Quick Packing List

• Water bottle or lidded cup (fountains available at Crystal Palace)

• Towel

• Chalk (especially for H2H and F2H)

• Lunch, lunch money, or pre-ordered meal + your own cutlery

• Snacks (fruit, bars, tea and coffee provided)

• Training clothes + a fresh set to change into

• Phone with ticket email

• Notebook, tripod, and charger (keep walkways clear)

• Optional recovery gear (massage ball, roller, massage gun)

• Respect for consent in filming/photos

• Your happy, smiley self

Acro conventions and festivals are a chance to throw yourself into days of intensive training, community connection, and a lot of laughter. Whether you’re joining us at the London Acro Convention 2025 or heading to a different gathering somewhere else, coming prepared makes all the difference.

Packing well means you’ll be comfortable, safe, and ready to focus on training instead of worrying about what you forgot. Here’s a guide to the essentials—plus a few extras that can really elevate your experience.

The Basics You Shouldn’t Forget

Every convention has its own setup, but some things are always worth having:

• Water bottle or lidded cup – Staying hydrated is non-negotiable. At London Acro Convention, Crystal Palace National Sports Centre has water fountains you can refill from.
• Towel – Great for wiping sweat, showering, or laying out between sessions.
• Chalk – Particularly useful for hand to hand (H2H) and foot to hand (F2H) training, whether you’re standing or l-basing.
• Lunch or lunch money – At London Acro Convention, we’ve got on-site food, nearby shops, and many attendees pre-order meals. If you’ve pre-ordered, remember to bring your own cutlery.
• Snacks – Training burns a lot of energy. We’ll provide fruit, snack bars, tea, and coffee, but having your personal favourites on hand is a smart move.
• Clean clothes to train in or change into – Fresh kit can make afternoon workshops far more comfortable.
• Phone with your ticket email – No need to print; your phone is enough.
• Your happy, smiley self – Because community spirit matters as much as technique.

Training Gear That Makes a Difference

These aren’t strictly required, but most experienced acro folks will tell you they’re worth the bag space:

• L-basing/Icarian back support pillow – Saves your lower back over multiple days of pops and Icarians.
• Notebook and pen – Great for capturing workshop notes, spotting tips, or progress reflections.
• Tripod and phone/camera – Filming helps you remember sequences. Just keep spaces between mats clear—tripods, bags, and notebooks can quickly become trip hazards and block accessibility for wheelchair users or people with visual impairments.
• Portable charger or battery pack – With all the filming, messaging, and schedule-checking, phones die fast.
• Massage balls, roller, or massage gun – Muscle recovery is key during a multi-day event. Bonus for London: we have on-site physio support from our partners at FM Physio, bookable through the community WhatsApp link.

Convention-Specific Notes

At London Acro Convention, there are a few extra details worth knowing:

• Mats are provided – not all conventions do, so if you’re traveling elsewhere, check before you go.
• Accessible changing rooms – Crystal Palace National Sports Centre has both disabled and gender-neutral facilities.
• Food and drink – With on-site catering, nearby shops, and provided snacks, you won’t go hungry.
• First aid – Our team has kits available on site.
• Consent and photos – Filming and photography are part of the acro world, but always ask before recording or posting someone. Respecting personal boundaries is basic acro etiquette.

A Final Word

Packing for a convention isn’t just about ticking items off a checklist. It’s about respecting your own body, your training partners, and the wider community. When you’re hydrated, fed, rested, and mindful of the space around you, you’ll get the most out of every workshop and jam.

So bring your towel, your snacks, your chalk for H2H, and your notebook for all those “aha!” moments. And most importantly—bring your openness to train, connect, and enjoy the ride.