🎮 Essential Checklist for PAX, Comic-Con, E3 & Gaming Events Worldwide

🎫 Convention Essentials & Documentation

• Convention badges/tickets (all days)
• Photo ID/driver's license
• Press credentials (if applicable)
• VIP/special access passes
• Hotel confirmation & check-in info
• Flight/transportation tickets
• Convention schedule & map
• Emergency contact information
• Medical information/allergies
• Credit cards & cash
• Convention app downloaded
• Group meetup information
• Parking passes/info
• Travel insurance documents
• Business cards (personal/professional)
• Backup copies of all documents

🎮 Gaming Equipment & Gear

• Nintendo Switch + games
• Steam Deck + accessories
• 3DS/Vita + game library
• Gaming laptop
• Portable gaming monitor
• Gaming mouse & mousepad
• Mechanical keyboard (compact)
• Gaming headset
• Controllers (extra/backup)
• Game cartridges/discs in cases
• Digital game library access
• Gaming chair cushion
• Blue light glasses
• Wrist rests/ergonomic supports
• Cable management organizers
• Screen cleaning supplies

🔋 Power & Charging Solutions

• Portable power banks (high capacity)
• USB-C chargers (multiple)
• Lightning cables (if needed)
• Micro-USB cables
• Power strips/surge protectors
• Extension cords
• Universal power adapter
• Car charger
• Wireless charging pads
• Solar charger (for long days)
• Cable organizers
• Backup batteries (AA/AAA)
• Charging station organizer
• Power bank sharing cables
• Fast charging adapters
• Emergency charging solutions

👗 Cosplay & Costume Supplies

• Complete costume(s)
• Backup costume pieces
• Makeup kit (character-specific)
• Special effects makeup
• Wig(s) + wig caps
• Wig styling tools
• Props & accessories
• Armor pieces (if applicable)
• Weapons (con-approved replicas)
• Contact lenses (colored)
• Body paint/temporary tattoos
• Adhesives (fabric glue, spirit gum)
• Sewing kit for repairs
• Safety pins
• Makeup remover & wipes
• Costume storage/garment bags

📱 Content Creation & Streaming

• Camera (DSLR/mirrorless)
• Action camera (GoPro)
• Smartphone with high-quality camera
• Tripods (full-size & mini)
• Selfie stick
• Ring light/portable lighting
• Microphone (external/lapel)
• Streaming equipment
• Capture card
• Extra memory cards/storage
• Video editing software
• Live streaming apps
• Social media management tools
• Content calendar/planning
• Backdrop/green screen (portable)
• Photo editing apps

👕 Convention Clothing & Comfort

• Comfortable walking shoes (broken in)
• Backup comfortable shoes
• Moisture-wicking socks
• Comfortable jeans/pants
• Gaming t-shirts/hoodies
• Layering clothes (temperature control)
• Rain jacket/poncho
• Pajamas/sleepwear
• Underwear (extra pairs)
• Compression socks (for long standing)
• Bandanas/cooling towels
• Hat/cap
• Sunglasses
• Comfortable backpack/messenger bag
• Fanny pack for essentials
• Laundry supplies

🍕 Food & Hydration Strategy

• Reusable water bottle
• Electrolyte supplements
• Energy bars/protein bars
• Trail mix & nuts
• Granola bars
• Instant noodles/cup meals
• Energy drinks/coffee
• Vitamins/supplements
• Gum/breath mints
• Convention food budget
• Local restaurant research
• Food delivery app setup
• Cooler (if driving)
• Eating utensils (reusable)
• Napkins/wet wipes
• Digestive aids (just in case)

💊 Health & Survival Kit

• Hand sanitizer
• Face masks (crowd protection)
• First aid kit
• Pain relievers (ibuprofen/acetaminophen)
• Allergy medication
• Throat lozenges
• Eye drops
• Deodorant
• Tissues
• Lip balm
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Compression sleeves (for arms/legs)
• Earplugs (for sleeping)
• Sleep mask
• Personal medications

🛒 Shopping & Merchandise

• Shopping budget planning
• Large shopping bags/totes
• Bubble wrap (for fragile items)
• Shipping boxes & tape
• Measurement tape (for collectibles)
• Price comparison app
• Vendor/artist alley map
• Wish list (prioritized)
• Payment methods (cards/cash)
• Exclusive merchandise research
• Limited edition tracking
• Artist commission list
• Convention exclusive tracking
• Resale value research
• Receipt organization
• Shipping home arrangements

🎯 Gaming Activities & Events

• Tournament registration confirmations
• Demo time reservations
• Panel schedule prioritization
• Meet & greet tickets
• Autograph supplies (markers, books)
• Photo opportunity planning
• Speed run event information
• Indie game showcase list
• Developer interview questions
• Beta test signup information
• Contest entry forms
• Prize drawing tickets
• Networking event details
• Workshop/tutorial schedules
• Community meetup plans
• After-party information

