HOW TO PACK FOR
A CONVENTION


S. J. Dudley, S. Fitzsimmons & Friends 1986, revised 1994,
reprinted for NorWesCon NeoFan 1995 used by permission

Well, a lot depends on how you're traveling and on how much room you have. The essentials should be packed first, then the little extras and then the luxuries. if you had your own 18 wheeler you could probably take everything you need - but where would you park? Since most fans don't have their own 18 wheeler, let alone a place to park it, were not going to deal with taking EVERYTHING. Simply resign yourself now to the fact.

YOU CAN'T TAKE IT ALL WITH YOU.

A lot of it you're going to be better off without, anyway. Some examples of that are:

Contraband - e.g. illegal drugs, weapons, or alcohol if you're too young to drink in the state you'll be visiting. You can also leave the bomb you made in your bathtub last night, the jug of moonshine and your stolen spaceship. If you can't live without one of the above, keep it in your room where you won't get yourself and the convention busted.

DON'T BRING YOUR RENT MONEY

In fact, don't bring more cash than you can afford to blow - Remember, if you bring it, you will spend it. You may discover that you have an unsuspected propensity to be a barfly. Or you will discover some book, game, jewelry or toy in the dealer's room that you absolutely cannot survive for another moment without. Perhaps you'll just call room service and have breakfast in bed. The average con-goer returns home with $2 in his pocket - if he's been careful not to overspend - and all of that in small change.

CONCERNING OTHER STUFF NOT TO BRING

Don't bring all your books - you may find time for one, if it's a slow weekend. Also there are more avaliable in the aforementioned dealers / huckster's room. The same goes for games and other toys.

Don't bring an iron - they are avallable from hotel housekeeping. Also you came here to have fun, not to worry about getting your clothes rumpled.

Don't bring the TV Guide - most cons have enough video programming to amuse even the most dedicated couch potato.

Don't bring your Bozo wig - ok, so we let some of our personal preferences slip in. We never promised to be impartial.

DON'T BRING ANNOYING STUFF

Smurfs or Cabbage Patch Kids - will provide amusement for barbarian types, but if they belong to someone who likes them, be advised that said owner will be heartbroken. A lot of people just aren't into cute.

Don't bring twits and boors - enough of these find their own way there. Others develop out of usually tolerable folks when they become extremely intoxicated.

Don't bring your uninterested teenage children- They'll just get bored or into trouble and drive you crazy. (see comments about twits and boors. Also see final note under smurfs.) Most teens don't want to go to an event like this with mom or dad looking after them. If they want to attend, let them be on their own. You'll have a better time and so will they.

THINGS YOU'RE BETTER OFF LEAVING AT HOME

Don't bring mundane friends. You won't have the time to explain everything to them and they will probably feel totally lost if you leave them on their own. if you want to introduce a mundane friend to Conventions, then have them come down for a couple of hours to see what goes on there. That way you don't end up feeling like you've got an anchor tied to your waist.

Don't bring a jealous mate - you won't have time to constantly appease one. People at cons flirt a lot, which he, she or it will be inclined to misinterpret. And you don't want to have your fun spoiled by an ugly scene.

Don't bring Pets - unless you are sure that hotel and con policy permits animals, and that yours travels and socializes well.

Don't bring firearms, real or pretend. Most Cons nowadays don't allow them, not because fans tend to be anti-gun, but because of issues of liability.

Now that we've covered the Don'ts, there is one more thing to remember.

There will always be something that you would have liked to bring that will NOT fit in the space you have to bring it in. You will find this out either when you begin to pack, or when the suitcase won't close even with Aunt Bertha sitting on top of it. You MAY find it out when you try to squeeze all the stuff you want to take into the car and there's no room for the driver, but you WILL realize this fact BEFORE you ever leave for the convention. Knowing this, let's proceed to fact number two:

NO MATTER HOW CAREFUL YOU ARE, SOMETHING WILL GET FORGOTTEN.

This will be realized AFTER you've gotten underway. If it is early in the trip you might go back for whatever it was. But you probably won't either because it would be too much trouble, or because you're running late and the other riders are making dire threats to your physical and mental health.

So, you'll do without whatever you forget and only need it once or twice during the con. I can guarantee that if you find yourself needing it more than twice you will either borrow it from someone or buy another. Now, haven't we saved you a lot of time, screaming, and jumping about?

OK, so let's get on to the basics of fitting more inside a space than its external dimensions allow.

