Attending an anime convention is exciting, but it can get overwhelming if you show up unprepared. Bring comfortable clothes, water, snacks, and all your cosplay bits—trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.
These basics keep you from stressing out over little things and help you focus on having actual fun.
A portable charger is a lifesaver, especially when your phone’s battery dips before you find your friends. Masks and a tiny first aid kit? Yep, those too.
Keep your money handy but safe—nobody wants to lose their wallet in a crowd. With all that sorted, you’re free to wander, meet new folks, and geek out over panels and merch.
Key Takeways
- Pack practical items to stay comfortable and prepared.
- Keep your money and valuables secure and accessible.
- Proper packing helps you fully enjoy the convention experience.
Essential Items to Pack for Anime Cons
Packing for an anime con is about balancing fun and practicality. Your outfit matters, but so does your comfort.
Long days mean you’ll want to stay fed and hydrated, too.
Cosplay Essentials
Cosplay can really make the day, but it takes a little prep. Always toss in a cosplay repair kit—safety pins, double-sided tape, glue, scissors.
Those little fixes can save your costume in a pinch.
Basic makeup like foundation and setting powder keeps you looking sharp. Angle brushes are great for details, and tissues come in handy for touch-ups or sweat.
Carry costume pieces separately if you can. Delicate stuff deserves extra care.
Label your bags, or you’ll spend way too long digging for missing parts.
Comfortable Clothing and Footwear
Even die-hard cosplayers need a break—pack comfy shoes or sandals for downtime. Your feet will thank you after hours of standing.
Choose shoes that are already broken in, not brand new.
If your costume is heavy or tight, bring a loose shirt or hoodie for resting. A lightweight hat helps if you’re outside at all.
A hand towel is smart for wiping off sweat.
Wear clothes that won’t itch or chafe under your costume. Weather can surprise you, so a jacket or poncho is worth the space.
On-the-Go Snacks and Hydration
A refillable water bottle is a must. Staying hydrated is honestly underrated at crowded events.
Small snacks like granola bars or nuts are easy to carry and eat. They’ll keep your energy up without making a mess.
Hand wipes and sanitizer are non-negotiable for eating on the go. Toss snacks in a pocket or small bag so you’re not fumbling through your backpack every time.
If the venue is hot, a mini electric fan isn’t a bad idea.
Managing Money and Valuables
Money stuff can get tricky at cons. Plan ahead so you’re not stressing about lost cash or overspending.
Carrying Cash and Cards
Bring both cash and cards—some places only take one or the other. Cash is king at Artist Alley and for quick snacks.
Use a secure wallet or even a money belt. Don’t carry more cash than you need, and only bring the cards you’ll actually use.
Splitting your money between two spots is smart. If you lose your wallet, you’ve still got backup.
Stay alert when handling money in busy spots.
Budgeting for Merch and Artist Alley
Figure out your spending limit before you get there. Merch and souvenirs add up fast.
Artist Alley is full of cool, unique stuff, but it’s easy to go overboard. Decide what you want to spend there so you don’t regret it later.
Keep track of what you buy—snap photos of receipts or jot down notes. It’s easy to lose track in the excitement.
Maximizing the Convention Experience
Anime cons are a whirlwind. A little planning goes a long way toward making the most of it.
Staying Connected and Organized
Start with a fully charged phone and bring a portable charger. You’ll burn through battery snapping pics and checking schedules.
Use an app or jot down events in a planner so you don’t miss anything. A printed or digital map is super helpful for navigating the chaos.
Keep your ticket, ID, and cash in a lanyard or small bag. Hands-free is the way to go.
Make a quick list before you leave home. It’s annoying to realize you forgot something halfway through the day.
Health and Hygiene Supplies
Hand sanitizer is essential when soap isn’t available. Big crowds mean lots of germs.
Pack tissues, deodorant, and lip balm—whatever helps you stay comfortable. It’s a long day, and little things make a difference.
Bring a water bottle and snacks to avoid long food lines and high prices. Having your own stash means less waiting and more fun.
Engaging with Panels and Fandoms
Check the panel schedule early. Pick out topics that actually sound interesting to you.
Panels are a great way to learn something new or maybe even meet a favorite creator. Honestly, sometimes you just stumble into something unexpected.
Try to arrive early if you care about getting a good seat. It makes it way easier to pay attention—and, let’s be real, some rooms fill up fast.
Jump into fandom activities like group meet-ups or hanging out at the fan art corners. These spots are where you’ll probably find your people.
Connecting with others who share your interests? It just makes the whole convention thing a lot more memorable.