Didn't attend D*Con this year but I do have something to contribute from the 405th's first con this year, AdventureCon.
1. Test, re-test and test again all of your under armor fittings and strapping the day before, including test walks.
2. Don't sacrifice mobility for "the look" otherwise you'll be an awesome looking MC statue and good luck making it to the vendors when it's time for water and you have to navigate an escalator.
3. Improper padding + strapping = permanent scarring *looks at back of legs*
4. Bring extra everything. (duct tape, velcro strips, sharpie marker, glue gun, everything)
5. Bring a handler or two. You're going to need someone to help you get in and out of your suit, hold your new toys, take pictures, get you water or anything else you need.
6. Practice poses, in armor you are going to take about 200 every 30 minutes. You can't keep doing the same thing over and over again, mix it up. Mobility plays issue again here... see a repeating pattern?
7. Get plenty of sleep the night before.
8. Get all your vitamins and a healthy meal.
9. Hit the bathroom BEFORE you suit up, once your in, you might as well forget about getting out.
10. Be respectful to everyone, even if there isn't an official 405th yet, when it comes time people are going to remember us and your attitude reflects on us all.
Cheers,
Kensai