I don't think I've ever gone to a guest booth at a convention. I don't really see the appeal.

The only time I've gone to a cosplay guest booth is after they held several panels about different techniques and I went to see some of the cosplays they had set up at their booth.

Honestly the only reason I approach a guest Cosplayer is if I really like their cosplay and want to drop a compliment or ask for a picture, otherwise I skip them through since I don't see the appeal

I go to cosplayer booths because either they had a good panel, I know their work and want to pick their brain on something, or I see that they have a really cool looking costume set up at the booth that I want to get tips and tricks on. If I was not a cosplayer myself, cosplayer booths would not be a real draw for me.

1. A good panel and I have questions because of the panel. A lot of people will come up to your booth if you had an informative panel. I went to a panel from a cosplayer who worked in the movie industry and spoke about it. A lot of cosplayers want to move into that industry so best believe people came over to ask him questions. Additionally I know a guy who does panels teaching how to foam smith. He typically doesn't guest but from what I've seen a lot of parents and new cosplayers would go up to him and ask questions.
2. Cool shit. I see cool armor or weapon I want to go and see.

...a lot of the cosplay guests at the cons in my area are friends I met during my charity cosplay days, so if I see they are guests I stop by for a quick chat and a hug and to see how they are doing and what they are working on next. I'd recommend having a panel or two about what you do, how you make your costumes, and have a few costumes out on mannequins so people can come up close and inspect them and ask questions

Only if it was a friend of mine, tbh. And even then I know they’re busy and I’ll see them later. I think it’s really cool that they get the chance to do that, but idk I meet enough amazing cosplayers just floating around the con so I don’t really have much interest in visiting their booths.

Nothing.

I've been to booths in the past for 2 reasons: - crafting techniques. he also had a panel a year earlier, and we chatted in between, so this was kinda me showing what I did with what he had taught me. - if I know them from a contest or sth like that.

Honestly, at least in my area, I don't really see many people around cosplay guest booths. The times I do see them, it's when the cosplayer is basically a star already, or it's rather fan-service-y.

One cosplayer I know got like ... a mobile photoshoot "booth" for a certain fandom. Fitting background, props to pose with etc.. He takes that along to certain cons, people want to take pictures in there, and well his booth is right beside it, so that helps with exposure I assume. Never asked him on it, though.

I would stop in at a booth if you had some sort of handout or giveaway that shows how you built your cosplay. Kind of like a walkthrough for beginners. Make it something that can only be gotten at the con, at your booth.

Bonus points for if it is accessible via a QR code so I don’t lose it during the con.

Create it, then market the heck out of it on your socials and website. Mention it during any panels or speaking events you are on.

Bring 1-3 cosplays to display (recent or most popular ones). Have a few large pictures of your cosplays. What's your specialty - sewing? crafting? makeup? Foam? Put a few examples of that on the table : your best props, favorite products, a sewing machine ect. Things for sale is always great! If I am following the person already I enjoy when they live stream their booth. Make sure to take time to actually talk with people! If you see a cool cosplay on the floor walking past- compliment them! It's a great way to engage.