The Ultimate Packing Guide for Kanpai!Con 2025

If you're gearing up for Kanpai!Con 2025 in Omaha from April 18-20, then it’s time to start thinking about packing! Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned con-goer, having the right essentials will make your convention experience a whole lot smoother. But let's be real—packing for a con can be a bit overwhelming. You’ve got to think about your cosplay, comfy clothes, chargers, snacks, water bottles, and more. And then there’s the all-important merch you’ll want to bring home.

In this ultimate packing guide, we'll break down everything you need to bring to Kanpai!Con to ensure you’re ready to enjoy every single minute of this epic weekend. From the must-have basics like comfortable shoes and toiletries, to those often-forgotten but essential items, I’ve got you covered. Plus, we'll talk about how to stay organized, keep things accessible, and make the most out of your convention experience.

Convention Essentials You Can’t Forget

These are the absolute must-haves for any Kanpai!Con attendee. Make sure you pack them to keep your experience fun and stress-free.

Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking, so leave the fancy heels or uncomfortable boots at home. Stick with something comfortable—sneakers, flats, or even cosplay-friendly footwear that won't have you aching halfway through the day. Trust me, your feet will thank you by day three!

Chargers and Power Banks

It’s easy to lose track of time when you're attending panels, hanging out with friends, and snapping tons of photos. Your mobile phone battery will likely be running low by the time you get to the karaoke night. Make sure you bring a charger, and if possible, a portable power bank so you’re never left scrambling for an outlet.

Toiletries and Personal Care

The basics—soap, deodorant, toothpaste, and any other essentials you need to feel fresh and confident. Also, pack a hand sanitizer for the inevitable con flu (better known as “con crud”) and some tissues for those moments when you're all teary-eyed over a touching panel or special guest appearance.

Water Bottle

Staying hydrated is essential, especially when you're running around between events. Bring a reusable water bottle that you can refill throughout the day. Kanpai!Con can get pretty packed, and water fountains or refill stations will be your best friend!

Snacks for the Road (and Between Panels)

You’re going to need fuel to keep you going between all the amazing events. Pack some healthy snacks like granola bars, trail mix, or chips to munch on during those in-between moments. Convention food can get pricey, and let’s be honest, sometimes you just need a quick snack before heading into the next panel.

Cosplay Care Kit

If you're planning on cosplaying at Kanpai!Con (and who wouldn’t want to show off their costume?), there are a few extra items you'll need to bring to ensure everything stays in tip-top shape.

Cosplay Repair Kit

The most important thing you'll need for cosplay survival is a repair kit. Whether it’s for fixing a loose seam, reattaching a prop, or touching up makeup, a small kit can save you in a pinch. Pack some safety pins, fabric glue, double-sided tape, and a small sewing kit. These items will come in handy more than you think.

Comfortable Cosplay Footwear

If your cosplay involves shoes that are less than practical, make sure to bring comfortable backups. A simple pair of sandals or sneakers can be a lifesaver when you’re tired of walking in character shoes.

Makeup and Hair Supplies

If your cosplay involves makeup or special effects, you’ll want to bring a small bag of essentials: makeup remover, touch-up tools, hairspray, and anything else you might need to keep looking flawless throughout the day.

Autograph-Friendly Items

Kanpai!Con will have a fantastic lineup of special guests, including voice actors and creators from anime, video games, and beyond. You’ll definitely want to be prepared to meet them and get some autographs!

What to Bring for Signatures

Don’t forget to pack items you’d like signed—whether it's a piece of artwork, your favorite manga, or a collectible figure. Some guests will sign items for free, but others may charge a small fee. A sharpie or paint pen will also be super helpful for getting those signatures to stand out.

Cash for Autographs

Not all guests will accept credit cards, so it’s always a good idea to carry some cash. Having cash on hand will make the autograph process easier, and you won’t have to worry about ATM lines or card reader issues.

