Well, tomorrow I plan to head over to the Toronto Fan Expo at the Metro Convention Center and let my Fanboy-self let loose. The next few days of blogs will probably be reviews and pictures from the Expo. I’ve been to many conventions before and everytime I go, I make sure I have the necessary things to make the time there as enjoyable as possible. Here are 10 essential items you need to bring while at a Convention (in no particular order).

1) Water/Beverages - You’ll definitely get thirsty after awhile if you are walking around, playing games, singing or just bargaining with dealers. Bringing drinks is essential so you don’t have to wait in the ridiculously long line-ups and pay the inflated prices for drinks. Besides, when you become more “active” then usual, you need to constantly rehydrate.

2) Backpack - More often than not, you’ll go to conventions to purchase merchandise (toys, comics, anime/manga etc.) or receive freebies (posters, pictures, keychains etc.) and your arms will definitely get tired carrying everything around in bags. Having a backpack with you will alleviate the stress on the arms and hands and distributes them onto your shoulders instead. This will allow you to walk around easier and it frees up your hands to pick-up even more goodies!

3) Comfortable Shoes - With a large area to cover and many of the events scattered all over the Convention Center, you’ll be walking and standing around quite A LOT. Especially with popular venues, panels or shows, there will be enormous line-ups which can last anywhere from a couple of minutes to an hour. I highly suggest that people wear sneakers to the convention because your feet will thank you. Nothing sucks more than cutting your stay at the Con due to sore feet or blisters.

4) Cellphone - Most of the time, I find myself separated from my group of friends since we usually want to see different things and explore on our own. In order to meet-up with one another again, you’ll need a way to communicate with one another. As well, friends of yours could be running late so you could proceed earlier without having to wait. Cellphones are definitely a necessity if there was ever an emergency or if you need to contact a family member or friend to pick you up afterwards.

5) Event Schedule and Map - In order to maximize your time and experience, people should obtain a schedule and map in order to plan a route through the venues and save time from wandering through the convention floor and missing important shows or events. Also, you should all know where the washrooms are located because you’ll definitely have to go to one while you are there. Perhaps also figure out a default meeting location if you happen to become lost or if you are expecting to meet up with others who came seperately.

6) Money - Again while you are there, you’ll most likely be purchasing stuff. Whether it be for food or merchandise, you’ll need a way to pay for the stuff. Though you can probably get away with just bring your debit or credit card. I’ve typically seen long line-ups at the ATMs and most dealers and vendors don’t have the machines to process electronic payments. As well, because you may have more money than you usually carry, it’s probably prudent to NOT keep it in all one place. If God forbid you lost your wallet, you won’t be stuck when you need to head home.

7) Light Jacket - Since most conventions usually occur during the summer months, people usually wear shorts and a T-shirt since it can be warm outside and there will be A LOT of people in attendance. However, my experience has been that once you are inside, the place of venue usually crank the air conditioning full blast and people who are simply waiting around start to feel cold and start to shiver. Carry a light windbreak or jacket could keep you a little warmer plus in the evening when the sun goes down, it’ll start to feel cooler outside as well.

8) Camera - In many conventions like this one, there will always be famous writers, artists, actors who you’ll admire and wish to take pictures of/with. This will definitely provide proof to your buddies that you actually saw and breathed the same air as your idols. I highly recommend that people bring digital cameras because you’ll be able to take A LOT more shots and with any pictures you don’t want, you can easily erase and copy over with other pictures.

9) Reading material/Handheld videogames/mp3 player - Though you’ll be experiencing many things at the convention, waiting in line is also a necessary evil. In order to make the time hopefully passby quicker, bring something along as a distraction so as not to focus on the doldrums or waiting in line.

10) Friends - No matter how cool or great a convention is, it really isn’t much fun if you don’t have other people to share it with. I remember going to one of the bigger conventions by myself and I didn’t have nearly as much fun as I did with my friends at a much smaller venue. Friends are there to talk to, give opinions, help you make decisions and also share experiences with you. Friends are a vital part of our lives…which also includes our trips to conventions.

I hope all these tips will be helpful in your future convention trips and if you are going to Fan Expo 2007…maybe I’ll see you there! =)

-Stephen