Preparing for Blizzcon - Gear.

I realized today as I was frantically preparing food for 350 kids that I hadn't really given much thought to what I was going to need to prepare for Blizzcon. So, I'm writing a list of gear I need to take into Blizzcon with me here on my blog so I won't lose it.  This may be helpful to more than just me, so I guess it is post worthy.  That, and people must be wondering what the heck is going on, a it has been a while since my last post.  I'll talk about that after the list, because it is more important, because BLIZZCON!

Might be enough juice for one day.

• Phone chargers, lots of them.  I have a multi-purpose phone (who doesn't these days?)  and I expect to need some extra juice.  I have 3 portable packs and I'll have my Cord And Wall Charger for the evening when I pass out from all the fun.  I'm hoping that is enough!
• Sharpies, at least 3. I should also bring Something Fun For People To Sign, like an art book.  I'm not committed, though.  Who wants to carry that kind of weight around all day?  
• Notepads, probably 2. Not everyone will be toting Social Networking Cards.  I'm fiddling with some on my computer right now, but I may have to resort to just writing down my Battle.Net tag and web address on the back of your hand.  
• Pens and Pencils, probably 3 of each. Sharpies don't work well on thin notepad paper!
• Empty Reusable Plastic Water Bottle, because I'm not going to be buying drinks at the convention. I've weaned myself off of soda, and nothing tastes as good as water right now. Maybe I'll even invest in one of those filter straws, too. Water at my house is great, but I find everywhere else I go it has a chemical taste. Bleah!
• Comfortable Shoes. No explanation needed there.  I have an awesome pair of Skechers (and by awesome I mean the kids are ashamed to be seen with me when I wear them) that are like clouds on my feet. Good Socks are important, too, especially the kind that don't fall off  your heels while you walk.
• Well Stocked Wallet. ID, Medical Cards, ATM/Credit Cards, CASH, pictures of your cats.  Make sure you have a nice place in the bottom of your bag to stash it.  Better safe than sorry.
• First Aid Kit.  Conventions are filled with icky things.  Bandages, hand sanitizer, small bottles of your fave pain killer and TUMS, any meds you have to have on your person, antibiotic cream, even a small bottle of Benadryl might come in handy. Put it all in a nice little zippy pouch and stow it at the bottom of your bag for safe keeping.  Oh, and girls, need I mention the unmentionables?  Didn't think so.
• Phone.  OK, I know this is obvious.  For some, I would also add Gaming Device, because Blizzcon the last time I went was called Linecon by some under their breath.  There will be lots of waiting in lines, saving seats for panels, waiting at the Meeting Stone for people, waiting for me to remember what I was gonna say.  You'll need something to twiddle with, in between conversations.
• Camera. The one on my phone is fine for me, but if you want really good pictures of anything at Blizzcon, you'll want to have a good camera along.
• Bag. From the FAQ: “Any bags being brought into BlizzCon should be smaller than 20 inches x 10 inches (roughly the size of two sheets of paper side by side). Anyone with a bag larger than this may be refused entry.”  Most school sized back-packs are the right size.  I'm planning for a messenger type bag with a shoulder strap that crosses over me.  I was going to attempt to make a bag out of trading cards, but I should have started long ago.
• Snacks. Technically, this is not gear, but so essential!  I plan on having small packages of nuts, dried fruits, mints (for when I eat something not so friendly smelling), gum (for when I can't find the drinking fountain right away), veggie sticks, sliced apples with individual cups of peanut butter, and some fiber filled snack bars. I might even take my youngest daughter's suggestion of packing drink mix packets, just in case I don't get a filter for my water bottle. I plan on nibbling my way though the convention, so I can use what money I have for drinks after Blizzcon.

Maybe it's not too heavy to take...

Have any suggestions of other things I just have to add to my pack?  Drop me a note in the comments! I'm going to go round up some of these things and find my bag right now, so I can get ahead of things.  Next post?  My intended schedule of events!