First and foremost, reduce your pile into as few containers as possible. Usually 2 pieces of luggage and a shopping bag (for the goodies you'll inevitably buy) are enough for a three day convention. This configuration will hold all of..

THE BASIC STUFF

OK, so what do you need to bring? Well, excluding your costumes, make up and accessories, you'll need clothes and foundations (underwear) socks, shoes, and something to wear to the pool. You probably won't want to wear costumes during the entire weekend, and you will want something comfortable and suited to the climate and season you will be in.

Below are some packing lists that should cover all the basics. if you only intend to bring one costume, or none, add one extra outfit to the list. These lists are divided into three Types: Unisex, Mens and Womens.

TOILETRIES: (Unisex)

Disposable shaving razor

Travel size of each of the following: Shaving cream, deodorant, mouthwash, talcum powder, hairbrush, comb and an unscented skin moisturizer (to use before bed after you scrub off the makeup) travel size toothbrush and a travel sized toothpaste or a pillbox or film container filled with baking soda . You might also want to include a lint brush and a hair dryer.

CLOTHING: NOT INCLUDING COSTUMES.

One thing to remember is that you will perspire a lot and will need to change clothes more frequently than at home.

Unisex:

  • 3 sets of underwear
  • 3 Tee shirts
  • 2 pair of slacks (casual)
  • 2 pair of comfortable shoes
  • 3 pair of socks.
  • I or2 swim suits
  • 1 light weight bathrobe (for answering the door in or as coverup back and forth to the pool)
  • I sweater or light jacket (for those cold air conditioned rooms in summer, or those quick trips to the parking lot in winter.)
  • 1 large bathsheet towel (this is especially useful after you find out your roommates took all the room towels down to the pool)

Make sure that your travel clothes are comfortable. Neat and clean helps too. You don't really want to look like a bum when you check into the hotel. If you are making a long trip by car it's a good idea to stop someplace about an hour away from your destination to freshen up. (And eat something too, nothing's worse than standing in line tired and hungry.)

MEN:

  • An extra belt
  • two neutral colored turtle neck shirts (for wearing under t-shirts or costumes)
  • A pair of slippers.
  • 1 pr dark dress slacks
  • Sport jacket or vest.

WOMEN

  • 2 pr pantyhose
  • 1 dress or blouse and skirt (dark color, wrinkle resistant)
  • 1 pair of low heels.
  • pretty cardigan sweater, or jacket.
  • Leotards (for wearing under costumes)

YOUR COSTUMES (UNISEX):

There are a few tips to remember about costumes.

1) In the summer the hotel will be air~conditioned and rather cool.
2) In the winter the heat will be on and the halls rather warm.

Most people pack two or three costumes plus a few mix and match pieces. You can do a lot with basic black turtleneck and slacks plus belts, scarves, jewelry and overvests.

Put each outfit together with all its accessories and pack them as a unit.

MAKE-UP KIT

Pack all the makeup you are going to use plus your makeup remover and some cold cream in a hard shell case or sturdy closed box. Girls - include your perfume, Guys - your after shave. Remember: a little goes a long way, so apply sparingly.

THE EVERYTHING KIT

The items listed below make up an emergency first aid and repair kit. It could save your life if you get stuck somewhere. It WILL save you time, trouble and money at conventions. Especially when those little disasters happen. Use a large economy size metal bandaid box, emptied of bandaids and filled with:

  • 1 small tube of super glue
  • 3 straight pins
  • 3 safety pins - 1 small and 2 medium
  • hair pins-3 heavy and 3 medium
  • a base metal chain (suitable for necklaces)
  • small matchbook size sewing kit 1
  • safety matches I pack or 10 strike anywhere wooden ones
  • disposable plastic razor
  • emery board
  • small nail clippers
  • 6 aspirin or tylenol
  • 6 chewable vitamin c tabs (at least 500 mg each)
  • 2 vitamin b complex tabs (stress formula)
  • 1 pack of tums or rolaids
  • 6 q-tips
  • 6 bandaids

WOMEN: add 4 purse size tampons 5
  • 6 antihistamine tablets 6
  • smallest size of tiger balm or camphophenique oil7
  • travel size tube of spot remover
  • spare car and house keys, unlabled
  • breath freshener ( Binaca or Certs will do)
  • 3 towlettes (for cleaning hands)
  • no frills pencil sharpener 4
  • one small pack of post-it note pads 3
  • a small amount of masking tape wrapped around a short pencil
  • 6 rubber bands
  • 3 unlubricated condoms 2
  • small penknife
  • small tube of neosporin
  • 3 garbage bag twist ties

MEN: add mustache scissors and styptic pencil

We realize that this sounds like a lot of trouble, but these things are easily and cheaply obtained at home. The hotel and airport gift shops charge extortionary prices and have very limited selections. You will be glad you've got them when the need arises. This box should be kept in your suitcase or knapsack and should travel with you to any event away from home. You may want to make another to keep in your car. The first time you get stuck you'll be glad you went to the trouble.

