Convention Essentials For 1st Timers
Alexa Play "The Bare Necessities" from The Jungle Book
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I’ve gone to all types of conventions or cons throughout my life, and I’ve been seeing a ton of people on threads saying Book Con is the first convention they’re attending. So, as someone who's been going to events like this for over ten years, I thought it would be helpful to share with everyone what my essentials are.
I’m sharing this far enough in advance, so hopefully, if you need to pick up anything from this post, it will arrive in time for Book Con.
Here’s what's on the list of essentials for surviving a con:
Comfortable Shoes
As a fashion girl, please, I implore you to wear sneakers that give you a ton of support. You need shoes that can survive standing in line for hours. I’ve had a ton of friends rock cuter shoes that are “comfortable” at these things, and at the end of the day, they’re miserable. So please, please wear your sneakers. Your body will thank you, I promise.
Multiple Chargers
Your phone will die, if not once, maybe twice or more. So it’s super important to bring multiple chargers with you. These are the ones that I personally use. Plus, there is always someone who is looking for a charger, so you can be nice and lend it to them or just keep it for yourself. Even if you think you will not be on your phone, chances are you will. Maybe it’s taking pictures with authors, waiting in long lines, or something else. Either way, you’re going to want chargers
Charging Cords
Now, sometimes people will have a charger but the wrong cord for it. So it is always helpful to have one on you. There are complementary charging stations located here as well. According to the website, you can find them on level two.
Business cards/ QR Code
If you are planning on networking and promoting your bookish whatever, business cards are always a good idea. However, if there is one thing that I’ve learned from cons and various networking events, you can set your phone background to a QR code, which will lead people to your Instagram or TikTok! I’ve found this super helpful!
The Largest Tote Bag You Own
According to BookCon’s website, you can bring a suitcase or handcart with you; however, their policy says: “Yes, but handcarts, trolleys, oversized strollers, rolling luggage, and wheeled backpacks are not allowed on the Show Floor. You must check them at coat check. Depending on the size, they may be subject to a higher coat check fee.”
There was nothing that said no tote bags! The tote bag I linked is my entire personality. I bring it with me grocery shopping and everything. You can also probably store some Baggu totes in your bag.
I am theorizing that at this event, a lot of brands and booths will be handing out branded tote bags and possibly arcs, similarly to the Barnes and Noble Book Con.
Lightweight Purse
Pick a bag that is on the lighter side because you will get tired of carrying it all day. It should be a bag that is not going to be too heavy, so your body will not be in pain at the end of the day. I would suggest something like a Baggu bag vs. something leather. I would also add something crossbody, might be a bit easier with navigating all the tote bags!
Water Bottles
Now, this is in fact a heavier item, and I’m sure there will be somewhere you can purchase water. But it looks like they’re water bottle refilling stations. I would come with the water bottles empty, just in case. They seem to be allowed. It is possible that they are not allowed, but there is nothing on the website that says you can’t bring them.
An Emergency Kit
I think it’s really important to keep an emergency kit with you. You honestly never know what could happen at a con. Creating an emergency kit is also super simple, and I’ve written another post all about how to create one, which I will leave below:
I hope you enjoyed this post and for more bookish adventures, follow me on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok! And remember, everyone is welcome in Beccaland.