The Everyman Guide to Comic Conventions: The swag bag

You should carry some sort of bag around the con with you to store your stuff and keep your hands free. The type of bag is your choice but I would suggest something that you can sling over your shoulder or on your back. Awhile you will want to start each day with the bag mostly empty to fill with your swag, there are a few things that you will want to carry:

• a variety of pens--you can't plan on the person you want to sign your book to have one. Gel or roller ball are best. If you want a dark cover signed, bring a white gel.
• Camera: You just never know who you will see at these things.
  
• extra batteries for your camera--can't get those candid shots if you can't shoot.
• Gum and mints-- No buddy will want to talk to you about your new work if your breath is kickin'
• snacks--low blood sugar makes for an unhappy day. So do the prices at the concession stand. But keep the snacks to those that don't leave crumbs or messy fingers. You get Cheetos dust on that comic, you bought it.
• Some timekeeping device--be it watch, cell phone or laptop, set it to the local con time and make sure that you pay attention to the time of that panel you are dying to see. If you are late, you are either stuck standing against the wall or can't get in at all. And then you will be the last to know the special plans that Company X has for Stupendously Amazing Girl.
• Something with your name and address on it, attached to the bag. I wouldn't count on it but someone might find your lost bag and actually send it back to you. There are heroes in the real world too.