Ben Bertrandt from the blog Ben’s RPG Pile (Twitter: @BensRPGpile) has put up on his site a post on his packing tips for Gen Con. These aren’t your usual travel packing tips, being tailor-made for traveling to this con (or really, any other large convention) and addressing the unique needs of gamers. Take a look at this video version of his tips:
[RAW]
Overall I like his tips, especially where they address questions like, “How do I take this new miniature I got back home without squishing it?” I am personally not a fan of energy food items, which Ben does recommend, but if they float your boat, by all means go for it; just do remember to eat at least one good, solid, balanced meal a day or you’re gonna crash so hard that you’ll wake up in time for Gen Con 2012.
The most important tip Ben gives, and one I agree with wholeheartedly, is this: Pack light on the way there, you’ll need the space on the way back. Seriously folks, there’s no need to lug on the plane your entire collection of boardgames/miniature armies/collectible card games/role playing games/etc. Take what you need only. If you can take it on PDF, even better (role players, I’m looking at you – I don’t want to see anyone lugging their entire D&D 4th Edition collection on their backs). If you’re running a game, prep at home and make a scenario pack with copies of just the stuff you’ll need. Your back will thank you, the rest of the attendees will thank you, the airlines will thank you, your wallet will thank you. (Exception: if you’re driving, you’ve got a bit more leeway in the storage department, but still, keep it manageable.)
Thanks to Ben for his packing tips (and also for that graphic, which I totally borrowed from his site). See you all at Gen Con.
Thanks for the review and kind words. It’s our pleasure to share Gen Con ideas with you. What to Pack was fun to shoot and write. We’re actually releasing a Gen Con Buyer’s Guide this week as well (as a neat follow-up part 2). Excellent follow-up on packing light. Gamers are there to buy some fun stuff. Play with those new goodies and keep spare room to transport everything back. Pre-con game prep is also critical – I totally agree that one should do that prep before they leave and use the plane ride to just review all your notes. Thanks again. Couldn’t find you on Twitter so if you’re using, share your search name. It would be cool to follow you.
Hmm, I used to have my Twitter info on the sidebar. I’ll get that fixed. You can find me as @Highmoon. I started following you as well.
When you got the second part out, we’ll link it here for extra info. Take care.
I recommend, if you are not flying, bringing a container for water you can carry with you. You do not want to get dehydrated at the Con.
For food, I bring jerky, some whole grain crackers and a few apples. That way when I swing back to my room, I can grab a quick and fairly healthy snack. I agree with Daniel, do try to grab a least one full meal a day as well.
Also, as to the whole walking thing, if you can afford them, hiking socks are amazing for helping you feet survive.
Ben posted the 2nd part of this Gen Con tips, this time on what to buy:
http://bensrpgpile.com/2010/07/29/gen-con-bound-part-2-what-to-buy/
Adam Jury posted his Gen Con attendance tips, all of which are excellent:
http://adamjury.com/2010/gen-con-attendance-tips/
A packing list from Milambus:
http://www.milambus.com/2010/08/02/gencon-pack-list/
From GeeksDreamGirl.com, 5 things you’ll forget to pack for Gen Con. Now, don’t.
http://geeksdreamgirl.com/2010/07/30/5-things-youll-forget-to-pack-for-gencon/
Big fan of the other articles. Great ideas. Thanks for sharing those. Hope to see/meet some you at the Con.