Your Convention Guide to Dragon*Con 2011!

Top Ten Convention Survival Supplies

1. A Budget! You've got to figure out how to cover your transportation, your lodging, and your food, no questions asked. I don't care how much you want that replica sword, if you can't afford to keep your basics covered, you can't afford it!
2. A Water Bottle! Noticed how those Georgia storms have been knocking out basic public services like power and water lately? Do YOU really want to risk being unable to reach a bathroom or water fountain when you need it most? (We're not even mentioning how crowded the bathrooms are likely to be as is...)
3. A Camera! We want pictures of your Dragon*Con experience! And hey, if you see a really good costume, you'll want to be able to tell people about it...
4. A Reusable Market Bag! Bringing your own shopping bag not only conserves the bags (and money) of the vendors you're purchasing from, it'll also help you stand out (let alone if you get separated from your merchandise...).
5. Business Cards! Don't think just "promoting your business / webcomic / fanclub", think "I might never see this person again unless I offer them some way to contact me!" If you're an artist, consider some Moo Minicards with glimpses of your latest works!
6. A Cell Phone! Okay, you really shouldn't have to be told to have one on hand, but if you're coordinating with others, it's the ONLY way to keep in touch across multiple hotels and who knows how many people! Just make sure your phone is set to something discreet so you don't piss off congoers around you...
7. A Pad and Pen (or Pencil!) Might as well face it -- you'll need to write down things like room numbers, email addresses, and other important on-the-fly details, so have these handy! Also, if you decide to get an autograph on the spot, it pays to have your own materials on hand!

8. There will be walking.
   
   Be Prepared.

   Good Shoes! There will be walking. Be prepared. make sure to bring a new pair of socks for each day of the con (so your sweat doesn't carry over). You may even want to being two pairs of shoes (one hard, one soft) so if your feet start killing you, you can switch to the other pair!

9. CASH! Not all of these vendors can take credit cards and checks... You'll want at least some minimum amount of cash on you at all times to be able to get things from vending machines and some of the smaller food vendors!
10. DEODORANT! And shampoo, and soap... shower at least once a day while you're at the convention! There will be lots of walking, and lots of hot Atlanta weather, and you will be surrounded by lots of people... so please, be considerate!
11. A Handheld Fan! Don't let your health suffer just because you're shopping in one of the stuffier rooms or packed into a small panel space! A small fan is almost nothing to carry and you'll have the appreciation of every fanboy who uses it! (Bonus Tip Sent in by Tardisian!)