It’s time again for the Kobold Press advice column, Pack Tactics!

Our expert this month is Ben Eastman. He’s got the inside track.

Anonymous Con-Goer asks . . .

I missed Gen Con this year, but I’m definitely going next year. How should I get ready?

Ben: Here’s my advice:

5/2/1 rule
Five hours of sleep
Two meals
One shower
Every day
No exceptions

And here’s six hints

#1. Start planning early. The housing lottery is in February, and you can start buying event tickets in May. The con doesn’t start until August.

#2. Find a Sherpa. This is a friendly person who has done Gen Con before and whom you can bounce questions off of.

#3. Set a budget, save for it, and stick to it. You don’t need to ruin your holiday after Gen Con by spending too much money in the Exhibitor Hall.

#4. Events are like drugs. Do half as much as you think you want to do and see how it goes. Next year, try more or less events based upon last year’s experience.

#5. Allot 15 minutes minimum to get anywhere. The convention space is massive and packed with people. Don’t miss your event because you were gawking at at the Kobold Press booth for too long.

#6. Buy generic tickets. If there’s an event that you want to attend that’s sold out, show up anyway with that value of generic tickets. Someone might not attend, and you can play that game in their place.

#7. Subscribe to my podcast on this very topic for more than six hints.

What Do You Think?

Do you have a question for the pack? Let our pros weigh in on your tough questions. Then check back first Friday of each month for more Pack Tactics!