Preparing for BlizzCon: What to pack in your backpack
by Robin Torres 
Aug 10th 2009 at 8:00PM
Backpack, messenger bag, extra large purse -- whatever you are toting into the Anaheim Convention Center should be filled with a few basic things in order to get the most from BlizzCon. The catch is that it cannot be any bigger than 10"x20" and it cannot contain any of the following:
- Desktop computers, laptops, electronic storage devices (unless you have a press pass)
- Glass bottles, cans, large containers (this limits some of your food options should you choose to carry-in)
- Alcohol (leave your cool flask or teeny airplane booze bottles in your hotel room)
- Weapons and fireworks (Captain Obvious is making giggle noises.)
- Phone, media player, camera, video camera or all-in-one device. While you cannot take videos of gameplay (except for the tournaments) or the concert, you can video anything else. I highly recommend a camera phone of some kind to save space and weight.
- Earplugs. Ozzy will be there, which should be reason enough. The great thing about earplugs is that you can still hear the music, but you won't get any hearing damage. Though, you will probably still be able to hear these guys, unfortunately.
- Stuff to sign. Books, comics, your game box. There will be many developers and other Blizzard-related luminaries there available for autographs. Be prepared, if you are into that kind of thing.
- Mini cards. You will definitely want to have some form of ready-made contact info available. I love mine and can't wait to foist them on my unsuspecting "fans." I ask only that you be polite when accepting them and try to hide it when you throw them away.
- Bottle of water. You'll get thirsty. Stuff is expensive at the convention center and you won't want to leave whatever line or seat you're in.
- Snacks. See "Bottle of water." Substitute "peckish" for "thirsty."
- Knitting. Ok, maybe I'll be the only one. You could bring a DS or something else to do while waiting for things.
BlizzCon 2009 is coming up on August 21st and 22nd! We've got all the latest news and information. At BlizzCon, you can play the latest games, meet your guildmates, and ask the developers your questions. Plus, there are some great looking costumes.Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Events, BlizzCon
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
max Aug 10th 2009 8:17PM
Wait...let me get this straight. This is a convention for a video game company that makes games solely for computers, and they don't want you bringing any computers to the con? Yep, makes sense.
John Aug 10th 2009 8:28PM
Next you're gonna tell me I can't drive my car through the LA Auto Show!
If they allowed laptops, the floors would be covered with people sitting down, all trying to find a socket to plug into.
Retron Aug 10th 2009 10:29PM
Um, not to mention all the Youtube videos that would be kind of competing with their pay per view stream...
Wiki Aug 10th 2009 8:24PM
By throw away, you must definitely mean disenchant. ;)
Ringo Flinthammer Aug 10th 2009 8:34PM
Bringing in a data storage device means all sorts of people trying to copy the StarCraft II and Diablo III demos, along with the Cataclysm mini-demo (if past Blizzcons are any indication). So no, it's not hard to believe.
Cassie Aug 10th 2009 9:27PM
Bring a first aid kit (or a friend with one). People can injure themselves in the most marvelous and unusual of ways.
Robin Torres Aug 10th 2009 9:30PM
The First Aid room at the Anaheim Convention Center is well stocked and staffed with friendly people (or person). They are more than happy to help with the smallest of injuries and are prepared for more serious ones.
Cassie Aug 10th 2009 9:33PM
Sadly, past con experiences have made me trust the people I know more than strangers pretty much every time. I suppose take my advice with a grain of salt.
That said, I bet the Anaheim convention center doesn't have Hello Kitty bandaids.
Robin Torres Aug 10th 2009 10:17PM
I understand your concerns, but I speak from personal experience. My heel was torn apart by a poor shoe choice and the extremely nice staff member administered the loveliest gel thingies that soothed it and helped to heal it. And she gave me extras for the rest of the con. It was a very positive experience.
Stormdragon Aug 10th 2009 10:21PM
I'll be watching from home this year...but I do hope for the sake of those who are attending that security will be better this year. I saw smack talk turn into shoving matches , one of the girls in costume about get Molested by a 400 lb jack ass (and security was standing right there doing nothing.) and a forum grudge that came to blows in the parking lot. SOE fanfairs and Gen con would have never tolerated crap like that. Why is it that WoW players just have to show everyone what complete and utter tards they are no matter what?
Sadaye Aug 11th 2009 1:41PM
Unfortunately, security is not directly under Blizz's control. While they can complain to the Convention Center, union rules dictate that any convention in the Center /must/ use their security. So while it is certainly possible, and I would say even likely, that the folks at Blizzard have complained about this in an effort to get something changed, whether or not something is actually done about it may be out of their hands. They may even be locked into a contract where they are required to pay for the space annually for X number of years.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that convention centers are pretty shady business.
soatari Aug 14th 2009 1:46PM
I work for the same security company that provides security for BlizzCon, and trust me when I say that the guards aren't payed enough to deal with that kind of crap. I know exactly how much the BlizzCon security guards are going to be payed, and trust me when I say it's not enough for having to deal with thousand and thousands of people.
wolfsterne Aug 14th 2009 3:08PM
Well it's nice to see the guards openly admit they don't give a crap...of course it's unnecessary as most of the attendants have figured that out from the smirk on their faces. I would hope that one of you would get a bit to close to a scuffle and "Accidentally" get what you deserve...but you won't get off your fat asses long enough for that wish to come true.
Stormdragon Aug 14th 2009 3:15PM
Wolf only a complete nutjob would want to see someone get hit at a event that is suppose to be fun. I have since talk to a friend of mine who is volunteering as event staff and have been told that this year there is a metal detector and word has been past that if necessary Blizzard will just call the cops, plus security is going to be tripled since Ozzy will be there. Again why do WoW players insist on being such asshats? other gamers aren't like that guys grow the hell up.
carlybaby81 Aug 14th 2009 3:26PM
Hi Guys,
My name is Carly Bennington; I am part of the event staff here at Blizzard. Let me assure everyone that we are quite aware of the issues last year and have taken several steps to insure they are not repeated. Anyone causing problems will not only be removed from the convention by local authorities (who will be on hand) they will also be prosecuted and have there accounts permanently banned. Last year was the first time we ever had any incidents at any of our events, and we are determined to ensure a safe family friendly environment for our fans.
Adoree Aug 10th 2009 10:01PM
Bring a light sweater or a jacket, last year it was hot outside, and freezing inside.
Retron Aug 10th 2009 10:26PM
What did you miss? Only the most important item...Three Wolf Moon shirt! Gotta wear it with pride when Ozzy sings Bark at the Moon!
bronniebug Aug 10th 2009 10:38PM
I love the fact that you included knitting! I would be bringing mine as well if I were going.
Bronwyn Aug 11th 2009 10:12AM
This! That said, I'm probably going to be knitting while I watch from home.. :D
yarf Aug 16th 2009 9:06AM
So will I. I'm making a NE Patriots blanket for my older brother for his birthday this coming November. Except I can't knit for crap, so I'll actually be knitting crochet style ;)
As for the asshats, I do kind of look forward to hearing the horror stories, but honestly, I wish I could have afforded to go. Poor economy = no job for poor yarf. I mean poor in the financial sense, of course. Though if all goes well, I'll be able to attend next year.
Am I too nerdy that I bought both the DTV PPV event and the Internet stream so I could watch Friday at home with my husband, and Saturday, while he's at work, at my parent's house while I crochet there with my mother (who has absolutely no interest in WoW or games whatsoever, but is interested in seeing potential artwork and costumes for the creativity and that alone.)?