It’s a brand-new year, and with it comes a whole slew of events!
From SCG CONs to MagicCons, MTG events are incredibly exciting and fun. However, there’s also an aspect of stress involved in attending them. I’ve been to dozens of cons, and I have come up with a foolproof guide on how to attend them with ease. Here are the tools you need to make your next event a success.
Hydrate
I know this sounds incredibly cheesy, but please drink water!
Whether you’re running around buying cards or are sitting and playing in a competitive event, you will be on the floor for an incredibly long time. I used to think I could survive on overpriced con-floor soda alone or, at the very least, hydrate during meals. I was a fool to think this, because I am definitely not made of money and there have been many times when I would forget to eat a meal!
Most events have a water fountain; others will have free water stations. Either way, take a water bottle with you so you can stay hydrated during your many hours spent on the con floor.
Pack Snacks
Next up is my golden rule for going to events. Pack snacks!
The one thing I hate about events is how they remind me of casinos. You’re trapped in a concrete room with no windows and no clocks for hours on end. It is incredibly easy to lose track of time, which can lead to missed meals or, worse, feeling dizzy or unwell.
Packing snacks is a great way to alleviate this. Sure, show floors almost always have a concession stand open, but let’s face it, the quality isn’t always there and the cost is astronomical. $20 for a hot dog and fries should be criminal! Packing snacks can, in that light, save you money.
And if you’re not into snacks, at the very least, set alarms to remind you of meal times if you have the opportunity, or have a friend bring you some food. Basically, don’t forget to eat!
Hide Trackers
This one has become a necessity for me at any and all events. While it hasn’t happened to me, I learned by example of those who were unfortunate enough to fall prey to theft at a con.
It’s awful to say, but it happens. It doesn’t matter what state, what town, or what event you are at. There will always be someone there who wants to take advantage of your trust and steal your decks. I’ve seen it happen all too many times, and it shatters my heart to see people’s collections gone within the blink of an eye.
To combat this, or at the very least act like a sort of insurance plan, I have hidden trackers in all of the items, bags, and accessories I take with me. If you use an iPhone, their AirTags are a great option. If you’re an Android user, you can use Tile similarly. Either way, these products notify you if your item has moved locations and will even allow you to track and ping the item with sound. It might seem excessive to you, but when your collection is worth thousands, it’s important to protect your cards.
Bring a Battery Pack…
As an event aficionado, I’ve come to learn that your phone’s battery life is a weak and fragile thing. You’re texting your friends to see where they are and what their record is, you’re using it to sign up for side events, or, like me, you’re using it as a life counter for the table. This frequent usage will almost assuredly kill your battery.
I don’t know if you’ve been on a con floor before, but outlets aren’t exactly bountiful. They’re spread far out along the walls, and if you do manage to find one, you’ll be glued to the wall until it fully charges (leaving it there by itself is not an option). Purchasing a power bank eliminates this issue altogether and allows you to still use your device while doing all the weird Magic-y things you need to do on your phone.
But Don’t Overpack
Finally, my last piece of advice is one that I am still struggling to implement myself. Do not overpack!
I think it’s fair to say that we all get a little bit carried away sometimes. We get swept up in the excitement of playing Magic with so many people. In this excitement, you pack ten of your commander decks, two boxes of cards to sell to vendors, and a binder full of trades. At the time, it seems like a great idea, but after three hours at the con, suddenly your back hurts, and you’re worried someone will seize this opportunity to get a five-finger discount.
Cons take place over the course of a weekend, so don’t be afraid to spread out what you bring each day. Instead of taking all ten of your decks, take three on Friday and then swap them for other decks on Saturday, and so on. Not only does this save your back, it also allows for a stress-free con experience.
No Con to a Con
I fear that my list of tips might dissuade you from attending an SCG CON or a MagicCon, but please don’t let them. I only share them to spare you all from the lessons I had to learn.
Cons are a blast to attend. You get to compete, show off your skill, buy cards, play with strangers, meet your favorite creators, and make new friends. When I first started playing Magic, I was an anxious mess. Being around a ton of strangers, trapped in a noisy and busy room, was a lot for me to handle. However, over time, I was able to pick up these lessons and create many enjoyable event experiences for myself. I hope you can do that too.
I also hope to see you at future events as well. Happy traveling, deckbuilders!