Lightweight Bag for Merch

Let’s face it, you’re going to want to take home some cool stuff from the Exhibit Hall. Whether it's anime plushies, exclusive art prints, or handmade goodies from the Artist Alley, you’ll need a lightweight bag to carry your merch without overloading yourself. I recommend a backpack or a crossbody bag—something easy to grab when you're moving around and big enough to hold all your goodies.

Event-Specific Must-Haves

Kanpai!Con is packed with exciting events, and each one will have its own specific requirements. Here’s a breakdown of what to pack for each major event.

Tabletop and Video Gaming

Whether you're into tabletop strategy or video games, Kanpai!Con has a dedicated room just for gaming enthusiasts. If you're jumping into tabletop gaming, it’s a good idea to bring your own dice, cards, or even a notebook to keep track of scores and strategies. It’ll make the game smoother and more enjoyable, especially if you’re deep into a campaign.

For video gaming, just bring your best gaming spirit and get ready to dive into the action! You won’t need extra equipment, but having a competitive mindset never hurts. Whether you’re challenging a friend to a match or just exploring new games, the gaming room is the place to be. So, come prepared, and let the games begin!

Karaoke Krypt

Ready to take the stage and belt out your favorite anime theme song or J-Pop hit? Karaoke Krypt at Kanpai!Con is your chance to shine! Here are a few tips to make the most of your performance:

• Prep Your Song List: Have a few songs in mind before you go. Check the song list ahead of time to ensure your favorites are available.
• Get in Line Early: Karaoke spots fill up quickly, so arriving early will give you a better shot at performing.
• Add Some Flair: Whether it's a related cosplay or just a fun attitude, a little extra flair can make your performance memorable.
• Stay Hydrated: Keep your voice in top form by drinking plenty of water between songs.
• Be Considerate: Cheer on fellow performers and be mindful of others waiting for their turn.

With these tips, you’ll be ready to enjoy one of Kanpai!Con’s most fun and lively events!

The Fantasy Ball / Cosplay Prom

The Fantasy Ball at Kanpai!Con is where the magic of dance, glamour, and cosplay collide. Whether you’re strutting your stuff in a formal outfit or showing off your best cosplay, this is the place to let your creativity and style shine. Be sure to bring your dancing shoes, because this is not just any ball—it’s a night to mingle, dance, and feel like you're part of an enchanted world.

If you're feeling adventurous, there's also the Date Auction, where you can bid for a chance to attend the ball with a partner. It’s a lighthearted way to meet someone, whether you're there for fun or hoping for a little romance to add to the evening. So, whether you're in it for the dance floor, the chance to show off your costume, or just the overall fantastic atmosphere, the Fantasy Ball is a must-experience event at Kanpai!Con.

Concerts

Get ready to feel the energy at the Kanpai!Con Concerts! Whether you're into J-pop, anime soundtracks, or indie bands, these performances are a highlight of the weekend. If you're sensitive to loud music, don't forget to bring earplugs to protect your hearing, but be prepared to lose yourself in the rhythm and connect with fellow fans who are just as hyped as you are.

Since you'll likely be standing for most of the show, comfy shoes are a must. You'll want to dance, sing along, or just vibe with the crowd without your feet begging for mercy halfway through. So, pack your shoes and your excitement—it’s going to be a night to remember!

Special Guests and Autographs

When meeting special guests, you’ll want to have your camera and autograph materials ready. Be respectful and organized when meeting your favorite voice actors and artists, and make sure to bring the items you want signed.

Fan-Run Panels: The Wildcards That Steal the Show

You know those moments at a con where you just need a breather—but you don’t want to retreat all the way back to your hotel room or hide in the bathroom pretending to check your phone? That’s where fan-run panels come in. They’re the perfect in-between: low-key, wildly unpredictable, and sneakily inspiring.

