So, like many people who have a favorite artist, actor/actress, or celebrity, they want to meet them, and express how they might have changed their life and how they idolize them. As one of those people, some dos and don’ts would’ve been nice to know beforehand. Sadly, I did not have any, so I got the joy of going in cold turkey on my first meet and greet, which was with the Aussie band 5 Seconds of Summer.

Most meet and greets are more likely to be a photo op. Basically that means you walk in, take a picture, maybe have time for a few words, and then walk out. Ideally, we’d all like to have all the time in the world with our idols and talk on and on and on, but it just doesn’t happen. Even with the small amount of time, there’s still a lot of time for embarrassment or something to go wrong.

I’ve found it’s been trial and error for me. I really wish I could’ve found some sort of article or piece with some tips for meet and greets. I embarrass myself way too easily anyhow though. With my knowledge from the two meet and greets I have done, and from others I have talked about this with, I’ve generated a short list of dos and don’ts. I hope you will find these helpful and I wish you luck on any of your meet and greet endeavors.

Don'ts:

1. If at all possible, don't freak out and scream their name. But, also, don't be so nervous you're completely quiet. Small talk is key
2. Don’t kill yourself on what you want to say and practice it because it will just not happen the way you want. Just let what happens happen.
3. This goes along with the second, but with what you say, try not to let what you say be offensive in any way. Unless your intent with the meet and greet is to offend them, then don’t even go. The person never did anything wrong and they do these meet and greets to meet and connect with FANS.
4. Emotions are hard to control, but try not to cry! Though, if you do, it’s not the worst thing in the world!

Dos:

1. Wear band merch. It’s not lame or stupid to do so, and they’ll appreciate it. It’s even better if you made the shirt, hat, bottoms, etc yourself.
2. Bring a small [thoughtful] gift. It’s always appreciated! If rules say they can’t take gifts, still bring it in your bag! More than likely, they’ll have a designated table for gifts.
3. Wear comfortable shoes that are easy to walk in!--I cannot stress that enough! You’ll probably be waiting in line for a while and, once you finally have your moment, you probably don’t want to walk in strangely or trip over yourself.
4. BE YOURSELF! This might be the most important thing to do! Don’t let the fact you’re meeting a idol, or idols, change you!
5. Once you’ve done the meet and greet, share it! It can be easy to get overly braggy about such things, but you’ve got the right to with this, right? (This is a don’t: Don’t get to the point it’s obnoxious. Then it’s rude and annoying, and people you’re close with may distance themselves from you.)