It’s that time of year: The massive New York Comic Con exposition at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center on Manhattan’s west side is THIS WEEK. To celebrate, Janifer Cheng, host of The Mass Invasion blog and podcast dropped by Pop Tech Jam HQ to share some cosplay tips and other insights for attending one of the biggest annual pop-culture gatherings in the country.

If you’re planning on going for the first time and don’t know what to expect, check out Rob Jason Enate’s helpful How to Survive New York Comic Con guide and download a copy of the official NYCC mobile app for Android or iOS. (And while you have your phone out, make sure you have a decent transit app or a PDF copy of the New York City Subway map downloaded as well.)

Need a break from the crush of costumed humanity whapping you with wings and swords as you move around the Javits Center? Hey, it’s New York freakin’ City. We got other stuff to do here, too. Knock yourself out!