🏨 Accommodation & Logistics

• Hotel reservation confirmations
• Room sharing coordination
• Early check-in arrangements
• Late checkout planning
• Luggage storage options
• Transportation to/from venue
• Public transit information
• Parking arrangements
• Room setup for gaming
• Mini fridge snack stocking
• Housekeeping preferences
• Safe for valuables
• Wi-Fi password/setup
• Room service menu
• Emergency evacuation plan
• Local area attractions

👥 Social & Networking

• Business cards (gaming/professional)
• Portfolio materials
• Resume (game industry)
• Demo reel/portfolio access
• Social media handles list
• Discord/gaming platform info
• Collaboration project ideas
• Contact management system
• Group photo coordination
• Meetup scheduling apps
• Gaming clan/guild information
• Professional development goals
• Industry contact research
• Networking conversation starters
• Follow-up strategy planning
• Community building tools

🎮 Convention-Specific Preparations

PAX (Penny Arcade Expo):

• PAX app with schedule sync
• Indie Megabooth priority list
• Tabletop gaming supplies
• Concert ticket confirmations
• Queue management strategy
• Omegathon participation prep

Comic-Con (Gaming Focus):

• Hall H strategy & camping gear
• Exclusive reveal tracking
• Celebrity autograph planning
• Preview night access
• Masquerade competition prep
• Studio-specific schedules

E3 (Industry Focus):

• Industry credentials verification
• Publisher meeting schedules
• Embargo information tracking
• Press kit collection
• Developer interview prep
• Professional attire

Gen Con (Tabletop Focus):

• Event ticket confirmations
• Dice collection & backup
• Character sheets & supplies
• Game library/wishlists
• RPG session materials
• Board game storage

📱 Mobile Apps & Digital Tools

• Convention official app
• Schedule management apps
• Map/navigation apps
• Social media apps
• Photo editing apps
• Note-taking apps
• Expense tracking apps
• Weather apps
• Transportation apps
• Food delivery apps
• Gaming news apps
• Price comparison apps
• QR code scanner
• Voice recorder app
• Cloud storage access
• Backup communication apps

🛡️ Safety & Security

• Hotel room safe usage
• Equipment insurance information
• Anti-theft device locks
• Secure bag/backpack
• Emergency contact cards
• Personal alarm/whistle
• Crowd navigation strategy
• Buddy system planning
• Lost item contact information
• Convention security contact
• Local emergency services
• Safety meeting points
• Privacy protection measures
• Equipment backup/redundancy
• Data backup procedures
• Personal safety awareness

💰 Budget & Financial Planning

• Convention attendance budget
• Travel expense tracking
• Accommodation cost planning
• Food & beverage budget
• Merchandise shopping limit
• Emergency fund allocation
• Payment method diversity
• Currency exchange (international)
• Receipt organization system
• Tax deduction documentation
• Group expense sharing
• Cost comparison research
• Value assessment criteria
• Impulse purchase controls
• Post-con financial review
• Next convention saving plan

📸 Photography & Memory Making

• Camera equipment & accessories
• Photo storage & backup
• Cosplay photography etiquette
• Group photo coordination
• Behind-the-scenes documentation
• Convention moment tracking
• Photo sharing protocols
• Privacy & consent awareness
• Professional photo opportunities
• Social media content planning
• Memory preservation strategy
• Photo editing timeline
• Convention recap planning
• Community sharing goals
• Personal portfolio building
• Experience documentation

🎪 Special Events & Experiences

• VIP experience confirmations
• Special access arrangements
• Behind-the-scenes tours
• Developer roundtables
• Industry mixer invitations
• Championship viewing parties
• Launch event preparations
• Exclusive demo access
• Celebrity meet & greets
• Community competitions
• Charity auction participation
• Award ceremony attendance
• Networking dinner reservations
• After-party planning
• Cultural event exploration
• Local gaming community meetups

🔄 Post-Convention Planning

• Equipment inventory & condition check
• Photo/video organization
• Content creation timeline
• Social media posting schedule
• Thank you message templates
• Contact follow-up planning
• Experience reflection journal
• Merchandise cataloging
• Receipt organization & claims
• Next convention research
• Improvement areas identification
• Community engagement continuation
• Professional development follow-up
• Cosplay improvement planning
• Gaming skill development goals
• Convention experience sharing

📋 Final Pre-Convention Checklist

• Verify all tickets & confirmations
• Check convention rules & prohibited items
• Test all gaming equipment functionality
• Charge all electronic devices
• Download offline maps & apps
• Confirm transportation arrangements
• Pack systematically by day/activity
• Create detailed itinerary
• Set up emergency communication plan
• Coordinate with travel companions
• Review weather forecast
• Prepare costumes & test all components
• Organize business cards & networking materials
• Set content creation goals
• Plan daily schedules with flexibility
• Establish shopping priorities & budgets
• Research exclusive opportunities
• Prepare for long days & crowd fatigue
• Set realistic expectations & goals
• Get excited for an epic gaming adventure!

🖨️ Print This Gaming Convention Packing List