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NOVA Open 2026 Packing Checklist
107 items across 10 categories. Built by cosplayers who learned the hard way. Check items off as you pack for NOVA Open 2026 (August 27–30, 2026, Arlington, VA).
Why this checklist is different for NOVA Open 2026
Miniature Painting, Gaming plans need more than a generic suitcase list. Pack around the builds you are actually wearing, not just the event badge.
Arlington, VA during August 27–30, 2026 means heat outside and cold air inside the venue. Add hydration, sunscreen, cooling help, and a layer for panels.
If you are driving, split your kit between a floor bag and a hotel-room repair kit so you are not carrying glue, paint, and tools all day.
Packing tips for NOVA Open 2026
Transport is the entire game for miniature painting events. A model that survives a year of play can snap in a bumpy car ride. Magnetize your bases and use a metal-bottomed case, or pack with custom-cut foam that holds each piece snug. Bring touch-up paints in your three most-used colors. If you are entering a competition, keep your entry form and display plinth accessible without unpacking the case. Photograph your models before you leave the house, so you have a record if anything breaks in transit.
Tournament prep starts the night before. Verify your controller firmware, charge everything, and test your setup on the actual game build you will be playing. Convention WiFi drops at peak hours, so bring an ethernet cable if the tournament setup allows it. Download bracket apps on your phone before you arrive. Pack a cushion. Tournament seating is folding chairs, and a 6-hour bracket on a metal chair will end your focus before the finals.
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