Some Explanations about some of the items in the Kit

  1. Sewing kit: You can make your own by wrapping a couple of colors of thread around an empty matchbook cover, and slipping a needle in between the threads on the inside.
  2. Condoms: These can be filled with ice and used as an emergency ice pack, or you can put the leaky tube of whatever inside one and seal it away from your other luggage by tying a knot at the top. They can also be used for their original intention, and can be lubricated with a water soluble lubricant such as K-Y jelly. Vaseline or other petroleum based products will weaken and probably destroy the latex; do NOT use it as lubricant.
  3. Postit note - this is for messages. It will stick anywhere and will not damage the wallpaper or the hotel door.
  4. Pencil sharpener: to sharpen your pencil, or someone else's, also good for emergency sharpening of makeup pencils, lip liners and crayons.
  5. Tampons: these can also be used to clean or pack wounds as they are sterile.
  6. Antihistamines: not just for colds. They will help stop the itching of bug bites and, if you're allergic to bee stings, can keep you breathing until you can get to a hospital.
  7. Camphophenique or tiger balm can help sore muscles, rashes, bug bites, and cold sores. They will also unstop your clogged nose.

IF YOU ARE TRAVELING OVER MOUNTAINS OR BY AIR:
1 small pack of sugarless chewing gum to chew when changing altitudes

IF YOU ARE TRAVELING THROUGH DESERT OR IN HIGH SUMMER:
4 salt tablets and a gallon of watersee note below

IF YOU ARE TRAVELING IN THE WINTER:
Pack a thermal blanket in your car.
4 protein supplement tabs or tiger's milk bars or beef jerky & water.

Some Other Things To Remember:

  1. if you have sensitive skin or allergies pack your own soap and shampoo. The last thing you want is an itchy rash to spoil your fun.
  2. if you are taking a prescription drug pack the original prescription bottle

Survival and Sanity Tips:

Pack almost everything a couple of days ahead of time. Try to eat well, rest well and take vitamin supplements the week before the event.

If you have space, take your own pillow. It is often hard to fall asleep in a strange environment. The scent and familiar feel of your own pillow will make you feel more relaxed and help you sleep better. If you don't have space, then take the pillowcase off your bed (NOT freshly washed) and put it on the hotel pillow. This will be almost as effective.

Don't start constructing a costume two days before the convention. You'll wind up exhausted before you start.

It's a good idea to take a supply of bottled water with you if you are traveling out of state.

Don't eat or drink unfamiliar things while away from home. The excitement of travel often upsets ones system all by itself

Don't leave really valuable things out in plain sight in your room. Pack them away in your suitcase or put them in the hotel safe. This includes your credit cards and travelers checks.

Ladies, never carry your keys and your address in the same purse or pocket.

Men, Keep your ID and your credit cards separate.

When in a strange city: Do your sightseeing and tourist things during daylight hours. Never go exploring unknown areas after dark.

You will be on your feet a LOT during the average convention. Most people take in less than 1500 calories and walk 17 miles plus a day. In addition to this you will be keeping late hours and doing a lot of activities. Pamper yourself. Rest with your feet up a couple of times a day. Take a break away from the crowd and noise every once in a while. Take a bath before bed to help your tired muscles relax, and change your shoes at least once every 8 hours.

When you come home you will be TIRED! Try to take the Monday following a convention off from work. If you have small children see if the person that watched them for the weekend can keep them until Monday afternoon. Eat a light dinner and go to bed early. Leave the unpacking until a couple of days later, when you'll have plenty of time to launder and repack most of the things you only use when traveling or at conventions.

We hope these tips help you to enjoy your next trip or convention.

Courtesy of the Klingon Diplomatic Corps - I.C.B.

It is now held, here in Arizona, that salt tablets are not needed, but I'd take three gallons of water per person, plus three for your car.
- ed