What are the "gotta takes" to Convention '08?

[eahowe]

For those of us demos who have never attended a convention, but are psyched up by the reports from this year and are planning to attend next year, what are the things we "have to" take? I.e., craft scissors, adhesive, etc.
I thought I'd post this now while it's still fresh in the minds of those who were fortunate enough to attend this year.
So ... what do you recommend?
Also, what is the best way to take whatever we need there? I'm a hobby demo, so all my stuff is at home in one place. However, I'm willing to invest in a wheeled case (or whatever) from Michaels, Hobby Lobby, Joann's, etc.
And has anyone tried to check one in as luggage when you fly? Any difficulty if it has all your supplies in it? If it's checked, it should be okay to have scissors in it, right?
Please share your knowledge.
TIA

[dsarkine]

I only took my craft sizzors to mount my new stamps, tags for my new bag/tote, (They all look alike) labels for my new stamp sets (they all look alike.) & swaps...pretty much all you need. (Oh, cc...one that is currently registered on the su website for anything you want in Momental Hall.)

Hope this helps.

[dsarkine]

Okay, where is that darn spell check when I need it? scissors

[julia_s]

Quote:

Originally Posted by eahowe

And has anyone tried to check one in as luggage when you fly? Any difficulty if it has all your supplies in it? If it's checked, it should be okay to have scissors in it, right?
Please share your knowledge.
TIA

I did not check my luggage either going to Denver or coming from. I made sure I told the TSA person that I had Craft and Rubber Scissors in my bag and that the blades were 2" long (TSA bars 4" long ) and blunt. I had no problems (well, not with TSA-- with United, that's a WHOLE new thread! Never flying them again).

[mlf]

I just attended my 6th convention.
Leave the rolling craft bag at home. Find something to carry your swaps in that's easy to pull your cards out of and receive others back.
You don't need to bring a lot of supplies for make & take - SU provides the stamps, adhesive and tools. You will need to bring your Craft & Rubber scissors. I pack them in my checked bag.
Bring:
camera with lots of memory and 2 sets of rechargable batteries (one in the camera and one set in your bag)
comfortable shoes
a few power bars when you miss breakfast, they come in handy
business cards to give to other demos you meet
name labels to mark your Convention book etc
AND a few hand-stamped postcards to mail home to stampy friends!

[MickeyCountry]

Another question......has the bag always been a tote bag or do you some years get a backpack style? Also do they show you the style of bag once you sign up for convention so you will know? I'd prefer a backpack style since totes won't stay on my shoulder and I'll need my hands free for other stuff. So if you always get a tote, I'd bring my own pack.
Thanks for the help!

[SuzyK410]

Last year's convention bag was a backpack so I guess they change it year to year. Last year was my first convention. As everyone else has said, all you really need to take are your craft scissors because everything else is furnished for the make & takes. I took a scarf to tie on my bag to tell it apart from everyone else's and labels for my new stamp sets for the same reason.

[DebiStringer]

The bag changes every year and you won't know what it is until you get there. If you're most comfortable with a particular style, BYO and move your materials to it. Comfy shoes and a camera are the most important items to be sure to bring along. You will also need your C&R scissors to mount your stamps.

If you do attend convention, there is always a list of suggested items to bring in the confirmation letter.

[falconstamper]

Comfy shoes are a must. Snacks for classes and sessions or if lunch is a bust. Extra money. Swaps and roomie gifts. Leave the rest at home. If you don't have it, someone else will and will let you use theirs. Camera with extra film/memory and extra batteries. Labels with your name on it would be handy also.