10 essential things you shouldn't forget when visiting RESPAWN
You are about to attend RESPAWN 2016? Hooray! And maybe also GDC Europe, gamescom and other gaming events in Cologne? Then you better put the right stuff in your travel bag. Here’s a useful list of 10 essential things that you shouldn’t forget to bring to the conference:
1. Business Cards
„Yeah, of course. Captain Obvious.“ That’s what you might think. Well, fair enough. But over the years we have seen too many people running out of cards, desperately searching their pockets for just one last copy and eventually scribbling their name on someone else’s card. Don’t be that guy: Bring a whole bunch of business cards!
2. Recharger
Power is everything! Especially for your smartphones, tablets and laptops. So don’t forget your rechargers at your hotel room. Or, if you’re really smart, buy one of those super useful multi-chargers: Then you save space in your bag, can charge multiple devices at once and maybe even be the savior for some other poor guy who forgot to bring his own rechargers.
3. Power adapter
Bravo, you put the multi-charger in your bag, but darnit! you forgot that you are in Germany and Germany has a different power plug socket than your home country. Here, the standard voltage is 230, the standard frequency is 50 Hz and the power sockets are of type F (which also works with plugs of type C and E, luckily). Don’t worry, you don’t have to remember this. Just bring a travel power adapter that fits into sockets all over the world.
4. Pen & paper
Yes, all those electronic gadgets are pretty fancy. But sometimes there’s nothing better than a simple notebook so you can quickly write down some notes or sketch your ideas. Or impress that pretty blonde you just met with your drawing skills. Also, you don’t have to worry about recharging.
5. Deodorant
Speaking of that pretty blonde – or anyone else you meet: Do yourself and all others a favor and take a deodorant with you. It’s August and even in Germany the summer can be really hot. A pleasant odor surely helps when doing business.
6. Mints and drops
Conferences and conventions are crowded and loud, and not only as a speaker you will be talking to other people all day. And the next day. And maybe even for a couple more days. If you don’t want to be unable to speak by the middle of the event, bring some mints for your throat. Unless that pretty blonde thinks that your raspy voice is totally sexy, of course.
7. Re-fill water bottle
Remember, we told you that German summers can be hot. So make sure you keep yourself hydrated – and although we are proud of our beers (especially the Cologne Kölsch), we encourage you to drink enough water, too. Since we Germans are environmentally conscious, we recommend a re-fill bottle that you can use over and over again instead of throwing it away. By the way: our tap water is not only drinkable, it is even stricter controlled than bottled mineral water. True story.
8. Comfortable shoes
Being at a conference means being on your feet. But especially at our industry, people are used to sitting at their desk, not walking from hall to hall all day long. Ok, maybe you are one of those exceptional athletes, that run a marathon every weekend and seriously go to the gym (instead of just paying the monthly fee and then feel bad about not going but staying on the couch nevertheless). But the most of us are not really used to walking. So since your RESPAWN and gamescom visit will surely be physically challenging enough, wear comfy shoes at least. Your feet will thank you.
9. Big enough bag
Yes, you look like a real businessman carrying only a briefcase. But remember last year, when you couldn’t take those cool goodies with you because they didn't fit in anymore? This time, you’ll be a master in grabbing all the free stuff that almost every booth gives away, if you bring a bag that’s big enough. Plus, you don’t end up with one of those not-so-cool paper bags that has a logo of a game printed on it that you don’t even like.
10. Anything you would bring to a beach
Until now we haven’t told anyone yet, but as every year, RESPAWN will have a motto. After a little time travelling to the Middle Ages in 2015, RESPAWN 2016 will take you to Hawaii. The panel stages and meeting points will be named after fruits and Hawaiian islands, and at the outdoor area you can dip your feet into pools and sandboxes while sipping a cocktail and listening to hula music. Yes, we know: This makes absolutely no sense for a games industry event in Germany, but we don’t care. We just do it for the fun of it and we invite you to join us. Aloha!
You haven't registered for RESPAWN 2016 yet? Then it's about time you head over to our Ticket Shop!
