[guestpost]by Bethany Jett, @betjett[/guestpost]

Last week we talked about the business-y things to bring the conference, including a conference notebook, business cards, and one sheets. This week, we’re covering what to pack. This year, I hope to narrow down my bags by purchasing a super huge suitcase. If you’ve got a favorite brand, I’m all ears. My second strategy is to follow a more strict packing list.

Click here to get your copy of the BRMCWC Packing List.
However, I forgot to add toothbrush, toothpaste, and mouthwash to the list, and as someone who has had to buy extra toothbrushes on road trips because I’ve left my children’s at home, please pack those things, too! 

What to Pack:

Clothes

Blue Ridge is a business casual conference, so while comfort is important, it doesn’t come at the expense of appearance. Typical attire: slacks, trousers, pants, tops, dresses, skirts (to the knee at least!), polos, capris, and dark denim are all entirely appropriate. T-shirts, shorts, and jeans with holes in them are not. Ties are optional, guys.

The Awards Banquet is a fun time to dress up. You’ll see outfits ranging from casual wear to tuxedos and everything in between. Remember your costume for Genre Night, too.

If you’re flying, I definitely recommend packing a bonus outfit that you can fit easily into a carry-on in case your luggage ends up somewhere else.

Shoes

Shoes are some of my favorite things, so if you’re like me, here’s a tip: bring sneakers or flip flops or cute flats to wear to-and-from your room and across campus, and change into your adorable heels once you get where you’re going. Boots are great to pack since you can wear them with almost everything.

If you’re choosing open-toed shoes, remember the pedicure!

Toiletries

Blue Ridge is a fragrance-free conference, so we need to leave our perfumes and colognes at home. Deodorant, makeup, fragrance-free lotions, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, razors and shaving cream are all important items to pack, as well as Band-Aids, in case all the walking causes blisters.

Remember to pack any over-the-counter medications and prescriptions you’ll need, as well. It’s always best to be prepared with pain and headache relievers, tummy-issue prevention or remedies, or any sleep-aids you may  need.

Snacks

We’ve mentioned bringing snacks in a bunch of previous posts. Don’t go hungry in between meals! Make sure to pack non-perishables: candy, snack bars, breath mints, gum, chips, water, and any and all Coke products. Ridgecrest is a Pepsi-only campus, so bring Coke products with you or bribe a friend. There aren’t refrigerators in the rooms, so make sure everything will last for the week.

Money

The cafe will be open for drinks and snacks during the week, plus we’ll have the bookstore! There is an ATM on campus, but bringing cash with you will keep the fees at bay. You can also purchase the recordings of all the classes and keynotes.

Essentials

I can forget a few things and still survive. However, there are a few essentials that must come on the trip: wallet, laptop, phone, and chargers to name a few. Make sure that your one sheets, proposals, business cards, and any books you’re selling on consignment are in a spot where you won’t forget them.

Pens and a notebook to take notes are important, too. We’re not going to have a conference booklet this year, just a trifold with the classrooms and workshop times, so make sure you’re checking this site for the schedule and to see which faculty and classes you want to attend.

You can download the Ridgecrest app (so fun!) for this info as well!

[reminder]What else will you bring with you?[/reminder]