Whether it's your first convention or you're a returning veteran it's always a good idea to do proper pre-planning to prepare for your trip. With that, we've established a quick-and-dirty guide to helping people prepare for the con.

There are tons of events going on all weekend from gaming to dances, panels and activities. Our goal is to help you have fun, and ensuring you're prepared for the convention is job number one.

Be sure to check the convention website the closer to the con. The con schedule will be posted within two weeks prior to the con, and will allow you to get a general idea of where you'd like to spend your time. Be sure to subscribe to our Twitter and mailing list to get schedule updates and other helpful announcements (we actively tweet during the con!).

Also, two weeks prior to con, be sure to call the hotel, airline, car rental services or anywhere else you have reservations just to verify everything is correctly entered in their system. If not, you'll still have a chance to resolve your issues before the con date rolls around.

Under no circumstance should you NOT pack any of the following:

• CashWhile you may have debit/credit cards it's always good to bring cash. Cash is king at a convention. Also, keep in mind that ATMs are notorious for running out of cash during the course of a con.
• IdentificationWithout an ID, we can not process your convention registration (no matter how nicely you ask!). ID is essential! If you do not bring it we can not give you a badge.
• MedicationIf you take necessary prescription drugs be sure to have medications readily available. It's easy to lose track of time at a con.
• Cell Phone and ChargerYou'll want to make the most of your time at the con, and planning events or dinner parties without some form of communication can be tough.
• ClothingBring clothes for each day of the con, plus one or two extra days as a buffer (just in case!). Bad weather or flight delays can affect even the most seasoned traveler.
• The 8 Essential ToiletriesBody wash/soap, shampoo, razor, shaving cream, deodorant, hair brush/comb, toothbrush and toothpaste. Don't leave home without 'em.

Non-essentials that are good to have, but not necessary for the con:

• Character BadgesHaving a character badge is always a good idea. It helps people recognize you, epsecially if you're more identifiable by character. Badges go a long way to helping find friends (and even meet new ones!).
• CameraA picture's worth a thousand words, but without a camera, you may want to start honing your writing skills.
• Swim Trunks or SwimsuitWith both a pool and separate water park at the convention, hey... you never know.
• A Power StripWhile simplistic, it's something often overlooke. A power strip is particularly useful if you or roommates plan on bringing multiple electronics to the con. Less fighting over who plugs in what, more spending time having fun!
• ProtectionWhile FA United is NOT an adult-themed convention, let's be honest: people are people, and sometimes things happen. And should something happen we encourage all out attendees to be protected.

Sleep deprivation can make it difficult to enjoy the weekend. Energy drinks are not a substitute for sleep. Expect to do a lot of walking, and a lot of sweating, so be sure to keep deodorant nearby. Don't worry about missing a party or event if you're stuck at a diner or doing something else - Nobody is able to experience everything a con has to offer at a given moment.

Volunteering is a great way to meet people and to do something good for the community.

If you have a problem with an event or the con you can often leave feedback on the convention website, by email, or sometimes at closing ceremonies. If you feel threatened/stalked/mistreated by another attendee or a member of hotel/convention staff or security, or if you have a more immediate issue that needs to be taken care of, gather all the information you can get (a description of the person, and their badge name and number if possible) and report the incident to Con Ops right away. (If you have a problem with someone, don't sit around and gripe to your friends about it. Do something about it!).

The 6-2-1 is a convention staple. In short, it's at least six (6) hours of sleep at night, two (2) meals a day and at least one (1) shower. It's important for your health, well being and personal hygiene. These should be viewed as mandatory, but going over the limit never hurt!

Explore the con and take note of where the Headless Lounge is before suiting up for the first time. It is easy to become dehydrated without realizing it, and the Headless Loungue offers multiple air conditioners and a fully stocked water station. If you are feeling flushed or dizzy, or are having trouble breathing, remove your fursuit head and find water immediately. Maybe you can afford the ambulance bill, but you'll really hate waking up to find out an EMT had to cut your fursuit off of you so they could treat you. Soda and alcoholic beverages will dehydrate you faster. So will the fursuit games.

There is no rule at a convention that says you can't take off your head, speak or do anything to "ruin the magic" in front of others. This is a practice that each fursuiter can choose to follow as strictly or lenient as they feel like. It's your character. How it performs, acts or behaves is entirely up to you.

If you do not wish to speak in suit, memorize some essential "universal" gestures that most people will recognize: Point to your wrist to ask "What time is it?", fan your face with your paw to say "I am hot" or a drinking motion for "I need water". Oh, and a quick performance tip: try not to stay still. Suits that keep moving, stay animated, are far more interesting and fun to be around. Idling and standing still means heat buildup (just like a car engine), not to mention it looks... creepy.

If you're suiting consider some of the following to bring:

Your Fursuit - If you only bring ONE thing...

• Air BlowerKills sweat dead, and allows you to get back into the suiting game faster.
• Anti Bacterial Spray & Fabric FreshenerIf you're suiting at the con you're sweating. No ifs, ands or buts. Proper fursuit maintenance is not only good for your suit, but other attendees will thank you as well.
• Portable Clothes RackUseful for hanging up your suit to dry when not in use. A clumped up suit will not dry as fast as one hanging. You can get cheap portable clothing racks at Wal-mart or Target.
• Under Armour and / or Extra Undershirts / UnderwearHeat Gear Under Armour will help keep you cool, reduce sweating and help make suiting more fun. If you can't afford Under Armour, general mesh clothing or cheap undershirts will work wonders.
• Sewing KitNeedle and thread for emergencies. You never know.

• TippingA tip of 15-20% is generally preferred for good-exceptional service. For bartenders, tip at least $1 per drink. The better you treat your bartender the better they treat you. They remember good tippers. Further, feel free to tip housekeeping. A few dollars per room goes a long way (especially if you make a mess!). Leave it with a note ("For housekeeping. Thank you!") or they may not take it.
  
  Treat your service people right!
• AffectionDon't hug, scritch, pet or touch people you don't know or have just met. People generally find it uncomfortable. If you want a hug it never hurts to ask.
• ClothingDon't wear clothing that generally would be considered offensive (e.g. bondage gear, fetish clothing) around con space. It's not normal. At all.
• Johnny LawDon't do anything illegal. We'll disown you. We'll even tell your mom. Breaking the law (and getting caught!) only hurts yourself. It's just not worth it.
• Personal HygieneMaintain your personal hygiene. Please. If people look away when you talk to them... you may need to brush your teeth. Mints are amazing. You can never have enough mints. Ever.

• FursuitersSuiters get priority. A suiter may be overheating, and need to retreat to their room. Make room for 'em! Also, be aware that fursuiters usually have extremely limited vision. Try to keep a clear path for them..
• SanitationThe elevators ARE NOT a trash can. Don't throw your garbage on the floor.
• Three's a CrowdStand back when the doors open to let people off first. Nobody likes it when people are trying to rush into the elevator before others can get off. Don't shove yourself into a crowded car, and don't jump up and down in the elevator. This is how they break. And if you're caught jumping in the elevators you will be asked to leave the hotel and convention space.