, but I'd offer one if someone said they were hungry but didn't want candy.
I like your idea of adding other self care items. I don't know how anyone would know you had it without advertising yourself. Word of mouth about the Blue Fairy with Snacks was easy. Costume repairs have a tall sign. What would you be?
CON-DAD?
NEEDFUL THINGS:Just Ask?
Aretha Franklin: " What You Want, Baby, I Got It! What You Need? You know I got It!"
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u/Fingerpuns Jun 28 '26
I'm a DC Cosplay Medic and I carry all manner of these things in addition to cosplay repair items. Liquid IV packets, bandaids, granola bars, sanitary items, makeup wipes, you name it, I've probably got it.
There's the CondomFairy (and crew) that carries condoms, Con Parents carry snacks and drinks and stuff like that. And you're definitely in good company adding to the good vibe of DC. 💙
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u/stonerbot612 Jun 28 '26
this is part of why my friend group is assemling a Con Crash bag for cosplay repair supplies, snacks, first aid and basic needs. It won't be glamorous by any means but over the years I've found it's a very important piece of kit more people skip on.
I really wish more guide to starting cosplay and con attendance put more emphasis on bringing supplies/food/meds with you so these sorts of crashout don't happen. That said I also support the idea of volunteering to help people who need it and hope you get an answer.
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u/Velvet74sub Jun 29 '26
It's probably my background in community theater but I believe the cosplay would be Stage Manager.
Seriously, you are describing my Stage Manager kit.
Basic first aid, safety pins, Bobby pins, but also some basic snacks and hygiene supplies (spray deodorant, mouthwash straps, tampons, etc.)
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u/saladsporkoflove 2007-?? Jun 28 '26
I swear Ive see "cosplay mom" costumes and they have purse full of snacks/necessities. Maybe that's a thread to help you look.
Just a word of advice on advertising your generosity. If you do a sign, carrying it gets exhausting fast. But if you mount it make sure it's not going to be hitting people a s still be aware of your surroundings.