All bags should now be graded by the number of toddlers they can carry.

Never underestimate the importance of deodorant. Please do not let other people suffer through your funk!

Add to your Con Bag: Eye glass repair kit. A couple of bucks at the hardware store.

"You could fit a toddler in ... TWO toddlers in here............ live ones" What other kinds of toddlers have you seen in plastic bag besides live ones Atom D:

For the record, you can often get a small sewing kit from the staff at the hotel (I have had to do repairs on my wife's clothing when traveling, so this came up).

My gaming con secret, going back nearly 30(!) years, is salted peanuts. Don't go cheap, or try to go low sodium. Original Planter's salted peanuts in a container at least as big as a soda can. You're going to be eating weird food at weird hours and trading caffeine for sleep (especially if you're so broke you're sneaking sleep in a chair in the movie room), while keeping your meat going with nothing but manic energy and promises to make it up later. Your body is going to need the extra salt and protein. Jerky can be good, too, and for the same reasons; but if you don't eat jerky often and are just randomly grabbing a package at the gas station, the spices may do more harm than good. Barring allergy, peanuts are the safest bet. You may not notice the difference *at* the convention, but come Monday when you're the only one of your friends able to eat and retain normal food without being what a more genteel friend refers to as "at loose ends", you'll appreciate the tip. Save yourself several days of discomfort once you've gotten home, buy a jar of nuts.

The irony of filming/posting a video about what you should bring, with a prelude that involves all you forgot at your office is not lost on me.

That feeling when Atom's "bad" mic still sounds better than my "good" mic :v

So bring drugs, a bag big enough for two toddlers, spare clothes Incase someone throws up on you, quick easy food, (possibly for said toddlers).... We might be learning secrets about atom. Jokes aside, great advice.

Granola bars are listed in the MM 3.0 as being Hit Dice 2 snack treats. Granola bars with peanut butter are listed as HD 3 due to the improved structural integrity.

A navy bag is useful. Bigger than a messenger but still really easy to control and not hit people with it

I have always brought an extra roll of toilet paper. Sometimes you would swear the hotel has a contract with a sandpaper manufacturer. Getting older means getting more sensitive.....:) Respectfully, Gunny

Some of these things would have been very useful this past weekend... But then again, I was so excited to go I even forgot my dice and tape measure, so I'm not sure how helpful this would have been. Haha!

'93 was my first GenCon as well (still have the shirt!). It's amazing how much it's changed since then, that was actually a topic of discussion while I was there this year. In most ways I think it's better, but it definitely has a lost a lot of the intimate feel that it had back in the earlier days with folding tables in the hallways of the MECCA and sleeping bags on the floors. This video is particularly funny because my wife and I were joking that after nearly a quarter century of going to GenCon we think we've finally got what to take and how to plan it down. One of the things that I've found to be handy is a portable charger. Everyone is carrying a smartphone and places to plug them in are few and far between most conventions. Even if you do find one you're now stuck sitting next to a plug for an hour while your phone charges. A ton of different companies make small power bricks that have USB connectors that act as an extra battery for your phone. Plug it into the brick, put them in your back... viola! Phone is charging and you're good to go.

I've only been to a couple of cons, but a good pair of shoes is vital. You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing around and you might as well be comfortable as possible. I just discovered the channel a couple of weeks ago - great work, keep it up!

Fantastic video, Atom. I've never been to a gaming convention, but I've visited a few other types and agree with each suggestion you've made! Always good to bring an empty water bottle as well so you can fill-up at the SINGLE water fountain these places are under-equipped with, instead of shelling out dollars for bottled, branded stuff.

Your face is a perfect resource for object source lighting when I need a reference.

In particular, instead of a paperback I would recommend an e-reader, Kindle or otherwise. If it's one of the electronic ink kinds you can read for nearly a week without needing to charge it, and if you finish your book and there's wifi, you can just download another one and keep right on trucking. It's a _great_ space saver, in my experience.

Also somethign to note for those with social anxiety like myself..... Its not a bad idea to get to the venue early and scope it out for spots away from the crowds. It will help when you start feeling crowded and overwhelmed.

I carry a backpack to conventions, but only big enough to hold a camelback bladder, a sweatshirt/light jacket, and a smaller outer pocket. The main compartment still has room for some comics, books, or other assorted thingamabobs that I purchase. It also helps I live 45 mins from Seattle so ECCC is really easy for me. On the off chance it does become heavy it has a belt so I can support it on my hips, not my shoulders. I do make sure that I pay attention to my surroundings before making turns.

I always take a refillable water bottle. Hydration is key, and paying $4.00 for a small bottle of water isn't my style.

Had to giggle with the whole “ yeah I have some in my room” proper serial killer quote lol 😂

All great tips. I like the ear plugs specifically ones that don't leave you with a pressure headache from long use. Add to the list: portable battery pack for your phone etc. these are great for when you need to charge up and don't have a long enough gap between events or cannot find a free outlet. Buy a decent one that can charge multiple devices and multiple charges. If you don't have the luxury of a nearby hotel take advantage of public transportation and get a pass. Buses in Indy $1.75 each trip. Having to be conscious of having exact change is no fun, get a pass and you don't have to fumble around for change.

