What should I take to GenCon?

[Hand of Evil]

What you will use!

Pen and Paper
Dice
Player's Handbook (sometimes)
Money​

What you will do?

Lots of walking, from one game to another so...
Good shoes
Water bottle​

 

[Greatwyrm]

Okay, how about what NOT to bring:

-- all the dice you own. I'm often guilty of this, but don't take more than one or two complete sets. Just like encumberance, every ounce counts when you spend that much time on your feet.

-- all the books you own. Think very carefully about what books you bring with you. Many games will provide all the supplies you need. I'm playing in the D&D open and I'm seriously thinking about not even taking my PHB.

-- anything that could even remotely be considered a weapon. (mental note -- take pocket knife off key ring)

-- miniatures. Unless you're playing in a MageKnight or 40K game or something like that, leave them at home.

 

[Henry]

http://php.iupui.edu/~wrporter/tipsbackpack.html

Have you ever been to the Keeper's Site?

 

[Swiftbrook]

What to take:

• Patience! - there are 10,000's of people and just as many things to do and buy.
• Money
• A Schedule - plan your day ahead of time - plan breaks or open time as well. It can take you a lot longer to get from one place to another than you thing and the dealer room is huge!
• Money
• Snaks (I believe) are a no-no -- they want you to buy their junk food. Take them anyways!
• Did I say MONEY? -- you can't get an autographed book at your FLGS, or that rare mini you've been looking for either. Your FLGS doesn't carry every product either and you'll be seeing many new ones.
• Flexability - you're going to change your mind and your plans - count on it.
• Credit Cards - for when the money runs out

Been to GenCon Milwakee 3x, not been to Indy yet.

-Swiftbrook

added 8/17 I Get To Go! Just finished making last minute plans. Gee, I'd better actually read this thread now

 

[Brother Shatterstone]

So, what becides the obvious (Money, books/dice for the games I am in, notepad, pens/pencils, and umbrella) should I take with me to GenCon?

Probaly obvious... but me.

 

[Cthulhu's Librarian]

Here are the links I promised:

http://php.iupui.edu/~wrporter/ (Henry already posted this, but it's a lifesaving page)

http://www.seankreynolds.com/rpgfiles/gaming/gencontips.html

http://genconfans.com/index.html

 

[Dogbrain]

If you will be sleeping in the same room as people you do not normally bunk with, earplugs. ESPECIALLY if one or more of these people are long-term bachelors/spinstresses.

While you might be able to get used to a full-throated foghorn snore, those high-pitched whistly ones can keep a grown man awake all night.

 

[Goddess FallenAngel]

Hey everyone, thanks for all the tips!

Fortunately I live in Indy, so that bypasses the room issue, and my fiance works right downtown, so that bypasses the parking issue (we can park in the 24-hour gov. parking lot about 2-3 blocks from the Convention Center for free - yes, you can all hate me now).

The constant reminders about Personal Hygiene Products worry me... please tell me I'm not going to need noseplugs?

The links were very helpful, as were your suggestions... thank you again, some things (like making a chronological schedule of events) will no doubt be invaluable.


B.S. - get your butt to Indy and I would.

 

[GlassJaw]

I've never been to GenCon (unfortunately) but is hygiene that much of a problem there? Half of the posts here are about stuff like toothpaste and deodorant. I mean that's just nasty.

 

[Cthulhu's Librarian]

I've never been to GenCon (unfortunately) but is hygiene that much of a problem there? Half of the posts here are about stuff like toothpaste and deodorant. I mean that's just nasty.

Yes, it is nasty, but thankfully the majority of people know what good hygiene is. However, the minority of people who don't care about how they smell can make for some really awful situations.