What to bring to PAX Aus
From an AuDHD (Autistic and ADHD) Creator’s POV
A water bottle:
One of the things I love about PAX Aus is that there are filtered water stations all over the convention. These are clearly labelled on the map, and the staff all knew which direction to point me in whenever I needed to fill my water bottle up. Keeping hydrated is super important, especially because you’ll probably be doing a LOT of steps. Which brings me to my next suggestion…
Comfy shoes:
You’re probably going to be doing a LOT of steps at PAX, so comfortable shoes are so incredibly important. I am always so envious seeing cosplayers in their super cute outfits, but I know I wouldn’t be able to last the day if I weren’t wearing comfortable, sensible shoes. If you really must wear something for a photoshoot, make sure you have a hotel room nearby to duck in and change your shoes. Trust me. Your body will thank you!
Snacks:
There are food trucks at PAX Aus, but the lines are often long, the food is expensive, and it generally involves a lot of fried food. I love chips as much as the next person (okay, maybe even more), but for long days and lots of socialising, I find I cope a lot better when I bring snacks. I try to bring something with protein, even if it’s just a protein bar from the supermarket. Something to keep my body fuelled. Fruit is also good, but you’ll want to eat that early in the day, so it doesn’t accidentally get squished in your bag… Oops…
A jumper and/or raincoat:
It’s a joke that Melbourne experiences four seasons in one day. Our weather can be pretty unpredictable. Last year, I wore jeans on the Friday and I was so hot, but I tend to overheat pretty easily (especially when I’m overwhelmed). Inside the buildings, it will probably be quite warm, but if you want to sit outside to take a break and get some fresh air, or even while walking to and from the convention, it could be quite chilly or even raining. The weather forecast for this weekend is currently between 21°C - 8°C (highs/lows). So, especially if you’re from a much warmer state, bring yourself a jacket or some kind of layer for when you’re outside.
Camera and/or phone:
This one is especially important for Content Creators (and aspiring Creators), but bring something to capture your experience. I love my Osmo Pocket 3 and that is my main shooting device, but I also bring my phone (Google Pixel) for snapping some quick shots to upload straight to my stories. Some people bring a DSLR or mirrorless camera, some just use their phone. Do whatever works for you.
A portable charger:
It’s a long day. You’re probably going to run out of battery on your camera, phone, or both. Having a portable charger has been super useful for me. There’s sometimes places to charge your devices, but these are usually very popular, and it’s just easier to be able to use your own charger while you stop to eat.
Headphones and/or earplugs:
This one is mainly for fellow neurodivergent people or those with sensory issues. PAX can be very loud. Having some noise cancelling headphones/ear defenders/earplugs to use can help a lot with sensory overload. I use Loops so I can still hear people, but it helps block out a lot of that background noise.
A bank card/credit card:
PAX Aus is cashless. Make sure you bring your card (or phone with card payments enabled) so you’re not caught out with no way to pay.
Hand sanitiser and a mask:
There are a lot of people at PAX, and it’s a canon event that everyone gets the “con flu” afterwards. This can be avoided by masking up when you’re in crowded places like the Expo Hall (or the whole time if you like) and using hand sanitiser to keep your hands clean from any germs. I did this last year, and I managed to avoid getting sick, even though most of my friends got sick.
Stickers, pins, or business cards:
This one is again, more so for the Content Creators. There are a lot of meet-ups, and a lot of Content Creators will make up cute branded stickers, business cards, and pins to trade with each other. This is, of course, optional, but I know a lot of new creators were disappointed and wished they had known beforehand, so they could’ve prepared something.
For non-creators, there is also a lot of pin swapping that goes on. At PAX, there are a lot of different pins to collect, and people do trade pins, so if you have some you’re happy to part with you could find it a new home (and come home with a new pin of your own too!)
A backpack/bag of some sort:
I am a backpack enjoyer. Some people prefer a satchel style. Whatever you are comfy with. A bag is super handy to not only carry everything on this list in, but also to pop in any goodies you pick up at the convention. There are so many cool things to buy at Artist Alley, whether it be local artists’ prints, pretty sparkly dice, or even plushies. It’s very handy to be able to pop these in your bag and not have to awkwardly juggle them in your hands for the rest of the day.
Your PAX Aus badge:
Of course, you can’t forget your PAX Aus badge!! This is obviously the most important thing, because without it, you won’t be able to get in. If you got your badge mailed out (and didn’t pre-order a lanyard), you will just have the badge by itself at the moment. You can either attach it to a lanyard you already own, or you can bring the badge and grab a lanyard at the con. PAX will have free lanyards in a bin, you can grab one as you enter and clip your badge to it. Make sure to keep this around your neck at all times. Oh, and if you haven’t already, scan the QR code on the back of your badge and register it right now!! This means if you lose your badge, the staff will be able to help you out.
Let me know what you think, and if I’ve forgotten anything important below!
💜 Peets