Never thought about taking medicines, power strips, granola bars, or sewing kits. Good stuff. Thanks a bunch!

British conventions- Drive there on Sunday morning, spend about an hour and a half wandering about. looking at amazing club demos, buy some paint and an odd blister pack and drive home. Order what you really need the next day on the net. Job done !

Havent been to Gen Con since 1982 (it might have been 83' hard to remember) What I do remember is 10,000+ people at the University of Wisconsin playing games and not one cell phone or PDA in sight. They had an event called BDMBE which was totally insane. Probably the first Miniature game I ever played.

Grab one of the ponchos that a lot of places sell for outdoor gear that fold up into a pouch. Not the cheap trashbag ones, but the better ones with a little bit more weight to it. They work well both for yourself, and if you're moving things out to your car, you can cover things rather than ending up with those new games ruined on you. Before you go, look for places to eat around the convention area and your hotel, you can often find some deals and print some coupons...and ask at your hotel about their recomendations as well...sure, it's a standard thing for traveling, but well worth it if you want some really good food. Bring a portable recharging pack for your phone/tablet, means that if something does go wrong, you can recharge without needing to take the time to let it fully recharge.

cant wait to see what you come back with.

I'm going to have to remember those ear plugs. The power strip tip has made me a hero a few times.

if you have a 3ds the Street Pass is off the chain at conventions. Also if you have an old DMG-001 people will love commenting on the retroness of your gaming

I'd add Throat Lozenges to the little bag of meds. This is especially true of roleplaying cons. I'm sure they're help out at any other convention though, with just the sheer amount of noise making you talk over other people.

The walkways actually aren't that bad this year. With the expansion they did it seems to flow a lot better. Also being able to move from the exhibit hall to the gaming hall also has reduced a lot of the congestion.

I am ashamed being a Hoosier born and bred and never having gone, I wanted to over 2020 but we all know how that turned out. I know you read all the comments and I would like to suggest next time your in this area ( or anyone of your viewers) make sure and try a pizza from " Pizza King", it's a central indiana favorite that any Hoosier I know that's left state always has to have when they come back! I would suggest passing on the ones in northern or southern indiana because they are just not the same but every one in central indiana is excellent!

Hello uncle Adam. Love all the videos sir. Thank you for taking the time to inform us. You should definitely do a podcast. I can then Listen to you while painting. Anyway, I have never been to one. But after listening to this I want to try it out.

Other than the obligatory deodorant, I'd always recommend a pocket tool/knife of some kind (Leatherman, Gerber, etc). Obviously, be careful if you're flying or if convention security gives you the stinkeye, but a small knife with a screwdriver bit, scissors, pliers, bottleopener, etc is dead useful, especially if the booths/tables need a bit of TLC. Also, the Leatherman Wave (not sure about the others) have a little ruler on the handles, which comes in handy more than you'd think. But no, really, deodorant. One of the first memories of my FLGS in college was a brick wall of highschool MTG players that hadn't heard the Gospel of Not Smelling. And no, Axe doesn't cover it up. Love the videos!

Great video. It has helped me to prepare for Salute. Might I add something Adam? The Sharpie. I always get one to Hammerhead and Partizan (UK) cause it is done by The Lead Belt and you always meet Priestley, Cavatore, Perry brothers or Nigel Stillman. The sharpie is great to get an autograph in one of theirs publications (always take at least couple of rulebooks too) thanks for great channel 👍🏼

Unscented, waxed dental floss. You can clean your teeth with it but it also works well as thread. You may want to bring eating utensils as well. Nothing fancy just a fork, knife and spoon. That way if someone makes a food run to get take out you're not stuck eating with your fingers in your hotel room. Would a seat cushion be a good add? Hard plastic seats are hard on my back and legs.

Deodorant really should not have to be mentioned but sadly some people aren't considerate

All good, practical advice.

Hope you have fun at the con!

hell, I might given them plugs a shot to stop me waking up from my own snoring!!

I started bring a crank light/radio incase of an event that would cut the power, and you're in need of a constant source of light and information.

Great video, hilarious!

i use those earplugs too, they are amazing

You forgot one very important thing. DEODORANT!

To add on to your pill's if you can try to bring a small first aid kit. Even if its one you throw together. You never know when passing a big crowd and having to squeeze by if your going to cut yourself doing it. Another big thing goes with you buying more than you normally expect. You should always hide away double your gas money or taxi fair so you don't haven't on the show room floor. So if you do spend more than planned you can still get home.

AWESOME. Going to look for those ear-plugs right now.

Great advice :)

A companion to this should be what to do at a convention. Not just what to hit during the con, but also con behaviors. Cover the Rule of 6/2/1. At a minimum 6 hours of sleep, two hot meals, and a shower each day (with emphasis on day not the whole con). Also if you would not do it in your own home, don’t do it a con. So many people are far to ignorant to the hotel staff and volunteers, don’t be a jerk. Bring a sealable plastic baggie for dirty under things when sharing a room, after a few days that get ripe, think of your roomies. Also tip the hotel staff whenever possible, they work hard for you during the con.

