Here you will find info on the who, what, when, where and how of A-Kon and the Artist's Alley. The info here has been provided by not only Convention veterans, but by Dallas Natives.

What do I bring?

Basic Travel Supplies - There are no shops or grocery stores in Downtown Dallas. If you forget extra underwear or your medicine, you're in trouble! The DART rail doesn't go to areas within walking distance of stores either. MAKE A LIST. CHECK IT OFTEN! Here's one to start you off:

• toothpaste/toothbrush
• soap
• DEODERANT
• shampoo
• socks
• underwear
• t-shirts
• pants
• shoes
• lotion

Remember, never ever DEPEND on hotel supplies for your toiletries. It's a burden on the hotel when several thousand con-goers request shampoo.

Art Supplies - They're important! Don't forget them!

Tips on traveling with your art supplies:

• Pencils, markers, etc. etc. should be carry-ons. Carry-on luggage, unlike checked luggage, cannot become lost. Keep them close, keep them safe.
• Airport Security will take away any kraft knives in your carry-on.
• Airport Security will open bottles of ink/paint even if they are in checked luggage. Put everything in Ziploc baggies.
• Just because you put "do not bend" on something doesn't mean it's safe. Pack paper, drawings, etc. in hard plastic portfolios to protect from damage. Carry-on if you're concerned about delicate items.
• When in doubt, over-protect it. Airport Security will abuse your luggage to the nth degree! Pack breakable things tightly with plenty of padding.

Uh oh, did you forget something? Remember, if you don't have a car, getting supplies is difficult! But here are the nearest locations to help you out, located on this Google Map link. Asel Art Supply is the best supply house in the DFW area. Are you desperate for Copic Markers? You can hike on up to Voertman's in Denton. It's only an hour drive North on I35 from Downtown.

Cash - Yes, there is an ATM in the Hotel Lobby, but why pay ATM fees? More importantly, you will need CHANGE. (The hotel won't make change!) If you're not sure how much cash you need, use this as a guide:

• $30 in $1 bills (30 $1 bills)
• $20 in $5 bills (4 $5 bills)
• $40 in $10 bills (4 $10 bills)
• $20 in $20 bills (1 $20 bill)
• This gives you a total of $110 to work with. When in doubt, get more $1 bills. Everyone always needs $1 bills.

Safety tips for your cash:

• On the plane: DO NOT put cash in your checked luggage! Artists have lost hundreds of dollars due to Security searching luggage!
• At your Con Table: Get a lock box! You can pick one up at Wal-Mart for cheap.
• In your hotel room: Cash goes in your room safe, or ask the front desk if they have a safe you can keep your cash box in. DO NOT leave your cash unprotected! Under the bed or in a drawer is not a safe place.
• In the dealer's room: Set a budget! Don't blow all of your hard-earned cash at once. You need it to buy more supplies, recoup your travel expenses and buy food.

The Artists' Survival map has links to some bank branches, but BEWARE! Many banks are CLOSED on Saturday and Sunday!

Helpful Hhint: Make sure to keep about $10 in ones to tip people! Bellhops, cab drivers, maids and waiters work hard too. They deserve some extra money, ESPECIALLY hotel workers during a convention!

Paperwork - Bring copies of all of your important convention paperwork as well as copies of other important papers. Here's a list:

• A copy of your A-Kon registration
• A copy of your Artist Alley registration
• Copies of checks written out to Phoenix Entertainment
• Copies of online transactions with Phoenix Entertainment
• Your Texas tax ID number
• Your driver's licence or passport
• Copy of your hotel reservation information
• A credit card (if you're not paying for your room in cash)
• Your plane tickets/a copy of your itinerary (if flying)
• Road maps of DFW (if driving)

More detailed information on paperwork can be found here.