The List of Convention Ideas is here.
How many conventions have contests with assorted prizes? Figures and books and comics and more are given out for guessing songs, writing, skits, and more.
Having run a few contests, I certainly enjoy finding interesting prizes; obscure videos, interesting collectables, and more. However I also enjoy giving away books.
Career-oriented books.
Now I'm not recommending your Sci-Fi con use copies of "What Color is Your Parachute" or "The Unwritten Secrets of the Highly Effective Job Search". What I'm recommending is making some of your contest prizes books relevant to careers appropriate to the attendees.
I've given away books on anime and manga-style art at anime cons. Think of what else you could do:
- There are how-too books on virtually everything out there, from art to writing.
- There are career-specific books on various geeky careers.
- Considering books that profile the careers of famous people – those are often inspirational.
I you're going to add profan elements to your cons, why not take it a bit further and work it into your contests. It may seem a small thing, but it's just one more addition to making your convention cater to those who want to use their hobbies in their careers.
– Steven Savage