Good advises, I always forgot my Ibuprofen pills when I am travelling and I end up looking for a pharmacy. In Europe is more difficult to get pain killers.

Trash bag to separate dirty laundry, extra battery packs for your phone, flasks. A roll of TP for when the bathroom is out or you have a runny nose is great.

Love the new moody lighting style :)

Bring a bag of holding, but not a bag of smiting.

Baby wipes and hand sanitizer. Power strips will make you a hero; especially if you carry one on the con floor.

I had never thought about a needle and thread at a convention. All good suggestions though.

Backpack smite!

The mighty nerd bunker!!! :D

Emergency hobby stuff: glue, snips, files etc

Uncle Atom what's with the creeper analogies? Like "don't lure them to your room" and "you can fit two live toddlers in this bag"😂

And get subscribed to Tabletop Minions so you can use the (hopefully free) wi-fi and watch it on your phone during downtime... ;)

I can confirm, that while it isn't a safe idea, you can carry 3 toddlers at the same time in that Ikea bag. 2 is a little easier on the back.

Hey Atom, just finished painting 40 horsemen marauders. Should I glue the riders to the horse ? Or leave them detachable ?

Can confirm that 2 toddlers fit in an Ikea bag.

I'd definitely bring something soft if you get unboxed miniatures.

Bring wet wipes and those small, collored glas-stones! It's always(!) useful ^^

I smoke weed instead of all the aspirin and pepto-bismol. I go to weed conventions too, there is a ton of glass there, and no one ever breaks anything. I have to admit that I've barfed at a conventions before, but not since I started smoking weed. I have a tolerance to weed, I can stand on my feet all day, eat anything, and I never get a headache. It helps so much that I won't even go to states that will put you in prison for smoking, I just stay on the west coast I have San Diego, Seatlle, Portland, Los Angeles. All those places have great Cons. I mean, there is no way I could have done San Diego Comic Con without weed. I got to meet Kevin Smith there, and he said he smokes weed all the time too at conventions. Weed is great for a lot of people, maybe some people can't smoke it for some reason, but it works for me and a lot of people. Too bad the UK hates stoners like me, I'll never go to their country to tour Games Workshop because of that. Not even the DPRK will lock you up for smoking weed. Games Workshop needs to come to California.

Bring a pen, and your business cards (if you have any).

Only big "Con" I regularly go so far is Comiket in Japan but it also has lots of walking, lots of sweaty people, lots of heat, the usual deal. One of my best friends, no doubt, are soft gel pads for my footwear. It's a big HELP to prevent the horrible pains in the next day, specially if you are like me and aren't exactly used to much walking. And Deodorant. For the love of the God-Emperor, be one of the cool gamers and use deodorant.

The People who carry the back pack are known as to as Backpack Turtles

OMG Atom at :12 you have a ghost appear and vanish behind you! Dirt Bunker haunted!

For the love of god, bring SOAP!!! Nothing is worse that smelling stale body odor. Also deodorant. Another idea from me is to bring a hankercheif. My hands get sweaty, and having something to dry them off with is nice.

Did the toddlers make it out okay?

If you travel with a car, alway have a jumper cable.

Baby powder.

Omg, so funny but so right on the money!

Good stuff man. Missed ya this year brother. Maybe 2017 for the 50th. Other things - bring pillow/blanket. Especially if staying with 4+ people cuz the hotel can fuck ya

We used to go to San Diego Comic Con and buy tons of things and head to UPS or Fedex at the end of the day and ship the stuff home. Take Lysol to clean surfaces in your room. No need to get pink eye. Deodorant for them sticky pits.

"You could fit two toddlers, LIVE ones" you put in others???

Every European has one of those Ikea bags.

Deodorant and cologne/aftershave.

Bigger than e3?

Hey... waitaminnit!!! *I'M Uncle Adam dammit!! ;) *love the video Uncle Adam 2.0

did you say twelve dollars..? FOR A FUCKING HOTDOG?!!?

Wear good, thick socks. Bring Vaseline. Chafing or dead feet can ruin a great experience.

Showering and deodrant!

i would add a deodorant to the mix

Can't you just buy painkillers and other stuff like that on the spot? Sure, its better to be stocked, but its not a disaster if you just bring some extra cash. Sure, they won't be selling clothes and pills at THE convention, but at city its located, there's plenty of stores, I'm sure. So, if you don't have something, don't panic as long as you have some money.

I brought eggs :(

Deodorant.

Bring on the Booty!!

Bring pills, in a little baggy :D

I dont know what to do. I lured 8 people back with the promise of meds. Atom what do i do?

lol that pokemon fan with a backpack full of rpg books classic lol

Bring your wallet and all problems can be solved!

toddlers earned your sub lmao... smh

a gun

always bring condoms