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Preparing for a convention is a quasi art form/science. These lists are intended as a helpful guide on what to bring and prepare for.

By Joshua A., Kristin B.
THE SHORT LIST

-A bag to put your stuff in. (stick a small folding bag in your luggage for holding your new loot)
-YOUR MONEY
-Clothes for 4 days (don't forget clean socks and undies!)
-Comfy Shoes. I strongly advise against new shoes at con, it's no fun.
-Cosplay outfit if you have one. (Bring an emergency sewing kit! - Bare bones: thread and needles, safety pins, hot glue and scissors. Small hot glue gun and duct tape!)
-Deodorant
-Toothbrush / toothpaste
-Hair brush / comb
-Shampoo/Conditioner
-DEAR GOD BRING SOAP
-Extra towel may not be a bad idea
-Sleeping bag / pillow / etc if you're on the floor
-Don't forget your money!
-CD's or MP3 player for the car trip
-Energy Bars and bottled water aren't a bad idea. Dehydration ends the party.
-Pack sandwich making things in a cooler if you're on a tight budget. (PB&J doesn't need a cooler. - The hotel coffee maker could be used to boil water for ramen, but it'll taste strange.)
-Sharpie marker, in case you want something signed!
-Your Cell Phone. It's easy to get separated from your friends at con!
-Camera + extra batteries
-Chargers for phone, mp3 players, etc.
-And finally, bring a lot of patience. Like an amusement park, you will encounter lines everywhere. Think of this as a great time to make new friends and find out more about what's going on at the convention. You'll likely see people picochatting on their DS's too, so bring yours if you'd like smile

THE LONG LIST
Originally compiled by Meaho

Personal Hygiene

-Towels - not white, hotels usually use that color and you don’t want to mix them up
-Toothpaste, Toothbrush, floss, Mouthwash
-Soap/ Body wash
-Shampoo and Conditioner
-Q-tips
-Hair brush, product, pins/ties/etc
-Deodorant
-Air Freshener (good against bathroom smells)
-Toilet Paper
-Contacts with case and solution (extra contacts) / Glasses
(guys)-Razor and Shaving Cream
(girls)-Feminine Hygiene

Sleeping Comfort

-Pillows – no white pillow cases
-Blankets and/or sleeping bags
-Something to sleep in
-Sinus meds (see medical needs)

Medical Needs

-Prescription medications
-Pain killers
-Sinus Meds: new place means new allergens. Plus, helps prevent snoring.
-Eyeglass Repair Kit
-Ear Plugs
** If you have a known medical issue, please report it to the (whichever con your going to) Medical Staff when you get to the con so that they can be prepared to assist you. They appreciate a warning. **

Food and Snack Ideas

-Granola/ Protein/ Cereal Bars
-Cup-a-noodle
-Easy Mac or Easy Hamburger Helper
-Fruit
-Chips
-Canned Food (Don't forget the Can Opener!)
-Bread Peanut Butter and Jelly
-Crackers Cheese
-Lunch meat
-Pop-tarts
-Hot Pockets

Drinks

-Water Gatorade/ PowerAde
-Soda
-Tea, Coffee
-Juice and Juice boxes (alright sunny-d!)
-To Fix your food/ drinks

-Hot water and/ or coffee pot (I take an electric tea pot and H2O pot)
-Mini-microwave Mini/ Travel Fridge
-Plates, Cups, Bowls, Silverware
-Paper towels
-Cooler/ ice chest – may need more than one. Get Ice BEFORE you get to the hotel
-Sealable containers – so food doesn’t get soaked in your ice chest

Personal Gadgets

-Cell Phone / PDA + Charger
-DS, PSP, etc + Charger
-Two-way radios + Charger
-Laptop + Charger
-Camera/ Camcorder EXTRA Memory/Film/Download cable +
-Charger/batteries
-Media Player (Ipod, etc) + Charger
-Power strip – you are bringing a lot of chargers, and not a lot of plugs

What to wear

-Clothing for four days (if it's a three day con!)
-Something to put dirty clothes in
-Cosplay costume
-Accessories
-Comfortable shoes – new ones can give you blisters

Buying Items

-Bring Cash – ATMs onsite usually run out (I try to take $200 in small bills)
-Cash Box (if room doesn’t have a safe – call hotel to find out before you arrive)
-Cardboard Tube – for posters, so they don’t get damaged
-A small foldable bag to pack them in – for when you leave.

Autographs

-Items to be autographed
-Sharpie/ autograph markers – this way, you can choose your color

Nice to have items

-Post-it notes and a pen – leave a message for your roomies
-Glow sticks – for the dance
-Swimwear and Sunblock (pool or hot tub)
-Cosplay

Costume and Accessories

-Safety pins/ bobby pins/ clear double stick tape/ Fabric or super glue/ hot glue gun.
-Needles and Thread, mini sewing machine, scissors
-Extra parts that are unique to your costume

Once you are packed, ready to go, and everything is in the car, read this:

-Wallet with ID
-Badge
-Cell Phone
-House Keys
-Don’t forget that person who is riding with you.
-Tell somebody what time you are leaving, call them when you get there.


good luck with getting all this! xD