Every con-goer has their own secret survival kit — whether it’s tucked in a crossbody, strapped to a cosplay belt or jammed into a backpack that’s already filled to the brim with artist alley finds. Last weekend, Fan Expo Denver brought bold fan culture to the Colorado Convention Center. But, as always, Fan Expo wasn’t just a weekend of panels and photo ops: it was a full-body experience. You walk miles, sweat under foam and fur and somehow still manage to beam when you run into a perfect cosplay twin or pick up that last enamel pin you didn’t need but absolutely had to have.
So, what’s in my bag? And what’s in everyone else’s? I hit the convention floor to find out what con essentials Fan Expo attendees brought with them.
“I bring super glue and safety pins,” Olivia told me, dressed in a hand-painted rusted foam helmet and a self-sewn apron. “You never know what will happen. I’ve had costume malfunctions myself — it happens. You don’t want to be that person who can’t fix it.”
Olivia’s toolkit was simple but smart. And honestly? A lifesaver for more than just yourself. At any convention, it’s not uncommon to lend a bobby pin, patch a rip or help reattach a prop to a stranger’s costume. A little preparedness goes a long way when you’re layered in paint, pleather and pressure.
For Mags and Link, who were cosplaying wolf-inspired versions of characters from Ōkami, comfort was key: “Water. Always water,” Mags said without hesitation. “And some sort of bag. Good lord, you need a bag — even if you’re not buying anything, just to hold the stuff you have.”
The group had spent the past two days collecting merch and meeting people. “Now we’re just wandering,” they laughed, “just talking to people. And now you’re the attraction.”
READ: Sustainable Fandom: How To Avoid Overconsumption in Cosplay
While some cosplayers like to keep it light, others lean into preparation. Emergency snacks were a common must-have: Fan Expo vendors are iconic but also expensive, and the lines can get long.
“Phone, food, and stickers,” Link added. “Okay, maybe not essential… but actually, yeah, stickers are essential.”
Ron and Adrian, dressed as Daisy and Peach, shared a different kind of essential: “We bring a positive attitude,” Adrian said. “We all know how hard it is, getting up early, running late, everyone’s stressed… It helps to just come in with good energy.”
The two spent over $700 on their gowns but said the investment paid off: they’ve worn the pieces for years. “And deodorant. Please, wear deodorant.” (They’re not wrong.)
Conventions are exciting, chaotic and deeply communal. There’s something magical about being surrounded by people who love what you love — but that magic is easier to maintain with a few personal essentials on hand.
So whether it’s a portable charger for when your phone dies mid-photo op, a sewing kit with just the right color thread, a water bottle clipped to your belt or just the determination to enjoy yourself no matter what — your bag doesn’t just carry your stuff. It carries your experience
And if you’re ever unsure what to pack, Olivia has the best advice for any cosplayer or con-goer: “Just go for it. You won’t be perfect when you start, and that’s okay. Try your best, wear it and own it.”
Because at the end of the day, what you bring to Fan Expo should make your experience better, not heavier. Pack smart. Dress proud. And don’t forget the snacks.
See full photo gallery for Fan Expo Denver by Kiddest Metaferia here.