These panels aren’t run by industry pros or celebrity guests. They’re by fans, for fans—people just like you who thought, “I have something to say,” and signed up to share it. And what they want to share? It’s rarely what you expect.

Sure, there’s usually a fair share of anime analysis, shipping debates, and cosplay war stories. That’s the bread and butter. But Kanpai!Con’s fan panels go way beyond the usual fandom chatter. One minute, you could be learning how to spot a tourist scam in Tokyo before your dream Japan trip gets derailed by overpriced noodles. The next, you might be in a room with someone walking you through how they fixed their credit score—using spreadsheets, sheer willpower, and maybe a few anime metaphors to keep it interesting.

And the vibe? Super chill. You can just sit back, vibe out, and soak it all in. No pressure to talk. No awkward icebreakers. Just passionate people sharing niche knowledge with a room full of curious listeners.

One of the coolest things about these panels is how unexpectedhttps://vegnom.com/lifestyle/e...ly useful they can be. You could end up at a session where someone breaks down how they started their own small business—maybe selling enamel pins, or maybe running a pop-up cafe that caters to the cosplay crowd. They might even dish on digital marketing tips, how to brand yourself online, or what not to do when launching a merch shop. (Hint: don’t blow your entire startup budget on glitter stickers unless that’s really your niche.)

Some panels get pretty futuristic, too. It wouldn’t be shocking to stumble into a discussion about AI in creative spaces or how virtual reality is starting to show up in classrooms. These sessions might not have big production value, but what they do have is passion—and often, surprisingly sharp insights you won’t get from any keynote speaker.

Other panels lean into the personal. One might focus on practicing mindfulness and meditation techniques—seriously helpful when your social battery is fried and you’ve hit your third caffeine crash of the day. Another might cover succulent gardening for apartment dwellers who want a splash of green without accidentally cultivating a bug farm. And you might even find yourself nodding along to a laid-back panel about going vegan without becoming a flavorless food martyr. (There’s more to life than sad tofu. Allegedly.)

And then, just when you think you’ve seen it all, someone stands up and shares how watching anime with subtitles actually helped them learn a second language—and not just a few cute phrases, but real conversational skills. It's weirdly motivating. And that’s the kind of left-field brilliance these panels are full of.

Con Tips for the Weekend

Here are some additional tips to make your Kanpai!Con experience even better.

Solo Travel Safety and Budgeting

Traveling solo? It’s always a good idea to keep your important documents, like your ID and tickets, in a secure, easy-to-access place. Budgeting is key to ensuring you don’t run out of cash halfway through the weekend. Set a spending limit for merch, food, and extra expenses to avoid overspending.

Packing Smart

You want to have everything you need but not overpack. Keep things light and functional, and remember that you’ll likely be able to pick up extra supplies at the con if you forget something.

Exploring Omaha

Omaha is more than just a convention hub—it’s a city full of unique attractions, great restaurants, and fun things to do. After the con wraps up, be sure to check out The Old Market district, full of boutiques, cafes, and art galleries. Hungry? Grab a bite at Block 16 for amazing burgers or The Drover for their famous steak.

Kanpai!Con 2025 Ticket Info

Don’t wait until the last minute—buy your tickets early to secure your spot at one of the best anime conventions in 2025. Kanpai!Con will be held at the Hilton Hotel Omaha, and you’ll definitely want to be part of the excitement. Check out their website for early bird discounts and stay tuned for more details on guest announcements!

Pack Smart, Play Hard: Get Ready for Kanpai!Con 2025

Packing for Kanpai!Con 2025 doesn’t have to be stressful. With this guide, you’ll have everything you need to enjoy the weekend to the fullest. From cosplay repair kits to comfy shoes, water bottles to cash, every little detail will help you have the best convention experience possible. And don’t forget to take time to explore Omaha, too! Whether you’re a first-timer or a con pro, Kanpai!Con is bound to be an unforgettable weekend filled with great people, exciting events, and plenty of anime fun.