The Ultimate Gaming Convention Packing List

What Every Game Dev and Publisher Needs Before Hitting the Show Floor

Headed to a gaming convention? Here’s your go-to guide for packing smart! Our list covers press kits, demo devices, power solutions, and sanity-saving essentials to help you shine at your next big event. 

Before you head out the door for gamescom, PAX, or any other tradeshow or convention, use this list to make sure you’re prepared!

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Why Packing Smart is Half the Battle

Prepping for a tradeshow or convention can feel like trying to juggle twelve side quests with no inventory space. Between wrapping your build, polishing your marketing assets,  booking travel, and figuring out how many pairs of socks to bring, it’s easy to forget the little things that make a big impact.

But here’s the deal: the show floor is chaos. Glorious, energizing, opportunity-packed chaos. And what you bring with you can make or break your ability to stay focused, make connections, and find the success and ROI you are looking for by attending.

Whether it’s your first big show or your tenth, this guide is your power-up: a list of everything you need to stay prepared, polished, and just the right amount of caffeinated.

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Press and Presentation Essentials

Your marketing assets are your outward armor. How you show up is how you get remembered. The impression your assets leave may alter the impression people have of the game or product you are pitching. So make it worthy!

A Solid Press Kit (Digital and Printed)

Let’s start with the MVP - your press kit. This is your all-in-one introduction to the media, publishers, and partners. At minimum, it should include your game’s one-pager, trailer link, logo, key art, platform info, and contact details.

You’ll want to have both a printed copy and an online version (Google Drive, Dropbox, or your site). Some folks still love a good handout and having one ready can help your game stick in someone’s memory after the con buzz fades. And for those who don’t want to carry more paper around the show floor, make sure your hosted version opens without permission headaches. 

Talking Points Cheat Sheet

Even the most confident speaker hits a blank moment. Between noise, nerves, and non-stop chatter, it’s easy to forget your best lines. Write down your elevator pitch, 2-3 standout features, and any memorable phrases or story hooks.

You can save this in your Notes app, print it small, or make it your phone lock screen. Think of it as your backup brain, because expo floors aren’t known for their peace and quiet.

Printed One-Pagers

Printed one-pagers can be especially handy at press mixers or booth demos. A good one-pager gives someone everything they need to write about your game later. Include visuals, bullet highlights, and your best “why now” pitch.

Demo-Ready Device or Build

Bring the hardware you trust and make sure your game is running smoothly. Test your build before the show, fully charge your devices, and pack any accessories like headphones or controllers. If you have a short gameplay video or trailer, keep that on your device too, so you can quickly show off the experience between demos or while on the move.

Business Cards or QR Codes

You’re gonna want to make it easy to keep in touch. Whether you’re old-school with printed cards or digital-first with a scannable QR code, the goal is the same: get your info into their hands fast. As a bonus, add a link directly to your site or press kit, if you can.

Pro tip: Save your QR code as a favorite photo on your phone so it’s always one swipe away.

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Essentials to Keep You Powered and Performing

At a tradeshow or convention, you’re your own tech and maintenance crew. Here are some behind-the-scenes tools that keep your day running.

Power Bank and Charger Kit

A dead phone is a dead lead. Bring a high-capacity power bank and every charging cable you need…plus a few spares. A multi-port USB hub or mini power strip can also save the day, especially if you’re sharing booth space or traveling internationally.

Test everything the night before. Label your cords. And if you're demoing on multiple devices, double-check that everything’s fully charged before you step onto the floor.

Reusable Water Bottle & Snacks

It’s easy to forget basic needs when you're sprinting from demos to meetings. But staying hydrated and keeping your blood sugar steady makes a huge difference. Pack a refillable water bottle and a few easy snacks. Protein bars or trail mix always hit the spot when the tummy starts grumbling.

This isn’t just about survival, it’s about staying sharp.

Emergency Comfort Kit

Let’s face it. Tradeshow and conventions suck when it comes to comfort. Long days, standing on your feet for hours, it’s a lot. So get into the mindset that tiny comforts equal big impact. A travel pouch with deodorant, painkillers, eye drops, tissues, blister bandages, hand sanitizer, and breath mints can rescue your day more than once. Voice going hoarse? Bring throat lozenges. Feeling run down? Slip in a few vitamin packets.

For additional preparedness, throw in backup socks, a mini sewing kit, and a Tide stick if you’ll be on your feet all day, or need to fix a last-minute wardrobe glitch or coffee spill.

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Follow-Up Like a Pro

Great connections are made at conventions, but great relationships are built after. Success lies in the follow-up, but this is where so many folks fall flat - and for good reason. Post tradeshow, you’re tired and you’re back in the office, tackling the backup from being away. It’s a no-win situation. That’s why you need a plan going into the show for post-show follow-up. 

Notebook or Notes App

After your third straight meeting, names start to blur. Create quick categories in a notes app (press, publishers, collaborators) and jot down what you talked about, where you met, and any specific action items. Future you will thank you.

Pre-Written Follow-Up Template

Prep a short thank-you note before the event. Save it to your email drafts so you can quickly customize and send it, either post-show or at the end of your day. Mention where you met and what you discussed, and include a link to your press kit. 

These tips will help make follow-up simple, fast, and effective.

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Schedule Like You Mean It

Time management at conventions is a game within the game.

Keep your schedule digital (Google Calendar is your friend), but have a printed backup just in case. Build in buffer time between appointments, and leave room for last-minute interviews or spontaneous opportunities.

If you’re having trouble booking quality press appointments, let’s talk. UberStrategist can handle booking press appointments with quality, targeted media so you can focus on showing up, showing off, and connecting with people who care about your game.

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Convention FAQs for Game Devs and Publishers

What should game developers pack for a convention?

Pack your demo-ready devices, press materials, chargers, follow-up tools, and personal comfort items to stay sharp, confident, and connection-ready.

How do I build a great press kit?

Include a one-pager, logos, trailer link, visuals, platform info, and contact details. Host it online, but bring printed copies for in-person meetings.

What helps you stay energized during a convention?

Hydration, snacks, throat lozenges, and downtime buffer slots in your calendar. Your energy is part of your pitch—protect it.

How do I follow up after a convention?

Personalized thank-yous, a reminder of the meeting, and a quick link to your press kit or website—sent within 48 hours.

What should be in a convention survival kit?

Think breath mints, deodorant, eye drops, extra socks, chargers, and anything that helps you feel human halfway through Day 2.

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Final Thought: Pack with Purpose, Show Up Strong

You can’t control everything at a convention. But you can control what’s in your bag, and that makes all the difference. From your first pitch to your last demo, showing up prepared means showing up with confidence.

If you'd rather focus on what you do best, making great games, let UberStrategist handle the heavy lifting. We’ll make sure your press appointments, media outreach, and event logistics run smoother than your game build.

Ready to pack smarter, not harder? Let’s talk.