Don't miss New York Comic Con 2024, happening in October 17 through 20. Popverse will be there all four days, immersing ourselves in the pop culture party full of vendors, events, and celebrities from the worlds of comics, movies, TV, gaming, and more. Buy tickets now!

If you're reading this, you've probably been to a comic con or two in your life. We here at Popverse have been to a comic con or two this month alone, and are doing over 20 conventions this year as a whole. Our co-workers on the ReedPop Events side do even more and have boiled it down to a science.

In the years and decades of doing comic conventions, there is a list of recommended things to bring with you when working cons. It's something passed down from co-worker to co-worker as the key things to have not simply for traveling - but specifically for traveling for comic cons. And now we're sharing it with you. 

Here it is - the ReedPop insider's con survival guide. Accumulated and documented over years of con travel by numerous people here at ReedPop, this isn't the basics - this is the #protip of all pro tips on making your con travels easier. 

What to bring for your con hotel

• Hotel humidifier: We recommend the Geniani Portable Small Coost Mist Humidifier - it is powered by USB, has an auto shut-off, and even a nightlight!
• Sheet masks / under-eye masks: Friends don't let friends have puffy eyes, so we frequently share Mizon's Snail Repair Intensive Gold Eye Gelpatch.
• Heating pad: Laying on this at the end of each night is amazing! We recommend the Sunbeam Premium Heating Pad, which is foldable, washable, and fits in even the tightest carry-ons.
• Biofreeze patches: A good option for those aches and pains.
• Plug converter: When you're traveling internationally, it's a must - but we recommend bringing two - one for your room, and one for the convention center. We use this Tessan one when in England and Europe, and then this one if going elsewhere outside the United States. 
• Silk Pillow Case: You deserve an upgrade. This fits easily into your luggage and can make that hotel bed that much better. Might we recommend the Mulberry Silk Pillowcase? In comes in a variety of colors, even purple.

 What to bring in your luggage

• Cord Organizer Case: Get a second set of cords for travel only! Don't risk forgetting your main charger that lives next to your bed in a hotel 1,000 miles away! We recommend the Bagsmart Electronics Organizer Travel Case.
• Labels & Stickers & Glitter: Label & bedazzle all your cubes and cords so they're easy to identify. Sharing is caring - but you want it back!
• A power bank: An essential for your phone, but also to be the hero when a colleague needs a charge. I personally use this Anker portable charger - durable, functional, and can fit in almost any pocket.
• Utensils: Don't let Uber ruin your meal when they inevitably leave forks back at the restaurant. We recommend the YDYTOP reusable travel utensils set, but whatever you get be sure it has a case so that after using them at the convention center you can bring them back to your room to wash
• A stool: Just imagine, a portable chair that can actually fit in your luggage. Don't worry, it's real! We recommend the Tevaibo Portable Stool - it telescope, it collapses, it has a 550 lb. weight limit, and it comes in two colors!
• High Vis: When we're at a UK show, we have to wear luminescent clothing like this for safety. You can ask if the con has extra, but the #protip is to get your own for the perfect fit, so you can wash it, and it has any pockets you need. We recommend the JKSafety High Vis here - 9 pockets and a variety of color choices.
• Bum bag/Fanny pack: The best ones are found at conventions from vendors.
• Tag for your bag: A lot of frequent road warriors like ourselves have the same backpacks, so differentiate yours with a unique tag so you know where your stuff is. We recommend this sturdy mvcen luggage tag which lets you customize it.
• Lanyard Buddies for fidgeting: Have fidget toy, will travel - and we do it with Pop Fidget keychains.
• Hand warmers: For outdoor duty at colder shows. These Tomus-UNI Rechargeable Hand warmers are a life-changer and will make to everyone's best friend if you're open to sharing.
• Pill organizer: Good for a week's supply of dailies, and then pain meds, etc. The Holii Travel Pill Organizer is durable, cute, and even has room for my gummies.
• A mouse pad & travel mouse: For our anti-trackpad friends
• Travel-size wrinkle release spray: Just 'cause you're traveling doesn't mean you have to be wrinkly - use Downy's wrinkle release spray.
• Silicone rings: For those of us who wear rings, so we don't damage the nice jewelry. A lot of us use the Rinfit silicone rings - and #husbandprotip this makes a good gift as well!
• Personal Care bag: From toiletries to make-up, it keeps your stuff n e a t. I use the Sea to Summit hanging bag (but no, you can't borrow it).

Your feet

• Compression socks: As for which set we recommended, that's a highly debated topic here at ReedPop. Here are the top contenders - just don't get the Bombas ones unless you're a masochist: Physix Gear Compression Socks, Comrad Socks, and LEVSOX Wide Calf Compression Socks.
• Lobby slippers: If you know, you know... and we know ITODA Portable Travel Slippers.
• Crocs: Options to bedazzle - 12/10
• Wall fall: The best part is she's free. 30 minutes at night, lay on the floor or your bed, and lift your feet on the wall. You can also just use extra pillows to prop your feet at night.

For the plane: 

• Airplane Blanket: Get a baby blanket, it’s the perfect size for travel.
• Suitcase handle strap: Make sure your backpack has it
• Face wipes & lotion: I have a separate bag for plane essentials - you need it easily accessible for you and your crew.
• Heatless hair curler: For those of you with luxurious locks, it could be a lifesaver. The IENIN Heatless Curling Iron Head Band is the one used a lot here.

If you've made it this far, let me tell you this: hydrate. It's an oft-used saying in our chats during a convention, and you should be doing it too.

After that, you are probably thinking of something we should add to this list. Tell us in the comments, and we'll update it each time we go to a con!

Get ready - tickets for NYCC 2024 are on sale now!