When preparing for a convention, it’s always a good idea to prepare a list of what is needed. A good, complete list will allow you to get ready fo the event more quickly, and prevent a large amount of headaches. However, what to include, and how much is always a guessing game, as there are definite limits for “too much” and “too little” of certain items.
To help you get started, please consult the following checklist. It has been tweaked and improved over ten years, and nearly twenty conventions. The list is optimized for a three-day convention, so alterations may be needed for shorter events.
Necessities
_____ House/Car Keys
_____ Photocopy of ID & Emergency Contact Information (Keep in bag)
_____ Wallet
Clothing
_____ Long-Sleeved Shirt or Sweatshirt: One (1)
_____ Pants: Two (2) Pair
_____ Shirts: Three (3)
_____ Sleepwear/Pajamas
_____ Socks: Three (3) Pair
_____ Undergarments (Boxers, Underwear, etc.): Three (3) Pair
_____ Watch: One (1)
Health
_____ Allergy Medicine
_____ Antacid
_____ Aspirin
_____ Cold/Sinus Medicine
_____ Prescription Medications
_____ Travel First-Aid Kit
_____ Vitamins
Hygiene
_____ Comb/Hairbrush
_____ Dental Floss: 1oz Spool
_____ Deodorant: 1oz Stick
_____ Hand Sanitizer: 1oz Bottle
_____ Mouthwash: 1oz Bottle
_____ Soap: 1oz. Bar or Body Wash: 2 oz Bottle
_____ Shampoo: 2 oz Bottle
_____ Toothbrush
_____ Toothpaste: 1oz Tube
_____ One (1)Razor
_____ Shaving Cream: 2oz
Travel
_____ Backpack or Messenger Bag
_____ Directions to the Event
_____ Hotel Reciept
_____ Itinerary for Plane,Train, or Bus
_____ Luggage Lock
_____ Pre-registration Reciept
_____ Train/Plane Ticket (if applicable)
Gadgets
_____ Batteries: 2 Replacements
_____ Camera
_____ Cell Phone
_____ Cell Phone Charger
_____ Memory Card
_____ Notebook/Tablet
_____ Notebook/Tablet Charger
_____ Phone Card ($10)
Budget
_____ $400-$500: Hotel
_____ $300-$500: Spending Money
_____ $80-100: Food
_____ $35-$85: Transportation
_____ $35-$85: Emergency Travel (LOCK IN SUITCASE/BAG)
_____ Credit Card (LOCK IN SUITCASE/BAG)
Optional
_____ Beverages (Bottled Water, Gatorade, etc.)
_____ Business Cards
_____ Cosplay Repair Kit (Sewing Kit, glue gun, extra buttons, safety pins, etc.)
_____ Costume and Cosplay supplies
_____ Music Player (iPod, Zune, etc.)
_____ Pen & Paper (Notebook, sketchbook, etc.)
_____ Portable Game System (DS, PSP, 3DS)
_____ Sewing Kit
_____ Snacks (Granola Bars, Energy Bars, etc.)
