I know quite a few people have never been to a con before, so I thought some of you might be interested in the to-bring list I’ve put together for the con, based on my experiences at a bunch of previous cons. I’m on the Guide for Con Newbies panel, but it’ll be too late for most of this stuff by then!
In no particular order…
.. Lots of cash money/dollars (ie, not cards) (the nearest ATM could be quite a distance, or empty out over the weekend, & the charity auction & some dealers may only take cash)
.. Costume(s), for Gala Dinner/Maskerade, & elsewhere
.. Camera & charger/spare batteries/spare film
.. Questions for Terry & the virtual guests
.. Things to donate for the charity auction
.. Musical instruments, sheet music &/or words for DW filks (silly songs), for the filking session
.. Some ID to show when you register (preferably photo, I imagine)
.. Things to be autographed (I think it’s only 3 allowed, though whether that’s over the weekend or each day I don’t know)
.. Your DW Guide (for c/h/e/a/t/i/n/g a/t T/r/i/v/i/a cramming for the Trivia, & general reference during arguments at the bar)
.. Mobile phone charger (though you’ll have to put it on silent during program items) & phone numbers of friends/roommates at the con
.. Munchies – for general nibbling. Particularly useful if you have food intolerances/pickiness or just may never get round to eating properly during the con. I’m a fan of dried fruit & unsalted nuts as it’s healthyish, quiet to eat, & doesn’t make you really thirsty
.. A water bottle – refill at water coolers or in people’s rooms (they probably won’t fill them for you at the bar), & save your $ for more interesting things
.. A bottle of something nice to share during room parties (if there are any) or with your room mates (if you’re staying at the hotel)
.. A small notebook – useful for gathering names & addresses, giving out yours, taking notes, whatever!
.. Skirt/shawls/scarfs/jingly things to wear during belly dancing
.. DW Guides – for c/h/e/a/t/i/n/g a/t T/r/i/v/i/a general reference during the con (& cramming for the Trivia)
.. Your best paper plane designs, for the Aerial Challenge
.. PJs & teddy bear for Terry’s Bedtime Stories (hi, Sandra!)
If you’re staying at the Crest:
.. Swimming costume/bathers/togs/wossnames for the hotel pool/spa/sauna
.. Gym clothes for use at the hotel gym, if you want to indulge that little bit more
.. Earplugs/eyemasks if you’re sharing a room with someone you don’t know (or if you know them & they snore) or in case you have noisy neighbours/corridors nearby
.. If you’re watching your money, think about BYO breakfast – e.g., bringing along cereal & small packs of UHT milk; bread & jam or savoury stuff; etc. The con rooms contain coffee & tea making facilities, or you can bring your own REAL tea/coffee etc. You may need to bring plastic/paper plates or cutlery, though I’ve eaten cereal out of coffee cups with a teaspoon before. A friend & I got through one con on a loaf of nice bread, some good cheese & tomatoes – dull but cheap & healthy
.. If you’re really fussy about pillows, BYO pillow from home (better that than have a stiff neck or bad sleep from too flat/puffy/dustmite-ridden pillows)
.. If you’re addicted to the net (or need it for work), bring your laptop, as the rooms have broadband & wireless internet, according to the Carlton Crest website, though I imagine you’ll have to pay to access it. The business centre is an option if you don’t have a laptop, though I’m not sure if it’ll be open over the weekend, & if so how much internet access would cost
THE ONLY ESSENTIAL: a readiness to get involved & be silly!
PS: More info about the Crest’s facilities at http://www.cchm.com.au/index.html
