ARG is starting our period of time during the holidays that we call “The Blackout,” where all practices are cancelled so that skaters can have a few-week break from schedules and skating to get some rest and spend some quality time with their families. Many of us are pretty conflicted about this period, because we miss our friends and our skates already, but MAN could we use some down time. One of the best ways to get ourselves through The Blackout (besides catching up on all of the chores and errands we’ve been avoiding because “I can’t, I have practice!”) is to think about ALL OF THE AMAZINGNESS that’s about to happen in 2017. After Black Friday, a bunch of us are already planning our Rollercon 2017 trip and we thought we’d share our tips and suggestions for making our yearly Vegas trek the best week possible.
Here’s what some of your favorite rollergirls had to say:
Baller Shot Caller- “I’m going and have attended the last 5 or so years. I look forward to playing in the challenge bouts like The VR game, The man vs women game, Drag kings vs drag queens. These games are usually the headliners!
I also enjoy being able to see faces I don’t normally get to see throughout the year. It’s nice to be able to skate, drink and catch up with long distance friends. This is something I look forward to all year long.
And of course the parties. The black and blue ball is my favorite. It’s out by the pool and has the best music.
Last but not least, the outfits!! I love to see how creative people get with their outfits. I am not one to dress up for things, but I love to see the creativity others come up with!! 
”
Queen Loseyateefa-“Who’s all going to Rollercon 2017?
I’m in!!!! Nice derby centric trip as we ramp up for playoffs
What are you looking forward to?
Good opportunity to see people play together who normally wouldn’t, playing in bouts with great players and learning all the strategy.
What are your tips for newbies?
Every day at rollercon is like your first day at college orientation. It’s overwhelming and there will be sensory overload. Give yourself time to process and step away when needed.
Heed the packing list
Have a rollercon buddy who has done it before
Stay hydrated
Be open to new things- It’s Vegas…sooooooo (I’m talking about skating to be clear 
)
be flexible- you may have an opportunity to play in more bouts ”
Rosie Derivator- “Rollercon is one of my favorite times of year because, having lived all over the country and skated with so many different leagues, I have SO MANY FRIENDS that I get to see just this once (and all at the same time!)! As far as advice, I’d give the same advice given to me for other cons: You’re not going to be able to do everything, no matter how hard you try. Look at everything and prioritize a few classes, a few games, a few scrimmages. Plan some time for food and rest. You’ll end up missing some things and picking up some others. You’ll still have a blast! I think my favorite parts are the VR game (Queerleading is so much fun!) and the derby wedding, followed by the pants-off dance-off!”
Koko- “Chapstick, chapstick, water, eye drops and more chapstick. Even though you aren’t sweating, you are dehydrating fast and doubly if you are drinking”
Ida Backoff- “I doubt I will go this year because of injury but hope I will. There is something there for everyone who loves derby, no matter what role you play in the sport.
If you are a first timer and really want those MVP classes, you gotta get up at the crack of dawn, go downstairs, wait on line to sign up then go back and eat, shower or whatever your morning routine is (unless they have changed how to sign up for MVP).
READ THE FORUM! sign up for the RC forum and read it. That is how not famous skaters get on challenge bouts. If you know people who are captaining that is awesome but if you don’t you have to get on the forum and sign up for a gazillion and hope you make 5.
Captain a team! I did this my first year and it was great. Our team got picked and we skated an ARG vs Tampa game thanks to tips I got from Lunch Lady.
Bring extra socks and whatever you take to care for your feet. You have never skated so much in your life.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Now is the time to drink your favorite sports drink with the sugar, you will burn it off.
Off Skates classes are often just as much if not more fun that on skates. Our very own OG Scarbie Doll has an amazing Double Dutch class from what I hear on the interwebs it was great. Lot’s of famous coaches do off skates classes so you can get their knowledge even if it is not on skates.
Plan to bring your own food. You can save a ton of money. Even if you buy a cooler and groceries there, it is still cheaper than eating hotel/restaurant food for days and better for you too! There is a Trader Joe’s within Uber distance.
Rent a car for the day and go see the Grand Canyon or something, a few hours away from the venue goes a long way to recharge”
Are you going to Roller Con? Are you hoping to see that MVP pass in your Christmas stocking? What bouts do you most hope to see or play in? Let us know, so we can plan to see you there!
