Conventions and being with my region are undoubtedly my favorite parts of BBYO. With convention season coming up, I decided to make a list of must-haves and forgot-to-brings:

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Snacks: Whether it’s chips or candy, snacks are always something to have at convention. I'll never forget the cabin late nights at convention with my chapter, eating spooey and chatting until the sun came up. Bring lots to share. “Can I have one?” is the start of so many friendships.

Speaker: I always bring my speaker to conventions. From late nights in the cabin to the walk to breakfast, music will be playing from my speaker. Music brings up the energy at conventions. It can start conversations with new people, and don't forget to bring a charger for it!

Energy Drinks: While this isn’t something everyone needs to bring — I love love love my energy drinks at convention. Late nights bonding with new and old friends result in half-awake mornings, cured by a Celsius, Alani, Bloom, Monster, or any other caffeinated drink. Bring extra to share with others, too, and you could make a new friend.

Portable Charger: Photos hold memories, and they also drain my phone battery. Queuing up music on my speaker throughout the day also contributes to my low battery, so the solution is a portable charger. Charge it up in the cabin before the day starts so it stays alive while you're attending programs– in case you need it for something.

Phone Storage Space: Speaking of photos, make sure to free up space for the hundreds you capture. If you're a Mazkir or Safo — like me — on your chapter or regional board, this is especially important so you have plenty of options for your recap posts.

Advil / Tylenol: Sometimes you don't feel well — your head hurts, your stomach hurts, maybe you didn't get enough sleep the night before. Pain relief pills, such as Advil or Tylenol, can help with these problems so you can have the best time at the convention without missing a single moment.

Backpack: My convention backpack holds everything I'll need throughout the day — snacks, portable chargers, water, energy drinks, Advil, my speaker, and so much more. A backpack keeps you from losing anything during your time at the convention and keeps everything together. A backpack is also more convenient than running back to your cabin to grab something and missing programs with your friends.

Your Inside Jokes (in progress): I can guarantee you’ll make 20 new ones before the weekend ends. My friends and I have millions, and they make conventions so much more fun. Inside jokes are things you will always remember and look back on once the convention is over.

Your Whole Heart: Because that’s the only way to do convention right. Put everything into this weekend and participate to your fullest. Before you know it, you’ll be on the bus home and reminiscing on all the good times. You get out what you put into BBYO, and putting in your whole heart will give back so many good memories, lifelong friendships and bonds, and so so so much more.