Convention Schmonvention

     It's late and I've had a busy day, so this is going to be another copy/paste from my past.  But it's relevant, trust me.  Convention season is starting up for 2014, and that means lots of fun and hassle!  But i can help you minimize the hassle if you will just listen.  So, with that in mind, I present to you, Magicpokey's Guide to Surviving a Convention (Originally written in October of 2013)

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How to survive a Convention:

     1- Food - Always carry something with energy in it with you, a granola bar or some fruit, a bag of peanuts or a whole bag lunch.  A con is a three day slog with 12+ hour days and limited access to food.  High sugar foods like chocolate or candy will make you crash faster than not eating at all.  Same goes for drinks.  

     Try to avoid soda, or at least supplement your soda with something like fruit juice or water, and avoid the high energy drinks (NOS, Monster, 5-hour, etc.) until the day is winding down.  You may feel like you need a boost around lunch, but don't fall into the trap, you will wind up crashing just as the afternoon gets into swing.

     But where are you going to carry a bag lunch?  Read on:

     2 - Bags - Carry a bookbag or a comfortable bag with a shoulder strap, pockets aren't going to be enough for convention swag, and you will get sick of lugging around the plastic bag they will give you.  This also makes it easier to carry stuff you want with you.  On that note:  Bring a spare change of clothes in your book bag, also deodorant, also some fabreeze.  If you get hot and sweaty or dirty or wet you will want to change clothes and being able to pop into a bathroom and change beats the tar out of having to run all the way back to the hotel.  Then you can fabreeze your old clothes before tying them in a plastic bag so they don't stink up your bookbag.

     Speaking of being sweaty and dirty:

     3 - Hygiene - This is the most important rule of conventions, SHOWER before you go EACH DAY, fresh deodorant and fresh clothes will only mask the smell so much.  You are going to be packed in with a thousand other nerds who all have their own BO.  The same goes for teeth and mouthwash.  Fresh breath is a must if you're going to be in close quarters with other people, so bring (or prepare to buy) a toothbrush and toothpaste.  I usually bring a package of mints to chew on after I eat, so I don't have to lug mouthwash in my book bag, but I brush every night and every morning.  There is also the question of shaving.  I usually shave the night before and touch up the next morning.  If you want to make a good impression on people, being clean shaven is the way to go.  This goes without saying, but bring your razor to shave with in the morning before heading over to the convention.

     And that brings us to:

     4 - Clothing - Dress appropriately for the time of year, but remember: it's only going to get warmer when you are packed in with a thousand other people.  Wear something light like shorts or lightweight khakis, something that breathes, better to be cold for a moment outside than be sweltering all day on the convention floor.  

     This is the opposite, however, for footwear.  Always wear shoes and socks, sandals are begging for toes to be stepped on.  Not to mention, you are going to be on your feet for several hours, and most sandals don't have the support to keep you comfortable for the duration.  The priority here is keeping comfortable for long periods of time.

     And, finally:

     5 - Security - keep your wallet in a zipped up pocket in your bag, along with your keys (and phone if you don't have a shirt pocket to keep that in).  Pockets full of wallets and keys may not seem like much, and granted, pickpockets aren't really THAT much of a problem at most conventions, but why take risks?  That stuff gets heavy after a day at the con.  If you MUST keep your wallet closer to you, keep it in a buttoned pocket. I personally keep my wallet in the top pouch of my book bag with my keys.  I also transfer my phone to that same pocket whenever I'm going to be sitting for a while (food, panels, games, etc.).  And don't forget:  Put you phone on vibrate for panels, ringtones are just rude when people are speaking to a crowd.

     There you have it.  My guide for surviving a convention.  Don't let me scare you, conventions are a blast and with a little common sense, there is really nothing to worry about!

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     Hope ya'all enjoyed this little how-to guide.  Let me know in the comments what you think, or is you have anything to add to my list.  Goodnight, all!