Star Wars Celebration: 5 uncommon tips
Attending Star Wars Celebration is an incredible experience. You have to be prepared for long days though, and a little bit of planning goes a long way to ensure you can fully enjoy all there is to do without burning out or missing out. Here are five essentials that often fly under the radar that will make your time at Star Wars Celebration smooth and enjoyable, and I’m not just talking about a backpack, snacks and water…
Telescopic Stool
Standing around is an inevitable part of conventions, and Star Wars Celebration is no different. Whether you’re waiting for a photo op, queuing early to get in, or for a seat at a panel, having a telescopic stool is a lifesaver. The event guidelines for Celebration Japan do say no folding chairs, but I’ll be enquiring as to whether these qualify. These are more compact and portable than a foldable chair, and easy to store in a backpack. They allow you to take the weight off and dont take up an anti-social amount of space like a chair (probably why they aren’t allowed). Your, feet, legs and back will thank you as the day wears on.
This is the one I used in London which was worth its weight in gold.
Portfolio Holder
With so many opportunities to meet actors, creators, and artists, you’ll probably be picking up some awesome autographs and photos. Not to mention the vendors that will be selling photos and comics. A portfolio holder keeps these precious mementos organised and protected from creases, spills, dog-eared corners, and general convention wear-and-tear. It can also help you prepare any photos or comics you are bringing to the event to get autographed. Look for one with clear sleeves, so you can quickly show off your collection or peruse it yourself without needing to rifle through the sleeves.
Portable Charging Pack
At Celebration there is so much to see that you won’t find anywhere else; props, amazing cosplayers, panels, the live stage, stalls and who knows what else. With the photos, videos, and apps you'll use to stay connected and capture your experience, your phone battery can drain fast. A lightweight, high-capacity charger to keep your devices running all day can really be a lifesaver so you don’t lose the chance to document something, or get caught in a pickle trying to access an app or directions later in the day. Especially if you’re using an app to check the schedule, navigate the venue, or share updates with friends.
This is the charging pack I’ve got which has served me well, its also permitted to take on planes which some batteries are not if they are too large.
Floor Map
Star Wars Celebration venues are huge, with multiple halls, meeting rooms, and special event spaces. The Makuhari Messe is definitely no exception for 2025. A floor map is usually included on the Celebration app ahead of the event and is your best tool for navigating efficiently. By the second day you’ll be getting to know the layout anyway, but there are so many vendors and things to see that reviewing the floormap in advance is necessary to get a head start on where you need to be to secure the exclusives that you want at vendors, how to get to panels, or just save time moving between attractions without getting lost. Some areas may also be restricted, so knowing where you’re going can help you find alternative routes and avoid bottlenecks.
Customised Schedule
The event app also usually has a navigable schedule for each day, setting out the panels across each stage, autograph and photo-op sessions, and possibly planned live stage appearances etc. Its a really good idea to make sure you have a look at the schedule for each day before the event, and build an idea of what your priorities are. Print this off or have notes and the app ready at the event. Its fair to say the best laid plans go out of the window with the amount of distractions at Celebration, but a quick, reliable way to check what's happening without fumbling with your device or being blinded by the options will reduce stress, save time, and help you make sure you have the best chance to do the things you want to do most, especially pre-paid autos or photos.
I hope these five slightly more unconventional things help you navigate Star Wars Celebration comfortably, capture memories, and stay organised. If you are going to Celebration Japan, register below for more news or updates, and follow me on social media for commentary and hype as it all gets closer!
Also, check out my other blogs on 6 trip tips for Celebration, and five tips for seeing and meeting guests.
MTFBWY
