How to Pack for A Convention When You Drive to It by Susan Hanniford Crowley

Whether you go to RWA National, Pi-Con 9, or another convention, packing is key.

You have probably heard that I’m going to Pi-Con 9, July 31-Aug.2, which starts off with the Friday Writers Workshops and then dives into the Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Convention. How do you pack for such a combination of events?

First, I’m not flying so I’m not packing light. I’m packing my car and driving. This can be confusing even to me, so I do it by category first.

CLOTHES

I break it down by outfits! I make a checklist. Here is a sample:

__Thurs.: Move-in: jeans and top, sneaks…later dress for cocktail party

__Fri.: Business dress for panels and presentation

__Sat.: Business ensemble for panels and presentation…costume for Steampunk Tea

__Sun.: Dressy but comfortable for reading, saying goodbye, and then moving out

__Sleepwear

__Swimwear (optional)

I always pack my costume separately from my clothes and hang it up as soon as I get in the room. I hang up my formal clothes next.

I have found that packing by outfits which includes accessories and shoes eliminates trying to decide what you’re going to wear when. I also bring an emergency formal attire in the event of flying speghetti, but that’s a story for another day.

It’s a funny thing with me but I always bring a pair of slippers to conventions with me. Usually I only wear them in the room, but I’ve been known to walk around in them if my feet hurt. I put shoes in the bottom of my bag.

EQUIPMENT

This could be a bag for devices, notebooks, pencils, extra cords, batteries, index cards, notes.
MEDICATION
TOILETRIES (I put shampoo and other liquids in seal-able plastic bags to protect everything else.)
WHAT NOT

This could be a bag for books that you intend on collecting at the conference or gifts you’re are bringing to friends or gifts you’re buying to bring home. I might also have snacks and portable food for the room in this bag.

Of course, if I was flying to a convention, my packing would be lighter and somewhat different. So have I forgotten anything?  Please, put it in the comment box so we can added it to the list.

Thanks.  Hope to see you at Pi-Con.

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley, Amazon Kindle Bestselling Author of Vampire Romance

www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Where love burns eternal and whispers in the dark!

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