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    Attention Geeks, These Are The 20 Things You Need If You're Going To A Convention

    Spending the day (or the weekend) at a pop culture con is a marathon, not a sprint. And you'd better come prepared.

    Hello there! If you're reading this, I'm guessing you either have tickets to a fandom convention coming up, or have always been interested in going to one. Well, having attended cons of all sizes and varieties for the past decade, I highly recommend it. Cons are always some of the highlights of my year.

    But! They can also be stressful, and they require major planning. That's why, from my incredibly-type-A person-going-to-conventions experience, I've rounded up the things you're most likely to want to have on hand for the big event. So gather a kit of these essentials, and then go have the time of your life.

    1. A lightweight reusable water bottle that'll actually ensure you drink enough water throughout your busy day. Not only does this one do a ~magical~ job of tracking your H2O intake, but it's also Harry Potter-themed!

    2. A slim but spacious wallet, because cons are one occasion where it's definitely good to have some cash on you, not just a credit card. It can make merch booth transactions so much quicker.

    3. The right bag that can actually fit all your essentials and show off your fandom flair — like an ita bag (aka a carryall that has a compartment just for protecting and displaying patches, pins, and charms).

    4. Or a cute and roomy tote bag you can embellish with your pin collection to your heart's content.

    5. And, of course, pins galore to let everyone know your favorite fandoms (and serve as easy conversation starters with fellow geeks).

    6. A super powerful portable charger with two output ports and over 9,000 (!!!!) positive reviews so you can rest assured that all your devices will be powered up throughout the day, no matter how many calls you make and Insta stories you post.

    7. A trusty pen or two to mark can't-miss things on your map and schedule, jot down contact info for new friends, and, of course, get autographs!

    8. A super versatile pleated skirt that can serve as an easy base for about a zillion cosplays (including ones you can make with stuff already in your closet).

    9. A PopSockets PopGrip (bonus points if it reps a fave fandom like Marvel or Star Wars) — aka a flexible, collapsible phone attachment that can be used as a grip or stand. Because you're going to be taking a lot of pictures, checking the con app, and texting your friends all day long.

    10. An adorable and fully-stocked mini emergency kit that'll come to the rescue of you and your friends so many times, the comic book stars featured at the con will be shook. You're the real superhero here.

    11. A pack of antibacterial wipes, because you're gonna be touching bout 10,421 random communal surfaces and hugging and shaking hands with about as many people.

    12. If you're traveling for the con, a set of space-saving packing cubes so you can actually fit all your cosplays, your travel clothes, and all of the merch you are definitely going to buy into one suitcase.

    13. Airborne chewable tablets, which have vitamins C, A, and E and other minerals like zinc and magnesium said to give you an immune system boost to help fight off the dreaded con crud.*

    14. A compact business card holder so you can easily hand out your contact info to and network with other geeks, plus keep all the cards for the amazing artists, writers, and businesses you discover at the con in one place.

    15. Some bullet clutch-style earring backs, which I have personally found make great pin back replacements in a pinch.

    16. A sturdy lanyard representing your fave fandom to keep that all-important badge — yes, the one you got up super early and refreshed the page a million times to buy — close at all times.

    17. A supply of scrumptious snacks to give you the pick-me-up you need when you're waiting in yet another 40-minute line or at your fifth panel of the day and you feel yourself fading fast.

    18. Some Shout stain remover wipes that you should toss in your bag for when you inevitably get convention center ketchup on your cosplay.

    19. A genius bag organizer so you can switch between your everyday purse and your con bag with ease and — get this — not spend half the con digging around in your abyss of a tote for your wallet or phone.

    20. And a mini sewing kit if you've made an elaborate cosplay that might rebel once you start actually moving around in it.

    Now all you need are your actual con tickets — have fun frantically typing in your info before things sell out!

    Traveling for the con and need more stuff for your trip? Check out more travel products, like the best carry-on bags you can get on Amazon, travel accessories for long flights, and the best places to buy luggage online.

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