Really, which direction are they in? That’s how far I live from Baltimore xD
It’s true…the crowds at anime/manga conventions grow in idiocy each year. But think of all the things you’ll be missing if you let them get in your way! D:
The gamers room…the rave…the live concerts (I still remember the L’Arc en Ciel concert from ’04…and The Indigo…and MarBell, and The Underneath *-*)…24-hour screenings of anime…and my personal favorite, the dealers room 
Besides, Otakon is so huge that there’s no way you can feel singled out or embarrased.