Confessions of a Gencon virgin

An event long-awaited is finally coming to pass. After decades of reasons I couldn’t make it I’ll be headed off to Gencon in just a few days. Actually, with just a bit of thought I could tell you the hours until we leave, since it’s just over three days from now as I write this.

To say im looking forward to it would be an understatement along the lines of “Houston, we have a problem”. On the other hand I’m just a bit nervous as well.

For starters I don’t know a whole lot of what to expect. Granted, I know it will be big, and I don’t doubt I’ll have a blast. I also realise I wont be able to do everything in the time I have there. There is simply too much to do.

Sounds like a perfect excuse to come back next year as well. =)

Anyhow, I figured I would post a bit about what I am planning. After the con I’ll come back and post a bit more about how those plans worked out (of blew up in my face…)

For activities I did see a whole lot of things I’d like to do. I did try to listen to the advice of friends and made an effort not to book myself into a corner though.

Thursday will be kinda busy with three activities I’d like to do. Friday and Saturday each have one thing I’m planning on attending, and Sunday is left completely open.  It remains to be seen what will actually happen.

There are a few people I’ve met thru gaming that are going to be there. I’m hoping to meet up with a few, hopefully that goes well. (I don’t see why it wouldn’t, but one never knows). If you happen to be going as well and would like to say hello, drop me a comment here or a message on Twitter (@Dechion) and we’ll figure out a time and place.

I have read some really good advice about the kind of things to pack, which I intend to follow. The readers digest version of what to bring goes something like this:

1. A change of clothes for each day,
2. Whatever toiletries you need,
3. Comfortable shoes,
4. A comfortable backpack,
5. A water bottle,
6. Snacks,
7. The basic gaming supplies for your games of choice. 

I’m adding a few odds and ends to that list as well. For instance, I plan to bring something to flavor my water with and a basic first aid kit (with a few band aids, some Tylenol, pepto chewables, and immodium.) With that i’ll add in a spoon and some hand sanitizer and I should be just about set. 

I also decided that I’m going to leave my contacts at home and wear my glasses during the con. I won’t have to worry about losing a lens and being blind for the rest of the time there.

Well there it is, the most basic of outlines of a plan. We shall see how it all works out.