I just know alot people who need to spend less time in front of the TV, reading only anime/sci-fi material, and/or constantly thinking and living Cowboy Bebop/Trigun/insert-your-fave-anime-here. If a con was mostly for people like that, then my question is answered. But it seems people who are responding here are telling me I wouldn't be weirded out at a con any more than I would at Wal-Mart.
My advice would be that once a convention gets closer, to look at their web site and see what programming they have available. For example if you go to
www.fanime.com right now they have a con this weekend. They have their Live and Video programming lists avaialble so you can see what is going on in some parts of the show.
Also be aware that there are things liek a dealers room where you can buy things, some fans will have their own rooms open to show things, and depending on the show is a wide range of activities.
The best advice I can give is make a desision for yourself what type of con experience you would liek to have and see if a show will allow you to do it. Some fans jsut want to get out and sit in a room to watch the latest titles. Some go becasue they love costumes and theater. At some shows that have access to guests, many go for the educational value of the show. Mr. Yamaga was at Faniem a few years back and did a class about the process of making an anime that students in Japan pay thousands of dolars to attend, but con attendees go to see it for free. IF you want to learn about the process of anime or artistic information there are lots of people and places at a con that will assist you in this.
If you are being careful about attending a con I would say go to which ever show is closest to you and get a one day pass and see what you think. Beaware about con sizes though, if your first con is Anime Expo in Southern CA or Otakon then you are looking at a good size line for registration.
If there is more specific info you want for a con, check their web site and see if they have an info e-mail address, almsot every con will try to answer any question you have.
And most important... Have Fun !!!