Sam Says: How To Prepare For C2E2

The con is mere days away now, and if you’re anything like me you’re feeling a little barfy from equal parts excitement and nerves. But don’t be like me and leave all your packing until the last minute! Here’s a list of things you need to be sure to remember to bring to C2E2 to have the absolute best time possible (because no one wants their fangirling interrupted by foot pain or a head cold!)

Cold, Hard Cash

You’re not going to be able to resist grabbing a few choice finds from the con floor or a super-sweet autograph from your fave. Sure, there are ATMs on-site, but the lines are always ridiculous, so hit up a bank ahead of time – and set yourself a budget, or it’s too easy to go wild.

Comfy Shoes

I’m not kidding. Not even for a second. Concrete con floors are no joke. Save the pinchy flats or the high-heels for a night out, and rock some comfy sneaks or Toms on the floor. I also can’t speak highly enough of drug store gel in-soles. You’ll thank me later.

Con Noms

Even though you’re going to have a great, protein-filled breakfast every morning (right?), you’re going to get hungry wandering around the con all day. Bring a bottle of water or juice (nothing caffeinated, or it’ll just make you thirstier); some snacks (like apples or granola bars); and maybe even a sandwich if you don’t want to resign yourself to eating con-floor pizza three days in a row.

Charge It Up

Your phone is going to die. It just is. You’re taking photos with it all day, trying desperately to find a signal to tweet said photos, keeping in touch with your crew, etc. Bring a charger and sit next to an outlet while you eat those snacks I mentioned above; or splurge on a portable charger ahead of time if you’re really feeling it. And just remember that everyone’s con hero is the person who brings a power strip to share the love.

Carrying Case

A sturdy messenger bag or multi-pocketed backpack is your best friend at a con. Use it to hold some empty bags and boards for comics, an empty poster tube for art, all your noms, and anything else you might pick up over the course of the day.

Con Crud Crushers

Don’t get cursed with con crud post-event. Make sure you have lots of hand sanitizer (there are so many people), lip balm and moisturizer (cons are notoriously dry), and lots of social media calling cards so you can keep in touch with everyone you meet over the course of the weekend (it helps stave off the post-con blues).

Caring

The con is going to be rammed with people, and it can by trying on your patience. But just remember, no matter how many times people bump into you, how many lines you’re stuck in, how tired you might be – you’re here to have an awesome time, and so is everyone else. Be cool to everyone around you and keep a smile on your face, and you’ll have a great con experience no matter what.

See you at C2E2, fandom friends!!